Evaluation of multidensity orthotic materials used in footwear for patients with diabetes.

Selected combinations of multidensity orthotic materials were tested under simulated walking conditions found in the forefoot of diabetic patients. Materials were compared for therapeutic effectiveness by their stress/strain properties and dynamic compression set. Results showed that all of the multidensity materials experienced losses in performance throughout the testing period of 100,000 cycles, with the greatest losses occurring within the first 10,000 cycles. Of the materials tested, Poron + Plastazote #2 and Spenco + Microcel Puff Lite had the highest dynamic material strain and the lowest dynamic compression set over 100,000 cycles. In comparison, these are better multidensity combinations than the others tested to use as therapeutic orthoses in footwear for diabetic patients.