Skip to main content
Key Specialties
Cardiology Diabetology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Geriatrics and Gerontology Gynecology and Obstetrics Hematology Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Nephrology Neurology Oncology Pediatrics Respiratory Medicine Rheumatology Surgery
Congress Coverage
2024 ACC Congress 2023 ESMO Congress 2023 EASD Congress 2023 ERS Congress 2023 ESC Congress 2023 EHA Congress 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting
Clinical Collections
Advances in Alzheimer’s

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

LIVE: Thursday 2nd May 2024, 18:00-19:30 (CEST)

Quality sleep is essential for health. But what happens to our brains when sleep patterns are disturbed? Join our experts to explore the interplay between sleep disruption and neurological diseases, and the questions that you need to be asking your patients to help you prevent the harmful effects of sleep deprivation.
ADVANCED SEARCH
Log in
Top
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Review

The use of 3D surface scanning for the measurement and assessment of the human foot

Authors: Scott Telfer, James Woodburn

Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research | Issue 1/2010

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

A number of surface scanning systems with the ability to quickly and easily obtain 3D digital representations of the foot are now commercially available. This review aims to present a summary of the reported use of these technologies in footwear development, the design of customised orthotics, and investigations for other ergonomic purposes related to the foot.

Methods

The PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched. Reference lists and experts in the field were also consulted to identify additional articles. Studies in English which had 3D surface scanning of the foot as an integral element of their protocol were included in the review.

Results

Thirty-eight articles meeting the search criteria were included. Advantages and disadvantages of using 3D surface scanning systems are highlighted. A meta-analysis of studies using scanners to investigate the changes in foot dimensions during varying levels of weight bearing was carried out.

