Foot sole vibration for people with DPN
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation of a smart insole, for the purpose of improving sensory response in people with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy - SMARTSOLE
IRAS ID
273101
Contact name
Neil Reeves
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metropolitan University
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN15526470
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 29 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
The project will investigate the effectiveness of different types of vibration stimuli from a vibratory insole for enhancing sensory perception and improving balance control during gait. Previous studies show vibrational stimuli to the sole of the foot can improve balance during quiet standing in populations including post-stroke, or persons with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, where sensation in the sole of the foot is diminished, resulting in balance control detriments. The optimal vibrational type for improving sensory perception and balance control remain unknown. Also, studies have previously considered static postural balance and not any type of dynamic gait activity.
The current project will assess different types of vibrational stimuli provided by a vibrating insole device, to determine the conditions providing optimal improvement in sensory perception and balance control. This will be conducted by a laboratory visit testing 6 different types of vibration in 23 participants, assessing balance and gait control against a baseline measurement without the vibrational stimuli.Summary of Results
: This study assessed gait quality and postural and dynamic balance during walking and stair negotiation using a motion capture camera system (measuring the movement of the body) and force platforms (measuring the forces applied to the ground during walking) across seven vibratory insole conditions and control condition (insole without vibration) in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
The seven vibratory insole conditions varied in terms of vibration frequency (0–240 Hz), type of activation (linear or binary activation) and delivery (whole foot vs partial foot), and addition or otherwise of white noise. Repeated measures test conditions were randomized.
The study found that all vibrating insole conditions increased gait speed significantly compared to the control condition (no vibration) in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Three vibratory insoles conditions (Vc2, Vc4, and Vc6) were identified as the most effective. Gait speed increased during stair ascent and descent in three vibratory insole conditions: Vc2, Vc4 and Vc6. Postural balance improved during quiet standing with eyes closed infour vibratory insole conditions: Vc2, Vc4, Vc6, and Vc7.
Vibrating insoles were found to be an effective acute strategy for improving postural balance and gait quality during level walking and stair descent in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. These benefits were optimised when the entire plantar foot surface was stimulated.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0372
Date of REC Opinion
9 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion