Korean researchers have developed a connected sock that detects walking problems linked to cardiovascular and diabetic complications.
- Korean scientists have developed a sock equipped with a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor, which detects body movements when the heart ejects blood.
- In the study, the heart rate measured by the smart sock and that of the electrocardiogram were almost identical.
- In addition, the device managed to detect that diabetic adults exerted higher pressure in the metatarsal area of the foot when walking.
“Diabetes can affect the way people walk. Patients tend to put pressure on the metatarsal area of the foot, rather than the heel. This gait promotes ulcers, which can become infected and lead to amputation “, said Ki Hong Lee, a researcher at Chonnam National University Hospital in Gwangju, South Korea.
The sock is equipped with a ballistocardiogram sensor
To identify this poor gait linked to diabetes and poor blood circulation and thus avoid serious foot problems, he and his team developed a sock equipped with a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor. BCG detects body movements as the heart pumps blood and is used to measure heart rate and pressure on the feet when walking.
To determine the effectiveness of their device, the scientists recruited 20 diabetic people and 20 healthy adults as part ofa study. All participants wore the connected sock for 40 seconds while standing and 40 seconds while walking in order to measure their heart rate and the distribution of pressure on the foot. At the same time, they underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) with a small patch attached to the wrist and an electrode stuck to the chest. “It is the reference tool in cardiology for measuring heart rate.”
The device distinguishes between the gait of healthy adults and diabetic patients
The results, presented at the congress of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) 2024, showed that heart rate measurements by the smart sock and the electrocardiogram were almost identical. Regarding measurements of pressure distribution on the foot, the device detected that diabetic patients exerted higher pressure in the metatarsal area of the foot during walking than healthy volunteers.
The researchers also found that, compared to patients without blood vessel damage, those with blood vessel damage exerted significantly more pressure on the metatarsal area of the foot during walking and less pressure on the heel. .
“Overall, the data suggests that the e-sock could be an easy, non-invasive way to identify people with diabetes who could benefit from gait training to prevent foot complications,” concluded Ki Hong Lee.
