A real-time plantar pressure feedback device for foot unloading

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Medical device development
• Diabetic foot care

Background:

• Neuropathic foot ulceration is a significant complication, particularly in individuals with diabetes.
• Abnormal plantar pressure distribution is a key risk factor for ulcer development.
• Current methods for monitoring and correcting plantar pressure are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot-test a novel plantar pressure control device.
• The device aims to provide real-time visual and auditory feedback to correct plantar pressure distribution patterns.
• Suitability for individuals at risk of neuropathic foot ulceration was assessed.

Main Methods:

• A pilot test was conducted in a university sports medicine laboratory.
• A single healthy male participant was involved.
• A device was developed incorporating real-time acoustic and visual feedback signals.
• Plantar pressure was measured during walking under natural and feedback-guided conditions.

Main Results:

• The participant successfully modified his gait in response to auditory and visual feedback.
• Gait modifications primarily involved a mediolateral load shift.
• No compensatory increase in load shift duration was observed to offset decreased peak pressure.

Conclusions:

• The device's auditory signal effectively warned of potentially harmful plantar pressures.
• The visual signal indicated the degree of pressure, potentially aiding in diagnosis.
• Individuals with impaired nociception, such as those with diabetic neuropathy, may alter their walking patterns using this feedback.
• Further research is warranted to validate the device's efficacy.