The effect of temperature on the rebound characteristics of material combinations commonly used in diabetic insoles

Naemi, Roozbeh; Gerth, Peter; Deeney, Philip; Healy, Aoife; Chockalingam, Nachiappan; Schulz, Juliane

Abstract

It has been shown that mechanical properties of the insole materials affect plantar pressures during walking (Healy et al. Citation2010). The mechanical properties of foam materials used as insoles are dependent on the temperature and this temperature influence alters the energy return efficiency. Furthermore, the cushioning characteristics of the material also differ under varying temperature conditions. Despite a number of studies investigating the effect of temperature on the midsole (Mansour et al. Citation2001), there is a paucity of information on the effect of temperature on the insole material commonly used in diabetic footwear.

According to the standard testing procedures (ASTM, DIN, EN, ISO, BS) the material data are determined at pre-determined temperatures refer to ‘room temperature’ (20°C or 23 ± 2°C). For insole materials the real material temperature can be considered close to the temperature of the human body (Maluf et al. Citation2001). The increase in the insole temperature occurs due to contact with body, and may be affected by the ambient environment and by repetitive loading due to activity level. These variations in temperatures can cause the insole materials to behave differently as compared to the data given by the suppliers.

The insoles for patients with diabetic foot syndrome consist of a combination of several layers of different materials. This usually consists of a base material (PU or EVA) covered by a top layer of a more compliant material (Poron® Rogers Corporation or x2® schein orthopädie service KG) together which contribute to cushioning and plantar pressure distribution.

Citation

Naemi, R., Gerth, P., Deeney, P., Healy, A., Chockalingam, N., & Schulz, J. (2013). The effect of temperature on the rebound characteristics of material combinations commonly used in diabetic insoles. Footwear Science, 5(sup 1), S91-S93. https://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2013.799576

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 16, 2013
• Online Publication Date: Jul 9, 2013
• Publication Date: 2013
• Deposit Date: Apr 14, 2024
• Journal: Footwear Science
• Print ISSN: 1942-4280
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Issue: sup 1
• Pages: S91-S93
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2013.799576