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Teixeira R, Coelho C, Oliveira J, Gomes J, Pinto VV, Ferreira MJ, Nóbrega JM, da Silva AF, Carneiro OS. Towards Customized Footwear with Improved Comfort. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:1738. [PMID: 33916171 PMCID: PMC8036479 DOI: 10.3390/ma14071738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A methodology enabling the customization of shoes for comfort improvement is proposed and assessed. For this aim, 3D printed graded density inserts were placed in one of the critical plantar pressure zones of conventional insoles, the heel. A semi-automated routine was developed to design the 3D inserts ready for printing, which comprises three main stages: (i) the definition of the number of areas with different mesh density, (ii) the generation of 2D components with continuous graded mesh density, and (iii) the generation of a 3D component having the same 2D base mesh. The adequacy of the mesh densities used in the inserts was previously assessed through compression tests, using uniform mesh density samples. Slippers with different pairs of inserts embedded in their insoles were mechanically characterized, and their comfort was qualitatively assessed by a panel of users. All users found a particular pair, or a set, of prototype slippers more comfortable than the original ones, taken as reference, but their preferences were not consensual. This emphasizes the need for shoe customization, and the usefulness of the proposed methodology to achieve such a goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Teixeira
- IPC—Institute for Polymers and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; (R.T.); (J.O.); (J.M.N.)
| | - Carlos Coelho
- Atlanta—Componentes Para Calçado, Lda, Marco de Simães, 4615-414 Macieira da Lixa, Portugal;
| | - João Oliveira
- IPC—Institute for Polymers and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; (R.T.); (J.O.); (J.M.N.)
| | - Joana Gomes
- CTCP—Portuguese Footwear Technological Centre, 3700-121 São João da Madeira, Portugal; (J.G.); (V.V.P.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Vera Vaz Pinto
- CTCP—Portuguese Footwear Technological Centre, 3700-121 São João da Madeira, Portugal; (J.G.); (V.V.P.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Maria José Ferreira
- CTCP—Portuguese Footwear Technological Centre, 3700-121 São João da Madeira, Portugal; (J.G.); (V.V.P.); (M.J.F.)
| | - João Miguel Nóbrega
- IPC—Institute for Polymers and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; (R.T.); (J.O.); (J.M.N.)
| | | | - Olga Sousa Carneiro
- IPC—Institute for Polymers and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; (R.T.); (J.O.); (J.M.N.)
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Wannop JW, Stefanyshyn DJ, Anderson RB, Coughlin MJ, Kent R. Development of a Footwear Sizing System in the National Football League. Sports Health 2018; 11:40-46. [PMID: 30048212 PMCID: PMC6299345 DOI: 10.1177/1941738118789402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Footwear performance and injury mitigation may be compromised if the footwear
is not properly sized for an athlete. Additionally, poor fit may result in
discomfort and foot injury such as fifth metatarsal stress fracture, foot
deformities, turf toe, and blisters. Current footwear fitting methods
consist of foot length and width measurements, which may not properly
describe the shape of the individual foot, correlated with shoe size
descriptors that are not standardized. Footwear manufacturers employ a range
of sizing rubrics, which introduces shoe size and shape variability between
and even within footwear companies. This article describes the synthesis of
literature to inform the development and deployment of an objective footwear
fitting system in the National Football League (NFL). The process may inform
athletic footwear fitting at other levels of play and in other sports. Evidence Acquisition: Literature related to footwear fitting, sizing, and foot scanning from 1980
through 2017 was compiled using electronic databases. Reference lists of
articles were examined for additional relevant studies. Sixty-five sources
are included in this descriptive review. Study Type: Descriptive review. Level of Evidence: Level 5. Results: Current methods of footwear fitting and variability in the size and shape of
athletic footwear complicate proper fitting of footwear to athletes. An
objective measurement and recommendation system that can match the
3-dimensional shape of an athlete’s foot to the internal shape of available
shoe models can provide important guidance for footwear selection. One such
system has been deployed in the NFL. Conclusion: An objective footwear fitting system based on 3-dimensional shape matching of
feet and shoes can facilitate the selection of footwear that properly fits
an athlete’s foot.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Wannop
- Human Performance Lab, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Richard Kent
- Biomechanics Consulting and Research (Biocore), Charlottesville, Virginia.,University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Goonetilleke RS, Luximon A, Tsui KL. The Quality of Footwear Fit: What we know, don't know and should know. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/154193120004401220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Even though fit ranks as one of the most important considerations in the purchase of a shoe, the quality of fit has no metric and is hence poorly assessed. Manufacturers, retailers, and customers tend to use trial and error techniques to improve footwear fit. This approach is rather cumbersome and very unscientific. In this paper, we present a methodology to assess and thereby quantify footwear fit so that comfort can be predicted and consequently improved lasts and shoes can be produced that match different shapes of feet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra S. Goonetilleke
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
| | - Ameersing Luximon
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
| | - Kwok L. Tsui
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
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Wiggermann N, Keyserling WM. Effects of anti-fatigue mats on perceived discomfort and weight-shifting during prolonged standing. HUMAN FACTORS 2013; 55:764-775. [PMID: 23964416 DOI: 10.1177/0018720812466672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of anti-fatigue mats on perceived discomfort and behavioral responses (weight-shifting between the feet) during prolonged standing. BACKGROUND Prolonged standing is a common requirement in the workplace and is a well-known cause of discomfort. Anti-fatigue mats have been shown to reduce discomfort resulting from standing, but no study has identified a particular mat that performs better than others or examined the relationship between discomfort and weight-shifting. METHODS Participants stood for 4 hours on four commercially available "anti-fatigue" mats and a hard surface (control condition). Subjective ratings of discomfort were measured, and in-shoe pressure was recorded and used to evaluate weight-shifting during standing. RESULTS Compared to the control condition, after 4 hours of standing discomfort was reduced by three of the four mats, but discomfort ratings did not significantly differ among mats. However, significant differences among mats were found in the frequency of weight-shifting, and weight-shifting was positively correlated to discomfort. CONCLUSION These results suggest that subjective reports of discomfort were not sufficiently sensitive to detect differences among mats for the experimental conditions tested. Behavioral responses, specifically weight-shifting between feet, may provide a more sensitive alternative to subjective reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Wiggermann
- Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, 1161 Tekulve Rd. #401-20, Batesville, IN 47006, USA.
