Development and Validation of a Wireless, Low-Cost Device for Dual Measurement of in-Shoe Plantar Pressure and Temperature in High-Risk Diabetic Feet
Summary: This study develops and validates a novel wireless, low-cost in-shoe sensing device that simultaneously measures plantar pressure and skin temperature—critical biomarkers for early detection of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) risk in high-risk diabetic patients. Pressure performance was tested against the gold-standard F-Scan system across five trials, showing consistently strong correlations with peak pressure readings (r values: 0.801, 0.978, 0.813, 0.887, 0.944). Superimposed peak-pressure plots displayed highly similar waveform patterns, supported by low error metrics (e.g., Root Mean Squared Logarithmic Error). Temperature accuracy was compared to thermal camera measurements; the camera detected an average change of 3.7°C, while the in-shoe sensor recorded 0.67°C, with higher variability in the in-shoe device. Despite this difference, pressure and temperature measurements from the novel device were strongly correlated (r=0.87). The device addresses key limitations of current separate systems (cost, time, lack of real-time dual data) by providing site-specific, gait-based monitoring. Highlights potential for routine clinical use in high-risk foot surveillance to prevent DFUs through early identification of hotspots and temperature rises (pre-ulcer warning up to 1 week prior). Calls for larger-scale validation in real-world diabetic populations.
Key Highlights:
- Pressure validation: Strong correlation (r=0.801–0.978) and waveform similarity vs. F-Scan
- Temperature: Lower sensitivity than thermal camera but strong internal correlation with pressure (r=0.87)
- Advantages: Wireless, low-cost, simultaneous dual measurement during gait
- Clinical value: Enables proactive DFU risk stratification in high-risk diabetic feet
- Next steps: Further real-world testing for routine monitoring and prevention
Read full article (open access)
Keywords: in-shoe pressure temperature, DFU risk assessment, plantar pressure, diabetic foot ulcer, prevention monitoring