Design and Product Development

Analysis of Plantar Contours and Derivation of Design Baseline for the Development of Functional Insoles to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers

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Abstract

This study focuses on preventing diabetic foot ulcers through functional footwear, explicitly targeting the metatarsal head area (MHA), where ulceration often begins. Traditional offloading devices, while effective, can be inconvenient, highlighting the need for easily donned, morphologically adaptive footwear. Through 2D and 3D foot shape analysis, the study proposes design standards for MHA of functional insoles, acknowledging unique plantar contour and MHA features. The designed insoles, based on the wearer's MHA contour, are expected to reduce discomfort and enhance user compliance. These findings provide a foundation for MHA insert pad design, contribute to overall foot offloading, and anticipate future research on refining design requirements by comparing MHA contours.

Keywords: Foot shape analysis, 3D scanning, Plantar contours, Diabetic foot ulcer, Functional footwear design, Functional insoles

How to Cite:

Bae, Y., Kim, H. & Choi, H., (2024) “Analysis of Plantar Contours and Derivation of Design Baseline for the Development of Functional Insoles to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17333