Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Microfluidic Platform for Stimulating Chondrocytes with Dynamic Compression
07:23

A Microfluidic Platform for Stimulating Chondrocytes with Dynamic Compression

Published on: September 13, 2019

Microchambers and macrochambers in heel pads: are they functionally different?

Chih-Chin Hsu1, Wen-Chung Tsai, Chung-Li Wang

  • 1Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Industrial Technology Research Institute, No. 1, Roosevelt Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei 106, and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|February 3, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Intelligent circuit exercise training improves platelet mitochondrial bioenergetic efficiency in sedentary men.

European journal of applied physiology·2025
Same author

Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma Is Superior to Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma in Improving Muscle Healing by Promoting Angiogenesis.

Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society·2025
Same author

Platelet rich plasma promotes cell migration of adipose-derived stem cells by up-regulation of focal adhesion kinase and paxillin.

Regenerative therapy·2025
Same author

Heterogeneous Exercise Responses to High-Intensity Interval Training Are Associated With Varied Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure: A 15-Year Follow-Up.

Journal of the American Heart Association·2025
Same author

Effects of concentric and eccentric exercise regimens on bioenergetic efficiency of lymphocytes in sedentary males.

European journal of sport science·2024
Same author

Enhancement of antibacterial activity in electrospun fibrous membranes based on quaternized chitosan with caffeic acid and berberine chloride for wound dressing applications.

RSC advances·2024

The heel pad

Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • The heel pad, crucial for shock absorption, comprises distinct superficial microchamber and deep macrochamber layers.
  • Understanding the differential biomechanical properties of these layers is essential for comprehending heel pad function.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the unique mechanical behaviors of the microchamber versus macrochamber layers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the distinct biomechanical properties of the microchamber and macrochamber layers of the human heel pad.
  • To utilize high-frequency ultrasonography to assess tissue deformation and elasticity under controlled loading conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Six healthy volunteers underwent heel pad analysis using a 10-MHz ultrasound transducer and load cell.

More Related Videos

Preparation of Hydroxy-PAAm Hydrogels for Decoupling the Effects of Mechanotransduction Cues
11:31

Preparation of Hydroxy-PAAm Hydrogels for Decoupling the Effects of Mechanotransduction Cues

Published on: August 28, 2014

Multimodal Approach to Assess Bone Regeneration and Scaffold Performance
06:54

Multimodal Approach to Assess Bone Regeneration and Scaffold Performance

Published on: February 13, 2026

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Microfluidic Platform for Stimulating Chondrocytes with Dynamic Compression
07:23

A Microfluidic Platform for Stimulating Chondrocytes with Dynamic Compression

Published on: September 13, 2019

Preparation of Hydroxy-PAAm Hydrogels for Decoupling the Effects of Mechanotransduction Cues
11:31

Preparation of Hydroxy-PAAm Hydrogels for Decoupling the Effects of Mechanotransduction Cues

Published on: August 28, 2014

Multimodal Approach to Assess Bone Regeneration and Scaffold Performance
06:54

Multimodal Approach to Assess Bone Regeneration and Scaffold Performance

Published on: February 13, 2026

  • Heels were subjected to a controlled loading velocity (0.5 cm/s) up to a maximum stress of 158 kPa.
  • Key parameters measured included unloaded/end-loaded thickness, deformation, rebound rates, and elastic modulus for both layers.

    • Main Results:

    • The microchamber layer exhibited significantly less thickness, deformation, and rebound rates compared to the macrochamber layer.
    • The microchamber layer's elastic modulus (450 kPa) was approximately ten times higher than the macrochamber layer's.
    • A significant difference in thickness change was observed in the macrochamber layer, while both layers showed deformation-rebound differences.

    Conclusions:

    • Ultrasonography effectively differentiates the heterogeneous tissue properties within the heel pad.
    • The macrochamber layer demonstrates high deformability under load, acting as a primary shock absorber.
    • The microchamber layer possesses significantly higher stiffness, contributing differently to overall heel pad mechanics.