Influence of lift walker for human walk and suggestion of walker device with power assistance

Abstract

So far, a lot of lift walkers have developed to help patients. However, the use of the conventional lift walkers may change the walking posture and reduce curative effect. In this paper, the walk using the lift walker is analyzed and the method to support appropriate walk is suggested. First, the walk in accordance with graded weight is measured with 3D motion analysis system. Next, variation of velocity, step length, term, and each joint of walk are evaluated. Finally, the method which does not change the walking posture is proposed. As the result, it is clarified that the lift walkers obstruct the motion of hip, knee, and foot joint.