Abstract
Aims: Better understanding of the influence of body mass to plantar peak pressure as a main biomechanical risk factor for ulcerations in the diabetic foot. To predict the effect of weight change on peak pressure. Methods: In-shoe peak pressure measurement (PEDAR, Novel) are performed in 5 patients with diabetic neuropathy and 5 controls: all wearing the same kind of ready made shoes with ready made standard fitting insoles of cork. Each subject is measured in 3 modes of weight simulation: normal weight, 20 kg weight increase (waistcoat with weight pieces) and 20 kg weight release by a movable overhead suspension covering a 6m walkway. Pace is selected individually after some pre-test walking to be comfortable in all 3 weight modes. For data analysis the plantar area of the foot is divided into 6 regions, particularly metatarsal region and heel. Results: No significant difference between diabetics and controls is found. In the most threatened regions (metatarsals and heel) peak pressure increases and decreases linearly with weight: A simulated weight change ± 20 kg increases/ decreases metatarsal peak pressure by ± 6.4 N/cm2. The corresponding figure for the heel region is ± 2.6 N/cm2. Conclusions: Weight increase or weight loss in the individual patient has at least in the metatarsal and heel region a significant effect to the plantar peak pressure. The linear relationship allows for a simple method of predicting the effect of weight change to peak pressure
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
