Vibrating insoles give vibration to the bottom of the feet, which can improve balance in people with diabetes and nerve damage (neuropathy).

This study will look at the effects of wearing vibrating insoles in day-to-day life and assess whether they can improve balance and increase physical activity.

It is being carried out by a team of researchers based at the Gait and Biometrics Laboratory at Manchester Metropolitan University.

This project is looking to improve breast prostheses by understanding people’s experiences and preferences following treatment for breast cancer.

Using innovative 3D body scanning technology, researchers will build a virtual model of the area affected by breast cancer surgery. The model can be used to develop perfectly fitting 3D breast prostheses.

Results from this project will be used to inform the development of better products and services to better serve the breast cancer community.

It is being carried out by KUPPD in collaboration with researchers at the Manchester Fashion Institute (part of Manchester Metropolitan University) and partly funded by Health Innovation Manchester.

Investigating whether a new portable self-management system can help people with diabetes manage their blood glucose levels, adhere to treatment plans and improve quality of life.

Actiste is a combined product and service that brings together a blood sampler, blood glucose meter and insulin pen in a connected smart device for daily diabetes care.

The study is being carried out by a team based at the Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, on behalf of Swedish health-tech company, Brighter.

This project is investigating the use of 3D body scanning and 3D printing techniques to develop perfectly fitting breast prostheses.

3d scanning allows researchers to build a virtual 3D model of the area captured.  The model can then be used to create perfectly fitting 3D breast forms that replicate either the shape of the remaining breast or the desired bust shape.

Results from this project will be used to develop further research where designs and prototypes will be created for wearer feedback.

It is being carried out by KUPPD in collaboration with researchers at the Manchester Fashion Institute (part of Manchester Metropolitan University) and partly funded by Health Innovation Manchester.

REmote MOnitoring of Rheumatoid Arthritis (REMORA).  Testing and evaluating a new system for tracking daily symptoms in people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The project aims to improve outpatient consultations by making sure both health staff and patients have detailed information about how patients have felt in the time between appointments.

It is being carried out by a team of researchers at the Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis at The University of Manchester in collaboration with the Northern Care Alliance.

A lot of people find it hard to reduce their meat consumption because they are not sure where to start. The Optimise programme has been developed to help people make changes to their diet and break habits.

During the programme, you will be asked to reflect on how much meat you currently eat. Using advice and guidance on the environmental and health impacts of your meat consumption, you will be asked to set yourself a goal to reduce your meat intake.

The study is being carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Oxford.

Further reading:

This study is looking at whether it is feasible for people with long-term musculoskeletal conditions to self-report their pain using a smartphone app.

Pain is a subjective experience and needs to be collected directly from people when they experience it.  Whilst there are many questionnaires available to self-report pain, they often have limitations. Previous research has suggested that pain drawings, sometimes called a ‘manikin’ may solve these.

The research team behind this study have developed and evaluated a test version of the ‘Manchester Digital Pain Manikin’ app.  They are now looking to further test with people who have a musculoskeletal pain condition to make sure they find it usable and acceptable for self-reporting their pain.

The survey is being carried out by the Centre for Health Informatics and the Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis at the University of Manchester.

This research is testing whether a smartphone app can help people to make healthier food choices when shopping for groceries.

  • During the first two weeks of the study, participants will scan and record all of their grocery shopping (food and drink). Participants will then be randomly allocated to one of six groups, three of which will receive in-app suggestions of healthier alternatives to some of their normal food choices.
  • Monitoring of food purchases will be done by scanning product barcodes, which will then be stored in the app. (If shopping at Waitrose, Morrisons or Iceland, products will need to be selected manually)
  • The study is being carried out by the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford.

This study is looking to understand if an online system called ‘Diabetes My Way’ can help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition.

The system has been developed by specialist diabetes clinicians and connects with your NHS diabetes care record as well as local information, in order to provide personalised support and advice at a time that is convenient to you.

The study is being carried out by a team of researchers at The University of Manchester.

This short film explains more about ‘Diabetes My Way’, how it works, and how to register.

Further reading

 

This study will investigate whether a vibrating smart insole can help improve balance in people who have diabetic neuropathy.

People with diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness, or weakness) in their feet can experience problems with balance. Vibrating insoles have been shown to improve balance.

It is being carried out by a team of researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The purpose of this study is to assess whether using FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system can improve HbA1c (measurement of blood glucose control)

The study will also assess the acceptability and the impact of the system on daily living with diabetes