University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring the relationship between usability perception of orthopedic shoes and activity levels in people with diabetes with a high risk for foot ulcers.
Vögeding, Kai (2021) Exploring the relationship between usability perception of orthopedic shoes and activity levels in people with diabetes with a high risk for foot ulcers.
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| Abstract: | Background. People with diabetes often have a high risk of getting foot ulcers. These are closely related to limitations in mobility and high treatment costs due to hospitalization or amputation. To minimize the risk of getting foot ulcers, it is important actually to wear orthopedic shoes by people with diabetes at high risk of foot ulcers. The willingness of wearing orthopedic shoes is closely related to the usability perception of these shoes. Moreover, it is crucial to walk in orthopedic shoes daily to see improvements in factors like wound healing and minimize the risk of foot ulcers. Objective. The study aimed to assess the relationship between the three domains of usability perception namely effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction determined by the questionnaire “Monitor Orthopedic Shoes“ (MOS) and the activity level of patients with diabetes with a high risk for foot ulcers. Method. The sample of this study consisted of 56 participants. The participants’ mean age was 66.78 and consisted of 14 females and 42 males. All participants were Dutch. The usability perception of orthopedic shoes was measured using the MOS questionnaire. Lastly, the steps taken per day were measured with the activity monitor “Misfit shine 2“. Frequency analysis and a post hoc analysis have been conducted to investigate the differences between the groups of step count while looking at the aspects of usability perception. Results. The main findings of this research were that reduction of pain in the muscles, high satisfaction of donning and doffing orthopedic shoes, and satisfaction about communication with the orthopedic shoe technician are related to higher activity levels measured in steps made per day. Discussion. It was surprising that significance was found in only one aspect out of all three usability domains because some aspects like change in pain in the muscle, sprain, and skin can be expected to be related to each other. For future research, it can be suggested to integrate activity sensors insight the orthopedic shoes in order to determine if participants have worn their orthopedic shoes while making steps. This would give insights if the current findings can be associated with the use of orthopedic shoes or might be based on other factors. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/86676 |
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