Foot-mounted load measurement device

Abstract

To enhance proper accuracy of load training by using proper load data in accordance with a grounding mode in walking of a subject.SOLUTION: A load measurement device comprises: a load data acquisition unit which acquires first load data of a first load sensor and second load data of a second load sensor and acquires synthetic load data of them; an analytic unit which comprises synthetic load determination means for determining whether the synthetic load data satisfies a synthetic load determination reference; and a sound output unit which generates an alarm when the synthetic load data satisfies the synthetic load determination reference. The load measurement device further comprises a load data selection unit which can select the synthetic load data, the first load data, and the second load data. The analytic unit includes individual load determination means which determines whether individual load data being the first load data or the second load data has reached an individual load determination reference. The sound output unit generates an alarm only when the individual load data selected by the load data selection unit satisfies the individual load determination reference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foot-mounted load measurement device.

Background Art

[0002] One of the physical therapies for postoperative patients with lower limb fractures and osteoarticular diseases is unloading training. In unloading training, a load (partial load) lighter than the patient's total weight is applied to the patient for walking training and the like. However, appropriate load control is required to perform effective training without overloading the patient.

[0003] To perform appropriate load control during training, it is necessary to measure the load acting on the lower limbs of the patient in unloading training and the like. Patent Document 1 discloses shoes or footwear provided with two load sensors or weight detection parts corresponding to the forefoot and the hindfoot, and it is described that they can be used for unloading training. The load measurement device disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines whether the load acting on the lower limbs of the patient has reached the target value by comparing the combined load data of the two load sensors with the target value.

[0004] In unloading training, whether an appropriate load is applied (whether appropriate training is being executed), or whether overloading has occurred (whether an excessive load is acting on the subject and inhibiting the healing process) is determined by comparing the load data with the set target value. However, depending on the subject, the way the foot touches the ground at the time of landing and takeoff may be different. For example, in unloading training, there is a desire to train while being conscious of "heel contact" and "toe kick" in normal walking. However, a person with a disease tends to touch the ground with the entire sole of the foot during walking. In this case, there is a risk that appropriate training will not be executed by comparing the total load data with the target value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to improve the appropriate accuracy of load training by using appropriate load data according to the grounding mode of a subject during walking in a foot-mounted load measurement device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The technical means adopted by the present invention are a first load sensor provided at a portion where the forefoot of the wearer is placed, and a second load sensor provided at a portion where the rear foot is placed, a load data acquisition unit that acquires first load data of the first load sensor and second load data of the second load sensor and acquires these combined load data, an analysis unit including a combined load determination means for determining whether the combined load data satisfies a combined load determination criterion, a sound output unit that generates an alarm when the combined load data satisfies the combined load determination criterion, in a load measurement device including the load measurement device includes a load data selection unit capable of selecting combined load data, first load data, and second load data, the analysis unit includes an individual load determination means for determining whether individual load data that is the first load data or the second load data reaches an individual load determination criterion, the sound output unit is configured to generate an alarm only when the individual load data selected by the load data selection unit satisfies the individual load determination criterion, a foot-mounted load measurement device.

[0008] In one aspect, the individual load determination criterion is that the individual load data reaches a target value.

[0009] In one aspect, the individual load determination criteria include a first determination criterion that the individual load data is within a target range between an upper limit value and a lower limit value, and a second determination criterion that the individual load data exceeds the upper limit value. The individual load determination means includes a first determination means for determining whether the individual load data satisfies the first determination criterion, and a second determination means for determining whether the individual load data satisfies the second determination criterion. The sound output unit generates a first alarm when the individual load data satisfies the first determination criterion, and generates a second alarm when the individual load data satisfies the second determination criterion.

[0010] In one aspect, a main body composed of a sole and an upper is provided. The sole has a width dimension that allows the wearer to wear the footwear while wearing it. The first load sensor is provided at the front part of the upper surface of the sole. The second load sensor is provided at the rear part of the upper surface of the sole. On the lower surface of the insole provided on the upper surface of the sole, a first pressing plate that abuts on the upper surface of the first load sensor and a second pressing plate that abuts on the upper surface of the second load sensor are provided. A pair of front blocks are provided on both sides of the first load sensor at the front part. The height of the front blocks is lower than the height of the first load sensor. In a state where the first pressing plate abuts on the upper surface of the first load sensor, both end portions in the width direction are spaced above the pair of front blocks. A pair of rear blocks are provided on both sides of the second load sensor at the rear part. The height of the rear blocks is lower than the height of the second load sensor. In a state where the second pressing plate abuts on the upper surface of the second load sensor, both end portions in the width direction are spaced above the pair of rear blocks.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] In the present invention, by selectively using the first load data from the first load sensor provided at the part where the wearer's forefoot rests or the second load data from the second load sensor provided at the part where the rear foot rests, it is possible to compare the individual load data with a target value to determine the appropriateness of unloading training, and according to the ground contact mode during the subject's walking, by using appropriate load data, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the appropriateness of load training.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

