Effects of the heel-to-toe rocker sole on walking in able-bodied persons

Background and aim: The most commonly prescribed external shoe modification is the use of rocker soles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a heel-to-toe rocker sole profile on specific temporal–spatial parameters and the kinematics of walking when added to footwear. Method: Seventeen healthy adult volunteers participated in this study. For each subject, gait analysis was performed under two conditions that were tested in a random order: walking with either a baseline shoe with a flat sole or a modified shoe adapted with a heel-to-toe rocker sole. Results: Significant differences were observed between rocker sole conditions during initial double-limb support and second double-limb support during stance phase. In frontal plane movement, significant differences were observed between the rocker sole conditions but only during second double-limb support phase. Conclusions: This heel-to-toe rocker sole may be useful for patients with conditions such as ankle arthrodesis or for use with ankle–foot orthoses where limited ankle motion is required. Clinical relevance The heel-to-toe rocker sole may be useful for conditions including ankle arthrodesis and for use with solid ankle–foot orthoses but may not be suitable for patients with reduced balance or an unstable posture.