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It has been difficult to study the effects of arch support on multiple joints simultaneously. Herein, we evaluated foot and ankle kinematics using a fully automated analysis system, "4D-Foot," consisting of a biplane X-ray imager and two-dimensional‒three-dimensional registration, with automated image segmentation and landmark detection tools. We evaluated the effect of arch support on ankle, subtalar, and talonavicular joint kinematics in five healthy female volunteers without a clinical history of foot and ankle disorders. Computed tomography images of the foot and ankle and X-ray videos of walking barefoot and with arch support were acquired. A kinematic analysis using the "4D-Foot" system was performed. The ankle, subtalar, and talonavicular joint kinematics were quantified from heel-strike to foot-off, with and without arch support. For the ankle joint, significant differences were observed in dorsi/plantarflexion, inversion/eversion, and internal/external rotation in the late midstance phase. The dorsi/plantarflexion and inversion/eversion motions were smaller with arch support. For the subtalar joint, a significant difference was observed in all the dynamic motions in the heel-strike and late midstance phases. For the talonavicular joint, significant differences were observed in inversion/eversion and internal/external rotation in heel-strike and the late midstance phases. For the subtalar and talonavicular joints, the motion was larger with arch support. An extremely strong correlation was observed when the motion of the subtalar and talonavicular joints was compared for each condition and motion. The results indicated that the arch support decreased the ankle motion and increased the subtalar and talonavicular joint motions. Additionally, our study demonstrated that the in vivo subtalar and talonavicular joints revealed a strong correlation, suggesting that the navicular and calcaneal bones were moving similarly to the talus and that the arch support stabilizes the ankle joint and compensatively increases the subtalar and talonavicular joint motions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background A flat foot is a common cause of chronic sports injuries and therefore many opportunities for arch support interventions exist. However, young athletes change their foot morphology due to developmental influences even without intervention. Therefore, developmental influences need to be considered when examining the effects of arch support, but there have not been sufficient longitudinal studies to date. This study aimed to determine the effect of the arch support intervention by performing a 9-weeks arch support intervention on the foot morphology and cross-sectional area of the foot muscles in flat-footed young athletes. Thirty-one elementary school boys (Age 11.4 ± 0.5 years, Height 145.2 ± 7.4 cm, Weight 38.8 ± 8.3 kg, BMI 18.2 ± 2.2 kg/m2) with a decreased medial longitudinal arch in the foot posture index were selected as participants from a local soccer club and randomly divided into two groups. Methods In one group, in the intervention period, an existing arch supporter was used to provide arch support, while in the other group, no special intervention was provided in the observation period. To account for developmental effects, the intervention study was conducted as an 18-weeks crossover study in which the intervention and observational phases were switched at 9 weeks after the intervention. Foot morphology was assessed using a three-dimensional foot measuring machine, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the internal and external muscles of the foot was assessed using an ultrasound imaging device. We examined the effect of the intervention by comparing the amount of change in the measurement results between the intervention and observation periods using corresponding t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test, analysis of covariance methods. Results After adapting the exclusion criteria, 14 patients (28 feet) were included in the final analysis. The CSA of the abductor hallucis muscle (ABH) increased 9.7% during the intervention period and 3.0% during the observation period (p = 0.01). The CSA of the flexor digitorum longus muscle (FDL) increased 7.7% during the intervention period and 4.2% during the observation period (p = 0.02). Conclusion A 9-weeks arch supporter intervention may promote the development of the ABH and FDL CSA in young flat-footed soccer players.

