Comfortable Shoes Research Articles

An assessment of comfortable sports Shoe in terms of MD [material + design] factors

The objective of this study was to identify the comfortable sports shoes which are available with the participants and investigate the reasons for the comfortable sports shoes. Forty-five Delhi-national capital region Indian youth males participated in the study. A one-on-one discussion was conducted to fill the experience survey questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of two parts. First part consists of demographic details and second part includes the choice factors, but the comfortable factors [choice F1-F9] was mentioned by the participants and even scaled by them on the five point likert scale. Their sports shoe was found most comfortable and least comfortable mainly on the basis of utilitarian experience. The good comfortable shoes have the qualities like good material (M) and nicely designed (D).i.e. MD factors.

Knowledge about Diabetic Foot Care is Related to the Ability to Care for Feet in People with Diabetes Mellitus

The most common complication in people with diabetes mellitus is diabetic foot problems. Efforts to prevent diabetic foot problems can be prevented with proper foot care. Checking the foot every day, whether there are wounds or bleeding, cleaning the foot every day, cutting nails, using comfortable shoes or slippers, and immediately contacting a doctor if the foot is injured. The purpose of this study identified the relationship between knowledge about diabetic foot care and the ability to care for the feet in people with diabetes mellitus. This study used a type of correlation research with a cross-sectional design. The subjects of this study were people with diabetes mellitus, who totaled 26 respondents. Data collection using questionnaires that are distributed to respondents. Univariate data analysis using frequency distribution and bivariate using chi-square. The result shows a relationship between knowledge about diabetic foot care and the ability to care for feet in people with diabetes mellitus. This research contributes to providing knowledge to people with diabetes mellitus. This knowledge contributes to motivating foot care activities to prevent diabetic foot injuries.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE INTERNAL FORM OF SHOES USING MODERN PROGRESSIVE TECHNOLOGIES

In this work we investigate the improvement of comfort of modern shoes due to the improvement of its internal shape, according to the anatomy of the foot. For this purpose, we offer the new method for the development of an ergonomic anthropometrically justified form of the last based on the 3d scanning results of the customer’s foot and it`s plaster cast. The reverse engineering method and progressive software was used for that aim. An increased level of shoe comfort is achieved through the use of individual anthropometric insoles, which are designed based on the relief of the plantar surface of the foot obtained by 3D scanning of its plaster cast. An increased level of footwear comfort is achieved, among other things, through the use of individual anthropometric insoles designed on the basis of the relief of the plantar surface of the foot, obtained by 3D scanning of its plaster cast. To create the most comfortable anatomical insoles, the main requirements for their design were analyzed. When designing the shape of the insole, the recommendations of the orthopedist were taken into account. In the development of the last and insoles, progressive software was used: Foot3D for foot 3d scanning, Delcam Crispin LastMaker and PowerShape for shoe last modeling and modifications, and ArtCAM for designing insoles and preparing them for CNC- milling. The manufacturing process of shoe last and anatomical insoles is implemented with the help of only one 3-ways CNC-machine, which ensures a consistent and complex making process without the need for additional equipment. The development of the main elements of the form in the environment of universal progressive programs (PowerShape) provides a further logical converting 3d model to a flat pattern, which contributes to a closed cycle of automation of all design production processes.

Forefoot Width Correction in Hallux Valgus after Rotational Scarf Osteotomy

Category: Bunion; Other Introduction/Purpose: Hallux valgus is a common deformity represented by a wider forefoot, associated with pain, shoe restrictions, and cosmetic problems. The goal of hallux valgus surgery is to achieve a painless foot by realigning the deviated first ray, thereby reducing friction between bony prominences and regular footwear. There is limited evidence on the effect of osseous procedures after hallux valgus surgery on the width of the resulting foot. Methods: We retrospectively performed measurements of forefoot width (bony and soft tissues) on AP standard x-ray from the first metatarsal head to the fifth metatarsal head, pre-and postoperatively at 3 months. Results: Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 42 feet. Radiographically, the preoperative mean 1-5 metatarsal bony width was 89.30mm SD (5.8) to 80.42mm postoperative SD (3.5). Regarding the soft tissue width, the preoperative average was 102.45mm SD (6.4) to 98.3mm postoperative SD (5.1). The ICC between both observers was 'excellent' in most measures (range, 0.884-0.973). Values obtained had a significance of p<0.001. Size effect was considered medium-high, with 0.87 power. Conclusion: We report an objective reduction in the forefoot width, both bony and soft tissue, by means of 8.88mm (10%) and 4.12mm (4.1%), respectively after scarf akin osteotomy. These results are represented by better shoe comfort and aesthetics.

