title: Physical evaluation of insole materials used to treat the diabetic foot.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The selection of materials for the production of multilayer insoles for diabetic feet is a difficult task owing to the lack of technical information about these materials. Therefore, objective criteria were established for the selection of these materials.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mechanical- and comfort-related tests for the mechanical characterization of different materials and their combinations were considered. These tests were conducted according to standardized test methods for polymeric cellular materials.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Criteria for the use of cellular materials were obtained. The properties of accommodation, cushioning, and filling materials were established and the most adequate polymer nature for each of the three applications was identified. Variables that affect the properties of these material combinations were studied.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These test results will allow podiatrists to select insoles in a more objective way, thus achieving a more successful treatment for diabetic foot-related injuries.
authors.affiliation: Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Virgen del Consuelo, Valencia, Spain. acamp@hospitales.nisa.es
authors.forename: Angel Camp
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Faulí
authors.forename: Cristina Llobell
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Andrés
authors.forename: Norberto Porta
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Rosas
authors.forename: Maria José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Fernández
authors.forename: Enrique Montiel
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Parreño
authors.forename: César Orgilés
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Barceló
mesh_terms: D001704:Biopolymers; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000628:therapy*; D008422:Materials Testing; D009989:Orthotic Devices / Q000592:standards*; D011108:Polymers / Q000592:standards; D012775:Shoes
chemical_list: D001704:Biopolymers; D011108:Polymers