Although both fabricated insoles and customized insoles were designed with varied function components, current knowledge approved that customized insoles worked much better. However, how the customized insoles achieved a better performance in term of load re-distribution was still lacking quantitative assessment. The aim was to determine whether the customized insole structure based on a novel customization procedure proposed in this study performs better than the prefabricated insoles in terms of plantar pressure re-distribution efficiency. This study included ten healthy subjects, each wearing four types of insoles accordingly (control insoles; arch support insoles; orthotic insoles; customized insoles), and plantar pressure was collected in a walking state. The custom insoles are made by determining the subject’s plantar surface and key plantar points, then following the customization procedure to finish them. The plantar area was divided into eight zones and then a pressure transfer algorithm was used to gain insight into the plantar pressure. Compared to the control group insoles, the arch support of the customized insoles reduced pressure in the hallux region and transferred pressure from the M4-5 to the MH and LH regions, while the metatarsal pad enhanced the pressure transfer in the mid-foot, and the anterior-posterior height difference of the insole plays a role in pressure transfer. Furthermore, the customized insoles performed close to the professional orthotic insoles. Design strategy with accurate insole’s component location and reasonably plantar surface matching, our customized insole demonstrated advantages such as a better loading redistribution and significant pressure relieving on the forefoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the results of tests of the monorail transport system using suspended diesel locomotives with traditional transport beams and with the use of an innovative system of transport beams for the delivery of heavy loads, it was found that to reduce the dynamics of the load to the elements of the suspended route segments fastened to the arches of the arch support, it is beneficial to use the proposed an innovative technical solution that increases the reliability of the route catches to the support arches, which is important when transporting heavy loads. The new solution significantly reduces the dynamic loads to the route catches to the support arches by redistributing the load over a greater number of sections of the suspended monorail route. It has been proven that during the period of intensification of preparatory work, these technical solutions make it possible to keep to the timely preparation of new mining pillars and are perceived as a promising direction for improving the existing transport system for the mines of the region and ensuring the operational parameters of mining transport equipment at a high technical level in the specific conditions of the mines of Western Donbass [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying the hardness of prefabricated orthopedic insoles on plantar pressure and muscle fatigue during uphill walking with a heavy backpack. Fifteen healthy male recreational athletes (age: 20.4 ± 1.0 years, height: 176.9 ± 5.7 cm, weight: 76.5 ± 9.0 kg) wore prefabricated orthopedic insoles with foot arch support; a heel cup with medium (MI), hard (HI), and soft (SI) relative hardnesses; and flat insoles (FI). They performed treadmill walking on uphill gradients with 25 kg backpacks. The plantar pressure and surface electromyographic activity were recorded separately, in 30 s and 6 min uphill treadmill walking trials, respectively. The HI, MI, and SI significantly decreased peak plantar pressure in the lateral heel compared to FI. The MI and SI significantly decreased the peak plantar pressure in the fifth metatarsal compared to FI. The MI significantly reduced the pressure–time integral in the lateral heel compared to FI. The HI significantly increased the peak plantar pressure and pressure–time integral in the toes compared to other insoles, and decreased the contact area in the metatarsal compared to SI. In conclusion, a prefabricated orthopedic insole made of soft material at the fore- and rearfoot, with midfoot arch support and a heel cup, may augment the advantages of plantar pressure distribution during uphill weighted walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A flat foot is a common cause of chronic sports injuries and therefore many opportunities for arch support interventions exist. However, young athletes change their foot morphology due to developmental influences even without intervention. Therefore, developmental influences need to be considered when examining the effects of arch support, but there have not been sufficient longitudinal studies to date. This study aimed to determine the effect of the arch support intervention by performing a 9-weeks arch support intervention on the foot morphology and cross-sectional area of the foot muscles in flat-footed young athletes. Thirty-one elementary school boys (Age 11.4 ± 0.5 years, Height 145.2 ± 7.4 cm, Weight 38.8 ± 8.3 kg, BMI 18.2 ± 2.2 kg/m2) with a decreased medial longitudinal arch in the foot posture index were selected as participants from a local soccer club and randomly divided into two groups. Methods: In one group, in the intervention period, an existing arch supporter was used to provide arch support, while in the other group, no special intervention was provided in the observation period. To account for developmental effects, the intervention study was conducted as an 18-weeks crossover study in which the intervention and observational phases were switched at 9 weeks after the intervention. Foot morphology was assessed using a three-dimensional foot measuring machine, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the internal and external muscles of the foot was assessed using an ultrasound imaging device. We examined the effect of the intervention by comparing the amount of change in the measurement results between the intervention and observation periods using corresponding t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test, analysis of covariance methods. Results: After adapting the exclusion criteria, 14 patients (28 feet) were included in the final analysis. The CSA of the abductor hallucis muscle (ABH) increased 9.7% during the intervention period and 3.0% during the observation period (p = 0.01). The CSA of the flexor digitorum longus muscle (FDL) increased 7.7% during the intervention period and 4.2% during the observation period (p = 0.02). Conclusion: A 9-weeks arch supporter intervention may promote the development of the ABH and FDL CSA in young flat-footed soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insoles with an arch support have been used to address biomechanical risk factors of running. However, the relationship between the dose of support and running biomechanics remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of changing arch support doses on the center of pressure (COP) and pressure mapping using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Nine arch support variations (3 heights * 3 widths) and a flat insole control were tested on fifteen healthy recreational runners using a 1-m Footscan pressure plate. The medial-lateral COP (COPML) coordinates and the total COP velocity (COPVtotal) were calculated throughout the entirety of stance. One-dimensional and two-dimensional SPM were performed to assess differences between the arch support and control conditions for time series of COP variables and pressure mapping at a pixel level, respectively. Two-way ANOVAs were performed to test the main effect of the arch support height and width, and their interaction on the peak values of the COPVtotal. The results showed that the COPVtotal during the forefoot contact and forefoot push off phases was increased by arch supports, while the COP medial-lateral coordinates remained unchanged. There was a dose-response effect of the arch support height on peak values of the COPVtotal, with a higher support increasing the first and third valleys but decreasing the third peak of the COPVtotal. Meanwhile, a higher arch support height shifted the peak pressure from the medial forefoot and rearfoot to the medial arch. It is concluded that changing arch support doses, primarily the height, systematically altered the COP velocities and peak plantar pressure at a pixel level during running. When assessing subtle modifications in the arch support, the COP velocity was a more sensitive variable than COP coordinates. SPM provides a high-resolution view of pressure comparisons, and is recommended for future insole/footwear investigations to better understand the underlying mechanisms and improve insole design.

