• DocumentCode
    3079984
  • Title

    Theoretical optimization of usage of four-wheeled walker and body posture of elderly users for comfortable steady walking

  • Author

    Takanokura, Masato

  • Author_Institution
    Department of Information Systems Creation, Kanagawa University, Yokohama, Japan
  • fYear
    2008
  • fDate
    20-25 Aug. 2008
  • Firstpage
    4519
  • Lastpage
    4522
  • Abstract
    Usage of a four-wheeled walker and body posture of elderly users is optimized by a two-dimensional statics model for comfortable steady walking. Analytical results suggest that fundamentals of body posture for comfortable walking should be as upright as possible. However, usage of the walker varies with exercise capabilities of elderly users. Users with high capabilities should use a higher handgrip for maintaining upright posture. Stooping users with low capabilities should use a lower handgrip, should maintain an erect trunk as much as possible, and should push the handgrip downward by leaning their upper body on the walker.
  • Keywords
    Arm; Force measurement; Friction; Gravity; Legged locomotion; Roads; Senior citizens; Torque; Usability; Wheels; Aged; Equipment Design; Equipment Safety; Female; Friction; Humans; Male; Models, Theoretical; Movement Disorders; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postural Balance; Posture; Stress, Mechanical; Walkers; Walking;
  • fLanguage
    English
  • Publisher
    ieee
  • Conference_Titel
    Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2008. EMBS 2008. 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE
  • Conference_Location
    Vancouver, BC
  • ISSN
    1557-170X
  • Print_ISBN
    978-1-4244-1814-5
  • Electronic_ISBN
    1557-170X
  • Type

    conf

  • DOI
    10.1109/IEMBS.2008.4650217
  • Filename
    4650217