Foot Care

The hypothesis of this study is based on the premise that pressure-distributing materials with superior biomechanical and tissue response properties will be capable of improving the healing rate of neuropathic ulcers. The overarching objective of the present project is to assess the influence of the nature and method of application of the materials under study on tissue response, the reduction of pressure on the sole of the foot, and the healing of neuropathic ulcers in patients with diabetes mellitus.

This randomized controlled experimental study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality-Based "Health to My Foot" program designed for individuals with Type II Diabetes Mellitus. The study will assess the program's impact on diabetic foot knowledge, foot care self-efficacy, foot care behaviors, and foot health outcomes. The research will be conducted between April and October 2026 at a university hospital diabetes outpatient clinic in İzmir, Türkiye. A total of 70 participants diagnosed with Type II DM will be enrolled and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=35) or the control group (n=35) using stratified block randomization. Participants in the intervention group will receive the Virtual Reality-Based "Health to My Foot" program through virtual reality goggles and will have access to a recorded foot care training video for home use. They will also receive weekly motivational reminder messages for three months. The control group will receive standard outpatient care only. Data will be collected at baseline (pre-test), 1 month (post-test), and 3 months (follow-up) using validated scales and a nurse follow-up form to evaluate knowledge, self-efficacy, behaviors, and clinical foot health indicators. The findings are expected to contribute to sustainable patient education strategies and to support the prevention of diabetic foot complications and reduction of healthcare costs.