義肢装具士の地域情報プラットフォーム

3D foot morphology measurement during the new normal

Akouetevi Aduayom-Ahego, PhD

Foot is one of most important parts of human body to move freely and independently to conduct daily living activities. Thus, the body balance and stability depend on the foot structure and its contact on the ground. To properly fit a footwear and with comfort, the customer can walk easily without pain. In order to choose an appropriate shoe, one is intended to measure his or her foot to suit the shoe. Traditionally, most of these foot and measurements are made with a caliper and a measure tape. And eventually, this will cause contact with the shoe store staff or the one measuring the foot. Recently, 3D foot scan technology has emerged in the footwear industries and is widely used to measure the foot shape. These 3D foot shape measurements enable the customer to order insoles and footwears that will properly fit his / her foot. Since December 2019, our traditional lifestyle has been affected by the global pandemic novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Thus, adopting the traditional lifestyle might increase the spread of the COVID -19. We have been living a hybrid lifestyle switching from habitual to digital lifestyles. The hybrid lifestyle should not prevent us from our usual habits of choosing and wearing adequate footwear. To freely and safely measure our foot in order to buy insole and footwear, an alternative of foot measurements needs to be implemented. The innovation and development of Real Foot Self (Dream GP Inc., Osaka Japan) foot scanning machine has been introduced. The Real Foot Self foot scanning is available in two languages (Japanese and English). It takes less than 15 seconds to measure one foot either standing or sitting position. The measured 3D foot data information such as foot length, ball width, instep height, heel width and foot shape can be stored on a smart phone device just by reading a QR code on the scanning machine screen. The data also can identify whether some feet have anomalies or misalignments. This foot scanning machine will reduce contact with shoe store staff and is in agreement with the preventing protocol of spreading of COVID-19. The 3D foot shape self-measurement machine can be used in the sport, rehabilitation and academic field for research purpose.