Investigation of dynamic stability of gait through additional somatosensory feedback from fingers and its application in fall prevention for the elderly

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K11155
• 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: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Takahashi Makoto 広島大学, 医系科学研究科(保), 教授 (50435690)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 梁 楠 京都大学, 医学研究科, 准教授 (70512515)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 歩行 / 動的安定性 / Light touch

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Additional somatosensory information through light touch (LT) with a fingertip to a stable object or holding haptic anchor system (HA) which consist of a flexible cable with a small load would induce dynamic stability of gait. In this study, an increased variability in the margin of stability (MOS) observed during treadmill walking under restricted lower visual field conditions was attenuated by LT. In addition, an increased displacement of body position during stationary marching due to neck vibration was attenuated by HA. These findings suggest that the addition of somatosensory feedback from the fingers improves dynamic stability and spatial perception during walking.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション科学，神経生理学，バイオメカニクス

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

高齢者の転倒は骨折や寝たきりに繋がり，超高齢社会を迎えた我が国において，転倒予防は喫緊の課題である。特に歩行中の動的安定性を確保することが重要であり，本研究では指先で平行棒などに触れる（Light touch: LT），あるいは手で紐の先の重りを引きずる（Haptic anchors: HA）によって，歩行中の下方視野を制限した場合の安定性限界の変動やその場足踏み中の頸部振動による身体位置の変位が抑制されることを明らかにした。本研究の一連の研究成果より，手指からの体性感覚情報を付加することで，歩行中の動的安定性や空間認知が向上し，有効な転倒予防策の提案に繋がることが期待できる。