New methods and parameters for dynamic foot pressure analysis in diabetic neuropathy

Walking foot pressures are found to be affected by the weight of the person and walking velocity. It is found that both the magnitude and duration of the dynamic foot pressures are important in ulcer formation in neuropathic feet. This paper describes a method of using new parameters: Normalized Peak Pressure (NPP), and Pressure Contact Ratio (PCR) to understand pressure distribution patterns under the soles of diabetic subjects with neuropathic feet possibly responsible for ulcer formation. The measurement of dynamic foot pressure, on normals as well as 3 classes of diabetic subjects, is carried out using optical pedobarograph. The foot is divided into ten areas and they are scanned to find maximum values of the new parameters in each of these areas. A statistical study of the foot pressure parameters for normals and three classes of diabetic patients indicate distinguishing trends and hence could possibly provide a quantitative insight into the condition of the foot to the clinician and may aid in better diagnosis and therapy planning.