Simulation Methods in the Foot Orthosis Development Process

ABSTRACT

Traditional methods for developing foot orthoses require extensive skilled manual labor. More modern methods have sought to address this with the introduction of computer enabled technologies such as digital scanning, computer aided design, and automated manufacturing. The current work further advances the process with the introduction of an additional computer enabled technology, simulation models, into two additional steps. First, a simulation model is used to achieve the postural adjustments to the foot normally done by a practitioner. This has the benefit of further automating the process, improving repeatability, and preventing the deformation of the plantar soft tissues that normally occurs with physical postural adjustment. Second, the simulation model is used in a routine to optimize plantar pressure distribution. When compared to a conventional method, the proposed approach yielded a 61% reduction in peak plantar pressure. Future work includes automating the optimization routines for a variety of metrics. Other applications for the current work include the development processes of orthoses and prostheses for other parts of the body.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• foot orthosis
• finite element
• simulation
• optimization