A rocker bottom shoe is defined as a shoe with a contoured outsole that creates a curved anteroposterior profile. These rocker shoes are commonly used in clinical practice for various conditions, including diabetic neuropathy and foot pain. However, design parameters are rarely specified in detail.
In this course, we will explain how different design parameters of rocker profiles impact gait biomechanics. Specifically, we will explore the relationship between factors such as apex position, apex angle, rocker angle/radius, and longitudinal bending stiffness (see fig 1) with the kinetics and kinematics of the lower limb, as well as plantar pressure distribution during gait. The process of producing rocker profile shoes with individually optimized design parameters will also be discussed.
Two topics will receive special attention:
1. We will specifically focus on the use of rocker profiles for targeted pressure redistribution in diabetic neuropathy and explore how to optimize the design when multiple areas on the plantar side of the foot require offloading. Both optimization algorithms based on current literature and human-in-the-loop approaches for individualized rocker profiles will be presented.
2. The second topic to be discussed in depth is AFO tuning through the optimization of rocker parameters. We will demonstrate how rocker shoe designs can influence shank kinematics.
Statement of the objective / learning objectives
Attendees will gain knowledge about the relation between design parameters of rocker profile shoes and biomechanics of gait. Emphasis will be on individualization of the rocker parameters in diabetes and tuning of AFOs with rockers.
