Evaluation of a novel wearable aid to improve gait patterns in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

The intervention is a novel wearable device that consists of an accelerometer and vibrotactile actuator contained in a small casing that is attached to both legs with an elastic Velcro® strap. The underlying principle is to replace the sensation of the foot striking the ground that is diminished or absent in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. To achieve this, the accelerometer detects the vertical acceleration generated at heel strike, and then immediately applies an equivalent vibration signal to the tibial tuberosity. The device will be attached to participants by research staff. Each device condition (i.e. no device, active device, sham device) will last approximately 20 mins each and there will be a brief (5 min) wash-out period between conditions. The sham device condition involves attaching the device in the standard manner but without the generation of vibration (i.e. the device is turned off). The complete study time will be approximately 2 hours. Testing procedure: 1. Medical history questionnaire and falls risk screening (QuickScreen and Fear of Falling questionnaire) 2. Gait analysis using GaitRite walkway for each of the 3 device conditions (in random order, separated by 5 minute wash-out period). This involves 4 repeat trials of participants walking at their usual comfortable speed along the 830 cm long walkway.