Is there a difference in oxygen saturation values obtained from MOOR VMS-OXY between dorsal/planter surfaces of the 1st MTPJ in different Fitzpatrick skin types?

Intro: This study aims to investigate whether there is a significant difference in SO2 values obtained from the dorsal/ plantar surface of the 1st MTPJ in different Fitzpatrick skin types. The MOOR VMS OXY is validated for use on Fitzpatrick skin types 1 and 2. However, Melanin pigmentation can interfere with the reliability of the device, hence this research is a step in the direction of understanding if future preventions for plantar and dorsal ulcers can be made via measurement of SPO2 values from pigmented areas.
Methods: This research was conducted at a clinic affiliated with the university where 19 healthy participants from UOB needed to attend 2 appointments. First, consent was obtained, subjects were checked against inclusion exclusion criteria. Then data was collected by attaching a probe to subject’s left foot dorsum/planter. Securely following data protection requirements, the data was saved on one drive. A two-way ANOVA of variance was used to identify significance of data collected.
Results: Our results showed variable of sites had a significant difference (0.000001, p<0.05) in SpO2 whereas skin type (ST) and the combination of both independent variables (IV) were insignificant. However, pairwise comparison showed that the combination of the two IV’s produced significant data in a subgroup, site 1(Dorsum) in FTST 3-4 and FP ST 5-6 at 0.047 (p<0.05).
Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that anatomical variations in the foot greatly affect SpO2 values compared to skin type. However, as this is a pilot study, a larger scale research needs to be conducted.