Frailty assessment system, frailty assessment method, and frailty assessment program

Abstract

Provided is a frailty evaluation system capable of evaluating frailty. 【Solution means】The frailty evaluation system 1 includes a measuring device 10 that measures three-dimensional coordinate data of a subject U, and an information processing device 30 that evaluates the frailty of the subject U based on the three-dimensional coordinate data. The information processing device 30 includes a data acquisition unit 32 that acquires three-dimensional coordinate data, a flexion angle calculation unit 33 that calculates the flexion angle on the body bent by the subject U to maintain balance, a correlation coefficient calculation unit 34 that calculates a correlation coefficient at two or more points where the flexion angle changes and the distance from the subject U is different, and a frailty evaluation unit 35 that evaluates the frailty of the subject U based on the correlation coefficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a frailty assessment system, a frailty assessment method, and a frailty assessment program for assessing frailty that is likely to require care. In particular, the present invention relates to a frailty assessment system, a frailty assessment method, and a frailty assessment program that utilize a reach motion.

Background Art

[0002] Many elderly people gradually shift from a healthy state to a state requiring care due to a decline in physical functions such as physical strength or walking ability due to aging. The term "frailty" is used as a concept indicating the state between this healthy state and the state requiring care. Frailty is also a period when it is possible to return to a healthy state without progressing to a state requiring care by performing appropriate interventions and prevention. In a super-aged society, from the viewpoints of extending the healthy life expectancy and suppressing care costs, it is strongly desired to determine this frailty at an early stage.

[0003] On the other hand, in recent years, as a simple balance test for examining the fall risk of the elderly, a functional reach test for evaluating the fall risk and dynamic balance ability is known. The functional reach test evaluates the fall risk and dynamic balance ability by measuring the maximum distance that can be reached forward in the standing position. Devices for measuring the balance ability or limb ability of a subject using this functional reach test have been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The information processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 is an apparatus that performs information processing related to a functional reach test. The information processing apparatus acquires a moving image of a subject who performs a predetermined operation related to the functional reach test, and calculates the distance that a predetermined part (fingertip) of the subject has moved by the predetermined operation. Then, the calculated distance is used as an index of the subject's balance ability.

[0006] The measuring apparatus of Patent Document 2 acquires position information of a predetermined part (fingertip of the hand) in the limb of a subject who is performing a functional reach test, and calculates a distance that becomes an ability index of the subject's limb based on the position information.

[0007] The apparatuses of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are both apparatuses that automate a general functional reach test, and use the moving distance (reach distance) of the fingertip of a subject who has performed a predetermined operation related to the functional reach test as an index of the subject's balance ability or the like. However, there has been a problem that the functional reach test simply looks at the moving distance of the fingertip and does not evaluate a decrease in lower limb functions such as walking ability by looking at the use of the lower limbs, and is not suitable for evaluating frailty.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a frailty evaluation system, a frailty evaluation method, and a frailty evaluation program that can evaluate frailty using a reach motion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The frailty evaluation system of the present invention includes a measuring device that measures three-dimensional coordinate data of a subject performing a reach motion, and an information processing device that evaluates the frailty of the subject based on the three-dimensional coordinate data. The information processing device includes a data acquisition unit that acquires the three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject measured by the measuring device, and based on the three-dimensional coordinate data acquired by the data acquisition unit, calculates a first flexion angle and a second flexion angle on the body that the subject bends to maintain balance. A flexion angle calculation unit, and based on the first flexion angle and the second flexion angle calculated by the flexion angle calculation unit, at two or more points where the first flexion angle and the second flexion angle are changing and the distances from the subject are different, a first correlation coefficient between each first flexion angle and the distance to each point, and a second correlation coefficient between each second flexion angle and the distance to each point are calculated. A correlation coefficient calculation unit, and a frailty evaluation unit that evaluates the frailty of the subject based on the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient calculated by the correlation coefficient calculation unit.

[0010] The frailty evaluation system of a preferred embodiment further includes a display device that displays at least the position of a sign that is the target of the reach motion and the fingertips of the subject's hand. The information processing device further includes a sign setting and display unit that sets a distance for each sign and displays the sign on the display device.

