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
Link To Document