MEng Group Project 2016/17 - Improving the Design Process of Rocker Sole Orthoses

Background

Worldwide there are many that suffer with lower limb problems that affect walking and gait patterns. For certain disorders (including intermittent claudication) a current treatment is to provide rocker soles (shoe inserts) to help sufferers when walking. An issue is that these are commonly provided from a limited number of off-the-shelf designs and shapes that are not specifically tailored to the individual patient's need.

Mission 

The aims and objectives of this project are to use data generated within the School of Engineering's recently established gait laboratory to drive and validate novel mathematical models of lower limb dynamics as a means to optimising the design and manufacture of customised rocker soles to suit individual patient needs. This will involve the development of finer scale models than are currently used for gait analysis that also include the motion of the lower limb on soft tissues and blood flow. The effects of different input profiles can also be investigated to search for optimal designs in terms of shape and material characteristics. The project will have the full support of acknowledged healthcare providers in this field.