[0011] Also, in the frailty evaluation system of a preferred embodiment, the distance to each point includes at least the distance at which the first flexion angle and the second flexion angle begin to change, and the maximum distance at which the first flexion angle and the second flexion angle can be calculated.

[0012] Also, in the frailty evaluation system of a preferred embodiment, the direction of the reach motion is the left direction or the right direction, the first flexion angle is the flexion angle of the knee joint, and the second flexion angle is the lateral flexion angle of the trunk.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the frailty evaluation system, the direction of the reach motion is the forward direction, the first flexion angle is the plantar flexion angle or the dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint, and the second flexion angle is the forward flexion angle of the trunk.

[0014] Also, in the frailty assessment system of the preferred embodiment, the frailty assessment unit evaluates as healthy when both the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient are 0 or higher, evaluates as frail when the first correlation coefficient is 0 or higher and the second correlation coefficient is less than 0, and evaluates as pre-frailty when the first correlation coefficient is less than 0 and the second correlation coefficient is 0 or higher. Here, the pre-frailty state is a state between health and frailty where the leg strength is weaker than that of a person determined to be healthy, there is a possibility of becoming healthy through rehabilitation or the like, and there is also a possibility of becoming frail if left untreated.

[0015] Also, the frailty assessment method of the present invention includes a data acquisition step of acquiring three-dimensional coordinate data of a subject performing a reach motion measured by a measuring device, a bending angle calculation step of calculating a first bending angle and a second bending angle on the body bent by the subject to maintain balance based on the acquired three-dimensional coordinate data, a correlation coefficient calculation step of calculating a first correlation coefficient between each first bending angle and the distance to each point, and a second correlation coefficient between each second bending angle and the distance to each point at two or more points where the first bending angle and the second bending angle are changing and the distances from the subject are different based on the calculated first bending angle and second bending angle, and a frailty assessment step of assessing the frailty of the subject based on the calculated first correlation coefficient and second correlation coefficient.

[0016] Also, the frailty assessment program of the present invention causes a computer to execute a process including a data acquisition step of acquiring three-dimensional coordinate data of a subject performing a reach motion measured by a measuring device, a bending angle calculation step of calculating a first bending angle and a second bending angle on the body bent by the subject to maintain balance based on the acquired three-dimensional coordinate data, a correlation coefficient calculation step of calculating a first correlation coefficient between each first bending angle and the distance to each point, and a second correlation coefficient between each second bending angle and the distance to each point at two or more points where the first bending angle and the second bending angle are changing and the distances from the subject are different based on the calculated first bending angle and second bending angle, and a frailty assessment step of assessing the frailty of the subject based on the calculated first correlation coefficient and second correlation coefficient.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, frailty can be evaluated using a reach motion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The frailty assessment system of the present invention uses a reach motion and focuses on the fact that characteristic posture changes are observed during the reach motion when a decrease in lower limb muscle strength and / or a decrease in balance ability appear, and is a system for assessing the frailty of a subject. Here, the reach motion is an action of reaching the upper limb as far forward or laterally as possible in a standing position.

[0020] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the frailty assessment system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the frailty assessment system 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the measuring device 10 and the display device 20 of the frailty assessment system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the measurement position of the three-dimensional coordinate data measured by the measuring device 10 of the frailty assessment system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flexion angles θ1 and θ2 calculated by the flexion angle calculation unit 33 of the frailty assessment system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the result of assessing frailty using the frailty assessment system 1 of this embodiment. In this specification, the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction are defined based on the subject U whose frailty is to be assessed in the frailty assessment system 1 of this embodiment. That is, the front of the subject U is defined as the front direction, the right side of the subject is defined as the right direction, and the left side of the subject U is defined as the left direction.