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Xiong S, Goonetilleke RS, Jiang Z. Pressure thresholds of the human foot: measurement reliability and effects of stimulus characteristics. ERGONOMICS 2011; 54:282-293. [PMID: 21390958 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2011.552736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Information related to reliable values of discomfort thresholds can help to improve the designs of various products. This study aimed to investigate the measurement reliabilities associated with pressure thresholds, while determining the effects of stimulus characteristics (stimulus area, indentation speed) of the human foot. An indentation apparatus was used with four sizes of indentation probes and three indentation speeds. In total, 13 locations on the right foot of 10 male and 10 female participants were tested to determine the pressure discomfort thresholds (PDT) and pressure pain thresholds (PPT). Results show that the tests had very good measurement reliability with intra-class correlations (ICC) greater than 0.8 for the PPT measurements and acceptable reliability (most ICC > 0.75, with a few between 0.5 and 0.75) for the PDT measurements, demonstrating that participants are capable of judging their pain and discomfort thresholds. Pressure sensitivity differs across locations of the foot, with the medial plantar arch of the foot being the most sensitive, followed by the dorsal surface of the foot. The heel area was the least sensitive. PPT and PDT are dependent on the stimulus characteristics of the area and the speed of indentation. A smaller area has a higher PPT and PDT, indicating significant effects of spatial summation. The increase of PDT and PPT at higher speeds may be partially explained by the increase in stiffness because foot tissue exhibits viscoelastic properties. The findings can have a significant impact on the design of footwear and other accessories for improved foot health and comfort. Statement of Relevance: This study investigated the threshold measurement reliability while determining the pressure sensitivity on the surface of the foot with varying stimulus characteristics. The findings may be very useful in the design of footwear and other accessories for improved comfort and reduced injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Xiong
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China
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Witana CP, Goonetilleke RS, Au EYL, Xiong S, Lu X. Footbed shapes for enhanced footwear comfort. ERGONOMICS 2009; 52:617-628. [PMID: 19424923 DOI: 10.1080/00140130802419503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A shoe wearer's comfort is related to the shape of the footbed of a shoe. Even though the footbed shape is important in footwear design, there exists no methodology to evaluate the existing guidelines used in last making. Thirty-two females participated in an experiment where heel seat length, heel seat inclination and heel height were investigated using the profile assessment device. The dependent variables were plantar pressure and perceived feeling of each participant. The results show that perceived feel is best for wedge angles of 4 degrees and 5 degrees at a heel height of 25 mm, 10 degrees and 11 degrees at a heel height of 50 mm and 16 degrees and 18 degrees at a heel height of 75 mm. A regression model was derived and this explained approximately 80% of the variation of perceived feeling with the contact area, peak plantar pressure and percentage of force acting on the forefoot region. Both heel wedge angle and heel seat length play an important role in the perceived feel of high-heeled shoes. This study, in relation to the load-bearing heel part of a shoe, highlights the importance of good footbed design. The findings can be used to design footwear with enhanced comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Channa P Witana
- Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
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Bush TR, Hubbard RP. A comparison of four office chairs using biomechanical measures. HUMAN FACTORS 2008; 50:629-642. [PMID: 18767522 DOI: 10.1518/001872008x288321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors sought to use biomechanical measures, including motion and pressure, to compare four office chairs. BACKGROUND The fit of a person to a chair is related to the geometric and kinematic compatibility between the two. This geometric compatibility influences the motions that are allowed or prohibited and the support pressures at the body-chair interface. Thus, during evaluation, it is necessary to treat the chair and user as a system. METHOD Four dynamic test conditions were evaluated with 14 participants of varying anthropometries. Test conditions were selected to compare the ability to accommodate primary and secondary motions (recline and spinal articulation) of seated occupants. The ability of a chair to allow recline, yet maintain head and hand positions, was compared across chairs. Also, the ability of each chair to allow and support spinal articulation was evaluated. Motion data for the chair, head, thorax, pelvis, and extremities were collected along with chair back pressures. Upon completion of testing, subjective assessments were also conducted. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found between chairs relative to head and hand motions. Also, significant differences were noted for the chairs' ability to move with the body during spinal articulation and the ability to provide support. Subjective assessments also yielded differences. CONCLUSIONS Biomechanical analyses using motions and pressures can be conducted on office chairs with significant differences detected in their performance. APPLICATION Biomechanical assessments can be used to compare and contrast office chairs in terms that are relatable to fatigue reduction as well as operator performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Reid Bush
