The Effects of 3D-Printed Silicone Midsole Design on Gait Biomechanics
19 Pages Posted: 7 Jul 2022
Abstract
3D-printing allows customization of density and shape of silicon meshed midsoles to optimize the biomechanical interaction with the user. The purpose of this study was to assess the biomechanical effects of such midsoles with varying density and arch support. Two experiments were performed with 12 and 9 young, able-bodied participants, who walked on 6 midsoles with three different densities, with and without arch support. In the first experiment, peak ground reaction forces, initial vertical loading rate, RMS of ankle inversion/eversion, and power absorbed and produced by the ankle-foot complex were assessed in treadmill walking. In the second experiment, peak pressure, contact area and pressure time integral over rearfoot, mid-foot and forefoot were assessed in overground walking. The data were analyzed at group as well as individual level. No group level effects were found in the first experiment. In the second experiment, lower midsole density reduced peak pressure on the rearfoot and forefoot and arch support increased the contact area at the mid-foot, which reduced peak pressures on the mid-foot and the pressure time-integral on the mid- and forefoot. At the individual level, significant effects of midsole design were found, which were however variable between subjects, explaining to the lack of group level effects. In conclusion, midsole density and arch support affected gait biomechanics, but these effects were clearly subject dependent. The results presented support the notion to customize midsoles to fit individual users or group of users and demonstrate the utility of 3D printed meshed midsoles towards this end.
Note:
Ethics: This study was approved by the Ethics committee of the Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences of the ‘Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’ (VCWE S1900180) and all participants provided informed consent.
Funding Information: The study was partially funded by ECCO, manufacturer of the midsoles tested.
Declaration of Interests: Other than the choice for the midsoles tested, the funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The authors have no financial or personal relationships with other people or organisations that could inappropriately influence (bias) the work presented here.
Keywords: footwear, shoe design, ankle, foot, gait
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