Background

Biopods is the successor technology to Barefoot Science, the original functional insole system developed by the same inventor. Biopods produces better functional strengthening results and incorporates more advanced technologies, but the clinical evidence gathered under the Barefoot Science name applies directly to the underlying principles that both products share.

Between 2012 and 2015, a clinical study was conducted by Neil Frame DPodM MChS, a UK National Health System (NHS) podiatrist at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. The study compared patient preference and outcomes between two treatment options offered under NHS podiatry care: free NHS custom orthotics, or Barefoot Science functional insoles purchased by the patient.

The Results

990 out of 1,000 patients, given a full clinical explanation of both options, chose to purchase Barefoot Science insoles rather than receive free NHS orthotics.  Every patient who returned for follow-up reported positive outcomes.

These figures were documented by the clinician who conducted the study. The methodology involved presenting each patient with a clear, balanced explanation of both treatment approaches before allowing them to make an informed choice.

Official NHS Publication

In June 2016, NHS Innovation England formally published the study as a case study on its national innovation portal at innovation.england.nhs.uk. The publication lists Neil Frame DPodM MChS as the project contact, with his NHS email address Neil.Frame@nhs.net.

The NHS Innovation England portal is the official channel through which NHS England publishes innovation case studies — projects it considers worthy of wider NHS adoption and dissemination.

The archived NHS Innovation England portal page documenting the study is available as a reference document.

Patient Testimony

One patient who participated in the study was Terence David Moore, a Governor of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. Mr. Moore wrote a formal letter documenting his experience and outcomes. His letter constitutes independent, contemporaneous written testimony from a participant who also held a governance role within the same NHS trust that commissioned the study.

What Happened to the Data

When a formal request was subsequently made to the NHS for access to the study materials and data — citing the file reference number — the response received was that the data "no longer exists."

The study was formally published by NHS England in June 2016. It documented results from a three-year clinical study. When those materials were later requested through formal channels, they could not be located.

We present these facts without drawing conclusions. The sequence of events is documented. Readers can assess the circumstances for themselves.

What This Means for Biopods

Barefoot Science was the first technology produced by the same inventor who subsequently developed Biopods. The core mechanism — variable plantar stimulus that activates the body’s protective reflex responses, progressively restoring functional strength and stability — is shared by both technologies. Biopods refines and advances that mechanism, producing superior functional strengthening results.

The clinical evidence from the NHS study therefore reflects directly on the effectiveness of the underlying approach that Biopods continues and improves upon.

Summary of Documented Evidence

1.    NHS Innovation England published the study as an official case study in June 2016.

2.    The publication names Neil Frame DPodM MChS as the project contact with his NHS email address.

3.    The study documented 990 out of 1,000 patients choosing Barefoot Science over free NHS orthotics, with every returning follow-up patient reporting positive outcomes.

4.    Terence David Moore, a Governor of Stockport NHS FT, provided written patient testimony.

5.    A formal request for the study data, citing the file reference number, received the response that the data no longer exists.

6.    The archived NHS Innovation England portal page remains available as a primary reference.