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Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The foot-mounted load measurement device according to this embodiment can be used for any shoes owned by patients, including orthotics and casts, etc., and further includes a feedback mechanism that can be recognized by patients and medical staff. Appropriate load control management is required for walking training and partial weight-bearing training of patients with lower limb fractures and nerve paralysis. Conventionally, it was necessary to wear a dedicated measurement shoe equipped with a load sensor for appropriate load control. There is a demand from the field for patients to train with the shoes they usually wear, and accordingly, a foot-mounted load measurement device that can be attached to the patient's shoes has been developed.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the foot-mounted load measurement device according to this embodiment includes a shoe body composed of a sole 1 as the shoe bottom and an upper 2. The mounting part of the foot-mounted load measurement device according to this embodiment includes a shoe body composed of a sole 1 and an upper 2, a first load sensor S1 provided so as to be position-adjustable at the front side part of the upper surface 10 of the sole corresponding to the front foot part of the wearer, a second load sensor S2 provided at the rear side part of the upper surface 10 of the sole corresponding to the rear foot part of the wearer, an insole 3 removably placed on the upper surface 10 of the sole so as to cover the first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2, a first pressing plate 4A located between the upper surface of the first load sensor S1 and the lower surface of the insole 3, and a second pressing plate 4B located between the upper surface of the second load sensor S2 and the lower surface of the insole 3. In this embodiment, the first pressing plate 4A and the second pressing plate 4B are fixed to the back surface of the insole 3 (FIG. 6).

[0015] The sole 1 includes an upper surface 10 on which the first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2 are placed, and a lower surface that contacts the floor surface. In this embodiment, the sole 1 is composed of a resin outer sole forming the lower surface and a fiber fixed insole integrated on the upper surface of the outer sole, and the upper surface of the fixed insole forms the upper surface 10 of the sole 1. The upper surface 10 of the sole and the lower surface of the sole are flat surfaces.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 3, a first load sensor S1 is detachably provided at the front side portion corresponding to the front foot portion (below the MP joint of the foot) of the wearer on the upper surface 10 of the sole, and a second load sensor S2 is detachably provided at the rear side portion corresponding to the rear foot portion (below the heel) of the wearer. The load sensing locations are two locations, namely the front foot portion and the rear foot portion. The first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2 are load cells each having a square plate-shaped metal housing with a predetermined thickness in plan view. The peripheral edges of the first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2 consist of a front edge, a rear edge, an inner edge, and an outer edge, and have a square upper surface.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2 have the same shape and the same dimensions, and are sensors with the same outer shape and internal structure. The outer dimensions of the first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2 are, for example, 5.0 ± 0.7 cm × 5.0 ± 0.7 cm in plan view, and are 5 cm × 5 cm in this embodiment. Note that in this embodiment, as a preferred form, a load sensor with a square shape in plan view is used, but the plan view shape of the load sensor is not limited, and it may be circular in plan view.

[0018] In this embodiment, hook-and-loop fasteners (not shown) are respectively fixed to the back surfaces of the first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2. As shown in Fig. 5, a first hook-and-loop fastener 5 is fixed to the front side portion of the upper surface 10 of the sole, and a second hook-and-loop fastener 6 is fixed to the rear side portion. The first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2 are detachable from the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 and the second hook-and-loop fastener 6 respectively via the hook-and-loop fasteners on their back surfaces. In this embodiment, by peeling and fixing the first load sensor S1 to the upper surface 10 of the sole with a hook-and-loop fastener, the mounting position of the first load sensor S1 can be optimized according to the foot size of the wearer.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 5, the first surface fastener 5 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view from a front side, a rear side, an inner side, and an outer side, and extends along the length direction (front-rear direction) of the upper surface 10 of the sole 1 so as to correspond to the front foot portion. The installation position of the first load sensor S1 can be adjusted within the length of the first surface fastener 5. The second surface fastener 6 is formed in a square shape in plan view from a front side, a rear side, an inner side, and an outer side, and is provided on the upper surface 10 of the sole 1 so as to correspond to the rear foot portion.

