A range of different bespoke polyurethane (BPU) cushioning materials were manufactured, using standard footwear manufacturing techniques and commercially available chemical compounds. These materials produced had the same mechanical qualities but differed in how stiff they were. Various mechanical tests were then performed using a 3D-printed model of a heel, as well as the feet of ten healthy adult volunteers. Pressure measurements were taken of the entire area of the foot to assess the mechanical characteristics and especially the cushioning properties of the insole materials being tested.
The results indicate that optimising the stiffness of cushioning materials can reduce pressure during standing and walking by at least 16% and 19% respectively. The type of material that minimizes pressure at best when a person stands or walks was also found to differ. Stiffer materials are for instance needed for walking.
This means that health workers should consider different cushioning material for their highly active patients compared to those who lead sedentary lives.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- To raise awareness and possibly influence policy
- Grants and Subsidies
- Other blended financing
- Use of research Infrastructure
- Collaboration
- Fellowship to advance my/our research
The results from our work highlight the development of quantitative evidence to inform the clinical management of diabetic foot disease; from the development of screening guidelines to evidence-based prognostic and diagnostic tools. In addition, our work has focused on the development of bespoke materials and their biomechanical properties help pave the way for patient-specific interventions in diabetic foot care. We are looking to conduct further work to substantiate the evidence created and to influence policy on diabetic foot screening to prevent amputations.
- Public or private funding institutions
- EU and Member State Policy-makers
- Research and Technology Organisations
- Academia/ Universities
