The ergonomic analysis of foot-shoe and shoe-ground interfaces in badminton shoes during lunging

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the impact attenuation efficacy of badminton shoes when lunging and to identify the effects of the vertical ground reaction force and the shoe-ground interface pressure. We examined the construction and functionality of badminton shoes to provide a theoretical basis for optimal badminton shoe design. Ten elite badminton players performed lunging trials in six pairs of professional badminton shoes. The pressure data were collected using a plantar pressure distribution measurement system. Three-dimensional reconstruction and simulation analysis of the badminton shoes were conducted using a three-dimensional scanner together with reverse engineering. Results indicated that the initial impact peak of YONEX-1 was significantly greater; the impulse of LI-NING was significantly greater. The pressure area of LI-NING, VICTOR and ASICS was significantly greater than that of other shoes. The mean pressure of MIZUNO and YONEX-2 was significantly greater than that of VICTOR and ASICS. Compared with other shoes, the centre of pressure of ASICS and LI-NING was closer to the centre at axis x and axis y, respectively. The loading rate of YONEX-1 and YONEX-2 was significantly greater than that of other shoes. The finite element analysis revealed that the peak of total deformation, stress and strain all concentrated at the heel centre. The shape and structure of the badminton shoe heel significantly influence the initial impact peak, impulse, pressure area and mean pressure in lunging. The MIZUNO footwear had the best impact attenuation effect; yet, VICTOR and ASICS demonstrated better pressure distribution. The smooth sole of VICTOR helped reduce stress and strain. A combination of kinetic and finite element analysis to optimise the design of badminton shoes should be a future research direction.