Diabetic Foot DiseaseNCT07470255
Detection of Diabetic Foot Skin Damage Using Plantar Mechanical Parameters
An observational study of Diabetic Foot Disease and Diabete Mellitus, run by Peking University Third Hospital.
Trial summary
Diabetes represents one of the major chronic diseases, with diabetic ulcers being a significant adverse prognosis. Approximately 80% of lower limb amputations are attributed to diabetic foot ulcers, which constitute a primary cause of patient disability and mortality, while also imposing a substantial burden on… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 80 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Diabetic Foot Disease, Diabete Mellitus, Mechanical Factor
- What is being tested?
- Detection of the elastic modulus of the plantar skin
- How many people
- 200 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2026to 1 Apr 2028
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: both healthy people and diabetic foot patient.
Who may be able to join
- For healthy one: Fasting blood glucose < 6.1 mmol/L and glycated hemoglobin < 6.0%, with no history of diabetes; Foot condition: normal appearance of both feet, without wounds, deformities, trauma, infections, or dermatological disorders; voluntary participation in this study with signed informed consent.
- For diabetic one: Confirmation of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic standards; Diagnosis of diabetic foot disease* consistent with the criteria established by the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF); Voluntary participation in the present study with provision of signed informed consent.
Who cannot join
- For healthy one: (1) History of foot surgery, trauma, or fractures resulting in skin scars or irreversible cutaneous damage; (2) Active chronic dermatological conditions affecting skin integrity, such as tinea pedis, eczema, or psoriasis; (3) Vascular diseases of the lower extremities (e.g., arteriosclerosis obliterans) causing muscular or cutaneous atrophy in the feet; (4) Systemic diseases impacting the skin or connective tissues, including systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or vasculitis; (5) Prolonged engagement in heavy physical labor or professional sports leading to abnormal thickening or hyperkeratosis of the plantar skin; (6) Presence of extensive, hyperkeratotic lesions (e.g., calluses, corns) or wounds at the measurement site impairing probe contact accuracy; (7) Inability to cooperate or diagnosed psychiatric disorders; (8) Investigator-determined unsuitability for the study or inability to comply with protocol requirements.
- For diabetic one: (1) Uncontrolled severe acute foot infections; (2) Dermatological conditions that interfere with measurement procedures; (3) Irreversible foot skin damage due to non-diabetic etiologies such as trauma or surgical intervention; (4) Coexisting systemic disorders (excluding diabetes) that compromise skin elasticity, including systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or vasculitis; (5) History of above-knee amputation on the measured foot; (6) Inability to cooperate or presence of psychiatric disorders; (7) Investigator-determined ineligibility due to non-compliance concerns or unsuitability for study participation.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: An Exploratory Study on the Detection of Diabetic Foot Skin Damage Using Quantitative Mechanical Parameters of Plantar Skin
Diabetes represents one of the major chronic diseases, with diabetic ulcers being a significant adverse prognosis. Approximately 80% of lower limb amputations are attributed to diabetic foot ulcers, which constitute a primary cause of patient disability and mortality, while also imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Although standardized Western medical protocols for diabetic foot management exist, clinical outcomes remain suboptimal. The amputation rate due to diabetic foot ulcers continues to rise annually, underscoring the urgent need for novel and effective interventions to address this condition.
Quantitative assessment of cutaneous biomechanical parameters may indirectly reflect the cumulative damage inflicted by diabetes on foot tissues. Such evaluation provides critical guidance for predicting susceptibility to recurrent ulceration and determining the necessity of enhanced offloading strategies to prevent ulcer development. By applying specific mechanical loads to the skin and measuring deformation, rebound characteristics, and displacement dynamics under pressure, it becomes possible to quantitatively evaluate parameters such as elastic modulus and viscoelastic properties.
This case-control study aims to investigate the feasibility of utilizing plantar skin quantitative mechanical parameters as objective biomarkers for biomechanical impairment in diabetic foot. Furthermore, it seeks to establish a standardized operating procedure (SOP) for quantitative measurements tailored to diabetic foot scenarios. The study is designed to bridge critical evidence gaps between theoretical consensus and clinically applicable quantitative tools, demonstrating clear innovation and potential clinical value.
