Fundamental Study for Prevention of Stumble Accident Using Base of Support

摘要

Recently, in developed countries, especially in Japan, the population of elderly people are increasing. Physical function of elderly people deteriorates due to age, it causes stumble accident. A stumble accident of an elderly people leads to a bone fracture. In elderly people, it is very dangerous to become bedridden by bone fractures and injuries. Thus, it is important for elderly people to prevent stumble accident. The "Base of support" (BoS) has been reported to be related to stumble accident. We have been executing experimental consideration regarding stumble accident and BoS. In this study, we executed measurement and analysis of walking movement for human and analyzed based on the dynamic change for BoS. This experiment, we measured and analyzed walking movement using optical and inertial sensor type motion analysis device. In addition, we measured the step length using the camera. The Subjects walked straight for approximately 10 m indoors. Moreover, they executed heel strike according to the timing when the metronome sounds. Also, we changed the rhythm of the metronome every 10 bpm from 90 bpm to 140 bpm. As for experimental results, the dynamic change of BoS increased as walking rhythm changes faster. This is considered to be increasing movement of gravity center of human body. In this study, we executed measurement and analysis of walking movement for human and analyzed the dynamic change for BoS. However, it is considered necessary to reconsider the contents of the experiment. In the future, we aim to establish an index of the dynamic stability evaluation of human walking movement.