[0020] The optimal position of the first load sensor S1 is a position where the wearer's thumb MP joint rests on the rear half portion of the first load sensor. On the upper surface 10 of the sole, a mark (scale) indicating the optimal position of the first load sensor S1 corresponding to the foot length is provided along the side of the first surface fastener 5. By aligning a predetermined portion of the first load sensor S1 with the mark, the positioning of the first load sensor in the length direction of the upper surface of the sole is performed, and the position of the first load sensor S1 can be adjusted according to the wearer's foot length (see Patent Document 2).

[0021] On the upper surface 10 of the sole, an insole 3 is removably placed so as to cover the first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2. The insole 3 is formed of a flexible fiber, resin, leather, or the like. As shown in FIG. 6, on the back surface of the insole 3, a first pressing plate 4A is attached at a front side portion corresponding to the front foot portion, and a second pressing plate 74B is attached at a rear side portion corresponding to the rear foot portion. The first pressing plate 4A and the second pressing plate 4B are harder than the insole 3 and are difficult to deform, and are formed of a metal plate or a resin plate.

[0022] The first pressing plate 4A and the second pressing plate 4B each have an area that covers and abuts against the entire upper surface of the first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2, respectively, so that a load acts well on the entire upper surface. The first pressing plate 4A widens the front foot portion load support area to improve the measurement accuracy and the wearing comfort, and the second pressing plate 4B widens the rear foot portion load support area to improve the measurement accuracy and the wearing comfort.

[0023] The first pressing plate 4A according to this embodiment is a resin plate, and the width dimension of the first pressing plate 4A is larger than the width dimension of the front portion of the insole 3, and both end portions in the width direction protrude from the side edges of the front portion of the insole 3. The second pressing plate 4B according to this embodiment is a metal plate, which is substantially the same as the width dimension of the front portion of the insole 3 and has a rectangular shape extending in the front-rear direction. The rear half portion of the second pressing plate 4B serves as a contact portion with the second load sensor S2, and a rubber sheet is attached thereto to prevent slipping when contacting the second load sensor S2.

[0024] The sole 1 has a width dimension that allows the wearer to wear the footwear while still wearing it. The upper surface 10 of the sole has a length dimension and a width dimension that are larger than the length dimension and the width dimension of the insole 3, and has an area larger than the outer shape of the insole 3. The width dimension of the upper surface 10 of the sole is larger than the width dimensions of the first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2. When the first load sensor S1 and the second load sensor S2 are mounted on the upper surface 10 of the sole, spaces are formed on both sides in the width direction of the first load sensor S1, and spaces are formed on both sides in the width direction of the second load sensor S2.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a pair of front blocks 7 are provided on the front portion of the upper surface 10 of the sole, positioned on both sides of the mounting portion of the first load sensor S1. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of marks (scales) are provided on the front portion of the upper surface 10 of the sole, positioned on both sides of the mounting portion of the first load sensor S1, and the pair of front blocks 7 are provided outside the pair of marks (scales). When the first load sensor S1 is attached to the first surface fastener 5, one of the front blocks 7 faces the outer edge of the first load sensor S1, and the other front block 7 faces the inner edge of the first load sensor S1. The height of the front block 7 is lower than the height of the first load sensor S1. In a state where the first pressing plate 4A is in contact with the upper surface of the first load sensor S1, both end portions in the width direction are spaced above the pair of front blocks 7.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, on the rear side portion of the sole upper surface 10, a pair of rear side blocks 8 are provided on both sides of the mounting portion of the second load sensor S2. In a state where the second load sensor S2 is attached to the second surface fastener 6, one rear side block 8 faces the outer edge of the second load sensor S2, and the other rear side block 8 faces the inner edge of the second load sensor S2. The height of the rear side block 8 is lower than the height of the second load sensor S2. With the second pressing plate 4B in contact with the upper surface of the second load sensor S2, both end portions in the width direction are spaced above the pair of rear side blocks 8.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, an intermediate plate 9 having a horizontally rectangular shape is provided at the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the sole upper surface 10. The height of the intermediate plate 9 is lower than the heights of the front side block 7 and the rear side block 8. The front side block 7, the rear side block 8, and the intermediate plate 9 according to the present embodiment are rubber blocks or rubber plates.

