A feasibility study to assess use of a pressure mat to obtain diabetes plantar foot pressure measurements in individuals with low risk of foot complications

Foot problems related to diabetes are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and are costly to the health service. Studies suggest that increased plantar pressure is a risk factor for ulceration in susceptible individuals. This feasibility study explored the use of a pressure sensing mat in a clinic setting to identify any patterns that could indicate early risk of foot disease in a diabetes cohort with designated low foot risk. Methods: Static and dynamic pressure measurements were obtained from 54 individuals (27 with, and 27 without diabetes) using a footscan® pressure sensing mat (Gait and Motion Technology Ltd.). Bare foot mid-stride dynamic foot pressure measurements were obtained. Maximum pressure was recorded for 10 anatomical regions of the foot. Results: Left medial heel, left lateral heel and right medial heel measurements in the diabetes group during walking were significantly lower than those in the control group (left medial heel: median 23.2, vs 28.8, P<0.006; left lateral heel: median 21.4, vs 25.1, P<0.021; right medial heel: median 22.8, vs 28.7), s< 0.017. This related to lower pressures in females compared to females without diabetes at these sites. Conclusions: A pressure sensing mat is a portable, simple and time-efficient method to obtain plantar pressure measurements in a clinic setting. The reasons for lower heel pressure values in the diabetes population are unclear although pressure measurements remained in the acceptable range across all areas assessed. More research is required into whether longitudinal plantar pressure measurements could be utilised in routine foot screening in predicting and preventing foot ulceration in diabetes.