Effect of Rocker Soled Shoe Design on Walking Economy in Females with Pes Planus.

INTRODUCTION: The energy cost is increased during walking in pes planus condition whereas, energy cost during walking using rocker bottom shoes is debatable.

AIM: To determine the walking economy with rocker soled shoes, when compared with bare feet walking in females with pes planus over treadmill.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen collegiate flat footed females aged 18-25 years were recruited in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were asked to walk barefooted and with rocker soled shoes on treadmill for four minutes at a speed of 3.8 km/hour. Oxygen consumption (VO2 ) was measured directly using PowerLab 8/35 data acquisition system with Lab Chart Pro (AD Instruments, Australia) one minute before walking, four minutes during walking and one minute after walking. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was taken after termination of walking.

RESULTS: VO2 during barefoot walking was significantly lower than rocker soled shoe walking during four-five minutes (p<0.001) and during recovery (p=0.04). RPE is significantly lower during barefoot walking than rocker soled shoe walking (p<0.001) over treadmill.

CONCLUSION: Oxygen consumption and RPE were increased during walking with rocker soled shoe design in comparison to bare feet walking over treadmill at same speed.