The effect of rollover footwear on the rollover function of walking

Saeed Forghany,Barry Richards,Christopher J Nester

doi:10.1186/1757-1146-6-24

Saeed Forghany, Barry Richards + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-1146-6-24

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Abstract

BackgroundRollover footwear is assumed to provide an enhanced surface over which the body can roll more easily. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rollover footwear on the rollover function of walking.MethodsTwenty subjects walked in three conditions: (i) a MBT shoe (Masai Barefoot Technology) characterized by a stiff sole rounded in the anterior–posterior direction; (ii) alternative rollover shoe (a prototype of Scholl STARLIT) characterized by a stiff sole rounded in the anterior–posterior direction; (iii) a flat control shoe. Data on the lower limb kinematics and ground reaction force were collected. The rollover function of walking was characterized using the radii of lower limb rollover shapes and duration of terminal double limb support. These data were compared between the three shoe conditions and the relationship between the radii of the curved shoe sole and the radii of the rollover shapes investigated.ResultsThe radii of the whole and middle part of foot–shoe, ankle-foot and knee–ankle–foot rollover shapes were significantly smaller (i.e. more curved) for MBT (ranging from 12% to 81% smaller) and the rollover shoe (ranging from 2% to 69% smaller) compared with flat shoe (p < 0.05). Double support time decreased significantly for MBT ~12% and rollover shoe ~7% compared to the flat shoe. For both MBT and rollover shoes, there were positive correlations (r = 0.42-0.60) between the sole radii and radius of foot-shoe rollover shape (p < 0.05).ConclusionWearing MBT and the rollover shoe resulted in more curved foot-shoe, ankle-foot and knee-ankle-foot rollover shapes and faster weight transfer. However, the results also indicate that static sole curve is not the only factor influencing the gait rocker function.

Highlights

Rollover footwear is assumed to provide an enhanced surface over which the body can roll more
Rollover shape is calculated by transforming the centre of pressure into segment coordinate systems, typically the foot or shank [1]
We suggest that the ankle and foot joints could not compensate for the perturbations in ankle-foot function imposed by the rollover shoes and the anklefoot rollover shapes (ROS) changed [17]

Summary

Introduction

Rollover footwear is assumed to provide an enhanced surface over which the body can roll more . It is suggested that the goal of walking is to conform to simple curved geometries allowing the body to ‘roll’ forward and aid forward progression [1]. This concept takes advantage of the passive dynamics of a rockerbased inverted pendulum [2,3] and has been described in clinical and experimental contexts. The so called “rollover shape” has been used to characterise the rollover function of the lower limb during gait This combines all foot, ankle, knee and shoe movements and deformations into one curved surface over which the body rolls [1,2]. We have little insight into how this footwear might be of benefit to those with impaired lower limb function and impaired rollover function (e.g. amputees, foot, ankle and knee arthritis)

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