A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON PRESSURE POINT IDENTIFICATION AND VIBRATION PERCEPTION ASSESSMENT IN DIABETIC PATIENTS USING INNOVATIVE DEVICE AND CONVENTIONAL METHOD

Abstract

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a major microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and plays a critical role in the development of diabetic foot ulceration and lower limb amputation. Conventional bedside screening tools such as the 10 g monofilament and 128 Hz tuning fork are inexpensive and widely used; however, they are limited by subjectivity and inability to assess plantar pressure abnormalities. An integrated device capable of evaluating both pressure distribution and vibration perception may improve early detection of high-risk diabetic feet. Aim: To compare the diagnostic effectiveness of an innovative pressure point identification and vibration perception device with conventional neuropathy screening methods in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A prospective comparative study was carried out among 100 diabetic patients at the Department of General Surgery, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. Participants were equally divided into an experimental group assessed using the innovative device and a control group evaluated using conventional techniques including monofilament and tuning fork testing. Clinical findings, neuropathy detection rate, plantar pressure assessment, diagnostic accuracy, usability, and patient comfort were analyzed statistically. Results: The innovative device demonstrated superior neuropathy detection compared with standard bedside methods. Quantitative plantar pressure mapping identified a greater proportion of high-risk pressure zones. The device also showed improved sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy. Assessment time was shorter, while clinician usability and patient comfort scores were significantly better in the experimental group. Conclusion: The combined pressure and vibration assessment device provided more accurate and objective evaluation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy than conventional screening tools. Early identification of sensory impairment and abnormal plantar pressure may facilitate timely preventive intervention and reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulceration and amputation.