Biomechanics of the double rocker sole shoe: gait kinematics and kinetics

This paper reports the kinematic and kinetic changes in gait with bilateral double rocker sole shoe modifications. Three-dimensional motion analysis techniques were used to evaluate gait characteristics (temporal-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic measures) of forty (40) subjects while wearing baseline and double rocker sole shoes. Walking speed was unchanged by the double rocker modification. Sagittal plane motions showed significant change at the pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle. (p = 0.01). The toe-only rocker consistently resulted in increase in posterior pelvic tilt (p =0.01). Kinetic changes were observed at the hip in the sagittal and transverse planes, and at the knee and ankle in the sagittal planes. Changes in pelvic tilt and hip rotation were hypothesized to result from feelings of imbalance during ambulation with the double rocker sole shoe.