Improvement and Functional Advancement of Gait Training System with Real-time Audiovisual Feedback Function of Ground Reaction Force toward Practical Use

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K11348
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Oita University
• Principal Investigator: Ikeuchi Hidetaka 大分大学, 医学部, 教授 (50264130)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 歩行訓練 / 床反力 / 視聴覚フィードバック / 被験者実験 / 力計測

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated a method of displaying the screen to trainees on a walking training device that can be used for self-training to promote appropriate load and walking rhythm on the lower limbs by displaying the load on the lower limbs to the trainee in real time. We also conducted clinical trials on post-fracture patients and post-stroke hemiplegic patients to confirm the effectiveness of the training system. Although we were unable to secure a sufficient number of subjects due to the impact of COVID-19, we confirmed improvements in walking speed and left-right balance.
In order to reduce the cost of the system, we developed and improved a walking path that can measure load. In addition, we processed walking measurement data and analyzed the walking of patients with lower limb disorders in order to examine the evaluation.

Free Research Field

福祉工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

歩行訓練システムの実用化によって，骨折術後患者，脳血管障害後遺症患者などの歩行機能回復が効果的に行えることが期待できる。人口の高齢化に伴い，これらの患者・障害者は今後も増えると予想され，社会の活性を失わないためにも，できるだけ多くの方が自分の足で歩くことで，有意義な人生を歩めるようにする必要がある。また，身体リハビリテーションにおいて，機器の有効利用により，療法士や介護士の負担を減らし，より効果的なリハビリテーションを実現できると考える。学術的にも，歩行運動の計測や解析に有効な手法の開発などの一助となる成果を提供できると考えている。