Relationships between the Perception of Footwear Comfort and the Fear of Falls in People at the Early Period of Old Age.

Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the relationships between the perceptions of footwear comfort with fear of falls in younger-old women and men. Participants: the population sample involved 100 free-living community dwellers aged 65–74. Design: the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and a visual analogue scale to assess perception of footwear comfort were used as research tools. Results: there were statistically significant differences in the FES-I results in people who suffered a fall in the last year compared to those who did not experience a fall (p < 0.001), as well as in the subjective assessment of mediolateral control in people who have suffered and have not suffered a fall in the last year (p = 0.033). In women, statistically significant relationships were found in the subjective assessment of shoe comfort in terms of arch height (p = 0.025) and material properties of the footwear (p = 0.036) with the results of FES-I. Conclusions: People who have fallen show a higher level of fear of falling. The assessment of footwear comfort in terms of mediolateral control was lower in the younger-old who had experienced a fall in the last year. In women, a worse assessment of arch height and material properties of the footwear is accompanied by greater fear of falling.

Long-term results of dorsal neuroma/nerve transposition in the surgical management of Morton\u2019s neuroma and correlation with intraoperative anatomical variations

BackgroundMorton's neuroma (MN) is a common cause of forefoot pain. After failure of conservative management, surgical procedures include neurectomy or neuroma preserving procedures; resection of deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament only (DTIML), dorsal neurolysis, dorsal nerve transposition (DNT).ObjectivesThis retrospective study evaluates the long-term results of open DNT, and it also reports anatomical variants in the plantar interdigital nerve.Material and methodsThe study included 39 patients (30 females and 9 males) who were treated for MN between 2002 and 2016.ResultsThe mean pre-operative Giannini score of 13 (0–30) improved to 61 (20–80) (p < .0001), with only 6 patients scoring less than 50 (poor). Using Coughlin’s criterion for overall satisfaction, 9 patients (23%) reported excellent, 18 patients (46%) good, 6 patients (15%) fair and 6 patients (15%) reported poor results. In the long term, 25 patients (64%) had no pain, 8 patients (20%) had mild pain, and 6 patients (16%) had severe pain. Ten patients (26%) reported normal sensitivity in their toes, 26 patients (66%) had numbness, and 3 patients (8%) reported dysesthesia in their toes. Twenty-two patients (56%) could wear fashionable shoes, 11 patients (28%) comfortable shoes, and 6 patients (16%) modified shoes. Regarding walking distance, 30 patients (77%) had no limitation, and 9 patients (23%) reported some limitation. Nineteen per cent regretted having surgery. Around 40% (17 out of 43 web spaces) showed anatomical variations in either the nerve or in the web space and we could not identify any specific risk factors in relation to the outcome.ConclusionDividing the DTIML or dorsal neurolysis should be considered as the primary surgical treatment and, if this fails, neurectomy would be an option. DNT can be considered if one is concerned about stump neuroma, but this may be technically demanding and in some patients it may not be possible.Level of Evidence: Level IV - Case Control Retrospective study.

