"Smart Sock Technology: Monitoring Walking Patterns for Health Alerts"

In a world where diabetes affects over 500 million people globally, a groundbreaking innovation is on the horizon: an electronic sock capable of detecting an unhealthy walking style associated with diabetes-related foot issues. Presented at the EHRA 2024 congress by Dr. Ki Hong Lee from Chonnam National University Hospital in South Korea, this technology has the potential to revolutionize foot care for diabetic patients.

Patients with diabetes often exhibit abnormal walking patterns, leading to increased pressure on the metatarsal area of the foot, which can result in ulcers and, in severe cases, amputation. Traditional methods struggle to detect these issues early on, making interventions challenging. However, the electronic sock equipped with a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor offers a new, non-invasive approach to identifying gait abnormalities and preventing serious complications.

The study involved 20 diabetic patients and 20 healthy controls, all wearing the BCG sock to measure heart rate and pressure distribution on the foot. Remarkably, the BCG sock accurately measured heart rate, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99 compared to the gold standard electrocardiogram (ECG). Moreover, it successfully distinguished between healthy individuals and diabetic patients, highlighting the potential for early detection of foot problems.

Notably, the sock's pressure measurements revealed that diabetic patients exerted higher pressure on the metatarsal area while walking, especially those with poor circulation. By identifying these patterns, the electronic sock could pinpoint patients who would benefit from gait training to prevent foot complications, ultimately improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of foot ulcers and amputations.

This innovative technology represents a significant step forward in diabetic foot care, providing a simple yet effective solution for monitoring walking styles and preventing severe complications. With further development and implementation, the electronic sock could become a game-changer in managing diabetes-related foot problems, offering hope for millions of individuals worldwide.

Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1039984