WJMSvol1no2paper8.pdf

Published by World Academic Press, World Academic Union ISSN 1746-7233, England, UK World Journal of Modelling and Simulation Vol. 1, No. 2, 2005, pp. 117-122 Finite element analysis of the instep fatigue trauma in the high-heeled gait ? Yao-dong Gu, Jian-she Li + Human Movement Laboratory, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China ( Received July 14 2005, accepted August 15 2005 ) Abstract. Two-dimensional numerical model of the foot, incorporating, for the first time in the literature,realistic geometric and material properties of both skeletal and soft tissue components of the foot, was developed for biomechanical analysis of its structural behavior during gait. Using a Finite Element solver, the stress distribution within the first metatarsal vertical arch of the foot(FMVA) structure was obtained and regions of elevated stresses for three subphases of the stance (heel-strike, push-off, and toe-off) were located. Validation of the pressure state was achieved by comparing model predictions of contact pressure distribution with Novel pedar. The presently developed measurement and numerical analysis tools open new approaches for clinical applications, from simulation of the development mechanisms of common foot disorders to pre- and post-interventional evaluation of their treatment. Key words: Finite Element Analysis, Numerical Modeling, Plantar Pressure 1. Introduction Research has been done to study the various long term effects of wearing high heels, but the outcomes have not reached our society, especially the youth of today. The newest trends are narrow toed and high round toed heels, and many young girls today do not realize what they are getting themselves into by embarking on the habit of wearing high heels. Surveys have found that 37-69% of women wear high heels everyday (Esenyel, 2003). Much of the female population seems to be more concerned with their image and appearance than the effects their beautification methods have o