Validity and feasibility of a temperature sensor for measuring use and non-use of orthopaedic footwear

Orthopaedic footwear is frequently prescribed to patients with a wide variety of pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative foot disorders and muscle disorders. For these patients, orthopaedic footwear is used for a range of serious foot and/or ankle problems; for example, to prevent the onset or recurrence of foot ulcers, to reduce pain, to support anatomical foot deformities, enhance stability and mobility, and redistribute plantar pressure. Orthopaedic footwear is only effective if they are used. To date, the use of orthopaedic footwear has mostly been assessed using questionnaires, interviews or diaries. However, these methods are not objective and lack accuracy. Temperature measurement can be used to determine the use of orthopaedic footwear. This study uses a new temperature sensor to objectively monitor use and non-use of orthopaedic footwear. Ten healthy participants were monitored over a period of 48 h using the sensor in their footwear. Footwear use based on the sensor data was compared with the reference standard, a camera attached to the footwear. The study found that the temperature sensor is a valid instrument to measure footwear use and non-use.