[0028] The foot-mounted load measurement device according to the present embodiment is made to have a slightly larger lateral width than a shoe to be directly worn. Therefore, since there is a margin in the lateral width, spaces are formed on both sides of the load sensors S1 and S2, and a movement (especially inversion) in which the ankle wobbles can occur. In the present embodiment, by providing a function (the front side block 7 and the rear side block 8) for maintaining the stability of the ankle joint (suppressing inversion and eversion), in a patient with a foot disease, risks such as deterioration of the disease, sprain, or fall are prevented in advance.

[0029] When the subject wears the load measurement device according to the present embodiment and the insole 3 is displaced so as to tilt left and right, both end portions in the width direction of the first pressing plate 4A and the second pressing plate 4B come into contact with the front side block 7 and the rear side block 8. Also, when the intermediate portion of the insole 3 is bent so as to sink, the front half portion of the second pressing plate 4B comes into contact with the upper surface of the intermediate plate 9, so that the ankle of the subject can be stabilized during wearing (including during walking).

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5, the upper 2 includes a front band 20 for fixing the instep portion, an ankle band 21 for fixing the ankle, and a heel band 22 for fixing the heel portion. These bands are composed of an inner part and an outer part that can be detached by a hook-and-loop fastener. By opening the inner part and the outer part to the left and right, a patient wearing shoes can easily wear the device. Also, the length can be adjusted according to the height of the instep and the width of the foot.

[0031] The foot-mounted load measurement device according to the present embodiment includes a first load sensor provided at a portion where the front foot of the wearer is placed, a second load sensor provided at a portion where the rear foot is placed, a load data acquisition unit that acquires the first load data of the first load sensor and the second load data of the second load sensor, and obtains these combined load data, and an analysis unit provided with a combined load determination means for determining whether the combined load data satisfies a combined load determination criterion, a sound output unit that generates an alarm when the combined load data satisfies the combined load determination criterion, and a load data selection unit that can select the combined load data, the first load data, and the second load data.

[0032] The first load data is acquired by the first load sensor S1, the second load data is acquired by the second load sensor S2, and the acquired first load data and second load data are transmitted to the main body operation unit 11 by wire as electrical signals. The main body operation unit 11 includes a load data selection unit, a determination criterion setting unit, a memory, a processor, and a sound output unit, and constitutes a data acquisition unit and a data analysis unit. At the time of measurement, the main body operation unit 11 can be attached, for example, to the upper 2 of the load measurement shoe or to the ankle of the wearer of the load measurement shoe.

[0033] In this embodiment, the determination result for judging the appropriateness of unloading training is fed back by sound. The feedback sound mechanism converts information such as "load", which is difficult to grasp, into information that can be recognized in the form of "sound", so that it can be recognized by the patient himself and medical staff (doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, etc.). (For example, the appropriate load is being applied correctly, or there is an overload), so that it can be used for walking training in the clinical setting.

[0034] The load data selection unit selects either the combined load data, the first load data, or the second load data. When the combined load data is selected, in the analysis unit, the combined load determination means is executed using the combined load data and the combined load determination criteria. When the first load data or the second load data is selected, in the analysis unit, the combined load determination means is executed using the individual load data (the first load data or the second load data) and the individual load determination criteria.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the determination criteria are roughly divided into two modes. In the first mode, one target value is set, and an alarm is generated when the load data exceeds it. In the second mode, two points, an upper limit value and a lower limit value, are set. An intermittent sound sounds when the load data is between the two points, and a continuous sound sounds when the upper limit value is exceeded.

[0036] The first mode means that the load data has reached the target value, and the sound output unit generates an alarm when the load data meets the determination criteria. This function is mainly used for the training of patients with neurological diseases such as stroke paralysis patients. Patients with neurological diseases train with the goal of applying a certain load or more.

[0037] Specifically, the first mode will be described. Let the first load data be A, the second load data be B, and the set target value be C. When the combined load data is selected, an alarm is generated when A + B ≥ C, and no alarm is generated when A + B < C. When the first load data is selected, an alarm is generated when A ≥ C, and no alarm is generated when A < C. When the second load data is selected, an alarm is generated when B ≧ C, and no alarm is generated when B < C.

[0038] The second mode includes a first determination criterion that the load data is within a target range between the upper limit value and the lower limit value, and a second determination criterion that the load data exceeds the upper limit value. The sound output unit generates a first alarm when the load data meets the first determination criterion, and generates a second alarm when the load data satisfies the second determination criterion. This function is mainly used for the training of orthopedic disease patients such as lower limb fractures. Fracture patients need to bear a certain amount of load as rehabilitation, but if the load is too large, it may interfere with healing and have an adverse effect. Therefore, an upper limit value is set so that the appropriate load range can be known.

