Shoe Design Research Articles

Characteristics of clinical measurements between biomechanical responders and non-responders to a shoe designed for knee osteoarthritis

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of biomechanical and clinical measurements in relation to the knee adduction moment when wearing a standard shoe and a shoe design for individuals with knee osteoarthritis (Flex-OA). MethodsKinematic and kinetic data were collected from thirty-two healthy individuals (64 knees) using a ten camera motion analysis system and four force plates. Subjects performed 5 walking trials under the two conditions and the magnitude of individuals’ biomechanical responses where explored in relation to the clinical assessment of the Foot Posture Index, hip rotation range, strength of hip rotators, and active ankle-foot motion, all of which have been described as possible compensation mechanisms in knee osteoarthritis. ResultsSignificant reductions in the first peak of the knee adduction moment (KAM) during stance phase (9.3%) were recorded (p<0.0001). However, despite this difference, 22 of 64 knees showed either no change or an increased KAM, indicating a non-response or negative-response to the Flex-OA shoe. Significant differences were observed between the responder and non-responder subgroups in the hip rotation range ratio (p=0.044) and the hip rotators strength ratio (p=0.028). ConclusionSignificant differences were seen in clinical assessments of hip rotation range and hip rotator strength between responders and non-responders using a cut-off of 0.02Nm/kg change in the KAM.

Design and application of heating pad and heating shoe covers

Objective To observe the effect of homemade heating pad and heating shoe covers on patients to keep warm and regain warmth. Methods A total of 62 patients with cesarean section were randomly divided into two groups, 31 cases of each group.The patients who used the heating pad and the warm shoe cover were selected as the observation group, and the patients who did not use the heating device were selected as the control group.The change of temperature of the patients of two groups were observed when they were sent into the ward, 30 minutes after the operation and 1 hour after the operation. Results The body temperature of the patients of the two groups when they were sent into the ward: the observation group was(36.213±0.182)℃, while the control group was (36.155±0.180)℃, and the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05). 30 minutes and 1 hour after the operation, the body temperature of the observation group and control group were(36.516±0.139)℃, (36.797±0.192)℃, (36.332±0.166)℃ and (36.555±0.171)℃.The differences in body temperature were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion It has statistical significance on heat preservation and warming to use heating pad and heating shoe covers after operation. Key words: Low body temperature; Rewarming after operation; Heating pad; Heating shoe covers

Gendered Innovations in Orthopaedic Science: Standing on the Shoulders of iGIANTs

Gendered Innovations in Orthopaedic Science: Standing on the Shoulders of iGIANTs

Development of 3D Printed Shoe Designs Using Traditional Muntin Patterns

This study proposes 3D printed shoe designs with patterns made by reinterpreting traditional Korean muntin patterns as customized designs that are unique to individual consumers and different from existing products. In the fashion industry, shoes with diverse designs grafted with 3D printing technology have been introduced. Artistic 3D printed shoes showcase the unique designs of designers. Functional and practical 3D printed shoes that can be worn during daily activities and during exercise have been actively developed. Traditional Korean pattern designs are also being recreated into designs reflecting the aesthetic sense of modern times with our own identity. The uniqueness of the traditional muntin patterns in geometric shapes, such as intersections of lines, rectangles, and octagons, are expressed in shoe designs with modern aesthetic senses by utilizing the traditional patterns that conform well to the modern geometric beauty of forms. This study was intended to develop 3D shoe designs that reinterpreted the motif of muntin patterns from among traditional Korean geometric patterns with a modern aesthetic sense. The octagonal patterns that express the scenery of spring can be seen through the muntins in traditional Korean-style houses were designed on the heels of shoes. Utilizing the Rhino CAD program and ProJet 660 Pro 3D printer, shoes were designed and printed. The processes for making shoes using 3D printing technology proposed in this study are significant because they represent the creation of designs in a new area. The results of this study might help in the development of 3D printed fashion products.

Does shoe heel design influence ground reaction forces and knee moments during maximum lunges in elite and intermediate badminton players?

