Anyone who has ever had an ankle injury knows the feeling: the painful stretching of the ligaments, sometimes even the sound of a ligament tearing when you twist your ankle. This can happen both at work and during leisure activities. The result is usually a lengthy treatment and healing process. And what remains afterwards is the constant fear of another injury. Ankle injuries are the third most common cause of absenteeism* in the workplace, with an average of 16 days lost**. In addition, 20 per cent lead to chronic instability***, which in some cases can even result in occupational disability. The Berlin-based start-up Betterguards Technology GmbH has developed a completely new technology that can be integrated into work shoes. The functional principle is similar to that of a seat belt in a car and can thus prevent ligament tears or strains.
At the world's largest occupational safety trade fair, A+A in Düsseldorf, Betterguards is presenting the next generation of this adaptive protection technology, which will be ready for series production next year: even smaller, more ergonomic and therefore also suitable for use in mid-height work boots – for greater safety and personal protection for employees. External and internal studies prove it: the Betterguards system offers a high level of protection while allowing great freedom of movement. The innovation integrated into the shoes offers significantly better comfort than conventional solutions combining shoes and rigid orthotics, thereby increasing employee compliance.
Professional athletes have already tested the system and confirmed its high effectiveness. ‘The technology definitely has the potential to significantly improve the protection and performance of many athletes,’ says Martin Strobel, former national handball player and advisory board member at Betterguards. The 35-year-old 2016 European champion struggled with numerous ankle injuries during his active career.
Applied to occupational safety, the technology can offer good protection against injuries and help reduce sick leave and chronic illnesses. In addition, the Betterguards system not only offers protection, but also gives people the opportunity to regain confidence in their own bodies. Betterguards works as a technology supplier and development partner for footwear and medical technology companies. The technology is available in two versions and can be integrated into occupational safety footwear and bandages.
‘We offer sophisticated technology for occupational safety footwear and want international partners to join us in bringing shoes to market. During the development process, we offer our partners workshops and validations with customised test benches to ensure the best support for our brand partners,’ explains Dr Tobias Consmüller, responsible for all product integrations at Betterguards. ‘With the help of our innovative technology, workers can regain confidence in their bodies after an injury and move around freely and safely,’ Consmüller continues. The adaptive joint protection helps to reduce absenteeism while increasing the feeling of safety.
Partner companies that have already integrated Betterguards technology into their products include the sporting goods brand Sportomedix (https://t1p.de/o5rn) and the comfort footwear provider Avena (https://t1p.de/fwuy). The first occupational safety shoe is set to hit the market next year.
Betterguards will be represented with a stand at A+A in Düsseldorf, the world's largest trade fair for safety and health. In the Start-up Zone, Hall 10, Stand H32. We would be happy to arrange a meeting with the management of Betterguards.
*Source: After back and knee injuries - "Bureau of Labout Statistics (2019) - Type of Injury or Illness and Body Parts".
**Source: Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (2017) Volkswirtschaftliche Kosten aufgrund von Arbeitsunfähigkeit.
***Source: Al-Mohrej, O. A., & Al-Kenani, N. S. (2016). Chronic ankle instability: Current perspectives. Avicenna Journal of Medicine, 6(4), 103-108. doi.org/10.4103/2231-0770.191446
About Betterguards
Betterguards Technology combines protection and freedom of movement in a way that is unique worldwide. It offers innovative joint protection against painful ligament injuries and can be integrated into bandages, shoes, protectors or gloves. The patented technology for sports, leisure and work is activated only when needed – faster than a muscle – thus preventing overstretching or torn ligaments. For use in prevention and rehabilitation. Betterguards was founded in 2014 and currently has 26 employees.
