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Method for in-shoe shear stress measurement
M Lord1, R Hosein, R B Williams
1Department of Medical Engineering and Physics, King's College School of Medicine, London, UK.
Journal of Biomedical Engineering
|May 1, 1992
Summary
A new magneto-resistive shear transducer measures in-shoe foot stresses, aiding diabetic foot ulcer research. This technology helps evaluate footwear interventions for preventing plantar ulceration.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Podiatry
Background:
- Diabetic plantar ulceration is a significant complication, often linked to abnormal foot pressures and shear stresses.
- Current methods for assessing plantar pressure distribution and shear forces in diabetic patients have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel methodology using a magneto-resistive shear transducer for measuring in-shoe plantar foot stresses.
- To highlight its application in studying diabetic plantar ulceration and evaluating footwear interventions.
Main Methods:
- Development of a disc-shaped magneto-resistive shear transducer (4mm thick, 16mm diameter) measuring two orthogonal shear axes.
- Integration of the transducer into an orthopaedic shoe inlay for placement in the metatarsal head region.
- Utilizing direct pressure distribution data for precise transducer placement, overcoming palpation inaccuracies.
Main Results:
- The transducer successfully measures shear stresses under the plantar surface of the foot during walking.
- Pilot trials on normal subjects demonstrated the feasibility and potential of the developed method.
Conclusions:
- The described shear transducer offers a precise method for in-shoe foot stress measurement.
- This technology holds promise for advancing the understanding and management of diabetic plantar ulceration through improved footwear assessment.