A real-time plantar pressure feedback device for foot unloading.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and test a plantar pressure control device that provides both visual and auditory feedback and is suitable for correcting plantar pressure distribution patterns in persons susceptible to neuropathic foot ulceration.


METHODS
Pilot test.


METHODS
Sports medicine laboratory in a university in France.


METHODS
One healthy man in his mid thirties.


METHODS
Not applicable. Main outcome measures A device was developed based on real-time feedback, incorporating an acoustic alarm and visual signals, adjusted to a specific pressure load. Plantar pressure measured during walking, at 6 sensor locations over 27 steps under 2 different conditions: (1) natural and (2) unloaded in response to device feedback.


RESULTS
The subject was able to modify his gait in response to the auditory and visual signals. He did not compensate for the decrease of peak pressure under the first metarsal by increasing the duration of the load shift under this area. Gait pattern modification centered on a mediolateral load shift.


CONCLUSIONS
The auditory signal provided a warning system alerting the user to potentially harmful plantar pressures. The visual signal warned of the degree of pressure. People who have lost nociceptive perception, as in cases of diabetic neuropathy, may be able to change their walking pattern in response to the feedback provided by this device. The visual may have diagnostic value in determining plantar pressures in such patients. This pilot test indicates that further studies are warranted.
Faculté des Sciences du Sport et de l'Education Physique, Ronchin, France.
Virginie G
VG
Femery
Pierre G
PG
Moretto
Jean-Michel G
JM
Hespel
André
A
Thévenon
Ghislaine
G
Lensel
D000328:Adult; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D003463:Cues; D005246:Feedback / Q000502:physiology*; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007699:Kinesthesis / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011312:Pressure; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*