BackgroundLunge is one frequently executed movement in badminton and involves a unique sagittal footstrike angle of more than 40 degrees at initial ground contact compared with other manoeuvres. This study examined if the shoe heel curvature design of a badminton shoe would influence shoe-ground kinematics, ground reaction forces, and knee moments during lunge.MethodsEleven elite and fifteen intermediate players performed five left-forward maximum lunge trials with Rounded Heel Shoe (RHS), Flattened Heel Shoe (FHS), and Standard Heel Shoes (SHS). Shoe-ground kinematics, ground reaction forces, and knee moments were measured by using synchronized force platform and motion analysis system. A 2 (Group) x 3 (Shoe) ANOVA with repeated measures was performed to determine the effects of different shoes and different playing levels, as well as the interaction of two factors on all variables.ResultsShoe effect indicated that players demonstrated lower maximum vertical loading rate in RHS than the other two shoes (P < 0.05). Group effect revealed that elite players exhibited larger footstrike angle, faster approaching speed, lower peak horizontal force and horizontal loading rates but higher vertical loading rates and larger peak knee flexion and extension moments (P < 0.05). Analysis of Interactions of Group x Shoe for maximum and mean vertical loading rates (P < 0.05) indicated that elite players exhibited lower left maximum and mean vertical loading rates in RHS compared to FHS (P < 0.01), while the intermediate group did not show any Shoe effect on vertical loading rates.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that shoe heel curvature would play some role in altering ground reaction force impact during badminton lunge. The differences in impact loads and knee moments between elite and intermediate players may be useful in optimizing footwear design and training strategy to minimize the potential risks for impact related injuries in badminton.

Design and evaluation of vibratory shoe on balance control for elderly subjects: technical note

Background and Aim: Aging often results in a decline in somatosensory function, and such changes are associated with diminished motor performance. Input noise can enhance sensory and motor function through a mechanism known as stochastic resonance (SR). This paper describes the development and testing of a new vibrating shoe to possibly assist the elderly patients in controlling their balance and decreasing their falling risks.Technique: The new vibrating shoe was evaluated to ascertain its ability to generate appropriate random and nonlinear vibrations. The vibratory shoe performance in two young subjects with decreased foot sensation and two elderly subjects in different static and dynamic balance situations was also evaluated. The postural control, expressed by the stability index (SI), was significantly affected by SR in the older subjects.Discussion: The vibrating motors could be recommended as a suitable solution for dynamic balance situations. Moreover, the new vibrating shoe could improve the age-related balance impairments in elderly subjects with balance deficiencies and others with impaired foot sensations.Implications for rehabilitationsOlder adults exhibited decreased postural stability.Noise signal improves sensation and proprioception in older people.New shoe with vibrating motors can operate in different dynamic situations.

How Biomechanical Improvements in Running Economy Could Break the 2-hour Marathon Barrier

A sub-2-hour marathon requires an average velocity (5.86m/s) that is 2.5% faster than the current world record of 02:02:57 (5.72m/s) and could be accomplished with a 2.7% reduction in the metabolic cost of running. Although supporting body weight comprises the majority of the metabolic cost of running, targeting the costs of forward propulsion and leg swing are the most promising strategies for reducing the metabolic cost of running and thus improving marathon running performance. Here, we calculate how much time could be saved by taking advantage of unconventional drafting strategies, a consistent tailwind, a downhill course, and specific running shoe design features while staying within the current International Association of Athletic Federations regulations for record purposes. Specifically, running in shoes that are 100g lighter along with second-half scenarios of four runners alternately leading and drafting, or a tailwind of 6.0m/s, combined with a 42-m elevation drop could result in a time well below the 2-hour marathon barrier.

The Athletic Shoe in Football.

Background:Foot and ankle injuries are common in sports, particularly in cleated athletes. Traditionally, the athletic shoe has not been regarded as a piece of protective equipment but rather as a part of the uniform, with a primary focus on performance and subjective feedback measures of comfort. Changes in turf and shoe design have poorly understood implications on the health and safety of players.Evidence Acquisition:A literature search of the MEDLINE and PubMed databases was conducted. Keywords included athletic shoewear, cleated shoe, football shoes, and shoewear, and search parameters were between the years 2000 and 2016.Study Design:Clinical review.Level of Evidence:Level 5.Results:The athletic shoe is an important piece of protective sports equipment. There are several important structural considerations of shoe design, including biomechanical compliance, cleat and turf interaction, and shoe sizing/fit, that affect the way an athlete engages with the playing surface and carry important potential implications regarding player safety if not understood and addressed.Conclusion:Athletic footwear should be considered an integral piece of protective equipment rather than simply an extension of the uniform apparel. More research is needed to define optimal shoe sizing, the effect that design has on mechanical load, and how cleat properties, including pattern and structure, interact with the variety of playing surfaces.

