Dr Maria Cerruto, an Italian urologist, conducted a study of 66 women under the age of 50.

She found that the posture of those who wore a two-inch heel was as good as those who wore flat heels.

High heels were also shown to have strengthened pelvic muscles.

Dr Cerruto said: “Women often have difficulty in carrying out the right exercises for the pelvic zone and wearing heels could be the solution.

“Like many women I like high-heeled shoes and it’s good to know they have potential health benefits,” she added.

Pelvic floor muscles are an important part of a female body.
 

They are thought to play an important role in sexual performance and satisfaction, and also provide vital support to the pelvic organs including the bladder, bowels and uterus.

However, Gill Brook, a women’s health physiotherapist in Bradford, said that the findings are not sufficient proof that high heels were a good thing.

Usually pelvic floor muscles weaken as women age, or after pregnancy.

Brook said: “For women who like a slightly higher heel, these are reassuring findings – although we haven’t yet done away with the need for regular exercises to maintain what is such an important part of the female body.”