Conclusions

Modern 3D surface scanning systems can obtain accurate and repeatable digital representations of the foot shape and have been successfully used in medical, ergonomic and footwear development applications. The increasing affordability of these systems presents opportunities for researchers investigating the foot and for manufacturers of foot related apparel and devices, particularly those interested in producing items that are customised to the individual. Suggestions are made for future areas of research and for the standardization of the protocols used to produce foot scans.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
Treleaven P: Sizing us up - new 3-d body scanners are reshaping clothing car seats and more. IEEE Spectrum. 2004, 41: 17-19. 10.1109/MSPEC.2004.1279190.CrossRef
2.
Donelson SM, Gordon CC: 1995 matched anthropometric database of US marine corp personnel: summary statistics. United States Army Solder Systems Command. 1996, Geo-Centres Inc Newton Centre MA
3.
Robinette KM, Daanen H, Paquet E: The caesar project: a 3-D surface anthropometry survey. The Second International Conference on 3D Imaging and Modelling: 4-8th October 1999; Ottawa. 1999, 0380:
4.
Istook CL, Hwang S-J: 3D scanning systems with application to the apparel industry. J Fash Market Manage. 2000, 5: 120-132. 10.1108/EUM0000000007283.
5.
Zhao J, Xiong S, Bu Y, Goonetilleke RS: Computerized girth determination for custom footwear manufacture. Comput Ind Eng. 2008, 54: 359-373. 10.1016/j.cie.2007.07.015.CrossRef
6.
Luximon A, Goonetilleke RS: Foot Shape Modeling. Hum Factors. 2004, 46: 304-315. 10.1518/hfes.46.2.304.37346.CrossRefPubMed
7.
Payne C: Cost Benefit comparison of plaster casts and optical scans of the foot for the manufacture of foot orthoses. Aust J Podiat Med. 2007, 41 (2): 29-31.
8.
Chen MJL, Chen CPC, Lew HL, Hsieh WC, Yang WP, Tang SFT: Measurement of forefoot varus angle by laser technology in people with flexible flatfoot. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2003, 83: 842-846. 10.1097/01.PHM.0000087455.38062.79.CrossRef
9.
De Mits S, Coorevits P, De Clercq D, Elewaut D, Woodburn J, Roosen P: Validity and reliability of the Infoot 3D foot digitizer for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Footwear Sci. 2009, 1: 101-103. 10.1080/19424280903063481.CrossRef
10.
Kimura M, Mochimaru M, Kanade T: 3D measurement of feature cross-sections of foot while walking. Mach Vis Appl.
11.
Leng J, Du R: A CAD approach for designing customised shoe last. Comput Aided D Appl. 2006, 3: 377-384.
12.
Cheung J, Zhang M: Parametric design of pressure relieving foot orthosis using statistics-based finite element method. Med Eng Phys. 2008, 30: 269-277. 10.1016/j.medengphy.2007.05.002.CrossRefPubMed
13.
Faustini MC, Neptune RR, Crawford RH, Stanhope SJ: Manufacture of passive dynamic ankle-foot orthoses using selctive laser sintering. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2008, 55: 784-790. 10.1109/TBME.2007.912638.CrossRefPubMed
14.
Redaelli C, Sorlini M, Boer CR: A laboratory for industrial research on mass customisation in the footwear industry. Int J Mass Customisation. 2006, 1: 492-506.CrossRef
15.
Millar RG: Manual of Shoemaking. 1976, Clarks Training Department, UK
16.
Witana CP, Xiong S, Zhao J, Goonetilleke RS: Foot measurements from three dimensional scans: a comparison and evaluation of different methods. Int J Ind Ergon. 2006, 36: 789-807. 10.1016/j.ergon.2006.06.004.CrossRef
17.
Liu X, Kim W, Drerup B: 3D characterization and localization of anatomical landmarks of the foot by FastSCAN. Real-Time Imaging. 2004, 10: 217-228. 10.1016/j.rti.2004.05.009.CrossRef
18.
Goonetilleke RS, Witana CP, Zhao J, Xiong S: The pluses and minuses of obtaining measurements from digital scans. Digital Human Modeling. Edited by: Duffy VG. 2009, Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 681-690. full_text.CrossRef
19.
Krauss I, Grau S, Mauch M, Maiwald C, Horstmann T: Sex-related differences in foot shape. Ergonomics. 2008, 51: 1693-1709. 10.1080/00140130802376026.CrossRefPubMed
20.
Mauch M, Grau S, Krauss I, Maiwald C, Horstmann T: A new approach to children's footwear based on foot type classification. Ergonomics. 2009, 52: 999-1008. 10.1080/00140130902803549.CrossRefPubMed
21.
Luo G, Houston VL, Mussman M, Garbarini M, Beattie AC, Thongpop C: Comparison of male and female foot shape. J Am Podiat Med Assoc. 2009, 99: 383-390.CrossRef
22.
Wunderlich RE, Cavanagh PR: Gender differences in adult foot shape: implications for shoe design. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001, 33: 605-11.CrossRefPubMed
23.
Houston VL, Luo G, Mason CP, Mussman M, Garbarini M, Beattie AC: Changes in male foot shape and size with weightbearing. J Am Podiat Med Assoc. 2006, 96: 330-343.CrossRef
24.
Xiong S, Goonetilleke RS, Zhao J, Li W, Witana CP: Foot deformations under different load-bearing conditions and their relationships to stature and body weight. Anthropol Sci. 2009, 117: 77-88. 10.1537/ase.070915.CrossRef
25.
Tsung BY, Zhang M, Fan YB, Boone DA: Quantitative comparison of plantar foot shapes under different weight bearing conditions. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2003, 40: 517-26. 10.1682/JRRD.2003.11.0517.CrossRefPubMed
26.
Oladipo G, Bob-Manuel I, Ezenatein G: Quantitative comparison of foot anthropometry under different weight bearing conditions amongst Nigerians. Internet J Bio Anthrop. 2009, 3: 1-
27.
Cheng F-T, Perng D-B: A systematic approach for developing a foot size information system for shoe last design. Int J Ind Ergon. 1999, 25: 171-185. 10.1016/S0169-8141(98)00098-5.CrossRef
28.
