Real world effects of three-curve rocker sole shoe
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Real world effects of three-curve rocker sole shoe
IRAS ID
196273
Contact name
Richard Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Salford
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 25 days
Research summary
The study will look at the effects of the three curve rocker sole shoe on walking distance, plantar pressures, muscle activity, and confidence of individuals with Peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication. Due to their condition these individuals have a reduced supply of oxygen to their lower legs. When walking the oxygen demand of these tissues increases but cannot be met. Consequently, after a short period of walking they experience aching at their calf and shank. This limits their ability to be active and sometimes independent( they can’t walk to the shops, can’t take their grandchildren for a walk) which reduces their quality of life.The study will test if a three curve rocker sole shoe increases the maximum walking walking distance of these individuals (max distance they can walk to until the pain has set in and is too high for them to keep going) compared to a control shoe. The study will also assess if the rocker shoes help the calf muscles to work less than a normal shoe and if they reduce pressure at the plantar surface of the foot. Participants will also walk up and down stairs and a ramp to test the shoe in different conditions. They will then answer a questionnaire on perceived safety of the shoes as well as perceived confidence that the shoe will allow them to tackle different surfaces and walking distances effectively. The study will take place in the Brian Blatchford Building at the University of Salford. It will last approximately one hour per session and will be completed in a course of 10 months.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0139
Date of REC Opinion
24 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion