Work Packages

The project is organised as 9 integrated work packages (WPs). 

WP1, WP8 and WP9 address consortium management, demonstration, and dissemination and exploitation activities.  WP2 will investigate the most effective methods to collect, synthesise and process clinical data and investigations digitally to improve the efficiency of orthotic prescribing. 

Through new biomechanical modelling techniques in WP3 and WP4, 3D surface and deep anatomy scans using laser and medical imaging will be combined with gait analysis to develop new parameters for optimising orthotic geometry and function at a personal level.  Computer-aided design (WP5) and rapid manufacturing (WP6) will allow unprecedented investigation of complete geometrical design freedom to enable the development of radically new ankle and foot orthoses.  Novel approaches will explore the ability to create stiffness, passive hinges and embedded sensing, thus exploiting new capabilities within layered manufacturing.  Rapid manufacturing techniques will be benchmarked, developed and tested within a pilot factory.  Strong evidence-based practice and knowledge-based product development is at the heart of A-FOOTPRINT and in WP7, the mechanical behaviour of prototype orthoses will be investigated in pre-clinical laboratory tests, followed by field testing in phased clinical trials with patients.