Improvement of Comfort for Flat-Footed People

By Semaj RashadIEGR 360: Ergonomics and Workplace Design

Dr. B. KattelDepartment of Industrial & Systems Engineering

Morgan State UniversityFall 2011

AgendaObjectivesMethodologyBackground and IntroductionProblem DefinitionMaterialsResults and DiscussionConclusionReferences

ObjectivesRecognize and see the concepts of applied

ergonomics studies in an experiment.Recognize and see the concepts of a Body

Part Discomfort Survey in an experiment.To practice anthropometric body

measurement investigationsTo practice the general systems approach to

ergonomics

MethodologyStatic Anthropometry

Foot LengthScientific Management Adaptation

Does a problem exist?Analysis of ProblemSearch for Possible SolutionsEvaluate AlternativesRecommend SolutionImplement solution

BackgroundAnthropometry – body dimensions and

measurementsStatic Anthropometry- body measured

without motion. Foot Length – Distance from the back of the

heel to tip of longest toe (parallel to the long axis of the foot)

Bio-mechanical Approach – determine forces exerted on musculoskeletal system

Flat-footed or fallen arches - low arch or no arch at all

IntroductionEach foot is an

intricate structure:26 bones33 joints107 ligaments19 muscles2 arches31 tendons7,000 nerve endings125,000 sweat glands

Arch provides elastic, springy connection between the forefoot and the hindfoot.

This relationship ensures that most of the forces incurred during weight bearing can be dissipated before reaching the long bones of the leg and thigh.

IntroductionWithout support problems can develop with

lower body: knees, hips and lower backThe biomechanical theory is that the arch-

support orthotic will provide biomechanical support to the foundation of the body (the feet) will improve lower-extremity and whole-body

alignment/biomechanics.

Problem DefinitionSubject A and B, both with

fallen arches or flat feet, experience periodic pain in their feet, mostly located around the archThey have been

recommended by doctors to try shoe inserts or insoles

This study seeks to find the shoe insert that is the most comfortable solution

MaterialsCompared 5 arch support orthotic (shoe

insert) brandsArch Pro-TecBirkenstock Arch SupportsDr. Rosenberg’s Instant ArchesSorbothane Ultra Orthotic ArchShock Doctor – Ultra 2 Insole

3 types of shoes used per user

Procedure1. Wear each shoe with each arch-support

orthotic for 1 full day2. Rate the comfort of the arch-support

orthotic On a scale from 1-5 (1: very uncomfortable –

5: very comfortable) Provide comments

3. Answer follow-up questions about the experience with each arch-support orthotic

User AUser A Profile Male, 24, 5’5”, 150

lbs., Shoe size = 9 men’s

Shoes worn for User AShoes:•dress shoe•sneaker (high top)•sneaker (low top)

User BUser B Profile:Female, 24, 5’4”, 130 lbs.Shoe size = 8.5 women’s

Shoes worn for User B

Arch Support Orthotics TestedArch Pro Tec Birkenstock

Arch Support Orthotics TestedDr. Rosenberg Sorbothane

Arch Support Orthotics TestedShock Doctor

Comfort Ratings Table

Raw Data of Comfort Ratings (on a scale of 1-5) Taken during months of October – November User performed numerous day-to-day tasks including walking,

working, sitting, etc. with the various arch support orthotics

Comfort Ratings Graph

Statistical Analysis

Most favorable based on Combined Average Ratings:1. Sorbothane2. Shock Doctor3. Dr. Rosenberg4. Birkenstock5. Arch Pro-Tec

Sample Survey Responses From UsersUser B on Arch Pro-Tec (wearing black boots)

They felt tight around my arch, but I don’t feel like it improved anything.

User A on Birkenstock (wearing dress shoes)mild comfort, felt tight in the shoe (not enough room)

User B on Dr. Rosenberg’s (wearing black boots)I could feel them under my arch which felt akward and made

my foot hurt after a while. I had to remove them before the end of the day

User A on Sorbothane (wearing black low top sneakers)Eomfortable, barely noticed they were there…no discomfort at

any period of the day.

User B on Shock Doctor (sneakers)Entire foot felt great…I recommend only wearing in sneakers

Conclusions and RecommendationsBased on the surveys and experimental analysis Sorbothane

Ultra Orthotic Arches are recommended for users with fallen arches or flat feet.Received the highest average comfort ratings for various types

of shoes Applicable to various industries:

Manufacturing where one may be standing for an extended period U.S. Army where walking for an extended period of time has kept flat

footed individuals out in some cases

References Flat Feet - NHS Choices. (n.d.). NHS Choices. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flatfeet/Pages/Introduction.aspx Flat Feet - Symptoms. (2010, April 2). NHS Choices. Retrieved November 28, 2011,

from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/flatfeet/Pages/Symptomspage.aspx Foot Facts. (2008). Synergy Massaging Insoles. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from

http://www.synergymedicalproducts.com/Facts.html Franco, A. H. (n.d.). Pes Cavus and Pes Planus : Analyses and Treatment. Journal of

American Physical Therapy Association. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.physther.net/content/67/5/688.full.pdf+html

Kavros, S. J., Van Straaten, M. G., Coleman Wood, K. A., & Kaufman, K. R. (2011, March 16). Forefoot plantar pressure reduction of off-the-shelf rocker bottom provisional footwear. Clinical Biomechanics. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.sciencedirect.com.proxy-um.researchport.umd.edu/science?_ob=MiamiImageURL

Kelaher, D., Mirka, G. A., & Dudziak, K. Q. (2000). Effects of semi-rigid arch-support orthotics: an investigation with potential ergonomic implications. Applied Ergonomics, 31, 515-522.

Nigg, B. M., Nurse, M. A., & Stefanyshyn, D. J. (1999). Shoe inserts and orthotics for sport and physical activities : Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Medicine Science in Sports Exercise. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/1999/07001/Shoe_inserts_and_orthotics_for_sport_and_physical.3.aspx