title: A method for the investigation of the effects of outsole modifications in therapeutic footwear.
abstract: Experiments to determine the effects of therapeutic shoe outsole modifications frequently require the examination of many different configurations and typically use in-shoe pressure measurement to determine the optimal design. A method is presented here to allow the foot-shoe interface to remain undisturbed as different outsole designs are used in the same patient. A standard extra-depth (or super extra-depth) shoe is modified to house three receptacles for quarter-turn fasteners in a carbon fiber plate. The fasteners pass through the outsole unit and secure it firmly to the plate. Results from a typical experiment are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach. It is possible that a large clinic could use this approach in complex cases to assist with optimal footwear prescription.
authors.affiliation: Center for Locomotion Studies, Penn State University, University Park 16802, USA.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Cavanagh
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Ulbrecht
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zanine
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Welling
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Leschinsky
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van Schie
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000502:physiology; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011312:Pressure; D012775:Shoes; D016138:Walking