The sensor-controlled walker controlled by device for measurement of pressure distribution of the sole of patient's foot

摘要

Along with the steadily rising elderly population in Japan, the number of aged persons with difficulties in walking is increasing. These patients undergo gait Exercise in hospitals that impose a constant and heavy burden upon the health care personnel who must assist them. This paper deals with control methods of a sensor-controlled walker that enables a patient to perform his own rehabilitation thereby reducing the caregivers' burden. First, two typical patterns are described of patients' falling while using an ordinary walker during rehabilitation. Next, there is an explanation on sensors developed to measure pressure distribution of the sole of patient's foot. Third, it experimentally examines whether the sensor is able to recognize the two patterns or not. Finally, from experiment result, it is shown that the sensor is useful to control the walker.