title: A longitudinal investigation into the functional and physical durability of insoles used for the preventive management of neuropathic diabetic feet.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Insoles are commonly used to assist in the prevention of diabetic neuropathic foot ulceration. Insole replacement is often triggered only when foot lesions deteriorate, an indicator that functional performance is comprised and patients are exposed to unnecessary ulcer risk. We investigated the durability of insoles used for ulcer prevention in neuropathic diabetic feet over 12 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty neuropathic individuals with diabetes were provided with insoles and footwear. Insole durability over 12 months was evaluated using an in-shoe pressure measurement device and through repeated measurement of material depth at the first metatarsal head and the heel seat. Analysis of variance was performed to assess change across time (at issue, 6 months, and 12 months).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analyses were conducted using all available data (n = 43) and compliant data (n = 18). No significant difference was found in the reduction of mean peak pressure tested across time (P < .05). For both sites, significant differences in insole depth were identified between issue and 6 months and between issue and 12 months but not between 6 and 12 months (P < .05). Most insole compression occurred during the initial 6 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Visual material compression does not seem to be a reliable indicator of insole usefulness. Frequency of insole replacement is best informed by a functional review of effect determined using an in-shoe pressure measurement system. These results suggest that insoles for diabetic neuropathic patients can be effective in maintaining peak pressure reduction for 12 months regardless of wear frequency.
authors: Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, England.
authors: Joanne S
authors: JS
authors: Paton
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Stenhouse
authors: Graham
authors: G
authors: Bruce
authors: Ray
authors: R
authors: Jones
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D061826:Foot Orthoses; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012775:Shoes; D013997:Time Factors; D016474:Weight-Bearing