Effectiveness of Rocker Sole Shoes in the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain A Randomized Clinical Trial

Results. At 12 months, data from 44 of 58 (77.2%) of the rocker sole group and 49 of 57 (84.5%) of the fl at sole group were available for analysis. In the rocker sole group, mean reduction in RMDQ was − 3.1 (95% CI [confi dence interval], − 4.5 to − 1.6), and in the fl at sole group, it was − 4.4 (95% CI, − 5.8 to − 3.1) (a greater negative value represents a greater reduction in disability). At 6 months, more people wearing fl at shoes compared with those wearing rocker shoes demonstrated a minimal clinically important improvement in disability (53.2% and 31.1%, respectively; P = 0.03). Betweengroup differences were not signifi cant for RMDQ or any secondary outcomes ( e . g ., pain) at any time. People reporting pain when standing and walking at baseline (n = 59) reported a greater reduction in RMDQ at 12 months in the fl at sole group ( − 4.4 [95% CI, − 6.0 to − 2.8], n = 29) than the rocker sole group ( − 2.0 [95% CI, − 3.6 to − 0.4], n = 30) ( P < 0.05). Conclusion. Rocker sole shoes seem to be no more benefi cial than fl at sole shoes in affecting disability and pain outcomes in people with chronic LBP. Flat shoes are more benefi cial for LBP aggravated