Project
INTOACTION
Arch support tool for novice orthotists and screening tool for foot-related problems in standing professions
Date
From until
What
Two tools were developed in this project. The first tool, the arch support tool, helps the novice orthotist (or podiatrist) to make arch supports in an evidence-based way.
A second tool, a screening tool, was developed to determine the risk of foot-related biomechanical problems among workers in standing occupations. Based on this screening, the employee receives personal advice. Employees with an increased risk of foot problems benefit from a more extensive (foot) analysis and/or custom-made arch supports.
Goal
The purpose of this project was to enable orthotists to build expertise faster in order to address foot and non-foot related biomechanical problems with the help of insoles 2. The following goals were worked on for this purpose:
- Creating a database of existing scientific evidence and current clinical practice around prescribing and producing foot orthoses.
- Developing a screening tool and an insole tool and teaching orthopedic companies and external prevention services (EDPBWs) to work with them 2.
Relevance
The tools currently available for making insoles are mainly based on the shape of the foot (measuring tapes, scanners) or the pressure under the foot (pressure plates, podoscopes, blueprints). However, literature shows that many symptoms such as knee, hip, ankle, and back pain can be prevented or alleviated by insoles 2.
Currently, orthotists have to rely on their own expertise in making insoles. Existing tools, often brochures or training, often only provide the link between back pain and lifting methods or posture. This project aims, among other things, to ensure that this expertise can be gained more quickly and that as many relevant aspects as possible are taken into account in a scientifically substantiated manner 2.
The screening tool takes into account the biomechanics of the entire body and establishes a connection between symptoms and insoles
Our role
Our role in this project was to develop the database and tools. The researchers from Mobilab & Care also relied on a guidance group that included some experienced orthotists
Results
- A database was created that inventories the existing scientific evidence and current clinical practice related to prescribing and producing foot orthoses. The database contains a vast amount of data with foot characteristics, pathology, and sole concepts and the relationship between them.
- Two tools were developed: a screening tool (mobile app) to identify the risk of foot-, knee-, hip-, and back-related disorders and an insole tool (responsive website: IntoActionTools.eu) to design patient-specific insoles based on clinical and scientific evidence.
- The screening tool was tested in practice in collaboration with external prevention services (EDPBW) and companies with standing employees.
- The insole tool was tested in practice by orthopedic companies.
- In a parallel study, it was investigated to what extent wearables and measuring equipment could be used in the screening of foot-related disorders. Several technological companies were involved in the study.
Document type
Title
Author
Date
Category
Link
Screening Of Foot-related Musculoskeletal Problems In Non-sedentary Employees, How Can We Improve The Quantification?
Insole Tool to assist Orthotists in the Design of Foot Orthoses
A screening tool to identify risks on musculoskeletal disorders for non-sedentary employees
Onderzoekers
Researcher
Veerle Creylman
Loves to chat about orthoses, prosthetics and how to make them as optimal as possible, for every patient!
Researcher
Inge Van den Herrewegen
Forever on the path to essence and truth. Inspires at the bridge between theory and practice, science and connection.
Researcher
Mario Broeckx
Researcher fascinated by technology, health and the power of breathing. Passionate cyclist and "Climber for Life".
Researcher
Tom Saey
Passionate about automation of personalised 3D design, 3D scanning and 3D printing in healthcare applications.
Researcher
Kris Cuppens
Draws energy from processing, analysing and presenting data. Always in the mood for a board game.
Researcher
Luiza Muraru
Curious about (bio)mechanical assessment of orthotics and prosthetics. Engaged in researching and implementing tailored and innovative solutions within orthopaedic technologies
Partners
Related research lines