Underground mine tunnels, drifts, and mine headings are susceptible to the impact of convergence. The convergence has a big influence on further measurements such as airflow and the volume concentration of methane and other gases. In most cases, deformation of arch supports lead to getting a smaller cross-section area. A comparison is made between five methods of measuring the cross-sectional area of a mine tunnel. The reference size of the six cross-section mine drift areas were obtained by Terrestrial Laser Scanning, which were then compared with the cross-section areas obtained by four other methods. The following methods were considered: area calculation using CAD software, an empirical method, approximation by a semi-ellipse and approximation by a semi-ellipse with attached straight sections. This article presents the quantitative and qualitative differences of the obtained results. Differences in the calculated cross-sectional areas of the mine drift are discussed, and reasons for the differences are determined. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Using foot orthoses for managing medial knee osteoarthritis (MKOA) is common, although its effectiveness is in debate. Most orthoses are placed inside the shoe as a lateral wedged insole. Thus, most studies in this area have focused on the effect of insoles used with shoes. This study compared the effects of a lateral wedge with subtalar strap (combined insole) used while barefoot and lateral wedged insole fitted within sandal on pain, function and external knee adduction moment (EKAM) in patients with MKOA to consider which orthotic treatment is better. Methods: In this quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study, 29 participants with medial knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups: (1) combined insole (n = 15) and (2) sandal (n = 14) groups. We recorded their gait while walking with and without orthoses using a motion analysis system. We evaluated their pain and performance with visual analog scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, 30 s chair stand, and Timed Up and Go functional tests. The pain and performance evaluations were repeated after one month. Results: The pain immediately decreased after walking with both orthoses (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in EKAM results between the two orthoses. Pain and performance improved in both groups after a one month using the orthoses (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Both types of orthoses have similar effect and lead to better performance and less pain after 1 month. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Increasing the load-bearing capacity of metal arch supports used to maintain the mine workings due to strengthening in places with the highest bending moment. Methods. The stress-strain state of the rock mass and support is analyzed using the ANSYS software package. The problem is studied in three variants: a support without strengtheners, a support with one strengthener in the area with the maximum bending moment, and a support with three strengtheners in the areas with the highest bending moments. To determine the bending moments and normal forces in a three-section metal arch support, the finite element method is used for specific and existing conditions, which is followed by the selection of the required standard size of the support. Findings. The conducted research gives reasons to believe that the proposed variant for increasing the load-bearing capacity of the support, made from a special replaceable rolled profile (SCP), can significantly improve the state of mine workings. Obviously, the proposed solution can be applied not only to arch supports, but also to other structures of rolled metal support. Originality. The pattern of changes in the values of internal forces arising in metal arch frame supports, depending on the deformation characteristics, the location of the strengtheners, as well as on the geometric characteristics of the mine working and the ratio of lateral and vertical loads on the support, has been determined. Practical implications. The proposed variant for increasing the load-bearing capacity of the support can be used to sustainably maintain mine workings in difficult mining-geological conditions of the Karaganda Coal Basin mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying the hardness of prefabricated orthopedic insoles on plantar pressure and muscle fatigue during uphill walking with a heavy backpack. Fifteen healthy male recreational athletes (age: 20.4 ± 1.0 years, height: 176.9 ± 5.7 cm, weight: 76.5 ± 9.0 kg) wore prefabricated orthopedic insoles with foot arch support; a heel cup with medium (MI), hard (HI), and soft (SI) relative hardnesses; and flat insoles (FI). They performed treadmill walking on uphill gradients with 25 kg backpacks. The plantar pressure and surface electromyographic activity were recorded separately, in 30 s and 6 min uphill treadmill walking trials, respectively. The HI, MI, and SI significantly decreased peak plantar pressure in the lateral heel compared to FI. The MI and SI significantly decreased the peak plantar pressure in the fifth metatarsal compared to FI. The MI significantly reduced the pressure–time integral in the lateral heel compared to FI. The HI significantly increased the peak plantar pressure and pressure–time integral in the toes compared to other insoles, and decreased the contact area in the metatarsal compared to SI. In conclusion, a prefabricated orthopedic insole made of soft material at the fore- and rearfoot, with midfoot arch support and a heel cup, may augment the advantages of plantar pressure distribution during uphill weighted walking.