[0039] The determination criterion setting unit includes a mode selection unit and a target value setting unit. The first mode or the second mode is selected by the mode selection unit. The load value can be arbitrarily set in 1 kg units by the target value setting unit.

[0040] In the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, the determination was made only using the combined load determination means and the combined load determination criterion. The analysis unit according to the present embodiment includes an individual load determination means for determining whether the individual load data, which is the first load data to the second load data, reaches the individual load determination criterion. The sound output unit generates an alarm only when the individual load data selected by the load data selection unit satisfies the individual load determination criterion.

[0041] That is, in the load measurement device according to the present embodiment, a load data selection unit is provided, and the front side of the first It has a function of selecting either the load sensor S1 at the front or the second load sensor S2 at the rear to detect only the load on one of them and produce a sound. When the first load data is selected, only the load applied to the first load sensor S1 at the front is detected, and at this time, the second load sensor S2 at the rear does not detect any load even if a load is applied. Conversely, when the second load data is selected, only the load applied to the second load sensor S2 at the rear is detected, and at this time, the first load sensor S1 at the front does not detect any load even if a load is applied. In this way, by selecting the first load sensor S1 at the front or the second load sensor S2 at the rear, it is possible to train while being conscious of "heel strike" and "toe-off" in order to aim for normal walking (people with diseases tend to touch the ground with the entire sole of the foot).

Explanation of Signs

[0042] 1 Sole 10 Upper surface of the sole 2 Upper 3 Inner lining 4A First pressing plate 4B Second pressing plate 5 First surface fastener 6 Second surface fastener 7 Front block 8 Rear block 9 Intermediate sheet 11 Main body operation part 12 Wearer's shoes S1 First load sensor S2 Second load sensor

Claims

1. A first load sensor provided at a portion where the wearer's forefoot is placed, and a second load sensor provided at a portion where the rear foot is placed, a load data acquisition unit that acquires first load data of the first load sensor and second load data of the second load sensor, and acquires these combined load data, an analysis unit including a combined load determination means for determining whether the combined load data satisfies a combined load determination criterion, a sound output unit that generates an alarm when the combined load data satisfies the combined load determination criterion, in a load measurement device including: the load measurement device includes a load data selection unit capable of selecting combined load data, first load data, and second load data, the analysis unit includes an individual load determination means for determining whether individual load data, which is the first load data or the second load data, reaches an individual load determination criterion, the sound output unit generates an alarm only when the individual load data selected by the load data selection unit satisfies the individual load determination criterion. A foot-mounted load measurement device.

2. The individual load determination criterion is that the individual load data reaches a target value. The foot-mounted load measurement device according to Claim 1.

3. The individual load determination criterion includes a first determination criterion that the individual load data is within a target range between an upper limit value and a lower limit value, and a second determination criterion that the individual load data exceeds the upper limit value. The individual load determination means includes a first determination means for determining whether the individual load data satisfies the first determination criterion, and a second determination means for determining whether the individual load data satisfies the second determination criterion. The sound output unit generates a first alarm when the individual load data satisfies the first determination criterion, and generates a second alarm when the individual load data satisfies the second determination criterion. The foot-mounted load measurement device according to Claim 1.

4. Comprising a main body consisting of a sole and an upper, the sole has a width dimension such that the wearer can wear the footwear while wearing it, the first load sensor is provided at a front portion on the upper surface of the sole, the second load sensor is provided at a rear portion on the upper surface of the sole, on the lower surface of the insole provided on the upper surface of the sole, a first pressing plate that abuts on the upper surface of the first load sensor and a second pressing plate that abuts on the upper surface of the second load sensor are provided. On the front side portion, a pair of front blocks are provided on both sides of the first load sensor. The height of the front block is lower than the height of the first load sensor. In a state where the first pressing plate is in contact with the upper surface of the first load sensor, both end portions in the width direction are spaced above the pair of front blocks. On the rear side portion, a pair of rear blocks are provided on both sides of the second load sensor. The height of the rear block is lower than the height of the second load sensor. In a state where the second pressing plate is in contact with the upper surface of the second load sensor, both end portions in the width direction are spaced above the pair of rear blocks. The foot-mounted load measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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