A research partnership between the Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC) at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and Kaydiar Ltd has reached a major milestone after an independent study demonstrated the effectiveness and comfort of an innovative same-day custom orthotic system.
The study evaluated Kaydiar's PROmorph technology, which enables customised orthoses to be produced rapidly in clinical settings using an innovative thermal moulding process. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, which typically require foot impressions, plaster casts, and multiple production stages, the PROmorph system has the potential to deliver a custom orthosis during a single clinical appointment.
Using ATiC's advanced human movement and performance measurement facilities, researchers assessed the biomechanical performance and user experience of the PROmorph orthoses against traditionally manufactured custom orthoses and standard footwear insoles.
The study involved detailed gait analysis with healthy participants, incorporating force plate measurements, motion capture, foot pressure mapping and user feedback. Results showed the PROmorph orthoses effectively redistributed pressure across the foot while maintaining natural walking patterns. Participants also rated the PROmorph orthoses as the most comfortable option tested.
Alongside the efficacy study, ATiC has completed a formative usability evaluation with podiatrists at Hywel Dda University Health Board and is continuing to support the project through preparation for a summative usability evaluation of the final prototype. Together, these studies are helping to build the evidence base needed to support future commercialisation and clinical adoption.
The work forms part of a wider Innovate UK-funded collaboration involving Kaydiar, ATiC, TriTech Institute (Hywel Dda University Health Board), CBM Wales (UWTSD) and CPI. Bringing together expertise in clinical practice, rehabilitation, biomechanics, product development and commercial innovation, the consortium is helping accelerate the development of rapid custom orthotic technologies for healthcare.
David Barton, Managing Director of Kaydiar, said:
“We are thrilled with the results of this collaboration with ATiC. Together, we've proven that custom orthotic prescriptions don't have to take months to make or cost a fortune. We can now halve the cost and deliver a same-day prescription, from the first appointment to the final product. This is a genuine game-changer for the podiatry and orthotics sectors, and we're excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in partnership with ATiC and the NHS.”
Dr Yajie Zhang, Research Lead at ATiC, said:
“This project demonstrates the value of combining innovative product development with rigorous independent evaluation. Few studies of orthotic design have brought together kinetic and kinematic analyses, pressure mapping, and user feedback in a single evaluation, but that's exactly what we've achieved. Our facilities also allowed us to adapt the testing environment and carry out the moulding process on site, making the evaluation both comprehensive and practical. I'm excited to see how the technology continues to develop and the impact it could have in clinical practice.”
Shelley Doolan, Project Manager at ATiC, said:
“Our collaboration with Kaydiar is an excellent example of how ATiC helps industry partners accelerate health and wellbeing innovation. By providing specialist facilities, research expertise and independent evaluation, we've supported every stage of development, from usability testing through to detailed biomechanical analysis. This latest study is an important milestone, and we look forward to continuing our work with Kaydiar as the technology moves towards its final evaluation and future clinical adoption.”
ATiC works with academic, industry, health, social care, and third-sector organisations to develop technologies and services that improve health and wellbeing. Combining user-centred design with objective physiological and performance measurement techniques, the centre helps organisations generate the evidence needed to bring innovative products to market.
