Development and Effectiveness Testing of a Novel 3D-Printed Multi-Material Orthosis in Nurses with Plantar Foot Pain

Abstract

Plantar foot pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting the foot. It is regularly experienced by the population with occupations that require prolonged standing hours, especially in nurses. The etiology of plantar foot pain remains unclear, but it is likely to be multi-factorial, with many associated risk factors including increased hours of standing. Orthoses and insoles are often recommended to plantar foot pain patients, however with minimal scientific advancements and limited customizations. In this study, a novel 3D-printed multi-material customized foot orthosis was developed, and its effectiveness on plantar foot pain reduction and functional ability improvement was studied in the nursing population. A total of thirty-six subjects were recruited and were randomized into two groups. The experimental group received the novel 3D-printed multi-material customized foot orthosis, whereas the control group received the standard-of-care (or traditional) intervention. Pre-test and the post-test scores of pains, functional ability and plantar pressure were observed using SPSS software. Improvements were observed in both of the groups; however, better improvements were seen in the experimental group. Overall, the novel 3D printing-based customized foot orthosis showed significant efficacy in reducing plantar foot pain and pressure, and also in increasing functional ability in the nursing population as compared to the traditional method.

Plantar pressure distribution using personalised 3D printed lattice insoles with distributed stiffness

“…Additionally, it is capable of producing designs with varying material properties across the same part (Dong et al 2019). (Chhikara et al 2023) used 3D printing in producing customised moulds for multi-material insoles. (Kumar and Sarangi 2023) used additive manufacturing to produce and test various lattice cell structures in order to determine the most suitable for insole manufacturing.…”

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in clear aligner patients using orthodontic intermaxillary elastics assessed with diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) axis II evaluation: A cross‐sectional study

“…1,16 According to a study conducted by Sambataro et al, elastics have an impact not only on the teeth but also on the TMJ position. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] Moreover, a study conducted by Tanaka et al demonstrated that the elastic modulus of the TMJ disk exhibits an increase with age. 26 The mechanical loading that the TMJ structures experience depends significantly on the disk's stiffness.…”

3D Printing of Individual Running Insoles – A Case Study

“…2,3,27,28 The production of a CMI that meets the biomechanical requirements for damping and support is demanding from material and mechanical points of view, knowledge, and skills. 1,[3][4][5]7,15,21,27,28 It follows from the above that a fundamental assumption for the successful designing CMIs is to understand the correlation of the foot to posture 29 and other aspects of the musculoskeletal system, 1,[3][4][5][6][7][8][9] to perceive relationships to associated diseases and cognition of the biomechanics, 1,4,5,12 weight-bearing activities 1,3,[5][6][7]9 of humans, and pathological forces 1,3,[5][6][7]13 which affect the foot. In general, the main principle in the design of CMI is the correction of deformities, 1,3,[7][8][9] reductions of painful symptoms, [3][4][5]…”

“…In general, the main principle in the design of CMI is the correction of deformities, 1,3,[7][8][9] reductions of painful symptoms, [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] and adequate load distribution. 1,3,6,8,12 Pain in the lower limbs and muscle fatigue are characteristic symptoms of flat feet. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] These severe accompanying phenomena make ordinary life miserable and are why a person seeks professional help.…”

“…3 An insole must bear the oftenextreme loads 3,8,9 in athletes. 1,12,[15][16][17][18] Therefore, comfort evaluation is essential 8 because the perception of poor comfort 6 may lead to poor user compliance. 30,31 Other crucial things are the correct shoe size, adequate space 19 for the exact insole inside, which is in contact 5,8,18 with the foot during all dynamic and postural movements, 9 such as standing, walking, and running.…”