Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Centre for Biomedical Technologies have been awarded an $810,000 Medical Research Future Fund Primary Health Care Digital Innovations Grant to 3D-print low-cost, personalised, pressure off-loading insoles.
These insoles will be used to improve care for Australians living in remote locations with diabetes-related foot disease, the university said in a news release.
According to Professor Mia Woodruff of the QUT Centre for Biomedical Technologies, people living in regional and remote areas have less access to podiatry services and a lower chance of diabetes-related foot ulcer healing, which contributes to a higher risk of amputation.
“Our research team will develop and evaluate low-cost foot scanning technologies, developed in partnership with Aptium3D within an established digital framework,” Professor Woodruff said.
These innovations will be incorporated into the pipeline for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU) in regional communities run by the allied healthcare organisation Healthia, noted Woodruff.
“Our innovative 3D dynamic foot scanner will be used by expert podiatrists as a telehealth device for remote monitoring and diagnosis,” Woodruff added.
The professor also explained that personalised insoles will be made using cutting-edge, flexible metamaterial 3D printing technology to assist prevent injury and ulceration on the foot.
Members of the project research team from the university include Professor Woodruff, Associate Professor Peter Lazzarini, Dr Sean Powell, Associate Professor David Holmes, Alexander Terrill, and Dr Edmund Pickering.
Professor Jonathan Golledge from James Cook University and Dr Kerrie Evans from the University of Sydney are additional members.
Associate investigators are Dean Hartley, Chief technology officer, Healthia Ltd; Scott Morrison General manager iOrthotics, Greater Brisbane and industry partner Aptium3D.
