This study presents a method for fabricating customized insoles using fused filament fabrication (FFF) and user-specific foot shape data. We evaluated the method's effects through plantar pressure distribution and Arch Index (AI) analysis. To capture plantar contours, we designed a kit-type impression-based acquisition process. The resulting impressions were digitized using three-dimensional (3D) scanning. We aligned the scanned plantar impression with a base insole CAD model, iteratively modifying and verifying the upper surface to reconstruct a customized insole geometry. The final insole model was exported in STL format and produced using FFF with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament and a 25% honeycomb infill structure. A subject with a high arch wore the customized insoles during daily activities for one month, with plantar pressure data collected three times before and after the wear period. After using the customized insoles, the midfoot contact area increased from approximately 10–15% to 20–25% of the total plantar contact area, and the plantar load distribution shifted from a forefoot-rearfoot concentration to a more balanced pattern. These results demonstrate that the proposed FFF-based customized insole effectively enhances medial arch support and promotes a balanced plantar load distribution.
In this study, a four-axis platform capable of rolling, pitch, and yaw rotation was created for rehabilitation and exercise. Based on this, a virtual coach and a virtual reality game system were developed. The virtual coach is a 3D person model created with the Unity program that allows the user to exercise in the correct posture with the virtual coach, and recognizes the correct posture with the Kinect. Additionally, a virtual reality game has been developed, and in conjunction with this, the actual platform also moves to increase the rehabilitation effect. The upper body and lower body movement and plantar pressure measurement were used to associate with the four-axis platform to maintain strength and balance the body.
Maintaining balance is a factor critical and integral to our effective physical function as it relates to the normal activities of daily living. Of the “hip strategy”, “stepping strategy” and “ankle strategy”, it is known and accepted that the “ankle strategy” is the first activated parameter to assist in the maintenance of balance in motor output. However, few studies actually evaluated or assessed the precise attributes of “ankle strategy” in relation to any therapeutic effort tocorrect and/or rehabilitate from physical imbalance caused by dynamic tilting perturbation. The aim of the study was to identify precise characteristics of the “ankle strategy” as they respond to dynamic tilting perturbations. Seven healthy male (aged 25.5 ± 1.7 years, average height of 173.9 ± 6.4 cm, average body mass of 71.3 ± 6.5 kg) were recruited to participate. The ankle joint motions were subjected to eight dynamic tilting perturbations generated by the customized tilting perturbation simulator, and the responses were measured by 3D motion capture system. Concurrently, foot pressure distribution and the corresponding centers of pressure (COP) trajectory were measured by a pressure measuring system, and the four main muscles’ activations related to the ankle joint motions were measured by wireless electromyogram system.
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