Researchers from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) have carried out a biomechanical study of the footwear made by Camper. A group of 54 volunteers took part in the project, trying on six models of men's shoes and six models of women's shoes. They were analysed using optical motion capture systems, force plates, pressure insoles and electromyography sensors. The purpose of the study was to establish the parameters affecting the comfort of the shoes made by the Balearic firm.
Software created by biomechanical engineers is being combined with the old skills of shoemakers to make comfortable shoes. Camper has started using parameters based on algorithms obtained by a group from the Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB) at the UPC.
Josep Maria Font, director of the division of biomechanics at the CREB and leader of the project, explains to SINC that the initiative is the first of its kind. Until now this type of biomechanical studies has only been applied to sportive footwear but not to urban shoes.
The aim of the project "is to establish which parameters have an effect on the comfort of Camper shoes. We have achieved this using physical measurements taken at our biomechanical laboratory and conducting surveys to find out more about user perception", says Font.
For the study, the researchers worked with 54 volunteers who tried on six models of men's shoes and six models of women's shoes, which were analyzed using the sophisticated equipment from the Biomechanical Laboratory at CREB.
The instruments used included pressure insoles placed between the foot and the shoe to record the pressure applied to the foot. Force plates were also employed. These permitted the measurement of the contact forces between the ground and the user when walking. An optical motion capture system was also used. This consisted of 18 cameras, permitting the movement of the person's legs while walking to be monitored at any moment, explains Font.
The researchers also used electromyography sensors, electrodes that record the activity of the muscles in the human body. "In this case -continues Font- we focused on the movement of the ankle joint, as this is the closest to the shoe. On the basis of this electrical measurement we have also been able to establish how much muscular activity is required when using one shoe or another".
Tests with volunteers
