Using SIMM2 to model muscle length changes due to negative heel rocker sole modification

Rocker-soled shoes can be used to improve gait, reduce pressure, and reduce amputation risk for diabetics. The negative heel rocker is often prescribed for patients with forefoot prominences and ulcerations. By depressing the heel below the level of the metatarsal heads, pressure is distributed posteriorly. This causes dorsiflexion in the foot, thus changing muscle lengths in the leg during stance compared to normal walking. Using SIMM2, we have modeled the properties of the major muscle groups of the lower leg.