DYNAMIC STUDY OF INSOLE MATERIALS SIMULATING REAL LOADS

A new methodology of biomechanical analysis of materials for shoe inse rts is presented. This methodology is based on the determination of th e loads applied to the materials in real situations and its simulation by means of a dynamic testing machine. Both the rigidity and the ener gy-absorbing characteristics of the materials are investigated as a fu nction of frequency. This methodology is applied to the study of sever al commercially available viscoelastic materials intended for shoe ins erts in the treatment and prevention of degenerative joint diseases. T he influence of thickness is investigated as well as the frequency-dep endent behavior of the materials studied. Significant differences betw een materials and different behavior as a function of thickness and fr equency were found. Poron materials were found to have the lowest rigi dity, good for adequate pressure distribution, while Noene showed the highest energy absorption. A careful selection of the thickness of Sor bothane was found to be necessary for avoiding flattening of the mater ial.