In-shoe Pressures Associated With Footwear Fit Guidelines

Who can take part

• Men and women aged 18-80 years
• Confirmed diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2
• Confirmed diagnosis of neuropathy
• Able to walk unaided for a minimum of 200 steps with capacity to attend the research site
• PAR-Q physical activity questionnaire does not indicate any possible heart problems, dizziness or other issue indicating unsuitability for mild physical exercise involved in walking
• Willingness and capacity to participate in the study and to sign the informed consent form

Who cannot take part

• Previous minor or major amputation
• Unconfirmed diabetes mellitus diagnosis
• Active ulcer (i.e. having an active ulcer at the time of recruitment)
• Recently healed ulcer (an ulcer which has had less than six months to fully heal)
• History of Charcot in foot/joints
• Neurological disorders other than diabetes-related neuropathy potentially affecting gait, balance or posture
• Evidence of significant peripheral vascular disease e.g. (i) attendance at a specialist vascular clinic; (ii) documentation of occlusive arterial disease or intervention; (iii) at least one pulse should be palpable on the affected foot with exclusion where neither pulse is palpable
• PAR-Q physical activity questionnaire indicates possible heart problems, dizziness or other issue indicating unsuitability for mild physical exercise involved in walking
• Inability to ambulate independently without walking aids
• Presence of rheumatoid arthritis
• Blood pressure >180/100 or <90/50
• Unable to understand written and verbal English