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of arch support functional insoles to prevent metatarsalgia. METHOD: Twenty-five healthy females participated in the study. A Vicon motion capture system was used to collect kinematics data of the lower limb. An AMTI force plate was used to record the vertical ground reaction force (GRF), and the Novel Pedar-X System was used to measure foot pressure while subjects wore normal insoles or functional insoles with an arch support during walking and jogging. RESULTS: With the arch support functional insoles, the first metatarsal (FM) region's contact area was increased and the peak pressure and time-pressure integral of the FM and second and third metatarsal (SATM) were areas decreased. This suggests a lower risk of longitude stress injuries in these areas. The ankle dorsiflexion angle of jogging with the 'arch support functional insoles' (RF) and walking with the 'arch support functional insoles' (WF) were significantly increased at initial contact and the knee and hip flexion angle of RF and WF were reduced. The peak hip extension angle of WF and RF also declined. The vertical loading rate of RF was lower, which would be beneficial in reducing the risk of lower limb injuries during jogging. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that arch support functional insoles can be used effectively to prevent and decrease pain and promote a suitable weight-bearing pattern in the foot for promoting the health of young females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is the result of a project aimed at developing and implementing a design of composite accessories for support in excavations located in underground hard coal mines. The research team verified the possibility of using elements made of prefabricated composite structural profile as an alternative to steel and reinforced concrete lining elements used to improve support's stability and protect against rockfall. This paper includes a research experiment on the possibilities of using a composite C-profile element as lining made in the pultrusion technology with a longitudinal position of the roving. The prefabricated structural profiles were adapted to the function by designing seatings for fitting the flanges for arch support's V-profiles. Prototypes of these elements were subjected to bench tests in compliance with the guidelines for testing mesh linings. In addition, computer simulations using the finite element method were carried out. The values obtained during the tests were compared with the requirements for lightweight mesh and included the Polish standard PN-G-15050 and reinforced A-type concrete lining defined in the standard PN-G-06021. The team determined the areas where material strength exceeded and the structure was damaged. Despite the limited quantity of laboratory tests and lack of field tests in actual mining conditions, it was possible to address the argument of the research and determine whether it is possible to use C-profile made in the pultrusion technology as a lining element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common overuse injuries in running, and forefoot pronation, seen in flatfeet participants, has been proposed to cause additional loading across the Achilles tendon. Foot orthoses are one of the common and effective conservative treatment prescribed for Achilles tendinopathy, it works by correcting the biomechanical malalignment and reducing tendon load. Previous studies have shown reduction of Achilles Tendon load (ATL) during running by using customized arch support orthosis (CASO) or an orthotic heel lift (HL). However, there are still little biomechanical evidence and comparative studies to guide orthotic prescriptions for Achilles tendinopathy management. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the two currently employed orthotic treatment options for Achilles tendinopathy: CASO and HL for the reduction of ATL and Achilles tendon loading rate (ATLR) in recreational runners with flatfeet. Methods Twelve participants were recruited and run along the runway in the laboratory for three conditions: (1) without orthoses, (2) with CASO (3) with HL. Kinematic and kinetic data were recorded by 3D motion capturing system and force platform. Ankle joint moments and ATL were computed and compared within the three conditions. Results Participants who ran with CASO (p = 0.001, d = 0.43) or HL (p = 0.001, d = 0.48) associated with a significant reduction in ATL when compared to without orthotics while there was no significant difference between the two types of orthoses, the mean peak ATL of CASO was slightly lower than HL. Regarding the ATLR, both orthoses, CASO (p = 0.003, d = 0.93) and HL (p = 0.004, d = 0.78), exhibited significant lower value than the control but similarly, no significant difference was noted between them in which the use of CASO yielded a slightly lower loading rate than that of HL. Conclusions Both CASO and HL were able to cause a significant reduction in peak ATL and ATLR comparing to without orthotics condition. There were subtle but no statistically significant differences in the biomechanical effects between the two types of orthoses. The findings help to quantify the effect of CASO and HL on load reduction of Achilles tendon and suggests that foot orthoses may serve to prevent the incidence of Achilles tendon pathologies. Trial registration NCT04003870 on clinicaltrials.gov 1 July 2019.