Design and application of high-waist shoes for foot orthomorphi

Design and application of high-waist shoes for foot orthomorphi

The Influence of Walking Speed and Heel Height on Peak Plantar Pressure in the Forefoot of Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study

Background: The body of empirical research is suggestive of the fact that faster walking speed and increasing heel height can both give rise to elevated plantar pressures. However, there is little evidence of the interaction between walking speed and heel height on changes in plantar pressure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the effect of heel height on plantar pressure is the same for different walking speeds.Methodology: Eighteen healthy adults, between the ages of 18 and 35 were assessed for changes in peak plantar pressure at walking speeds of 0.5 mph, 0.8 mph, 1.4 mph and 2.4 mph on a treadmill, wearing heels of 2 cm, 3 cm, 6 cm and 9 cm. Both the speed of walking and heels were randomly assigned to each participant. Peak plantar pressure values were determined in the forefoot region using the F-scan system which made use of in-shoe insoles. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA.Results: Increasing heel height and walking speed resulted in significantly higher peak plantar pressure in the forefoot. Post-hoc analysis also confirmed the findings of two-way ANOVA of significant increase in peak plantar pressure with increments in heel height and walking speed. The two-way ANOVA illustrated significantly higher peak plantar pressures in both the forefeet due to interaction of walking speed and increasing heel heights.Conclusion: This study suggests that an interaction of walking speed and footwear design on distribution of plantar pressure exists. Therefore it is necessary to standardize walking speed and shoe design in future studies evaluating plantar pressures.

Development of Shoes Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries attached with a ICT Convergent Smart Health Care Monitoring System

Background/Objectives: The purpose is to develop smart shoes with sensors that help prevent musculoskeletal disorder of individual workers using ICT convergent technology. Unlike accidental injury, musculoskeletal disorder is a functional disorder that occurs from inflammatory response to minute damage in soft tissues or from cumulative damage in muscles or tissues caused by repetitive motions. Methods/Statistical analysis: This study intended to develop an intelligent shoe platform for analysis of musculoskeletal disorder prevention by analyzing working conditions and postures of musculoskeletal disorder, securing biomechanical database on characteristics of consumers demanding prevention of musculoskeletal disorder, and developing hardware module and platform. The aim was to develop a sensor module for analyzing dynamic walking posture and to come up with structure and design of shoes for prevention of musculoskeletal disorder. Findings: Working postures that induce musculoskeletal disorder can be analyzed easily by adding smart function to work shoes through existing smart devices. As workers can recognize and monitor working postures that induce musculoskeletal disorder on a real-time basis using sound or vibration generated during work, posture can be constantly improved. Improvements/Applications: Workers can easily obtain information about working postures that induce musculoskeletal disorder. The system can be utilized as a solution to prevent and manage musculoskeletal disorder more efficiently.

Parametric Design of Shoe Last Based on Feature Size

Parametric Design of Shoe Last Based on Feature Size

Optimisation of rocker sole footwear for prevention of first plantar ulcer: comparison of group-optimised and individually-selected footwear designs

BackgroundAppropriate footwear for individuals with diabetes but no ulceration history could reduce the risk of first ulceration. However, individuals who deem themselves at low risk are unlikely to seek out bespoke footwear which is personalised. Therefore, our primary aim was to investigate whether group-optimised footwear designs, which could be prefabricated and delivered in a retail setting, could achieve appropriate pressure reduction, or whether footwear selection must be on a patient-by-patient basis. A second aim was to compare responses to footwear design between healthy participants and people with diabetes in order to understand the transferability of previous footwear research, performed in healthy populations.MethodsPlantar pressures were recorded from 102 individuals with diabetes, considered at low risk of ulceration. This cohort included 17 individuals with peripheral neuropathy. We also collected data from 66 healthy controls. Each participant walked in 8 rocker shoe designs (4 apex positions × 2 rocker angles). ANOVA analysis was then used to understand the effect of two design features and descriptive statistics used to identify the group-optimised design. Using 200 kPa as a target, this group-optimised design was then compared to the design identified as the best for each participant (using plantar pressure data).ResultsPeak plantar pressure increased significantly as apex position was moved distally and rocker angle reduced (p < 0.001). The group-optimised design incorporated an apex at 52% of shoe length, a 20° rocker angle and an apex angle of 95°. With this design 71–81% of peak pressures were below the 200 kPa threshold, both in the full cohort of individuals with diabetes and also in the neuropathic subgroup. Importantly, only small increases (<5%) in this proportion were observed when participants wore footwear which was individually selected. In terms of optimised footwear designs, healthy participants demonstrated the same response as participants with diabetes, despite having lower plantar pressures.ConclusionsThis is the first study demonstrating that a group-optimised, generic rocker shoe might perform almost as well as footwear selected on a patient by patient basis in a low risk patient group. This work provides a starting point for clinical evaluation of generic versus personalised pressure reducing footwear.

