The hypothesis of this study is based on the premise that pressure-distributing materials with superior biomechanical and tissue response properties will be capable of improving the healing rate of neuropathic ulcers. The overarching objective of the present project is to assess the influence of the nature and method of application of the materials under study on tissue response, the reduction of pressure on the sole of the foot, and the healing of neuropathic ulcers in patients with diabetes mellitus.
The study is divided into two distinct phases: The following analysis is concerned with the characteristics of materials that are employed for the purpose of the distribution of pressure. This will entail the meticulous analysis of the response exhibited by the materials, with the objective of ascertaining their true biomechanical behaviour in volunteers devoid of active ulcers. The materials selected in the first part will be applied for the treatment of revascularised neuroischaemic ulcers. This will determine which of the materials is the most suitable for treating the lesion.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
46
The 5 mm felt pad is applied for 4 days and then removed. After allowing the skin at least 48 hours to recover, the 10 mm felt pad is applied, also for 4 days.
Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe
Valencia, Valencia, Spain
RECRUITINGNear-infrared perfusion index (NIR perfusion)
Hyperspectral imaging was performed using the TIVITA® 2.0 camera (Diaspective Vision GmbH, Germany). This non-contact, non-invasive device captures images across multiple wavelengths within the visible and near-infrared spectrum (500-1000 nm), enabling assessment of microcirculatory parameters up to a tissue depth of approximately 8 mm. The device provides an image resolution of 640 × 480 pixels, with an acquisition time of 6.4 seconds. Images were analyzed using TIVITA® Suite software by selecting a circular region of interest adjusted to the metatarsal head and offloading area under study.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 days
Thermography
The images will be captured using the FLIR C8 thermal imaging camera. The camera in question features a true thermal resolution of 320 × 240 pixels (76,800 measurement points) and MSX® technology, which combines visual and thermal details into a single image, thereby facilitating the detection of anatomical abnormalities. Thermographic variables of interest included differences in absolute temperature values (maximum and mean temperature) within the region of interest corresponding to the offloading area.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 days
Peak pressure (Pmax)
Peak pressure (Pmax) measured at the metatarsal head corresponding to the highest dynamic pressure. Plantar pressures were assessed using the EPS+R platform (Loran Engineering®, Bologna, Italy). The platform measures 50 × 70 × 4 mm, weighs 7 kg, and incorporates 2304 resistive sensors measuring 9 × 9 mm each. The pressure range is 50-350 kPa, with a maximum acquisition frequency of 100 Hz. Biomech® Studio 2019 software (LetSense Srl, Loran Engineering®) was used for data analysis.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 days
Tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂)
Hyperspectral imaging was performed using the TIVITA® 2.0 camera (Diaspective Vision GmbH, Germany). This non-contact, non-invasive device captures images across multiple wavelengths within the visible and near-infrared spectrum (500-1000 nm), enabling assessment of microcirculatory parameters up to a tissue depth of approximately 8 mm. The device provides an image resolution of 640 × 480 pixels, with an acquisition time of 6.4 seconds. Images were analyzed using TIVITA® Suite software by selecting a circular region of interest adjusted to the metatarsal head and offloading area under study.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 days
Tissue hemoglobin index (THI)
Hyperspectral imaging was performed using the TIVITA® 2.0 camera (Diaspective Vision GmbH, Germany). This non-contact, non-invasive device captures images across multiple wavelengths within the visible and near-infrared spectrum (500-1000 nm), enabling assessment of microcirculatory parameters up to a tissue depth of approximately 8 mm. The device provides an image resolution of 640 × 480 pixels, with an acquisition time of 6.4 seconds. Images were analyzed using TIVITA® Suite software by selecting a circular region of interest adjusted to the metatarsal head and offloading area under study.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 days
Tissue wáter index (TWI)
Hyperspectral imaging was performed using the TIVITA® 2.0 camera (Diaspective Vision GmbH, Germany). This non-contact, non-invasive device captures images across multiple wavelengths within the visible and near-infrared spectrum (500-1000 nm), enabling assessment of microcirculatory parameters up to a tissue depth of approximately 8 mm. The device provides an image resolution of 640 × 480 pixels, with an acquisition time of 6.4 seconds. Images were analyzed using TIVITA® Suite software by selecting a circular region of interest adjusted to the metatarsal head and offloading area under study.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 days
Tissue lipid index (TLI)
Hyperspectral imaging was performed using the TIVITA® 2.0 camera (Diaspective Vision GmbH, Germany). This non-contact, non-invasive device captures images across multiple wavelengths within the visible and near-infrared spectrum (500-1000 nm), enabling assessment of microcirculatory parameters up to a tissue depth of approximately 8 mm. The device provides an image resolution of 640 × 480 pixels, with an acquisition time of 6.4 seconds. Images were analyzed using TIVITA® Suite software by selecting a circular region of interest adjusted to the metatarsal head and offloading area under study.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 days
Mean pressure (Pmean)
Mean pressure (Pmean) measured at the metatarsal head corresponding to the highest dynamic pressure. Plantar pressures were assessed using the EPS+R platform (Loran Engineering®, Bologna, Italy). The platform measures 50 × 70 × 4 mm, weighs 7 kg, and incorporates 2304 resistive sensors measuring 9 × 9 mm each. The pressure range is 50-350 kPa, with a maximum acquisition frequency of 100 Hz. Biomech® Studio 2019 software (LetSense Srl, Loran Engineering®) was used for data analysis.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 days
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