Underground mine tunnels, drifts, and mine headings are susceptible to the impact of convergence. The convergence has a big influence on further measurements such as airflow and the volume concentration of methane and other gases. In most cases, deformation of arch supports lead to getting a smaller cross-section area. A comparison is made between five methods of measuring the cross-sectional area of a mine tunnel. The reference size of the six cross-section mine drift areas were obtained by Terrestrial Laser Scanning, which were then compared with the cross-section areas obtained by four other methods. The following methods were considered: area calculation using CAD software, an empirical method, approximation by a semi-ellipse and approximation by a semi-ellipse with attached straight sections. This article presents the quantitative and qualitative differences of the obtained results. Differences in the calculated cross-sectional areas of the mine drift are discussed, and reasons for the differences are determined. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are indicated.

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Steel yielding arch support constructed of V profiles is commonly used to protect galleries and, in some cases, to reinforce or secure a shaft support. For this purpose, a closed, circular-shaped arch support is used, with arches overlapped by clamps that are typical for this type of construction. The support has high resistance to the impact of even (distributed over the entire surface of the support) load, however, as a result of significant deformation associated with a change in the radius of the curvatures, the support shows limited yielding capacity. This is due to the increase in resistance to slide on the locks, resulting from changes in the geometry of the ring caused by the rock mass. This article presents the results of research and analysis concerning the elements of the arch support with notches in arches. The research team tested the effect of the depth and location of the notches of the section’s flanges on the load impacting on the clamp’s bolts and the strength of the roof support. Moreover, the tests covered the influence of the number and location of clamps in a frictional joint on the change in the nature of work and yielding capacity. Finally, the research included both strength tests of the support’s elements, as well as strength analyses based on the finite element method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Windlass taping is used to reduce pain in plantar fasciitis and thought to take stress off the plantar fascia. Objective: To investigate the effects of windlass taping. Design: Single group, repeated measures. Setting: Outpatient physical therapy clinics. Patients: 20 subjects with plantar fasciitis. Intervention: Windlass taping technique. Main Outcome Measures: Pretaping and posttaping measures included pain levels using a visual analog scale (VAS), resting-stance calcaneal position, tibial position, and navicular height. Fifteen also reported a VAS after wearing the tape for 24 h. Results: Median VAS score 37 mm pretape and 6 mm immediately posttape and 24 h later. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed ranks test significant (P = .001) for reduction in pain scores. Paired t tests significant (P = .01) for a difference between means of pretaping and posttaping measurements for resting-stance positions. Conclusions: Windlass taping decreased pain in patients with plantar fasciitis and caused small changes in resting-stance positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opening deeper coal seams requires constructing underground mine roadways in difficult geological conditions. Supporting of such roadways is subjected to a very high load from the rock mass. The types of roof supports used so far do not provide immediate support for the rock mass, which tends to converge the roadway, allowing for a rapid build-up of stresses in the surrounding rock mass. The article presents a new type of frame roadway support. This is a yielding support (consecutive arches are connected in a helical pattern), enabling the successive arches to be provided with initial load-bearing capacity already at the construction stage. The so-called unscrewing of the helix enables the arches to be pressed against the surface of the developed roadway with a controlled force. The introduction discusses the types of yielding roof supports used in the Polish mining industry and indicates their characteristic features. Further along in the article, the assumptions adopted for the construction of models to be tested and assumptions for the static and dynamic load to the models are defined, and the results of the model numerical tests are presented. The tests were aimed at comparing the qualitative behavior of the new roof support and the closed, circular support which is closest to it. The results of numerical tests confirmed the strength of the new solution not lower than the closed (circular) frame support, previously used in the most difficult geological conditions.

