SMART SOCKS: HARNESSING THE POWER OF BIOMETRIC WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE THE PREVALENCE OF LOWER EXTREMITY AMPUTATION
Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
AMY FUNKE, MSOP, CPO MSOP PROGRAM DIRECTOR, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE
Abstract
An estimated 465,000 Americans experience amputation each year. More than half (57%) of these amputees have a diagnosis Diabetes mellitus, meaning that a limb is amputated every three-and-a-half minutes due to diabetes in the United States. This study highlighted the significant impact that diabetes has on the prevalence of amputation, noting that over 30 million people in the United States have diabetes and approximately 25% of them will experience a diabetic foot ulcer (DFUs) in their lifetime. DFUs can lead to severe complications such as lower-extremity amputation, therefore it is of the utmost importance to explore the means for early detection and intervention. A wealth of research indicates that DFUs are a leading precursor to lower-extremity amputation, yet traditional monitoring methods often fail to capture dynamic changes that signal early tissue breakdown. Research also indicates that the assessment of differences in plantar surface skin temperature can assist with early detection of DFUs, however, much of the existing literature is limited to utilizing once-a-day measurement assessments. This study explores the use of remote biometric monitoring utilizing wireless sensor-embedded smart sock technology to provide continuous temperature monitoring as a diagnostic vehicle to facilitate early detection and timely intervention for diabetic foot ulcers. The practical applications of this research extend across clinical care, research, and patient self-management. Smart sock technology enables continuous remote monitoring and early detection of diabetic foot ulcer risk, which may improve prevention strategies, support underserved communities through telehealth, enhance patient adherence, and help reduce diabetes-related amputations.