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An approach to averaging digitized plantagram curves
M R Hawes1, R Heinemeyer, D Sovak
1Sport Anthropology Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Ergonomics
|July 1, 1994
Summary
This study presents a mathematical method for averaging human foot outlines to improve sport shoe fit. The technique analyzes plantar curves to determine optimal foot shape and dimension data.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Anthropometry
- Sports Engineering
Background:
- Accurate human foot shape and dimension data are crucial for designing comfortable and well-fitting sport shoes.
- Traditional methods for foot measurement may not capture the nuances required for advanced footwear design.
- Understanding foot morphology is key to preventing discomfort and improving athletic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mathematical approach for averaging human foot outlines.
- To establish a method for deriving foot shape and dimension information relevant to sport shoe comfort.
- To create a standardized procedure for analyzing plantar curves.
Main Methods:
- Digitizing human footprint outlines using a Hewlett Packard Digitizer.
- Determining an alignment axis and identifying ray centers for curve analysis.
- Dividing the foot outline into overlapping arcs and analyzing them using equiangular rays.
- Averaging radial distances of rays within specific foot length groups (±2.25 mm).
Main Results:
- The developed mathematical method successfully averages human foot outlines.
- Average plantar curves were determined for a study group.
- The method provides quantifiable data on foot shape and dimensions for shoe fitting.
Conclusions:
- The mathematical averaging of foot outlines offers a precise method for foot shape analysis.
- This approach can significantly contribute to improving the comfort and fit of sport shoes.
- The study demonstrates the utility of mathematical modeling in anthropometric analysis for footwear.