Background: Foot orthoses are often used to correct altered gait patterns. However, effect of long term use of arch support foot orthoses on walking mechanics is not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of long term use of arch support foot orthoses on the asymmetry indices of ground reaction forces during stance phase of walking in male children with flexible flat feet. Methods: Fifteen male volunteered children (with their parents' permission) with flexible flat feet were evaluated. Walking ground reaction forces and kinematic data before and after four months use of foot orthoses were recorded by force plate and Vicon motion system, respectively. Then, the asymmetry indices of ground reaction force components were calculated. Results: The results show that asymmetry index of the medio-lateral component of ground reaction force in loading response and push off phases during pre-test were higher than 4% (normal value). Also asymmetry index of its time to peak during the mid-stance phase in the pre-test were higher than normal value. Moreover, findings did not show any significant differences in asymmetry indices of other ground reaction force components and their time to peak, impulses and vertical loading rate between pre-test and post-test conditions. Conclusion: Despite the high asymmetry values of the peak medio-lateral component and it's time to peak in children with flexible flat feet during pre-test; long-term use of the foot orthoses did not show any significant effect on the improvement of the asymmetry index of these components. However, long-term wearing of the foot orthoses reduced asymmetry index of the peak positive free moment amplitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Heel spur is a common rearfoot syndrome in more than 45 aged people which accompanied with pain. This study was done to assess the effect of silicon insole on plantar pressure distribution in subjects with heel spur. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 12 female and 3 male with heel spur were recruited. Plantar pressure in five areas of foot was measured by Pedar-X insole when wearing standard shoe only; shoe with foot orthosisimmediately after 9 meter walking. Results: Silicon insole reduced pressure in medial forefoot (P0.05). Silicon insole increased force (P

The study sought to investigate whether an orthotic stiletto could modulate the pressure and comfort under the forefoot, arch and heel that stiletto wearers experience. Twenty-two women participated. We measured the peak pressure and pressure-time integral for orthotic stilettos with built-in metatarsal pad, heel cup and arch support; standard stilettos without inlays; and trainers. Comfort was recorded during 3 × 3 working days. The orthotic stiletto exhibited lower metatarsal head1 (MTH) and MTH2+3 and heel pressures than the standard stiletto (p < .01), and a long second metatarsal increased MTH2+3 pressure (p < .01). The comfort in the forefoot and heel was higher in the orthotic stiletto than in the standard one (p < .01), and comfort in the forefoot was correlated to the pressure-time integral of MTH2+3 (p = .03) and not peak pressure. Off-the-rack orthotic stilettos can notably reduce plantar pressures and improve forefoot and heel comfort during everyday use. Practitioner Summary: Off-the-rack orthotic stilettos with built-in metatarsal pad, arch support and heel caps can lower the pressure under the heel and forefoot in comparison with a standard stiletto and can improve comfort during everyday use. Having a long second metatarsal is a risk factor for increased forefoot pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our goal was to develop an effective research tool for tunnels with significant deformations supported by arch–bolt union system. The improved numerical simulation approach is constructed through additional development of FLAC 3D . There are four parts that form the approach: a yieldable supporting arch module, a separable arch–rock interaction module, a breakable anchor bolt module, and a practicable surrounding rock module. The yield criterion of the supporting arch was proposed and embedded in the modified beam element via the FISH language programming. A separation criterion is proposed for the arch–rock interaction link, and the separable arch–rock interaction module is realized through modifying the normal-yield attachments of the built-in arch–rock links. A tensile breakage failure criterion is proposed for the anchor bolt using the ultimate elongation ratio δ f of the whole anchor-free part as the criterion. Taking an actual mining roadway tunnel as the simulation object, two simulation schemes adopting the newly improved approach and the original method were carried out respectively, and comparisons of the results show that: (1) the bending moment and axial force at the yielding moment of the compression-bending element change from independent to related after modification, and the computed deviation of the arch model caused by the shortcomings of the original beam element were effectively suppressed; (2) the separable link is proved effective by the supporting forces curves and arch deformation responses; (3) the breaking property of the anchor bolt is implemented, and the response is sensitive; and (4) the surrounding rock controlling results in the modified model scheme are closer to the actual. The analysis shows that the improved numerical simulation approach is much more reliable for large deformation tunnel behavior with arch–bolt union support, especially concerning the bearing and failure behaviors of the supporting arch and anchor bolt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Concrete-filled Steel Tubular (CFST) arch support technology for transportation tunnels and mining roadways is developing rapidly, research regarding the determination of the bearing capacity of the CFST arch support is still limited. Based on a literature analysis, the definition and expression form of the bearing capacity of CFST supporting arch Q was clarified, and determination approaches via laboratory testing and theoretical calculation methods were recommended. Full-size mechanical tests of CFST arches were performed by adhering to the suggested loading pattern that uses a number of hydraulic cylinders along the arch profile to simulate the surrounding rock pressure. The failure mode of the arches was determined as elastic-plastic instability with an extreme point. The critical criterion of global instability for the tested arch was proposed as the critical CFST section reaching the