Full Step Cycle Kinematic and Kinetic Comparison of Barefoot Walking and a Traditional Shoe Walking in Healthy Youth: Insights for Barefoot Technology.

Objective Barefoot technology shoes are becoming increasingly popular, yet modifications are still needed. The present study aims to gain valuable insights by comparing barefoot walking to neutral shoe walking in a healthy youth population. Methods 28 healthy university students (22 females and 6 males) were recruited to walk on a 10-meter walkway both barefoot and in neutral running shoes at their comfortable walking speed. Full step cycle kinematic and kinetic data were collected using an 8-camera motion capture system. Results In the early stance phase, the knee extension moment (MK1), the first peak absorbed joint power at the knee joint (PK1), and the flexion angle of knee/dorsiflexion angle of the ankle were significantly reduced when walking in neutral running shoes. However, in the late stance, barefoot walking resulted in decreased hip joint flexion moment (MH2), second peak extension knee moment (MK3), hip flexors absorbed power (PH2), hip flexors generated power (PH3), second peak absorbed power by knee flexors (PK2), and second peak anterior-posterior component of joint force at the hip (APFH2), knee (APFK2), and ankle (APFA2). Conclusions These results indicate that it should be cautious to discard conventional elements from future running shoe designs and rush to embrace the barefoot technology fashion.

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

The energy cost is increased during walking in pes planus condition whereas, energy cost during walking using rocker bottom shoes is debatable. To determine the walking economy with rocker soled shoes, when compared with bare feet walking in females with pes planus over treadmill. 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. 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. Oxygen consumption and RPE were increased during walking with rocker soled shoe design in comparison to bare feet walking over treadmill at same speed.

FOOTWEAR SECTOR IN INDIA: A ROLE OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES

Footwear sector is a very significant segment of Leather and NonLeather products in India. The size of Indian Domestic Footwear Industry is estimated to be worth 1919 million pairs where leather and non-leather Footwear per capita consumption is estimated to be approx. 1.61 pairs.&#x0D; The major component of footwear sector is a design, product development, clicking, closing, component, lasting &amp; finishing. Advanced technologies in the area of shoe design systems, automation, cost savings and productivity improvements as well as enabling new developments in footwear sector in India.&#x0D; Although today footwear is produced using many similar methods to those employed all those years ago, obvious technological innovations in machinery, raw materials, production and testing techniques have changed what was to all intents and purposes a cottage industry into a multi-billion dollar sector. At the same time, recent years have seen a distinct shift in factory location away from the traditional industrial heartlands of Europe and North America to the new lands of opportunity, primarily in Asia.&#x0D; The purpose of this paper is to review the areas where advanced technologies can significantly affect the way of footwear sector is practiced. Strategies for implementation of the necessary changes in practice are also discussed.

Overall Preference of Running Shoes Can Be Predicted by Suitable Perception Factors Using a Multiple Regression Model.

This study examined (a) the strength of four individual footwear perception factors to influence the overall preference of running shoes and (b) whether these perception factors satisfied the nonmulticollinear assumption in a regression model. Running footwear must fulfill multiple functional criteria to satisfy its potential users. Footwear perception factors, such as fit and cushioning, are commonly used to guide shoe design and development, but it is unclear whether running-footwear users are able to differentiate one factor from another. One hundred casual runners assessed four running shoes on a 15-cm visual analogue scale for four footwear perception factors (fit, cushioning, arch support, and stability) as well as for overall preference during a treadmill running protocol. Diagnostic tests showed an absence of multicollinearity between factors, where values for tolerance ranged from .36 to .72, corresponding to variance inflation factors of 2.8 to 1.4. The multiple regression model of these four footwear perception variables accounted for 77.7% to 81.6% of variance in overall preference, with each factor explaining a unique part of the total variance. Casual runners were able to rate each footwear perception factor separately, thus assigning each factor a true potential to improve overall preference for the users. The results also support the use of a multiple regression model of footwear perception factors to predict overall running shoe preference. Regression modeling is a useful tool for running-shoe manufacturers to more precisely evaluate how individual factors contribute to the subjective assessment of running footwear.

