The objective of this design project was to create a shoe that prevents anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Greater dynamic valgus angle, decreased hamstring strength, and increased vertical ground reaction forces are linked to a higher risk of ACL injury. Using Axiomatic Design, a basketball shoe sole was designed to mitigate ACL injuries through the combination of a rotating mechanism, a toe lift, and force absorbing materials. A prototype was constructed and tested against a control shoe and the Rota-sole, a competitor of the shoe design. The rotating mechanism presented challenges that still could be addressed, but with modifications in future prototypes, the design has the potential to mitigate ACL injuries in athletes.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• McGahey, Abigail M.
• Hague, Madalyn J.
• Vaughn, Talia L.
• Forbes, Ella

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050621-105035
• 22791

Keyword

• basketball
• shoe sole
• injury prevention
• ACL injury

Advisor

• Brown, Christopher A.

Year

• 2021

Date created

• 2021-05-06

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright