Footwear Design and Biomechanics Evaluation for Clinical Nurses

Abstract

Epidemiological investigations have shown a higher prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, (WRMDs) among nursing professionals. More than most other occupational groups. Most nursing activities require long periods of standing and walking. These job requirements can cause WRMDs problems in the lower limbs, and there are few footwear products available specifically for use by clinical nurses. Therefore, improving the current clinical nurse shoes and improving the wearing comfort of clinical nurse shoes are the necessary conditions to reduce the lower limb discomfort of clinical nurses. The purpose of this study is :(1) to test and obtain the foot morphology and walking gait characteristics of nurses in standing state by using human foot scanning and sports biomechanics technology, and to design comfortable clinical nursing footwear products suitable for nurses through shoe last optimization and application of environmentally friendly materials. (2) Sports biomechanical testing technology was used to test and compare the developed clinical care shoes with other shoes in the market, and the biomechanical characteristics of participants wearing different shoes were measured and compared to verify the design effect of clinical care shoes and improve it. This research method is divided into three stages. First, field observations and exercise biomechanics tests of the participants were performed, and data acquisition included plantar pressure characteristics, a three-dimensional foot model, foot surface temperature distribution, walking speed, and proportions of walking, standing, and sitting. Secondly, the clinical nursing shoes were designed based on the test results and the sample shoes were made. Finally, the function of professional nursing was evaluated through the exercise biomechanical testing technique. Measurements included lower limb joint range of motion (ROM), foot Pressure, ground reaction force (GRF), and subjective discomfort ratings for the lower body and feet. To summarize the findings of this study, comfortable clinical care shoes should emphasize arch support at the sole, use three-dimensional vertical insoles, and design heel height below 5 cm to significantly reduce plantar pressure distribution and ground impact, increase ankle flexibility, and recommend the use of pressure socks to reduce the risk of varicose veins in the lower extremities.