Effects of varying material properties on the load deformation characteristics of heel cushions

Sun, Pi-Chang; Wei, Hung-Wen; Chen, Chien‐Hua; Wu, Chun-Hao; Kao, Hung-Yu; Cheng, Cheng‐Kung

doi:10.1016/j.medengphy.2007.07.010

Cited by 34 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 19 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…For this reason, the ability of different cushioning materials to uniformly distribute externally applied forces was initially assessed under well controlled loading conditions using a 3D printed heel model. Similar testing techniques using rigid lasts or compression plates have been used before in the broader area of footwear biomechanics21 but not to quantify the ability of cushioning materials to uniformly distribute plantar loading.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Subject Specific Optimisation of the Stiffness of Footwear Material for Maximum Plantar Pressure Reduction

et al. 2017

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Current selection of cushioning materials for therapeutic footwear and orthoses is based on empirical and anecdotal evidence. The aim of this investigation is to assess the biomechanical properties of carefully selected cushioning materials and to establish the basis for patient-specific material optimisation. For this purpose, bespoke cushioning materials with qualitatively similar mechanical behaviour but different stiffness were produced. Healthy volunteers were asked to stand and walk on materials with varying stiffness and their capacity for pressure reduction was assessed. Mechanical testing using a surrogate heel model was employed to investigate the effect of loading on optimum stiffness. Results indicated that optimising the stiffness of cushioning materials improved pressure reduction during standing and walking by at least 16 and 19% respectively. Moreover, the optimum stiffness was strongly correlated to body mass (BM) and body mass index (BMI), with stiffer materials needed in the case of people with higher BM or BMI. Mechanical testing confirmed that optimum stiffness increases with the magnitude of compressive loading. For the first time, this study provides quantitative data to support the importance of stiffness optimisation in cushioning materials and sets the basis for methods to inform optimum material selection in the clinic.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10439-017-1826-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Considering their role, it is no surprise that the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear and/or orthoses is strongly dependent on the mechanical characteristics of the materials that are used to offer cushioning, with stiffness being among the most critical characteristics 6,9,12,15,20,21…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subject Specific Optimisation of the Stiffness of Footwear Material for Maximum Plantar Pressure Reduction

et al. 2017

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Several authors performed mechanical tests with the demand to mimic natural running. But the mechanical input parameters used in these studies showed strong differences among each other (Walker 1998, Sun et al 2008 as well as compared to biomechanical studies. Comparing machine-simulated running and in vivo loaded shoes, differences up to 25% were found (Cook et al 1985).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 89%

Running shoe properties during age: a comparison of two different approaches

2011

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

into custom devices differences in the performance of the materials (PU and EVA) were not as clear. The results for average contact area for medium density PU suggests a possible difference in the loading characteristics of the material with it appearing to conform more with pressure therefore spreading the load over a greater area. This indicates that PU medium density may be a suitable material for patients with a compromised ability to deal with pressure.

show abstract

“…These values were representative of impact force observed during running. To examine stable characteristics, we analyse only the tenth cycle with the previous ones that are being used to stabilise the mechanical behaviour of the material (Sun et al, 2008).…”

Section: Mechanical Experimentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aging of running shoes and its effect on mechanical and biomechanical variables: implications for runners

Chambon

Sevrez

Ly³

et al. 2014

Journal of Sports Sciences

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This study investigates the effect of running shoes' aging on mechanical and biomechanical parameters as a function of midsole materials (viscous, intermediate, elastic) and ground inclination. To this aim, heel area of the shoe (under calcaneal tuberosity) was first mechanically aged at realistic frequency and impact magnitudes based on a 660 km training plan. Stiffness (ST) and viscosity were then measured on both aged and matching new shoes, and repercussions on biomechanical variables (joint kinematics, muscular pre-activation, vertical ground reaction force and tibial acceleration) were assessed during a leg-extended stepping-down task designed to mimic the characteristics of running impacts. Shoes' aging led to increased ST (means: from 127 to 154 N ∙ mm(-1)) and decreased energy dissipation (viscosity) (means: from 2.19 to 1.88 J). The effects induced by mechanical changes on body kinematics were very small. However, they led with the elastic shoe to increased vastus lateralis pre-activation, tibial acceleration peak (means: from 4.5 g to 5.2 g) and rate. Among the three shoes tested, the shoe with intermediate midsole foam provided the best compromise between viscosity and elasticity. The optimum balance remains to be found for the design of shoes regarding at once cushioning, durability and injury prevention.

show abstract

Effects of varying material properties on the load deformation characteristics of heel cushions

Cited by 34 publications

References 19 publications

Subject Specific Optimisation of the Stiffness of Footwear Material for Maximum Plantar Pressure Reduction

Subject Specific Optimisation of the Stiffness of Footwear Material for Maximum Plantar Pressure Reduction

Running shoe properties during age: a comparison of two different approaches

Aging of running shoes and its effect on mechanical and biomechanical variables: implications for runners

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About