MODELING FORM OF THE INSOLES AS A RESULT OF THE STUDY ABOUT LOAD DISTRIBUTION DURING HUMAN MOVEMENT

The article discusses one of the directions of the joint Japanese-Ukrainian cooperation project of Toyo University in Tokyo and the National Aviation University in Kyiv. As a result of cooperation, NAU student from the Department of Interior Design took part in the project of the Department of Design in Human Life and Environment from Toyo University dedicated to the development of insole design. The impact of shoes on the health of the feet and the entire human body was analyzed, the criteria for creating insoles and manufacturing a real product were considered. Headache, pain in the neck, spine and lower back, discomfort in the joints – these and many other problems can be the result of wearing uncomfortable shoes. The foot is a person's support, on which the main load falls during walking, running and even in a quiet position, when the weight of our body falls entirely on the lower limbs. Not only the health of the feet, but also the joints, spine, blood vessels and even internal organs depends on the condition of the foot. Comfortable shoes allow a modern person to move freely in the right direction. An important element of comfortable shoes is the insole. There is a great variety of them. In order to choose the most practical type of insoles, it is necessary to understand the difference between them, their features. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of insoles on human health, experimental studies of the distribution of load on human feet, selection of the appropriate form and material, and, most importantly, practical manufacture of insoles taking into account the results of research and analytical activities. A perfect analysis of the manufacturing materials, the shape of the insoles was conducted and a number of practical advantages were revealed, which play an important role in choosing the most optimal option. It was found that special shoe inserts, which support our feet in the correct position, perform an additional cushioning function and contribute to the even distribution of the load over the entire leg. By appointment, they are curative and prophylactic. The first ones, as a rule, are selected by an orthopedic doctor and are used to correct certain pathologies of the feet. As for preventive ortho insoles, they are recommended to be worn even by those who have not yet had time to face any diseases of the musculoskeletal system, but have a tendency to them or feel heavy loads on the lower limbs. Depending on the purpose, such inserts in shoes will differ in design, degree of rigidity, material of manufacture and other specific features.The insoles, modeled according to individual parameters directly on the leg, will repeat the relief of the foot as accurately as possible, and therefore will help to achieve a positive effect much faster and better. Thus, Japanese specialists from the Department of Design in Human Life and Environment from Toyo University include in the training program of their students: 1) ergonomic studies of human movement and load distribution; 2) on the basis of the conducted research, development of the optimal form of the product; 3) production of the designed product using innovative technologies, in this particular case using a 3D printer; 4) checking the effectiveness of the developed product; 5) creation of an advertising prospectus for the developed product.

Gender and leg-dominance differences in shoe properties and foot injuries in badminton: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundWhile the roles of injury prevention and performance enhancement have increasingly been investigated for badminton footwear, there is a lack of research on gender-specific badminton footwear. The purpose of this study was to examine the gender differences in footwear demands and foot injuries in badminton.MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional survey, in which 326 recreational badminton players were recruited. The questionnaire was divided into four sections enquiring about the characteristics of (1) participant profiles, (2) importance of shoe properties (3) shoe complaints (4) and pain or discomfort in different foot regions. The Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test were performed to determine the differences between genders and the differences between leg dominance, respectively. The significance level was set at 0.05.ResultsBoth males and females rated shoe fit as the most important features, followed by the overall comfort and injury protection. Females considered the shoe forefoot cushioning, comfort, breathability and colour as more important compared with the other properties, which showed distinct pattern differences from males. The shoe problem results indicated that plantar pain of the non-dominant foot was considered the most commonly reported footwear problem by both males and females. The problem of excessive arch-support on the dominant and non-dominant sides of male participants was significantly higher than females (p < 0.05). Occasional pain or frequent pain were mainly distributed in the forefoot, followed by the rearfoot and midfoot regions.ConclusionThere were small differences in footwear demand between the dominant and non-dominant sides, but several differences existed between females and males. The results from gender differences suggested that female shoes prefer a specific shoe last for better fit, rather than a modified version of male shoes. In the future, the design of badminton shoes should consider footwear demands and foot discomfort profiles in respective male and female badminton players.

The Characteristic Factors of Digital Branding in Succesful Business of SME Practicioners in Gelam Jaya Village

Interesting issues related to branding always begun by a basic question ‘What is the biggest problem of a new online shop or start up, and how do we overcome it?’ If we observe people whose business focus in product selling, they mostly promote their product by explaining the excellence of their products to the customers, for example the soft material of clothes, the great taste of the food, the comfortable shoes, or efficacious and nutritious medicines. But, if we look closely, whether they convince the customers or not that the products they offer are the best, the tastiest, or the efficacious, the most comfortable, and the best selling in the market, thus we just see all of them as the common part. And there is actually a unique part greatly contributing to them, which is branding. Based on its aims, this research was conducted by using the method of descriptive verification, which is a method aimed at outlining problems related to the questions toward the independent variable. Thus, it is going to support the theories or previous researches related to branding. Data verification was compiled based on report of research used to assess the veracity of theoretical facts in the field, and later it was analyzed to test the research hypothesis conducted. The findings showed that value unit of search engine optimization (SEO) was dominant enough, 0.823, video marketing was 0.769, e-commerce platform was 0.734, user generated conted was 0.718, geofening technology was 0.569, micro influencer was 0.545, and social media marketing was 0.529.

Perception of footwear comfort and its relationship with the foot structure among youngest-old women and men.

