Patterns of weight-bearing activity during indoor and outdoor activities

This study that will be presented examines how behavioural patterns of weight-bearing activity relate to foot ulcer development in people with diabetes and a history of ulceration. While total daily step count is not a strong predictor of ulcer risk, repetitive plantar loading may depend on how activity is accumulated, distributed, and interrupted by rest. Using one-week accelerometer data, we characterise activity patterns, including duration, intensity, recovery time, and indoor/outdoor context, while accounting for therapeutic footwear adherence.

Participants will be clustered based on behavioural patterns, and associations with ulcer development will be explored, including the potential of these metrics to improve prediction models along with clinical and biomechanical factors.