In-shoe multisensory data acquisition system

Patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy are susceptible to unnotic ed trauma on the foot that can cause skin breakdown. We have designed an el ectronic system in a shoe that monitors temperature, pressure, and humidity , storing the data in a battery-powered device for later uploading to a hos t computer for data analysis. The pressure sensors are located at the heel, and under three metatarsal heads. Temperature sensors are located under th e medial metatarsal head and under the heel. The humidity sensor is located in the toe of the shoe. Correlations of data from pressure sensors with kn own values were high (r > 0.85), even after extended use. Although data cur rently are being collected for descriptive purposes, the design potentially can be used to provide feedback to patients.