ViscoTurf - Preventing Secondary Diabetic Foot Ulceration.

An Investigation Into the Efficacy of a Patient-specific Turf-Like Insole in Reducing Plantar Pressure and Improving Skin Microcirculation in Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy.

Status

UNKNOWN

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT04630795

Enrollment

Registered

2020-11-16

Start date

2023-09-01

Completion date

2024-12-30

Last updated

2023-04-18

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Diabetic Foot

Keywords

Biomechanics, perfusion, plantar soft tissue, skin microcirculation,

Brief summary

Diabetic Foot Ulceration (DFU) is one of the most common complication of diabetes costing the NHS over £970m annually. Management of foot ulcers is time-consuming and expensive with 45% taking more than six months to heal. Around 25% of patients re-ulcerate in 3 months, 40% within 1 year and 60% within 3 years and patients who have achieved wound closure are generally considered to be in remission rather than healed. A patient presenting with a foot ulcer has a greatly elevated risk of amputation while 80% of amputations can be prevented with the appropriate treatment, such as footwear intervention. ViscoTurf is a novel, 3D printed, orthotic device designed specifically for this purpose. It emulates the function of natural turf to provide cushioning, optimised offloading and better microcirculation on the vulnerable areas of the plantar surface of the foot. This improves perfusion (the delivery of blood to the capillary bed) in the load bearing regions of the foot where the risk of re-ulceration is very high. An earlier feasibility study established proof-of-concept, showing ViscoTurf achieved a higher and longer-lasting increase in perfusion compared to conventional support structures. ViscoTurf insoles can be automatically designed to the foot size and 3D printed. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the immediate effect of walking in Viscoturf insole (Turf-Like insoles) on skin perfusion and pressure at the sole of the foot in diabetic patients with history of ulceration. To achieve this, the immediate efficacy (effect as a result of walking for 15 meters) of Viscoturf insole will be assessed and compared to that of the standard flat insole. Intervention insole will be produced as 3D printed insole with the Turf-Like patches incorporated in the areas of interest, while the Standard Insole will be a standard 3D printed flat with NO Turf-like patches.

Interventions

DEVICEViscoTurf insole

Intervention insole will be produced as 3D printed insole with the Turf-Like patches incorporated in the areas of interest.

DEVICEControl insole

Control Insole will be a standard 3D printed flat insole with NO Turf-like patches.

Study design

Observational model

CASE_ONLY

Time perspective

CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to No maximum

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* Type 1 OR Type 2 diabetes * Over 18 * History of foot ulcer

Exclusion criteria

* History of recent major lower limb surgery (amputation) or revascularisation and orthopaedic reconstruction over the last 3 months * Current active foot ulcer * Not be able to walk unassisted for 15 meters

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Plantar skin perfusion before and after use.	March-July 2021	The primary outcome measure is the improvement in plantar skin perfusion, which is the difference between skin perfusion before and after use.

Secondary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Plantar Pressure during walking	March-July2021	The secondary outcome measure is plantar pressure underneath the critical areas when walking in the insole.

Contacts

Primary ContactRoozbeh Naemi, PhD

r.naemi@staffs.ac.uk+441782295879

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026