Flat feet, which refer to a deformed state in which the arch of the foot (medial longitudinal arch) is crushed, often causes knee pain and sports injuries.For flatfoot disorders, the use of insoles that support the arch is effective, but considering the situation where you change to shoes suitable for each occasion such as sports shoes and leather shoes, and the situation where you spend time taking off shoes that are very common in Japanese culture. If the arch can be supported not only by the insole but also by the equipment (supporter), it will lead to the reduction of pain when not wearing specific shoes, which could not be saved until now.

　Therefore, Professor Kudo has developed a new foot orthotic device (supporter) that is thin and has elasticity.In addition, a sensor "C-stretch" that can measure strain against external force was used to measure the effect of this supporter. C-stretch is a rubber-like sensor.A high-sensitivity sensor that stretches well and can analyze slight movements that occur in living organisms.Professor Kudo et al. Have shown in previous studies that by attaching a sensor to the inside of the foot, it is possible to measure the movement of the medial longitudinal arch to collapse.In addition, because it is thin and light, shoes, socks, and supporters can be worn over the sensor, so it is possible to measure the natural movement of the foot inside the supporter.

　Using C-stretch, we evaluated the deformation of the foot arch when the newly developed supporter and fake supporter are attached. When a new supporter is attached, the decrease of the medial vertical arch during walking or running can be suppressed. It became clear.

　Professor Kudo plans to examine the effects of using this supporter on running performance and fatigue in the future.

Paper information:[Gait Posture] Validity and reproducibility of foot motion analysis using a stretch strain sensor