[0021] In the frailty assessment system 1 of this embodiment, frailty is assessed using a lateral reach motion. In the left or right direction of the subject U to be assessed for frailty, a marker S that is the target of the reach motion is shown at points with different distances from the subject U. Here, the distance from the subject U refers to the distance from the fingertip of the hand of the subject U in a state where the subject U stands upright and extends the arm horizontally to the left or right direction (hereinafter, also referred to as the "reach distance"). The subject U performs a reach motion so as to reach the fingertip of the hand to the marker S by laterally bending to the left or right direction, and the frailty assessment system 1 assesses the frailty of the subject U based on the reach motion of the subject U.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the frailty evaluation system 1 includes a measuring device 10, a display device 20, and an information processing device 30. The measuring device 10, the display device 20, and the information processing device 30 are connected directly or via a network such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the measuring device 10 is provided on the display device 20 installed in front of the subject U who undergoes frailty evaluation. The information processing device 30 may be provided integrally with the display device 20 or may be provided at a location different from the display device 20.

[0024] The measuring device 10 is a device that measures the three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject U performing a reach motion. The measuring device 10 measures the three-dimensional coordinate data of the parts (for example, the black circle parts in FIG. 3) necessary to grasp the posture state of the subject U when performing a reach motion, such as the arm from the shoulder to the wrist of the subject U, the hand, the fingertips of the hand, the trunk from the head to the waist, the waist area, the legs, the heels, and the toes. Here, the three-dimensional coordinate data is the coordinate positions in the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. For example, a depth camera or the like is used for the measuring device 10. The measuring device 10 is installed at a position where the three-dimensional coordinate data of the entire body of the subject U can be measured when the subject U performs a reach motion.

[0025] The measuring device 10 measures the three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject U at predetermined sampling times. The measuring device 10 transmits the measured three-dimensional coordinate data to the information processing device 30.

[0026] The display device 20 is installed in front of the subject U and is a device that displays the sign S which is the object of the reaching motion and the position of at least the fingertips of the subject U. Further, the display device 20 displays the result of evaluating frailty by the frailty evaluation system 1. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the display device 20 displays the human model UM modeling the subject U and the sign S. The tip of the arm of the human model UM indicates the position of the fingertips. On the display device 20, the human model UM operates according to the motion of the subject U. Also, the sign S is sequentially displayed at two or more points having different distances from the subject U. The display device 20 is, for example, a screen that displays images such as a TV monitor and a display.

[0027] The information processing device 30 is a device that evaluates the frailty of the subject U based on the three-dimensional coordinate data measured by the measuring device 10. The information processing device 30 includes a sign setting display unit 31, a data acquisition unit 32, a bending angle calculation unit 33, a correlation coefficient calculation unit 34, a frailty evaluation unit 35, a storage unit 36, and a control unit 37. The information processing device 30 is, for example, a computer such as a smartphone, a tablet, a microcomputer, a personal computer, or a server computer.

[0028] The sign setting display unit 31 sets the distance from the subject U for each sign S and causes the display device 20 to display the sign S. That is, the sign setting display unit 31 sets the distance (reach distance) from the fingertips of the subject U to the sign S in a state where the subject U stands upright and extends the arm horizontally to the left or right direction, and causes the display device 20 to display the sign S at a point separated from the subject U by the set distance. The sign setting display unit 31 sets a plurality of distances from the subject U to the sign S, and causes the sign S to be displayed at the set different distances in order so that the sign S is displayed at a gradually farther distance during the reaching motion of the subject U.

[0029] The distance at which the label S is displayed on the display device 20 is set based on the distance that the human body model UM moves on the display device 20 corresponding to the distance that the subject U moves in the real world. That is, when the label setting and display unit 31 sets the distance such that the label S is displayed at a reach distance of, for example, 10 cm from the subject U in the real world, when the subject U moves the fingertip 10 cm in the real world, the label setting and display unit 31 displays the label S at a position where the fingertip of the human body model UM can reach the label S on the display device 20.

[0030] The data acquisition unit 32 acquires the three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject U measured by the measuring device 10. That is, the data acquisition unit 32 acquires all the three-dimensional coordinate data of the measurement points on the body of the subject U (for example, the black dot portions in FIG. 3) at predetermined sampling times. Specifically, the data acquisition unit 32 acquires the three-dimensional coordinate data transmitted by the measuring device 10.

