Biomechanics of the negative heel rocker sole shoe: gait kinematics and kinetics

The purpose of this work was to investigate the biomechanics of lower extremity joint motion with the use of negative heel rocker sole shoes. Forty (40) normal adults volunteered for evaluation using baseline and prescription negative heel rocker sole shoes. 3-D motion analysis was used to acquire kinematic and kinetic data using a 6-camera Vicon motion system. No significant change in walking speed or stride length was seen with the negative heel rocker shoe, although cadence was increased. The most significant kinematic changes with the negative heel shoe occurred at the ankle with increases in plantarflexion at terminal stance. Significant hip and knee changes were also noted. Findings from this study bear important implications for the treatment of patients with diabetic foot pathology.