BackgroundAdequate footwear comfort and functionality are important regardless of age, but they become particularly important in the youngest-old women and men, mainly due to the fact that this age range is the initial period of old age with changes in shoe preferences. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of footwear comfort and its relationship with the feet structure in youngest-old women and men.MethodsThe cross-sectional study covered community dwellers living on their own aged 65–74 years (50 women; 50 men). The feet characteristics were measured using the CQ-ST podoscope (Electronic System, Ltd, EU), and the perception of footwear comfort was assessed with a visual analogue scale. The assessment took into account gender-specific footwear of a certain brand (Befado Dr orto).ResultsStatistically significant intergender differences were observed in the perception of footwear comfort with respect to the shoe heel width (p = 0.022), the arch height (p = 0.013), the overall comfort (p = 0.049) and the material properties of the footwear (p = 0.017). In women, there were statistically significant positive relationships among the heel angle (γ) and the perception of footwear comfort in terms of heel cushioning (p = 0.021), forefoot cushioning (p = 0.015), arch height (p = 0.029). In men, there was a statistically significant negative relationship of the left foot Clarke’s angle with the heel height (p = 0.043), and a positive relationship between the right foot width and the arch height (p = 0.044).ConclusionsYoungest-old women, compared to men of the same age range, have a higher perception of shoe comfort in terms of the shoe heel width, the arch height, the overall comfort of the footwear and the material properties of the footwear. The appropriate profile and construction of the shoe allows for an increase in the contact surface of the foot with the shoe, hence the improvement in the perception of footwear comfort in people with lowered arch or widened forefoot.

Common foot disorders

Up to 75% of Americans will experience foot health problems at some point in their lives. Women are 4 times more likely to experience foot problems than men. The most common disorders are corns or calluses; ingrown toenails or other nail afflictions; foot infections, including athlete's foot and warts; and foot injuries and structural problems. Corns are small, raised, sharply demarcated, hyperkeratotic lesions with a central core, usually caused by pressure from underlying bony prominences or joints. They usually present on the bulb of the great toe, the dorsum of the fourth or fifth toe, or tips of the middle toes. A callus has a broad base, with relatively even thickening of skin. They are generally raised, yellow, and found on the bottom of the foot in areas such as the heel, ball of the foot, and toes, and on the sides of the foot. Self-care options to treat corns and calluses include a daily footbath followed by application of an emollient foot cream to help retain moisture and pliability; keeping the feet warm; and instituting moderate exercise daily. Dead tissue should be removed gently with a callus file or pumice stone. Pads or shoe inserts may also reduce pressure on the affected areas. Salicylic acid, a keratolytic agent, is the only nonprescription preparation marketed for the removal of corns and calluses. Three dosage forms are available in various concentrations (6%–17% in a topical gel, 12%–40% in a plaster vehicle, and 12%–27.5% in a collodion-like vehicle). When used in a collodion-like medium, the product forms an adherent flexible or rigid film, prevents moisture evaporation, and aids the penetration of the active ingredient into the affected tissue. Stop treatment and consult an appropriate health care provider if swelling, reddening, or irritation of the skin develops, or if pain occurs immediately with product application. Nonpharmacologic options for corns and calluses include full-shoe inserts to provide cushioning and absorb shock, partial insoles when the patient needs cushioning or support in a certain portion of the shoe, and a heel cup or heel cushion, depending on the location and extent of the pain. Another foot issue that lends itself to self-care is ingrown toenails. Warm water soaks for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day and insertion of small cotton wisps or dental floss under the impinged nail edge are very beneficial nonpharmacologic options. The only over-the-counter pharmacologic option is sodium sulfide 1% gel. This is applied topically twice daily for up to 7 days and relieves pain by softening the nail or hardening the nail bed. Patients may also experience exercise-induced foot injuries, particularly those caused by running, jogging, or other high-impact physical activities. Appropriate footwear is critical. Patients will often ask about other issues that coincide with foot pain such as shin splints, blisters, and ankle sprains. Each of these ailments has self-care options focused on symptom relief while incorporating an element of preventive care. Ice or cold wraps can help relieve shin splint pain. Prevention is key when it comes to blisters, but if one develops it should be covered with moleskin for protection. Application of compound tincture of benzoin or a flexible collodion product before exercise can decrease pain and accelerate healing by promoting re-epithelialization. If blisters break, a first aid antibiotic can be applied to the broken skin to prevent secondary bacterial infection. Treatment of ankle sprains should be started as soon as possible with a compression bandage, ice, and elevation. For these conditions, NSAIDs can be used for pain and inflammation relief. Patients with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease should be referred to their primary care provider as these individuals commonly have factors contributing to a loss of pain/injury perception. Patients should clean and inspect their feet daily for any changes and have a yearly comprehensive foot evaluation assessing any changes in foot appearance or tactile sensation. Recommend patients wear proper-fitting, comfortable shoes; use caution when “breaking in” new shoes; use moisturizing lotion sparingly on the tops and bottoms of dry feet; and allow feet to completely dry before donning shoes to prevent excess moisture buildup. Foot disorders provide great opportunities for pharmacists to help improve patient comfort.