- Conditions
- Diabetic Foot Disease, Diabete Mellitus, Mechanical Factor
- Being tested
- Detection of the elastic modulus of the plantar skin
- Keywords
- Diabetic Foot Disease, Diabete Mellitus, Mechanical factor, plantar skin
- Medical subject headings
- Diabetes Mellitus
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Detection of the elastic modulus of the plantar skinDiagnostic test
This study utilizes a quantitative mechanical measurement apparatus, developed by Professor Cao's research team at Tsinghua University. The device employs the principles of straw mechanics and indentation mechanics to apply standardized mechanical loads-such as negative pressure and mechanical contact pressure-to the skin surface while quantitatively measuring its deformation. This enables the precise assessment of skin hardness and viscoelasticity, thereby facilitating the digitization and standardization of skin biomechanical property evaluations.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| group of diabetic foot | patient with diabetic foot， with or without ulcer，ulcer has been healing or not Receives: Diagnostic Test: Detection of the elastic modulus of the plantar skin | |
| group of healthy people | people not with diabetic foot Receives: Diagnostic Test: Detection of the elastic modulus of the plantar skin |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Skin elastic modulus (kPa)
Measured: Baseline
Secondary outcomes (1)
Degree of skin creep
Measured: Baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Apr 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Diabetic Foot DiseaseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Peking University Third HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Peking University Third Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Long Zhang, Peking University Third Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07470255
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Long2026-DFU-Quantit plantar
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 7 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
[1] Li Y, Teng D, Shi X, et al. Prevalence of diabetes recorded in mainland China using 2018 diagnostic criteria from the American Diabetes Association: national cross-sectional study. BMJ. 2020 Apr 28;369:m997. [2] Edmonds M. A renaissance in diabetic foot care: new evidence-based treatments. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018;6(11):837-838. [3] Hingorani A, LaMuraglia GM, Henke P, et al. The management of diabetic foot: a clinical practice guideline by the Society for Vascular Surgery in collaboration with the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Society for Vascular Medicine. J Vasc Surg. 2016;63(2)(suppl):3S-21S. [4] McDermott K, Fang M, Boulton AJM, et al. Etiology, Epidemiology, and Disparities in the Burden of Diabetic Foot Ulcers. Diabetes Care. 2023 Jan 1;46(1):209-221. [5] Argyropoulos AJ, Robichaud P, Balimunkwe RM, Fisher GJ, Hammerberg C, Yan Y, Quan T. Alterations of Dermal Connective Tissue Collagen in Diabetes: Molecular Basis of Aged-Appearing Skin. PLoS One. 2016 Apr 22;11(4):e0153806. [6] Boulton AJ, Hardisty CA, Betts RP, Franks CI, Worth RC, Ward JD, Duckworth T. Dynamic foot pressure and other studies as diagnostic and management aids in diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care. 1983 Jan-Feb;6(1):26-33. [7] Cavanagh PR, Bus SA. Off-loading the diabetic foot for ulcer prevention and healing. J Vasc Surg. 2010 Sep;52(3 Suppl):37S-43S. [8] Bus SA, de Lange A. A comparison of the 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step protocols for obtaining barefoot plantar pressure data in the diabetic neuropathic foot. Clin Biomech (Bristol). 2005 Nov;20(9):892-9. [9] van Netten JJ, Price PE, Lavery LA, Monteiro-Soares M, Rasmussen A, Jubiz Y, Bus SA; International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot. Prevention of foot ulcers in the at-risk patient with diabetes: a systematic review. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2016 Jan;32 Suppl 1:84-98. [10] Abbott CA, Chatwin KE, Foden P, Hasan AN, Sange C, Rajbhandari SM, Reddy PN, Vileikyte L, Bowling FL, Boulton AJM, Reeves ND. Innovat
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- An Exploratory Study on the Detection of Diabetic Foot Skin Damage Using Quantitative Mechanical Parameters of Plantar Skin
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07470255
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Long2026-DFU-Quantit plantar
- Conditions
- Diabetic Foot Disease, Diabete Mellitus, Mechanical Factor
- Keywords
- Diabetic Foot Disease, Diabete Mellitus, Mechanical factor, plantar skin
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Peking University Third HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Apr 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Diabetes represents one of the major chronic diseases, with diabetic ulcers being a significant adverse prognosis. Approximately 80% of lower limb amputations are attributed to diabetic foot ulcers, which constitute a primary cause of patient disability and mortality, while also imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Although standardized Western medical protocols for diabetic foot management exist, clinical outcomes remain suboptimal. The amputation rate due to diabetic foot ulcers continues to rise annually, underscoring the urgent need for novel and effective interventions to address this condition.
Quantitative assessment of cutaneous biomechanical parameters may indirectly reflect the cumulative damage inflicted by diabetes on foot tissues. Such evaluation provides critical guidance for predicting susceptibility to recurrent ulceration and determining the necessity of enhanced offloading strategies to prevent ulcer development. By applying specific mechanical loads to the skin and measuring deformation, rebound characteristics, and displacement dynamics under pressure, it becomes possible to quantitatively evaluate parameters such as elastic modulus and viscoelastic properties.
This case-control study aims to investigate the feasibility of utilizing plantar skin quantitative mechanical parameters as objective biomarkers for biomechanical impairment in diabetic foot. Furthermore, it seeks to establish a standardized operating procedure (SOP) for quantitative measurements tailored to diabetic foot scenarios. The study is designed to bridge critical evidence gaps between theoretical consensus and clinically applicable quantitative tools, demonstrating clear innovation and potential clinical value.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| group of diabetic foot | – | Diagnostic Test: Detection of the elastic modulus of the plantar skinpatient with diabetic foot， with or without ulcer，ulcer has been healing or not |
| group of healthy people | – | Diagnostic Test: Detection of the elastic modulus of the plantar skinpeople not with diabetic foot |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- both healthy people and diabetic foot patient.