- Biomechanical Design Research Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Meffre R, Gehin C, Schmitt PM, De Oliveira F, Dittmar A. New methodology for preventing pressure ulcers using actimetry and autonomous nervous system recording. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS : ... ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008; 2006:5563-6. [PMID: 17946707 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2006.259352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Pressure ulcers constitute an important health problem. They affect lots of people with mobility disorder and they are difficult to detect and prevent because the damage begins on the muscle. This paper proposes a new approach to study pressure ulcers. We aim at developing a methodology to analyse the probability for a patient to develop a pressure ulcer, and that can detect risky situation. The idea is to relate the mobility disorder to autonomic nervous system (ANS) trouble. More precisely, the evaluation of the consequence of the discomfort on the ANS (stress induced by discomfort) can be relevant for the early detection of the pressure ulcer. Mobility is evaluated through movement measurement. This evaluation, at the interface between soft living tissues and any support has to consider the specificity of the human environment. Soft living tissues have non-linear mechanical properties making conventional rigid sensors non suitable for interface parameters measurement. A new actimeter system has been designed in order to study movements of the human body whatever its support while seating. The device is based on elementary active cells. The number of pressure cells can be easily adapted to the application. The spatial resolution is about 4 cm(2). In this paper, we compare activity measurement of a seated subject with his autonomic nervous system activity, recorded by E.motion device. It has been developed in order to record six parameters: skin potential, skin resistance, skin temperature, skin blood rate, instantaneous cardiac frequency and instantaneous respiratory frequency. The design, instrumentation, and first results are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Meffre
- Biomedical Microsensors Department of LPM of INSA (National Institute of Applied Sciences) of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France.
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Abstract
Two areas not well researched in the field of seating mechanics are the distribution of normal and shear forces, and how those forces change with seat position. The availability of these data would be beneficial for the design and development of office, automotive and medical seats. To increase our knowledge in the area of seating mechanics, this study sought to measure the normal and shear loads applied to segmental supports in 12 seated positions, utilizing three inclination angles and four levels of seat back articulation that were associated with automotive driving positions. Force data from six regions, including the thorax, sacral region, buttocks, thighs, feet, and hand support were gathered using multi-axis load cells. The sample contained 23 midsized subjects with an average weight of 76.7kg and a standard deviation of 4.2kg, and an average height of 1745mm with a standard deviation of 19mm. Results were examined in terms of seat back inclination and in terms of torso articulation for relationships between seat positions and support forces. Using a repeated measures analysis, significant differences (p<0.05) were identified for normal forces relative to all inclination angles except for forces occurring at the hand support. Other significant differences were observed between normal forces behind the buttocks, pelvis, and feet for torso articulations. Significant differences in the shear forces occurred under the buttocks and posterior pelvis during changes in seat back inclination. Significant differences in shear forces were also identified for torso articulations. These data suggest that as seat back inclination or torso articulation change, significant shifts in force distribution occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Reid Bush
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanical Design Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, 2555 Engineering Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Witana CP, Feng J, Goonetilleke RS. Dimensional differences for evaluating the quality of footwear fit. ERGONOMICS 2004; 47:1301-1317. [PMID: 15370849 DOI: 10.1080/00140130410001712645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Very few standards exist for fitting products to people. Footwear is a noteworthy example. This study is an attempt to evaluate the quality of footwear fit using two-dimensional foot outlines. Twenty Hong Kong Chinese students participated in an experiment that involved three pairs of dress shoes and one pair of athletic shoes. The participants' feet were scanned using a commercial laser scanner, and each participant wore and rated the fit of each region of each shoe. The shoe lasts were also scanned and were used to match the foot scans with the last scans. The ANOVA showed significant (p < 0.05) differences among the four pairs of shoes for the overall, fore-foot and rear-foot fit ratings. There were no significant differences among shoes for mid-foot fit rating. These perceived differences were further analysed after matching the 2D outlines of both last and feet. The point-wise dimensional difference between foot and shoe outlines were computed and analysed after normalizing with foot perimeter. The dimensional difference (DD) plots along the foot perimeter showed that fore-foot fit was strongly correlated (R(2) > 0.8) with two of the minimums in the DD-plot while mid-foot fit was strongly correlated (R(2) > 0.9) with the dimensional difference around the arch region and a point on the lateral side of the foot. The DD-plots allow the designer to determine the critical locations that may affect footwear fit in addition to quantifying the nature of misfit so that design changes to shape and material may be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Channa P Witana
- Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
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