Three-Dimensional Shoe Kinematics During Unexpected Slips: Implications for Shoe–Floor Friction Testing

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS This study described the three-dimensional kinematics of the shoe during slipping and compared them to shoe kinematics specified by standard methods for coefficient of friction testing. At the time of slip initiation, substantially higher sagittal-plane shoe–floor angles and more medial shoe velocity occur than what have previously been reported. These results suggest that standard slip-testing methods should be reexamined so they better align with the state of the shoe when it begins to slip. The incongruence between actual slips and testing methods could lead to shoe designs that perform well during friction testing but are sub-optimal during an actual slip.TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Shoe design is an important component of slip and fall prevention efforts. Evaluating the slip resistance of shoes in a way that is relevant to slipping accidents requires a comprehensive understanding of the shoe biomechanics during slipping. Limitations in previous studies on this topic include omission of kinematics outside the sagittal plane, which may impact coefficient of friction measurements, and the use of multiple slip perturbations, which can lead to kinematic changes due to anticipation and adaptation. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the three-dimensional kinematics of the shoe during unexpected slips to better inform shoe–floor coefficient of friction testing. Methods: Thirteen subjects were exposed to a low friction fluid contaminant while wearing shoes without tread. The sliding speed, direction of sliding, sagittal-plane shoe–floor angle, and frontal plane shoe–floor angle were described at the moment of slip initiation, peak slipping speed (PSS), and 50% of the peak slipping speed (½ PSS). Statistical comparisons assessed whether the kinematics obtained from standard shoe coefficient of friction methods fell within the 95% confidence interval of the measured shoe kinematics at each time point. Results: At least one of the kinematic variables used during standard friction testing methods deviated from the observed kinematics at each time point. Specifically, the central tendency of the observed slips was characterized with a higher sagittal plane shoe angle at slip initiation, a more medial sliding direction at slip initiation, and a higher sliding speed at ½ PSS and PSS than those used during standard shoe friction testing methods. Conclusions: Shoe kinematics in friction testing standards exhibit differences with shoe kinematics during actual slips. Thus, a need exists for revisiting the kinematic conditions used in slip testing based on rigorous biomechanical studies of slipping.

Effects of a structured midsole on spatio-temporal variables and running economy in overground running

Research to enhance running performance has led to the design of a leaf spring-structured midsole shoe (LEAF). In treadmill running, it has been shown that LEAF led to an increased running economy and increased stride length (SL) through a horizontal foot shift during stance compared to a standard foam shoe (FOAM). The purpose of this study was to analyse whether (a) these findings can also be observed in overground running and (b) relations exist between spatio-temporal variables and running economy. Ten male long-distance heel-strike runners ran at their individual 2 mmol/l blood lactate speed with LEAF and FOAM in randomized order. Kinematic data were recorded with an inertial measurement unit synchronized with 2D video. Oxygen consumption was measured using an automated metabolic gas analysis system. Blood lactate was collected after each run. The strike pattern was unaffected by LEAF. SL was increased by 0.9 ± 1.1 cm (95% CI 0.2 to 1.5; p = .040; dz = 0.76), stride rate (SR) was reduced by −0.4 ± 0.3 strides/min (95% CI −0.6 to −0.1; p = .029; dz = 0.82) and oxygen consumption tended to be reduced by 1% (−0.4 ± 0.6 ml/min/kg; 95% CI −0.8 to 0.0; p = .082; dz = 0.62) when running with LEAF compared to FOAM. Changes in oxygen consumption in LEAF were correlated with SL (r = 0.71; p = .022) and SR (r = −0.68; p = .031). It can be concluded that LEAF has the potential to cause small changes in spatio-temporal variables during running. Runners increasing SL and decreasing SR in response to LEAF can achieve small improvements in running economy, which is beneficial in terms of performance.

Age-related differences in women’s foot shape

PurposeDescribe age-related differences in women’s foot shape using a wide range of measurements and ages. Study designCross-sectional, observational study. Main outcome measurementsSix foot-shape measurements of each foot: foot lengths, ball widths, ball circumferences, low instep circumferences, high instep circumferences, and heel instep circumference. Results168 women from 20 to over 80 years of age, divided into seven age categories, were included. Older women had significantly greater foot-shape measurements, even after adjusting for Body Mass Index. Ball widths increased 3.1–4.0mm per decade, ball circumferences 5.6–7.4mm per decade, high instep circumferences 0.4–4.8mm per decade, and heel instep circumferences 1.8–1.9mm per decade. Ball widths, ball circumferences, and left high instep circumference plateaued in the 70–75 years-of-age category, and decreased in the oldest age category. For low instep circumference, age did not prevail significantly over Body Mass Index. Foot length was not associated with age. ConclusionThis study described women’s progressive foot-shape changes with age. The findings provide a better understanding of foot-shape changes, mainly found in the forefoot. It demonstrates that for a good fit, shoe design for older adults and for younger adults should differ.