Using smart devices to improve healing of diabetic foot ulcers
Official title: Improving the science of adherence reinforcement and safe mobility in people with diabetic foot ulcers using smart offloading
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11012795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new smart device that helps people with diabetic foot ulcers heal better by reminding them to use it correctly, and it’s comparing how well this device works compared to regular treatment methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $368,171 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK124789-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers who require offloading therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have diabetic foot ulcers or those who are unable to use smart technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the healing process for patients with diabetic foot ulcers by utilizing a smart offloading device called MOTUS Smart. This device allows for real-time monitoring of patient adherence to prescribed offloading therapy, which is crucial for healing. Patients will receive notifications on their smartwatches if they are not using the device correctly, helping to reinforce adherence. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of this innovative approach against traditional methods to determine its impact on healing and mobility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve healing rates for diabetic foot ulcers, reducing the risk of complications such as amputation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology to enhance patient adherence in various medical treatments, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Armstrong, David George — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Armstrong, David George
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Diabetic Foot Ulcer Offloading with User-Friendly Cast Walker Design
A small pilot study to see how different removable cast walker designs affect daily use and healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
-
Home-based exercise to help Veterans recover after healed diabetic foot ulcers
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-
How Medicaid Coverage Changes Diabetic Foot Care in Safety-Net Patients
This project looks at how new Medicaid coverage in California affects foot care, ED visits, and outcomes for adults with diabetes in safety-net populations.
-
Multi-targeted approach to help heal diabetic foot ulcers using electric fields and nitric oxide
A study to test a combo treatment using electric field stimulation and nitric oxide to boost healing in diabetic foot ulcers.
-
Wound fluid test to predict healing in diabetic foot ulcers
This project looks for chemical signals in the fluid from diabetic foot ulcers that could tell adults with diabetes whether a wound will heal with standard care or need a different treatment.
-
MTX-001 for healing diabetic foot ulcers in people with diabetes
A first–in–class biologic therapy called MTX-001 is being tested to help heal diabetic foot ulcers and reduce infection risk in adults with diabetes.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.