The third part of our researcher spotlight series is with Dr. Markus Wimmer, Associate Chairman of the Department of Orthopedics and Director of Human Motion Analysis and Tribology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Dr. Wimmer is one of 11 researchers to receive funding in early 2016 for his innovative research project, which uses mobile technology to show how a non-invasive treatment can improve health outcomes for people with osteoarthritis (OA). Dr. Wimmer’s 2 year research project is called “Augmented Feedback Using Pressure Detecting Insoles to Reduce Knee Loading”. The purpose of his research is to look at the use of a pressure based insole to train the OA patient to walk in a way that will reduce pressure in the knees. Reducing knee joint pressure loads may help reduce pain and disease progression.
该项目使用的特殊鞋子是根据拉什大学医学中心关节炎基金会资助的一个项目而设计的，并为该项目设计了创新的鞋垫。这种鞋子和鞋垫的设计是灵活的，可以模仿赤脚走路的样子——这已经被证明可以减轻膝盖承受的压力。这种鞋垫会向智能手机应用程序发送压力反馈。受试者将获得一部智能手机，该手机上的应用程序是专门为研究期间使用而设计的。
After an initial 3 days of training with the shoes and the smartphone app in the presence of a trainer, each subject will continue to use the insoles and shoes for 3 weeks (weeks 0 to 3). Then subjects will continue for an additional 3 weeks (weeks 4 to 6) without the insole and smartphone feedback. Testing will be done at the end of the study to see if subjects changed their walking styles to reduce knee pressure.
The project recently enrolled its first subject. The study may enroll up to 40 subjects and is scheduled to run through early 2018.
This Arthritis Foundation investment is an example of the foundation’s pioneering work to bring mobile technology to scientific discovery. The use of mobile technology can play an important role in collecting valuable data in patient-centered research and can help to improve patient outcomes. Other work in this cutting edge field includes our thought leadership for the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative’s (CTTI) Mobile Clinical Trials Program. Information about theCTTI Mobile Clinical Trials program can be found here.
Read the first two parts of our researcher series, withDr. Choand withDr. Sun.