An Active Insole to Reduce Plantar Pressure Loading: Using Predictive Finite Element Driven Soft Hydraulic Actuators...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Robotics
• Diabetic Foot Care

Background:

• Diabetic foot ulceration is a major complication, often caused by high plantar tissue loading.
• Current interventions may not sufficiently mitigate pressure in high-risk individuals.
• Novel approaches are needed to proactively reduce plantar pressure and prevent ulceration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, manufacture, and evaluate an active insole system.
• To reduce plantar tissue loading and minimize the risk of diabetic foot ulceration.
• To utilize predictive finite element modeling for real-time pressure management.

Main Methods:

• A prototype hydraulic soft robotic actuating insole was developed.
• An approximate finite element model controlled the insole to minimize plantar pressure and its time integral.
• System evaluation involved treadmill walking with plantar stress measurements in three participants.

Main Results:

• Average peak plantar pressure and pressure time integral were reduced by 35% and 31% respectively in high-risk areas.
• The system maintained gait symmetry, regularity, and cadence.
• The predictive controller operated efficiently, completing within six minutes.

Conclusions:

• This study demonstrates the feasibility of an active insole using predictive soft hydraulic actuators for reducing plantar loading in people with diabetes.
• Active insole technology, coupled with predictive algorithms, holds significant potential for reducing diabetic foot ulceration risk in daily activities.