Rocker shoe apex settings do not induce anticipatory changes in foot progression angle before the onset of the second rocker.

Abstract

Background: Rocker shoes are commonly prescribed to treat different types of foot pathology. It is clinically recommended to align the rocker axis perpendicular to the gait progression line to prevent foot progression angle (FPA) adjustments, which may increase lower limb joint load and reduce gait efficiency.

Aim: This study investigated the relationship between rocker shoe apex angle (AA) and apex position (AP) and FPA during second and third rocker in normal gait.

Methods: Rocker shoes with nine combinations of AP (54 %, 64 %, 74 % of shoe length) and AA (60°, 90°, 120°) were tested in ten healthy young adults. FPA was measured using 3D motion capture and analyzed with one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping. Secondary outcomes included center of pressure (COP) trajectories, foot floor angle, and ankle dorsiflexion angle.

Results: No significant effect of AP or AA on FPA was found during the second rocker. A main effect of AA was observed in the third rocker (52.4-57.5 % gait cycle; p = 0.039), and an AP-AA interaction occurred near toe-off (62.2-70.3 %; p = 0.026). COP trajectory was significantly affected by AA (p < 0.001) and AP (p = 0.01).

Discussion: Contrary to clinical assumptions, individuals did not make anticipatory adjustments in FPA before the onset of the second rocker to align the rocker axis with the line of progression, which prompted small changes of FPA in the third rocker. Therefore, clinicians should not refrain from manipulating AA in fear of unwanted FPA adaptations.