Hydrogel based material for orthotic application

本研究方案的主要目的是开发一个程序平台来设计和制作由我们实验室最近开发的新型水凝胶生物材料制成的足底矫形器。该平台为鞋垫的机械设计和材料性能测试提供了一种基于工程的优化方法。用新型水凝胶制造的足底矫形器应达到以下目标：解除高压区域，包括压力集中区域。脚上任何有极端压力的区域都可能导致肌肉过度使用或受伤。足部矫形术有助于缓解这些高压区，从而降低相关问题的发生率。适度的冲击和剪切。降低脚底的垂直压力或冲击力是必要的。此外，减少鞋内脚的水平(平面)运动或剪切也是必不可少的。据申请者所知，这是水凝胶聚合物第一次用于这种应用。

The main objective of this research proposal is to develop a procedural platform to design and fabricate foot orthotics made from a novel hydrogel biomaterial which was developed in our lab recently. This platform includes an optimum and engineering-based methodology for mechanical design of shoe insoles and its testing of the material properties. Foot orthotics manufactured with the novel hydrogel should undertake the following objectives:Relieve areas of high pressure including pressure concentration areas. Any zones on the foot where there is extreme pressure may result in muscle over use or injuries. Foot orthotics should help relieve these high-pressure zones and therefore decrease the incidence of associated problems.Moderate shock and shear. A decrease in the amount of vertical pressure, or shock, on the bottom of the foot is necessary. Also, a decrease of horizontal (planar) movement of the foot within the shoe, or shear is essential.To the best of the applicant's knowledge, this is the first time hydrogel based polymers are used for this application.