External fixator supplemented with screw fixation versus staged open reduction and internal fixation tibial pilon fracture

Background: The present study aims to compare the results of primary tibial pilon injury . Objective: Our work aims to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of two different surgical techniques for treatment of tibial pilon fractures. Patients & Methods: Those who matched completely with inclusion criteria were included until fully gaining required sample size. Prospective comparative controlled study using the foot and ankle outcome questionnaire of AAOS. The study was carried on patients with distal tibial fractures that are types 43 (B&C1, C2, C3) OTA classification of distal tibial fractures. patients divided for two groups according to surgical technique: group (A):(30) patients managed with primary external fixator with screws. group (B):(30) patients Managed with staged ORIF. Results: Group B showed a higher AAOS Foot and Ankle Normative score and AAOS foot and ankle core scale standardized mean and shoe comfort standardized mean and shoe comfort normative score and SF36 physical functioning% than Group A. Group A showed a less time interval from injury till fixation than Group B. From statistical point of view the two groups showed no significant difference regarding incidence of acquired complications. Conclusion: The two-stage ORIF gained a reduced risk of postoperative complications related to superficial infections, and bone healing problems. The ORIF 2 stage has several advantages, such as the ability to handle soft tissues including the periosteum, tendons(PTT), and ligaments that may be contained within fragmented fracture .

Aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of brachymetatarsia: a narrative review.

Brachymetatarsia (BM), or hypoplastic metatarsal, is an abnormal shortening of one or more metatarsal bones with a female-to-male ratio of 10.53:1. Different causes are described in the literature, such as congenital, acquired, or iatrogenic, associated with different conditions and syndromes. Its presence may develop deformity and pain; however, often feet are pain free and the major worries of patients are cosmetics. Non-operative treatments aim to improve the comfort of metatarsal heads and the possible dorsal conflict through comfortable shoes or the use of specific orthotics. The surgical treatment is anything but straightforward, with "one-stage" or "two stage" techniques, the latter better called "by gradual distraction". One-stage procedures are more rapid techniques but have limited ability to restore the desired length due to neurovascular compromise caused by acute lengthening. Insufficient correction is also possible. On the contrary, by gradual distraction procedures allow gradual distraction lengthening of more than 1.5cm, but require the use of an external fixator, with a higher risk of complications in more than about 50% of surgeries. The adjacent metatarsal shortening should be considered in combination with other techniques, to diminish the excessive lengthening. In each case, surgeries should be always decided on each patient's concerns, deformities, and clinical needs.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ТА ПІДВИЩЕННЯ КОМФОРТНОСТІ ВЗУТТЯ ЗА ІНДИВІДУАЛЬНИМ ЗАМОВЛЕННЯМ

Research and solve the problems of custom-made shoes, taking into account the subjective feeling of consumer comfort. Methodology. Theoretical and analytical, marketing and experimental research. Findings. On the basis of the comparative analysis of results of anthropometric researches of feet and subjective feelings of comfort of footwear expediency of perfection of process of designing of footwear by the individual order with use of the universal model-transformer of footwear is proved. This paper analyzes modern materials, consumer choice factors influencing the formation of the range of innovations in the production of footwear by individual order. comfortable parameters based on the sensations of pressure on the customer's foot. The results of researches of individual sensations of pressure on the foot by footwear in a standing and walking condition are given. Originality. Based on a computer system with an Arduino Uno microcontroller and resistive force sensors FSR402, a device for determining the pressure between the foot and the inner surface of the shoe has been developed. The made model-transformer of footwear with use of installation of computer system on the basis of the Arduino Unо microcontroller gives the chance to measure level of subjective comfortable pressure of footwear on a foot of the customer. Practical value. Creating a comfortable and convenient shape of the product is one of the main stages of shoe production, the quality and careful implementation of which depends not only on the shape stability and comfort of shoes during operation, but also the appearance of the product. These studies make it possible to investigate and predict the provision of high quality, comfort and durability of shoes with uppers of modern classic and non-typical (python, crocodile) natural leather materials both in the layout and in the manufacture and operation of the product, as well as after repair and upgrade or improvement product design. The proposed model-transformer of shoes using a prototype computer system