Shi N, Yi S, Xiong S, Jiang Z: A CAD system for shoe last customization. International Joint Conference on Computational Sciences and Optimization: 24-26th April 2009; Sanya, China. 2009, 957-960. full_text.CrossRef
29.
Lord M, Foulston J, Smith PJ: Technical evaluation of a CAD system for orthopaedic shoe-upper design. J Eng Med. 1991, 205: 109-115. 10.1243/PIME_PROC_1991_205_276_02.CrossRef
30.
Bao HP, Soundar P, Yang T: Integrated approach to design and manufacture of shoe lasts for orthopaedic use. Comput Eng. 1994, 26: 411-421.
31.
Nácher B, Alemany S, González JC, Alcántara E, García-Hernández J, Heras S, Juan A: A footwear fit classification model based on anthropometric data. Proceedings of the 8th annual digital human modelling for design and engineering symposium: 4-6th. 2006, July Lyon; 2327
32.
Witana CP, Goonetilleke RS, Feng J: Dimensional differences for evaluating the quality of footwear fit. Ergonomics. 2004, 47: 1301-1317. 10.1080/00140130410001712645.CrossRefPubMed
33.
Wang C-S: An analysis and evaluation of fitness for shoe lasts and human feet. Comput Ind. 2010, 61: 532-540. 10.1016/j.compind.2010.03.003.CrossRef
34.
Hawke F, Burns J, Radford JA, du Toit V: Custom-made foot orthotics for the treatment of foot pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008, 16: CD006801-
35.
Losito JM: Impression casting techniques. Clinical Biomechanics of the lower extremity. Edited by: Valmassy R. 1996, St Louis; Mosby
36.
Guldemond NA, Leffers P, Sanders AP, Emmen H, Schaper NC, Walenkamp GHIM: Casting Methods and plantar pressure: effects of custom made foot orthoses on dynamic plantar pressure distribution. J Am Podiat Med Assoc. 2006, 96: 9-18.CrossRef
37.
Pallari JHP, Dalgarno KW, Woodburn J: Mass customisation of foot orthoses for rheumatoid arthritis using selective laser sintering. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2010, 57: 1750-1756. 10.1109/TBME.2010.2044178.CrossRefPubMed
38.
Ki SW, Leung AKL, Li AMN: Comparison of plantar pressure distribution patterns between foot orthoses provided by the CAD-CAM and foam impression methods. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2008, 32: 356-362. 10.1080/03093640802016159.CrossRefPubMed
39.
Laughton C, Davis IM, Williams DS: A comparison of four methods of obtaining a negative impression of the foot. J Am Podiat Med Assoc. 2002, 92: 261-268.CrossRef
40.
Foulston J, Lord M, West S: Changes in plantar surface shape induced by corrective foot eversion. Clin Biomech. 1990, 5: 229-235. 10.1016/0268-0033(90)90006-R.CrossRef
41.
Chuter V, Payne C, Miller K: Variability of neutral position casting of the foot. J Am Podiat Med Assoc. 2003, 93: 1-5.CrossRef
42.
43.
Jezerek M, Mozina J: High-speed measurement of foot shape based on multiple-laser-plane triangulation. Opt Eng. 2009, 48: 113604-10.1117/1.3265522.CrossRef
44.
Borchers RB, Boone DA, Joseph AW, Smith DG, Reiber GB: Numerical comparison of 3-D shapes: potential for application to the insensate foot. J Prosthet Orthot. 1995, 7: 29-39. 10.1097/00008526-199500710-00005.CrossRef
45.
Pfeiffer M, Kotz R, Ledl T, Hauser G, Sluga M: Prevalence of flat foot in pre-school-aged children. Pediatrics. 2006, 118: 634-639. 10.1542/peds.2005-2126.CrossRefPubMed
46.
Kouchi M, Mochimaru M: Development of a low cost foot scanner for a custom shoe making system. Proceedings of the 5th Symposium on Footwear Biomechanics: 5th-7th. 2009, July Zurich, Switzerland
47.
48.
Munoz-Rodriguez JA: Computer vision of the foot sole based on laser metrology and algorithms of artificial intelligence. Opt Eng. 2009, 48: 123604-10.1117/1.3275455.CrossRef
49.
Witana CP, Goonetilleke RS, Xiong S, Au EYL: Effects of surface characteristics on the plantar shape of feet and subjects' perceived sensations. Appl Ergon. 2009, 40: 267-279. 10.1016/j.apergo.2008.04.014.CrossRefPubMed
50.
Mauch M, Grau S, Krauss I, Maiwald C, Horstmann T: Foot morphology of normal, underweight and overweight children. Int J Obesity. 2008, 32: 1068-1075. 10.1038/ijo.2008.52.CrossRef
51.
Wachtel TL, Berry CC, Wachtel EE, Frank HA: The inter-rater reliability of estimating the size of burns from various burn area chart drawings. Burns. 2000, 26: 156-170. 10.1016/S0305-4179(99)00047-9.CrossRefPubMed
52.
Livingston EH, Lee S: Percentage of burned body surface area determination in obese and non-obese patients. J Surg Res. 2000, 91: 106-110. 10.1006/jsre.2000.5909.CrossRefPubMed
53.
Yu C-Y, Tu H-H: Foot surface area database and estimation formula. Appl Ergon. 2009, 40: 767-774. 10.1016/j.apergo.2008.08.004.CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
The use of 3D surface scanning for the measurement and assessment of the human foot
Authors
Scott Telfer
James Woodburn
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1757-1146
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-1146-3-19

Other articles of this Issue 1/2010

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 1/2010 Go to the issue

Research

Combined rotation scarf and Akin osteotomies for hallux valgus: a patient focussed 9 year follow up of 50 patients

Research

Microbiological contamination of cubicle curtains in an out-patient podiatry clinic

Research

'Choosing shoes': a preliminary study into the challenges facing clinicians in assessing footwear for rheumatoid patients

Research

Augmented low-Dye tape alters foot mobility and neuromotor control of gait in individuals with and without exercise related leg pain

Research

Relationships between foot type and dynamic rearfoot frontal plane motion

Research

A comparison of foot arch measurement reliability using both digital photography and calliper methods