Designing and modeling shoes for patients with drop foot using statistical and ergonomic analysis

Taheri, Samaneh; Atashgar, Karim; Zamani, mohammadreza

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Volume 14, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics-In Press 2026) Iran J Ergon 2026, 14(2): 0-0 | Back to browse issues page

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Taheri S, Atashgar K, Zamani M. Designing and modeling shoes for patients with drop foot using statistical and ergonomic analysis. Iran J Ergon 2026; 14 (2)
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1143-en.html

Designing and modeling shoes for patients with drop foot using statistical and ergonomic analysis

Samaneh Taheri¹

, Karim Atashgar¹

, Mohammadreza Zamani ^*²

1- Industrial department, Industrial and management research center, Malek Ashtar University, Tehran, IRAN
2- 3Mechanic Department, Mechanic and Material Research Center, Malek Ashtar University, Tehran, IRAN , a_mrzamani@mut.ac.ir

Abstract: (43 Views)

Background and Objectives: Foot drop is caused by neurological disorders and traumatic injuries and can impair gait pattern and increase energy expenditure during walking. The use of appropriate rehabilitation devices plays an important role in improving patients’ motor performance. The aim of this study was to provide the design basis for a rehabilitation shoe intended to improve selected biomechanical parameters, including toe angle, muscle torque, and step length in patients with foot drop. The findings of this study are considered preliminary design evidence, and further studies with larger sample sizes are required before moving toward product development and manufacturing.

Methods: This study was a case-based biomechanical simulation investigation. The evaluated variables included toe angle, tibialis anterior muscle torque, and step length. These variables were extracted using musculoskeletal modeling in OpenSim software and finite element analysis in ABAQUS. The obtained data were compared under four simulation conditions, including the designed shoe, reference ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), patient condition, and healthy control. Data analysis was performed descriptively based on the evaluation and comparison of biomechanical trend changes.

Results: The results showed that the use of the designed shoe improved toe angle during the swing phase by approximately 80% compared with the patient condition. In addition, tibialis anterior muscle torque increased by approximately 85%, and step length also improved relative to the patient condition. These findings indicate a relative improvement in gait-related biomechanical parameters in the proposed model.

Conclusion: The proposed design improved three key biomechanical parameters, including step length, tibialis anterior muscle torque, and toe angle. Furthermore, the case-based simulation and descriptive statistical findings suggested that the proposed model has the potential to effectively control the coordinated movement of the ankle and forefoot in individuals with foot drop.

Keywords: Foot Drop, Ankle-Foot Orthosis, Biomechanics, Gait Analysis, Rehabilitation