The effect of prior compression tests on the plantar soft tissue compressive and shear elastic properties

Background Changes in the shear plantar soft tissue properties with diabetes likely play a role in plantar ulceration, yet little is known about these characteristics. We recently conducted in vitro shear tests on specimens previously tested in compression to characterize the tissue under both these loading modes. However, previously tested specimens might not provide representative mechanical properties as prior testing may have altered the tissue. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of prior compression testing on the plantar soft tissue shear and compressive properties using paired specimens in a twopart study.