Thermophysical interaction in the shoe-foot system during sport activity

The purpose of the present paper is to give a quantified estimation on the distribution of the temperature and humidity inside of the elastic knitted sport shoe at different conditions and shoe materials. For that, a coupled mathematical model of the heat and moisture transport in the system foot- shoe- environment is developed and implemented in an in- house code. Simulations performed at different temperatures of ambient air, polyamide and polyester shoe materials and sport activity show that these factors strongly influence the skin temperature and humidity resulting in an essential change of the foot thermal comfort. Under the assumption of a uniform sweating distribution on the human foot, the lowest thermal comfort on the foot surface is detected under the heel. A special attention is paid to the foot volume change caused by the sport activity which leads to a reduction of the internal thin air layer. Simulations revealed that its influence on the shoe comfort in terms of the skin temperature and humidity is small. The results can be used for the estimation of the comfort in shoes at different conditions and development of new shoe designs to make shoes more comfortable.

Оцінювання ступеня комфортного тиску верху взуття на стопу споживача

The analysis of anthropometric studies of the feet and the subjective feeling of comfort of shoes shows the appropriateness of improving the algorithm for modeling shoes to order by using a "model-transformer shoes". These studies provide an opportunity to explore the subjective feelings of foot comfort in shoes, and predict the provision of high quality indoor shoes to order with a prototype - a shoe transformer based on the computer Arduino Unо. The level of subjective comfortable pressure of the upper of the shoe on the human foot in statics and different phases of walking is investigated in the work. A study of a two-factor experiment of the dependence of pressure parameters at anthropometric points of rise and height of the heel of the foot is presented. The regression equation of the dependence of the shoe comfort level is obtained. The deformation properties of the shoe binding part were investigated experimentally, and the linear parameters of the shoe adjustment of different pad sizes for shoe production to individual order were obtained. Taking into account the received recommendations, men's half-boots of the "monki" type were made according to individual parameters of the consumer. Theoretical-analytical, marketing and experimental researches, multifactorial experiment, relaxation method are used in the work. Using a computer system, resistive force sensors FSR402 and a microcontractor Arduino Uno, a device has been developed to measure the subjective comfortable pressure between a person's foot and the top of a shoe. The model of the shoe transformer is made, which in combination with the computer installation allows to estimate the level of subjective comfort in different phases of walking and to improve the production of shoes to individual order. The method of determining the pressure of the inner surface of the shoe on the foot of the consumer, taking into account the basic anthropometric features and parameters, using a prototype computer system and "model-transformer" improves the method of making shoes to order and minimizes the time of intermediate fitting model of shoes.

Patient-reported functional outcomes in a cohort of hand and foot sarcoma survivors treated with limb sparing surgery and radiation therapy.

Describe patient-reported functional outcomes for hand and foot sarcoma survivors treated with limb-sparing surgery and radiation therapy (LSS + RT). Fifty-four patients with hand/wrist and foot/ankle sarcomas treated with LSS + RT from 1991 to 2015 were identified. Survivors≥18 years old without subsequent amputation completed self-assessed functional surveys: Toronto upper extremity salvage score (TESS-UE) and Michigan hand outcomes (MHQ) surveys for hand; TESS lower extremity (TESS-LE) and Foot and Ankle Outcomes (FAOS) surveys for foot. Scoring scales: 0-100, MHQ and TESS; -26 to 56 and 25-59, FAOS core and shoe comfort, respectively. Higher scores denote superior function. Five-year local tumor control was 88%. Fourteen of 24hand (58%) and 14/18 foot (78%) survivors completed surveys. Mean TESS-UE and MHQ scores were 89.4 and 72.8, respectively. Mean TESS-LE, core FAOS, and shoe comfort scores were 92.4, 46.19, and 53.1, respectively. No factors correlated with outcomes. TESS-UE and MHQ scores strongly correlated (r = .87). TESS-LE and FAOS scores were associated with a poor correlation (r = .02 and r = .69). The largest patient-reported functional outcomes analysis for hand and foot sarcoma survivors treated with LSS + RT demonstrates excellent local tumor control and acceptable functional outcomes. Further exploration of optimal functional assessment tools is needed given the potential scope differences.

