-  Faculty Experts   -  News by Topic   -  News by School Search News & Info WUSTL in the News   - Powered by Google WUSTL Home Public Affairs Home University News Medical News Sports News Radio Service Business, Law & Econ Culture & Living Science & Technology Contact Information TV/Radio Studio Visiting Our Campuses Campus Images Sports photography Commercial Filming    and Photography Commercial Use of    Names and Symbols Domain Name policy Record (newspaper) Campus Calendars WUSTL News Summary Publications Online Facts, Guides & Maps		Tip Sheet: Science & Technology Tip sheets highlight timely news and events at Washington University in St. Louis. For more information on any of the stories below or for assistance in arranging interviews, please see the contact information listed with each story. For comments on the Science & Technology news tips service, please contact the editor, Tony Fitzpatrick at (314) 935-5272 or tony_fitzpatrick@aismail.wustl.edu. Tips Sheets: Business, Law & Econ | Culture & Living | Medical Science & Health | Science & Technology Engineers design electric monitoring device to prevent foot damage complications Media assistance: Tony Fitzpatrick - (314) 935-5272 Source: Robert Morley Source: Michael Mueller Related: Outlook magazine article "One Step at a Time" Related: Robert Morley's Web page [St. Louis, Mo., March 2003] - A team of electrical engineers at Washington University in St. Louis has designed an electronic monitoring device for diabetics to wear inside their shoes. The research model is being designed and tested to someday help prevent damage caused by poor blood circulation that makes diabetics' feet numb. Foot damage is one of the more extreme complications of diabetes. Diabetics can neglect their feet because they can't feel that they are abusing them. Results can be as minor as lesions or as major as gangrene and amputation. Washington University electrical engineers Robert Morley and Ed Richter display the electronics behind a specially designed shoe that would help prevent diabetics from damaging their feet. Robert E. Morley, D.Sc., Washington University professor of electrical engineering, in collaboration with Michael J. Mueller, Ph.D, associate professor of physical therapy at Washington University School of Medicine, have a detailed project that they hope can help thwart this complication. With the assistance of Edward J. Richter, research associate in electrical engineering, Joe Klaesner, Ph.D., research assistant professor in physical therapy, and funding by the National Institutes of Health, Morley has designed an electronic monitoring device that may let diabetics know when their feet are in trouble. The monitoring system prototype uses four sensors to measure pressure in sensitive areas of the foot. The system also monitors temperature and humidity. In future versions, a device worn at the waist will sound an alarm when the diabetic patient needs to alter his or her activity to protect their feet. "We think this can be an immeasurable help to diabetics and others as well," Morley said. "For instance, the device also can be adapted to monitor bed sores in bed-ridden patients. They also can't feel the damage that they are suffering. We are at the design stage now of miniaturizing the monitoring device." The plan is for a device that will transmit specific instructions to the user by way of the modern LCD readout technology employed in beepers. Collaborator Mueller calls the device a "virtual physical therapist."
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