Biomechanical Characterisation of 3D Printed Comfort Insoles
June 9, 2026 updated by: Luca Tóth, University of Pecs
Biomechanical and Satisfaction Analysis of 3D Printed Comfort Insoles
This study investigated force distribution, biomechanical changes, and user satisfaction after 3 weeks of wearing three dimensional (3D)-printed personalised comfort insoles in healthy and flat-footed adults.
Institutional approval was obtained and participants (age 18-65) able to walk independently were enrolled, excluding pregnancy, neurologic gait disorders, or distal foot wounds.
Baseline and follow-up static and dynamic plantar pressure and gait analyses were performed using Diers Pedoscan, Pedogait, and a pressure-integrated treadmill, with forces measured on ten plantar regions normalized to body weight plus spatio-temporal and kinematic parameters and center-of-pressure trajectories.
Full-weight-bearing 3D foot scans were captured with an iQube E500 scanner, meshes processed in Foot3D, and anonymized for design.
Insoles were digitally designed using LeoInsole artificial intelligence software that auto-detected anatomical landmarks and adjusted a base template, with manual tweaks as needed, targeting comfort features (arch, metatarsal pad, sulcus length) and 2.5-3.5 mm thickness.
Final insole pairs were additively manufactured in Polyamide12 nylon via Hewlett-Packard Multi Jet Fusion, finished with a glued textile cover, and checked/adjusted by an orthotic technician at delivery.
Participants wore the insoles at least 3 hours daily for 3 weeks and completed a 12-item 5-point Likert satisfaction questionnaire after follow-up testing.
Flat foot was diagnosed from 3D models using the Chippaux-Smirak Index, but the same comfort insole design was used regardless of flat-foot status.
Study Overview
Status
Active, not recruiting
Conditions
Intervention / Treatment
Study Type
Interventional
Enrollment (Estimated)
100
Phase
- Not Applicable
Contacts and Locations
This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.
Study Locations
-
-
Baranya
-
Pécs, Baranya, Hungary, 7624
- University of Pecs
-
-
Participation Criteria
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.
Eligibility Criteria
Ages Eligible for Study
- Adult
- Older Adult
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Description
Inclusion Criteria:
- age between 18 and 65 years, able to walk independently, with no significant cognitive deficit which may limit the cooperation, willing to use the insole for 3 weeks, 3 hours daily and signed informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- pregnancy during the study period, any neurologic deficit or trauma related pathology likely to alter normal gait, and any sores or injuries distal to the ankle joint
Study Plan
This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.
How is the study designed?
Design Details
- Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
- Allocation: N/A
- Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
- Masking: None (Open Label)
Arms and Interventions
Participant Group / Arm |
Intervention / Treatment |
|---|---|
|
Experimental: Treatment
|
3D printed comfort insole
|
What is the study measuring?
Primary Outcome Measures
Outcome Measure |
Measure Description |
Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
|
Likert based satisfaction analysis
Time Frame: 3 weeks
|
12 item 5 point Likert scale Q1. The insole is comfortable for wearing in my regular shoes, even for all-day wear Q2. The insole is comfortable for wearing in my regular shoes, for 1-2 hours maximum Q3. I am satisfied with the appearance of my insoles Q4. The design of the insole is suitable (it fits my foot size and my foot shape) Q5. My new insoles are more comfortable than my previous insoles Q6. I would recommend this technology and the insole to others Q7. My pain has been reduced by wearing insoles Q8. The insole did not move/slip when placed in my shoe during wear Q9. Insole comfort was unaffected by foot perspiration Q10. I am satisfied with the time it took to make the insoles (including sampling, production and delivery) Q11. The insoles did not damage my shoes Q12. Regardless of the study, I will use the insoles in the future |
3 weeks
|
|
temporal-spatial gait parameters
Time Frame: 3 weeks
|
Pedogait system (plantar pressure & gait analysis): - temporal-spatial gait: step length, stride length, center of pressure trajectory in cms |
3 weeks
|
|
gait timing measures
Time Frame: 3 weeks
|
stride time, walking phase durations: stance-, swing time, single/double support contact time and timing of heel strike in seconds (s)
|
3 weeks
|
|
pressure distribution parameters
Time Frame: 3 weeks
|
peak plantar pressure by region (heel, midfoot, forefoot, toes), pressure distribution by foot region in Newton (N)
|
3 weeks
|
Secondary Outcome Measures
Outcome Measure |
Measure Description |
Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
|
spinal and postural assessment
Time Frame: 3 weeks
|
Diers Formetric 4D (surface topography / spinal posture): 3D surface topography of the back (no radiation)Trunk imbalance / lateral deviation Spinal curvature angles: thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, scoliosis-related measures: vertebral lateral deviation, scoliosis angle / "Cobb equivalent", Vertebral rotation, hump height, pelvic parameters: pelvic inclination, pelvic torsion, Sagittal and coronal vertical balance, shoulder imbalance, symmetry indices and change over time, knee flexion, ankle flexion, in degrees (°)
|
3 weeks
|
Collaborators and Investigators
This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.
Sponsor
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Luca Tóth, M.D PhD, University of Pécs Neurosurgery Clinic
Study record dates
These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.
Study Major Dates
Study Start (Actual)
May 15, 2024
Primary Completion (Estimated)
July 15, 2026
Study Completion (Estimated)
December 31, 2026
Study Registration Dates
First Submitted
June 1, 2026
First Submitted That Met QC Criteria
June 9, 2026
First Posted (Actual)
June 12, 2026
Study Record Updates
Last Update Posted (Actual)
June 12, 2026
Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria
June 9, 2026
Last Verified
June 1, 2026
More Information
Terms related to this study
Other Study ID Numbers
- 16779-6/2024
Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)
Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?
NO
IPD Plan Description
The blinded pooled data will be shared
Drug and device information, study documents
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product
No
This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.