Perception of Comfort, Fit, and Jumping Performance of Elite NCAA Division 1 Student-athletes: The Effect of Basketball Shoe Design – Part II

Background: Assessing basketball shoe comfort and fit as personal protection equipment (PPE) at the collegiate level is unique. Objective: The purpose of Part II in this pilot study was to examine the effect of shoe design on the perception of comfort and fit after performing an acute series of jumps in elite male and female National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 basketball student-athletes. Method: A total of sixteen basketball student-athletes (six males, ten females) performed two rounds of acute series of four styled basketball jumps on two ForceDecksTM Force Platforms while trying to maximize jump height by tapping VertecTM Jump Vanes. The male student-athletes selected the AdidasTM Harden Vol. 3 and the AdidasTM SM Pro basketball shoes. The female student-athletes selected the Adidas Harden Vol. 3 and the Adidas Captain Marvel basketball shoes. Upon completion of each round of jumps, the student-athlete recorded their perception of comfort on a 110mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and fit on a seven-point Likert rating scale based against their most comfortable basketball shoes ever worn. Results: Results of this pilot study reported, on average, the male student-athletes preferred comfort and fit of the Adidas SM Pro basketball shoes and the female student-athletes preferred the Adidas Harden Vol. 3 basketball shoe, though differences were non-significant at p &gt; 0.05. Conclusion: The use of a human factors assessment tool to evaluate basketball shoe comfort and fit and the influence of rated comfort and fit parameters on basketball jumping performance proved viable.

Shoe-Integrated, Force Sensor Design for Continuous Body Weight Monitoring.

Traditional pedobarography methods use direct force sensor placement in the shoe insole to record pressure patterns. One problem with such methods is that they tap only a few points on the flat sole under the foot and, therefore, do not account for the total ground reaction force. As a result, body weight tends to be under-estimated. This disadvantage has made it more difficult for pedobarography to be used to monitor many diseases, especially when their symptoms include body weight changes. In this paper, the problem of pedobarographic body weight measurement is addressed using a novel ergonomic shoe-integrated sensor array architecture based on concentrating the applied force via three-layered structures that we call Sandwiched Sensor Force Consolidators (SSFC). A shoe prototype is designed with the proposed sensors and shown to accurately measure body weight with an achievable relative accuracy greater than 99%, even in the presence of motion. The achieved relative accuracy is at least 4X better than the existing state of the art. The SSFC shoe prototype is built using readily available soccer shoes and piezoresistive FlexiForce sensors. To improve the wearability and comfort of the instrumented shoe, a semi-computational sensor design methodology is developed based on an equivalent-area concept that can accurately account for SSFC’s with arbitrary shapes. The search space of the optimal SSFC design is shown to be combinatorial, and a high-performance computing (HPC) framework based on OpenMP parallel programming is proposed to accelerate the design optimization process. An optimal sensor design speedup of up to 22X is shown to be achievable using the HPC implementation.

The running shoe comfort assessment tool (RUN-CAT): Development and evaluation of a new multi-item assessment tool for evaluating the comfort of running footwear

ABSTRACT Comfort is important for running shoe prescription in athletes to enhance performance and potentially decrease injury risk. A three-stage process was used to develop a new running footwear comfort assessment tool (RUN-CAT): (i) a survey of 282 runners to identify meaningful items of comfort, (ii-a) field testing of 100 runners who assessed the comfort of different shoes, (ii-b) item reduction using bootstrap aggregation and weightings using multiple regressions to identify a final set of items, and (iii) defining test-retest reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable difference (MDD90) and minimal important difference (MID) values for the final tool. Of the 19 initial items, after item reduction, four were included in the final tool: heel cushioning, shoe stability, forefoot cushioning and forefoot flexibility. Reliability of the overall comfort score was good to excellent (within-day ICC 0.88, between-day 0.70) with all four components displaying good reliability (ICC >0.70). The SEM of the comfort score was 2.8 points and the MDD90 was 6.5 mm. Subject nominated MID values ranged from 9.3 to 9.9 mm. The RUN-CAT demonstrates excellent reliability, acceptable measurement error and can discriminate between footwear models. Clinicians and researchers can incorporate the RUN-CAT to optimise running shoe comfort in athletes.