EFRO ExPressure
Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication that impact patient well-being and healthcare costs, often leading to severe outcomes such as amputations. Preventing these ulcers requires accurate identification of pressure points so that orthopedic shoes and insoles can be properly adjusted. However, current fitting processes rely largely on expert judgment and lack objective measurement tools. Existing technologies mainly focus on the sole of the foot, while pressure points on the top—where many ulcers also develop—are often overlooked.
The ExPressure project addresses this gap by developing a “smart sock” capable of measuring pressure distribution across the entire foot, including both the sole and the top. This sensor-integrated wearable provides detailed and objective data about the interaction between the foot and the shoe, enabling more precise and personalized fitting of orthopedic footwear. The goal is to improve comfort, reduce pressure-related risks, and prevent complications in diabetic foot care.
The project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium combining academic research, clinical expertise, and industry partners to develop and validate this technology for real-world application.
ExPressure is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRO). Partners include the University of Twente, GroupPractice Ed Wender, Voetmax, PLT Products, and PodoIT. The project contact is Carlos Kuhlmann.
