Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a major health and economic burden, being difficult to heal, with infections often requiring amputation and costing the UK health service ~£1 billion/year. Several factors including diabetic peripheral neuropathy contribute to high foot pressures, leading to DFU. Despite current knowledge, DFU prevention remains a challenge. This research study aims to investigate the role of Achilles tendon properties, plantarflexor muscle-tendon stiffness and ankle dorsiflexion range on Diabetic Foot Ulcer risk at specific sites across the foot. our university has received NHS ethics approval to undertake the study.

Biomechanical laboratory facilities at the Manchester Metropolitan University will support the work for this project including a state-of-the-art gait laboratory with multi-camera motion analysis system, ground-embedded force platforms and wireless sensors for measuring electromyographic (muscle) activity. We have a cutting-edge muscle-tendon testing facility including dynamometer (force-measuring device), ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging scanners, foot pressure analysis, tendon ultrasound imaging techniques and magnetic resonance imaging of ankle joint mechanics and muscle-tendon structure.

Considerable in-kind contributions are provided from the universities and hospitals involved. Partial funding is requested to support a talented early career researcher to work on the project. This will enable work on this clinical study.