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- For healthy one: Fasting blood glucose < 6.1 mmol/L and glycated hemoglobin < 6.0%, with no history of diabetes; Foot condition: normal appearance of both feet, without wounds, deformities, trauma, infections, or dermatological disorders; voluntary participation in this study with signed informed consent.
- For diabetic one: Confirmation of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic standards; Diagnosis of diabetic foot disease* consistent with the criteria established by the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF); Voluntary participation in the present study with provision of signed informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- For healthy one: (1) History of foot surgery, trauma, or fractures resulting in skin scars or irreversible cutaneous damage; (2) Active chronic dermatological conditions affecting skin integrity, such as tinea pedis, eczema, or psoriasis; (3) Vascular diseases of the lower extremities (e.g., arteriosclerosis obliterans) causing muscular or cutaneous atrophy in the feet; (4) Systemic diseases impacting the skin or connective tissues, including systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or vasculitis; (5) Prolonged engagement in heavy physical labor or professional sports leading to abnormal thickening or hyperkeratosis of the plantar skin; (6) Presence of extensive, hyperkeratotic lesions (e.g., calluses, corns) or wounds at the measurement site impairing probe contact accuracy; (7) Inability to cooperate or diagnosed psychiatric disorders; (8) Investigator-determined unsuitability for the study or inability to comply with protocol requirements.
- For diabetic one: (1) Uncontrolled severe acute foot infections; (2) Dermatological conditions that interfere with measurement procedures; (3) Irreversible foot skin damage due to non-diabetic etiologies such as trauma or surgical intervention; (4) Coexisting systemic disorders (excluding diabetes) that compromise skin elasticity, including systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or vasculitis; (5) History of above-knee amputation on the measured foot; (6) Inability to cooperate or presence of psychiatric disorders; (7) Investigator-determined ineligibility due to non-compliance concerns or unsuitability for study participation.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Detection of the elastic modulus of the plantar skinThis study utilizes a quantitative mechanical measurement apparatus, developed by Professor Cao's research team at Tsinghua University. The device employs the principles of straw mechanics and indentation mechanics to apply standardized mechanical loads-such as negative pressure and mechanical contact pressure-to the skin surface while quantitatively measuring its deformation. This enables the precise assessment of skin hardness and viscoelasticity, thereby facilitating the digitization and standardization of skin biomechanical property evaluations. | Diagnostic test | group of diabetic foot, group of healthy people |
Primary outcome
Skin elastic modulus (kPa)
Time frame: Baseline
1 secondary outcome
Degree of skin creep
Time frame: Baseline
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Mar 2026.
- Background[1] Li Y, Teng D, Shi X, et al. Prevalence of diabetes recorded in mainland China using 2018 diagnostic criteria from the American Diabetes Association: national cross-sectional study. BMJ. 2020 Apr 28;369:m997. [2] Edmonds M. A renaissance in diabetic foot care: new evidence-based treatments. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018;6(11):837-838. [3] Hingorani A, LaMuraglia GM, Henke P, et al. The management of diabetic foot: a clinical practice guideline by the Society for Vascular Surgery in collaboration with the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Society for Vascular Medicine. J Vasc Surg. 2016;63(2)(suppl):3S-21S. [4] McDermott K, Fang M, Boulton AJM, et al. Etiology, Epidemiology, and Disparities in the Burden of Diabetic Foot Ulcers. Diabetes Care. 2023 Jan 1;46(1):209-221. [5] Argyropoulos AJ, Robichaud P, Balimunkwe RM, Fisher GJ, Hammerberg C, Yan Y, Quan T. Alterations of Dermal Connective Tissue Collagen in Diabetes: Molecular Basis of Aged-Appearing Skin. PLoS One. 2016 Apr 22;11(4):e0153806. [6] Boulton AJ, Hardisty CA, Betts RP, Franks CI, Worth RC, Ward JD, Duckworth T. Dynamic foot pressure and other studies as diagnostic and management aids in diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care. 1983 Jan-Feb;6(1):26-33. [7] Cavanagh PR, Bus SA. Off-loading the diabetic foot for ulcer prevention and healing. J Vasc Surg. 2010 Sep;52(3 Suppl):37S-43S. [8] Bus SA, de Lange A. A comparison of the 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step protocols for obtaining barefoot plantar pressure data in the diabetic neuropathic foot. Clin Biomech (Bristol). 2005 Nov;20(9):892-9. [9] van Netten JJ, Price PE, Lavery LA, Monteiro-Soares M, Rasmussen A, Jubiz Y, Bus SA; International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot. Prevention of foot ulcers in the at-risk patient with diabetes: a systematic review. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2016 Jan;32 Suppl 1:84-98. [10] Abbott CA, Chatwin KE, Foden P, Hasan AN, Sange C, Rajbhandari SM, Reddy PN, Vileikyte L, Bowling FL, Boulton AJM, Reeves ND. Innovat
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Diabetic Foot Disease and Diabete Mellitus, run by Peking University Third Hospital.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Long Zhang Executive Deputy Director, Medical Doctor (+86 010-82266699, longzh2000@163.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Skin elastic modulus (kPa) (time frame: Baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07470255, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Mar 2026.