LVLD: 3D Printed footwear for Balance training

by Ahmed Da’na

Abstract

The potential for elastomer-based 3D printing is becoming more apparent as a solution for footwear production in recent years due to rapid innovation. This is based upon the unique physical properties of the material, its layering, and the ability to create highly personalised and organic forms with it, which is challenging and expensive for traditional manufacturing techniques. This abstract describes how people with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease (PD) can benefit from a customised 3D-printed shoe. Using unique densities of 3D-printed polymers can create an unbalancing effect for the user to improve plantar pressure distribution and gait performance.

People with PD require constant balance training as they have impeded balance and coordination. Due to nerve cell damage and tremor symptoms, they have increased risk of falls and injury. Physiotherapists assist with improving balance ability through guided training, but are limited by products in the market which lack inclusivity. Physiotherapists have guided this research-led design project to create an inclusive and effective balance training product. The LVLD (levelled) balance shoe aims to challenge, measure and develop balance with 3D printing and integrated technology with a set of exercises conducted with a physiotherapist and their patient.

“People with PD require constant balance training as they have impeded balance and coordination.”

Design Intent

This research discusses additive manufacturing technologies and the opportunities for improving balance training, specifically for those with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease. Additive manufacturing, more broadly known as 3D printing, is a growing industry that has the potential to replace many conventional manufacturing processes (Jiang & Kleer, 2017). Traditional methods lack the ability for customisation and the generation of a unique sole for the user, which people with PD require to improve their physical ability. 3D Printing includes various technologies such as: fused deposition modelling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting and Polyjet printing (Kalsoom & Paull, 2018). Polyjet printing has been selected as the most suitable technology to help improve balance training in the form of footwear. Polyjet printers use an elastomerbased material that controls each layer with a specified shore hardness scale. The reason for choosing this printing method is that its unique process can improve gait and plantar pressure distribution (Cleveland, 2019).

1. What set of exercises can be used to measure and develop balance for people with Parkinson’s Disease?

2. What material density and configuration of an outsole can be optimised to improve a natural walking gait?

3. How does combining multiple shore hardnesses using elastomer-based 3D printing affect a user’s planter pressure?

4. What standardised methodology can be utilised to suit a range of shoe designs?

“Traditional methods lack the ability for customisation and the generation of a unique sole for the user, which people with PD require to improve their physical ability. ”

Bio

I’m Ahmed, a graduate product designer, and I aspire to be the voice between people and businesses through a sympathetic approach. My interests are human-centred design and medical design. I love working closely with people to develop innovative solutions to meet their needs. Product design, to me, is problem understanding. I aspire to live in a community that respects each individual and desires to grow a healthy lifestyle.

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