compression-bending limit. Based on the above criterion, a specific process for determining the Q by theoretical calculation was proposed. Calculation examples show that the calculation results deviations were less than 4% compared with the tests results, and the reliability and accuracy of the new theoretical approach were thus verified. Finally, the limitations of the calculation method were noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heel lifts have been widely used as a conservative treatment for some musculoskeletal problems and complaints. However, the heel rise caused by heel lifts may also affect the plantar pressure distribution and stability during walking. This study aimed to test whether adding an arch support to a heel lift would improve its stability and comfort through comparing the center of pressure (COP) during walking and subjective ratings between heel lifts with and without an arch support. Fifteen healthy male participants were asked to walk along an 8m walkway while wearing high-cut footwear with the control heel lifts and the heel lifts with an arch support. A Footscan pressure plate was used to measure the COP during walking. Subjective ratings including medial-lateral control, dynamic foot/shoe fitting and overall comfort were assessed for each participant. The results showed that compared to the control condition, the COP trajectory was medially shifted during stance phase of gait in the arch support condition. The maximum displacements and velocity of medial-lateral COP in the forefoot contact phase were smaller in the arch support condition than in the control condition. Adding an arch support to a heel lift also significantly improved the subjective ratings in terms of the medial-lateral control, dynamic foot/shoe fitting and overall comfort. The findings of this study suggest that adding an arch support to a heel lift could improve its stability and comfort during walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suggestions for the construction of composite arches at tied arch bridges. The arches of tied arch bridges are predominantly under compressive loading and are most often constructed out of steel. This contradicts the basic engineering knowledge to use concrete for compressive loading and steel for tension loading. The simple assembly of steel arches compared to the time-consuming falsework for concrete arches, the large degree of prefabrication and a smaller self-weight compared to a heavy concrete arch are reasons for choosing to use a steel arch. As an alternative to steel or concrete arches, suggestions for composite arches on 'normal' tied arch bridges are made. A composite tied arch combines, like a composite column, the advantages of steel and concrete construction. Calculations show that rolled sections encased in concrete can be used as tied arches for common effective spans. Such arches have economic advantages and the rolled sections can be additionally used as formwork or formwork girder. Concrete filled hollow sections allow for particularly slender arches and the hollow section functions also as formwork. Furthermore, possible arch supports are specified and analyzed. Tied arch bridges are often assembled at a preassembly area and subsequently launched into their end position. For such cases, composite arches have, when compared to pure steel arches, a lighter steel construction during the bridge launch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Plantar Fasciitis is the common foot complaint that outbreaks as a result of an inflammation of plantar fascia. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three orthoses, silicon heel pad, thermoplastic custom-made arch support and Tension Night splint, how they relived pain in plantar fasciitis. Materials & Methods: In this quasi experimental study that was done on 16 patients who were referred from Shariati Hospital Orthopedic ward to Saba Orthotics & Prosthetics Center age, sex, BMI, occupation and activity level were not inclusion criteria, systemic diseases and also surgery on foot in past were as exclusion criteria. The patients were assigned one by one to three treatment groups who were ready to admit them. Subject's pain was assessed for 3 months, at 2nd, 6th and 12th week, by Numerical Rating Scale and Verbal Rating Scale through phone. Data were analyzed with ANOVA, Pierson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients, Kruskal-Wallis test and Repeated Measurement test. Results: The coefficient correlation of Numerical score pain and rating score pain were 0.80. The average of morning (P=0.87), evening (P=0.198) and the worse pain (P=0.113) before entering the study were similar in three groups. The repeated measurement test defined that all the three orthoses were effective for the morning, evening and as so for the worse pain (P

Conventional heel lift with a flat surface increases the risk of foot problems related to higher plantar pressure and decreased stability. In this study, an optimized design of in-shoe heel lifts developed to maintain the midfoot function was tested to investigate if the plantar pressure distribution was improved. The design was based on three dimensional foot plantar contour which was captured by an Infoot 3D scanning system while the heel was elevated by a heel wedge. To facilitate midfoot function, an arch support was designed to support the lateral longitudinal arch, while allowing functional movement of the medial longitudinal arch. Twenty healthy male subjects were asked to walk along an 8m walkway while wearing high-cut footwear with and without the optimized heel lift. Peak pressure, contact area and force-time integral were measured using the Pedar insole system. Range and velocity of medial-lateral center of pressure during forefoot contact phase and foot flat phase were collected using a Footscan pressure plate. Compared to the shoe only condition, peak pressure under the rearfoot decreased with the optimized heel lift, while no increase of peak pressure was observed under the forefoot and midfoot regions, indicating improved plantar pressure distribution. The findings of this study suggest that this optimized heel lift has better biomechanical performance than a conventional flat heel lift. Results from this study may have implications for insole and shoe last design, especially for people who need additional heel height without sacrificing midfoot function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Heel spur is a common rearfoot syndrome in more than 45 aged people which accompanied with pain. This study was done to assess the effect of silicon insole on plantar pressure distribution in subjects with heel spur. