Function Analysis of Toe Parts using Mechanical Shoes that Restrain Human Toe Joints

摘要

In this research, we analyze the function of human toe in walking. In order to investigate the role of toe joints, we made mechanical shoes which consist of a 2-DOF toe part and a heel part connected with joints. A subject wearing them can walk where the shoes restrain his/her toe joints in three ways. Three subjects wearing the shoes walked four courses such as a straight course and a slalom course. Walking speed, steps, toe joint angles and sole pressure were measured. From the results of the experiments, it turned out that toe joints of human play an important role in walking, especially in a slalom course.