Background: A variety of shoe modifications have been used to reduce the forces applied on the plantar surface of the foot in those with diabetes. Toe and heel rockers are 2 of the most common types used. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of these shoe modifications on the kinematics of both normal and diabetic individuals.
Method: Two groups of healthy and diabetic individuals were recruited for this study. The Qualysis motion analysis system was used to record the motions of participants while walking with shoes with toe and a combination of toe and heel rockers (combined). The effects of the type of rockers used and the effect of groups were determined using MANOVA.
Results: Results of the study demonstrated no discernible difference between the spatiotemporal and range of motion of the ankle, knee, and hip joints while walking with a toe and combined rockers. There was also no difference between healthy and diabetic individuals in relation to these parameters (P value >.05).
Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrated no difference between the spatiotemporal and range of motion of lower-limb joints in healthy and diabetic individuals when walking with toe and combined rockers. Because the use of these rockers did not influence the kinematics of the joints while walking, it is recommended that they be used for this group of individuals if they influence the forces applied on the foot.
Levels of evidence: Level IV.
Keywords: diabetic foot; double rocker; kinematic; toe rocker.