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 12 female and 3 male with heel spur were recruited. Plantar pressure in five areas of foot was measured by Pedar-X insole when wearing standard shoe only; shoe with foot orthosisimmediately after 9 meter walking. Results: Silicon insole reduced pressure in medial forefoot (P<0.05) and heel (P>0.05). Silicon insole increased force (P<0.05), contact area (P<0.05) and pressure time integral (PTI) (P<0.05) in medial midfoot and reduced PTI in medial forefoot (P<0.05). Conclusion: Silicon insole reduced mean peak pressure in medial forefoot and mean peak pressure in five area of foot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this review was to evaluate and compare the effect of foot orthoses on center of pressure (CoP) displacement in healthy patients and those with flat foot.Method: The search strategy was based on the Population Intervention Comparison Outcome (PICO) method. A search was performed in PubMed, Science Direct, Google scholar and ISI web of knowledge databases by using selected keywords. Seventeen articles were selected for final evaluation. The procedure was followed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method.Result: The results of the literature review demonstrated that there is lack of evidence to show that FOs improve CoP displacement in subjects with flat foot.Conclusion: There is no consistent evidence to prove the efficacy of FOs on altering CoP displacement in healthy subjects but in those with flat foot, FOs decreased CoP excursion.Implications for RehabilitationFoot orthoses (FOs) have become an integral part of the treatment of injuries of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity.Assessment of FOs effect on the COP displacement can help to provide a better understanding of the body’s compensatory mechanisms and their therapeutic effects.There is no consistent evidence to prove the efficacy of FOs on CoP displacement in healthy subjects but in flat foot subjects foot orthoses decreased CoP excursion has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Insoles with an arch support have been used to address biomechanical risk factors of running. However, the relationship between the dose of support and running biomechanics remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of changing arch support doses on the center of pressure (COP) and pressure mapping using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Nine arch support variations (3 heights * 3 widths) and a flat insole control were tested on fifteen healthy recreational runners using a 1-m Footscan pressure plate. The medial-lateral COP (COP ML ) coordinates and the total COP velocity (COPV total ) were calculated throughout the entirety of stance. One-dimensional and two-dimensional SPM were performed to assess differences between the arch support and control conditions for time series of COP variables and pressure mapping at a pixel level, respectively. Two-way ANOVAs were performed to test the main effect of the arch support height and width, and their interaction on the peak values of the COPV total . The results showed that the COPV total during the forefoot contact and forefoot push off phases was increased by arch supports, while the COP medial-lateral coordinates remained unchanged. There was a dose-response effect of the arch support height on peak values of the COPV total , with a higher support increasing the first and third valleys but decreasing the third peak of the COPV total . Meanwhile, a higher arch support height shifted the peak pressure from the medial forefoot and rearfoot to the medial arch. It is concluded that changing arch support doses, primarily the height, systematically altered the COP velocities and peak plantar pressure at a pixel level during running. When assessing subtle modifications in the arch support, the COP velocity was a more sensitive variable than COP coordinates. SPM provides a high-resolution view of pressure comparisons, and is recommended for future insole/footwear investigations to better understand the underlying mechanisms and improve insole design., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Cheng, Zeng, Lai and Zhang.)

One of the most frequent hazards occurring in Polish hard coal mines are rock bursts, which occur in the most of active mines (70%). Rock bursts are initiated mostly by rock-mass tremors with the seismic energy of 10 to 10 J. Analysis of roadway support damages resulting from rock bursts during recent twenty years showed that arch supports are not sufficient for rock burst protection of the working. In spite of many years investigations, answer to the question what is the true load of the support during the rock burst was still unknown. Therefore, continuous recording of load with the use of especially constructed device was arranged. In the paper, results of these measurements and their analysis are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to examine if the addition of an arch support could improve the biomechanical effect of the laterally wedged insole, three-dimensional gait analysis was performed on 20 healthy volunteers. Kinetic and kinematic parameters at the knee and subtalar joints were compared among the following four types of insoles; a 5-mm thick flat insole, a flat insole with an arch support (AS), a 6° inclined laterally wedged insole (LW), and a laterally wedged insole with an arch support (LWAS). The knee adduction moment averaged for the entire stance phase was reduced by the use of LW and LWAS by 7.7% and 13.3%, respectively, from that with FLAT. The difference in knee adduction moment between LW and LWAS was most obvious in the late stance, which was ascribed to the difference in the progression angle between those insoles. The analyses also revealed that LW tended to increase step width, and that such an increase was completely eliminated by the addition of an arch support to LW. This reduction of step width could be another mechanism for the further reduction of the moment with LWAS. The analyses of biomechanical parameters at the subtalar joints suggested that LWAS allowed the subject to walk in a more natural manner, while exerting greater biomechanical effects than LW. Thus, the addition of an arch support to the laterally wedged insole reduced knee adduction moment more efficiently, possibly through the elimination of potential negative effects of the laterally wedged insole. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]