Gait Measurement for Walking Support Shoes with Elastomer-Embedded Flexible Joint

摘要

In this study, we experimentally investigated the effect of shoes on gait with new elastomer-embedded flexible joint (EEFJ). We designed the EEFJ to support plantar flexion moments on ankle joints. A strength test was conducted for the EEFJ. According to the results of the test, moments in plantar flexion were significantly stronger than those in dorsiflexion. We prototyped gait support shoes with the EEFJ. The weight of the EEFJ unit for a single foot was 32.5 g. We also conducted gait experiment on a healthy subject with and without the shoes. The results showed reductions in electromyograms of the tibialis anterior muscle in the initial phases of gait.