Posh Spice studied in heels survey

4:35pm Friday 21st November 2008

A scientist studying the effects of wearing high heels reckons Victoria Beckham would make a perfect case study.

Beckham, aka Posh Spice, regularly steps out in killer heels, whatever the occasion.

Researchers at the Manchester Metropolitan University are recruiting women to take part in their study, believed to be the first of its kind.

They will measure the effect skyscraper heels have on leg muscle structure and function by examining the muscles using magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound.

Researchers will also conduct strength tests using a special device to find out the long-term effects of wearing heels.

Volunteers must have regularly worn heels measuring a minimum of 5cm for at least the last two years. Anyone volunteering should be aged between 20 and 50.

Robert Csapo, PhD student, said: "Nobody has ever looked at the effect on the lower leg muscles in this scientific way. We want to get some hard scientific data on the changes caused by high heels."

Referring to Victoria Beckham, he said: "She would make an interesting candidate. I think she wears high heels a lot."

Mr Csapo is carrying out the research with Professor Marco Narici of the university's Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health.