Biomechanics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Biomechanics, including details on mechanics of living organisms, movement, locomotion, prosthetic limbs.

Peak pressure curve: an effective parameter for early detection of foot functional impairments in diabetic patients.

Giacomozzi C, Martelli F

Department of Technology and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy. c_giacomozzi@yahoo.com

A clinical investigation was conducted on 61 diabetic patients and 22 healthy volunteers. Joint mobility, muscular function of the foot-ankle complex and plantar pressure measurements were characterised. A clustering algorithm was applied to obtain patient classification based on the shape and amplitude of the time curve of the instantaneous maximum pressure the foot experienced during gait. Results indicate that a screening test based on the peak pressure curve might be an effective way to detect diabetic patients at risk of foot ulceration.

Published 2 May 2006 in Gait Posture, 23(4): 464-70.
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