ShockNot Shoe Inserts
Report on Comparative Orthotic materials
A test was made of different shoe inserts created from varying materials in order to establish a comparative basis as to their effectiveness in reducing plantar pressures over a short and longer term. Some of these foot orthotics were constructed of multi-durometer materials, since the combinations of materials has proven to be superior to single material inserts in effectively treating pressure problems.
The materials tested were:
1. The combination of Poron and Plaztazote commonly referred to in the industry as "Diabasheet."
2. Nora Luna - a single material in 8mm thickness which is used in Europe for Diabetic patients.
3. Spenco - a single layer 1/4" thick.
4. Visco-elastic and Nora Luna - this combination has not been used previously in the industry. Luna's immediate relief of plantar pressures is combined with visco-elastic's longer resistance to becoming compacted, a common problem in dealing with most Diabetic inserts.The tests were conducted with the Tekscan Sensor. This sophisticated machinery for measuring true plantar pressures while the patient is walking is accomplished by placing the sensor inside the shoe, underneath the various inserts. The sensor is only .007 thick and is a flexible printed circuit with 960 individual pressure sensing locations. These units were attached to a computer containing the program which gave a visual and digital readout of the foot pressures instantaneously while the patient was walking a specific distance. The tests were taken of the material initially, after the patient wore the devices in the shoe. Pressures were read and recorded as highest pressure averages for both feet. Pressures exceeding 3.5 are considered capable of creating ulcers in Diabetic patients.
The results were:
Material L/R Pres. Avg. 1. Diabetic (Poron and Plaztazote) Right 1.066 .951 Left .837 2. Nora Luna 8mm Right 1.193 1.39 Left 1.588 3. Spenco 1/4" Right 1.208 1.16 Left 1.130 4. Visco-elastic and Nora Luna Right 1.019 1.13 Left 1.243
Average denotes the overall highest pressure average on the plantar surface of patients' feet during all phases of gait. Diabasheet's initial better protection, with the lowest pressure readings, is challenged by the visco elastic and nora luna initially. All tested materials reduce pressures and will feel comfortable for patients. Professionals in the industry might point out that Diabasheet's initial superiority can be crushed in some cases in as little as three days by larger patients. Visco-elastic's resistance to crushing due to the patient's weight is perhaps superior to any other material used for shoe inserts in the industry. Therefore, its ability to hold up for protracted period makes that simple point a substantially positive attribute.
Gene Solyotjes C.O. C. Ped.