[0031] The bending angle calculation unit 33 calculates the first bending angle θ1 and the second bending angle θ2 on the body that the subject U bends to maintain balance based on the three-dimensional coordinate data acquired by the data acquisition unit 32. In the present embodiment, the frailty evaluation system 1 uses a reaching motion to the side, that is, the direction of the reaching motion is the left direction or the right direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the first bending angle θ1 is the bending angle θ1 of the knee joint, and the second bending angle θ2 is the lateral flexion angle θ2 of the trunk.

[0032] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first bending angle θ1 is the angle formed by a straight line composed of the three-dimensional coordinate data of the roots LH,RH of the leg on the direction side of the reaching motion (that is, the left leg when performing a reaching motion to the left) and the three-dimensional coordinate data of the knee joints LK,RK, and a straight line composed of the three-dimensional coordinate data of the knee joints LK,RK and the three-dimensional coordinate data of the ankles LA,RA. The second bending angle θ2 is the angle formed by a perpendicular line to a straight line connecting the three-dimensional coordinate data of the left and right LH,RH of the waist and a straight line composed of the three-dimensional coordinate data of the waist center CH and the three-dimensional coordinate data of the neck CN.

[0033] The first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 are calculated for each sampling time at which the three-dimensional coordinate data is measured, and are stored in association with the reach distance from the subject U. Here, the reach distance is calculated as follows. First, the distance in the frontal axis direction from the midpoint between the left ankle LA and the right ankle RA to the collarbone and the three-dimensional distance from the collarbone to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, and fingertip are added together. This is calculated for 50 frames immediately after the start of measurement, and the average value is taken as the initial measurement distance. The reach distance is calculated by subtracting the initial measurement distance from the distance in the frontal axis direction from the midpoint between the left ankle LA and the right ankle RA to the fingertip of the hand of the subject U at that time for each sampling time at which the three-dimensional coordinate data is measured.

[0034] Based on the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 calculated by the flexion angle calculation unit 33, the correlation coefficient calculation unit 34 calculates a first correlation coefficient r1 between each first flexion angle θ1 and the distance to each point, and a second correlation coefficient r2 between each second flexion angle θ2 and the distance to each point at two or more points where the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 are changing and the distances from the subject U are different. Here, the distance to each point includes at least the distance at which the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 start to change and the maximum distance at which the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 can be calculated. The distance at which the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 start to change is the reach distance associated with the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 at the time when a value different from the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 immediately after the start of measurement is first calculated. That is, the correlation coefficient calculation unit 34 calculates a first correlation coefficient r1 derived from the correlation relationship between a plurality of distances and the first flexion angle θ1 corresponding to the plurality of distances, and a second correlation coefficient r2 derived from the correlation relationship between the plurality of distances and the second flexion angle θ2 corresponding to the plurality of distances. The correlation coefficient calculation unit 34 calculates the first correlation coefficient r1 and the second correlation coefficient r2 using a calculation method for Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, or Kendall's rank correlation coefficient.

[0035] The frailty evaluation unit 35 evaluates the frailty of the subject U based on the first correlation coefficient r1 and the second correlation coefficient r2 calculated by the correlation coefficient calculation unit 34. Specifically, when both the first correlation coefficient r1 and the second correlation coefficient r2 are 0 or more, the frailty evaluation unit 35 evaluates it as healthy; when the first correlation coefficient r1 is 0 or more and the second correlation coefficient r2 is less than 0, it evaluates it as frail; when the first correlation coefficient r1 is less than 0 and the second correlation coefficient r2 is 0 or more, it evaluates it as a pre-frail state. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, for each subject U, when the value of the first correlation coefficient r1 is taken on the vertical axis and the value of the second correlation coefficient r2 is taken on the horizontal axis, if it is included in the first quadrant of the graph, it is evaluated as healthy; if it is included in the second quadrant of the graph, it is evaluated as frail; if it is included in the fourth quadrant of the graph, it is evaluated as a pre-frail state.

[0036] The storage unit 36 stores various information, data, programs, etc. The storage unit 36 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). A frailty evaluation program for evaluating the frailty of the subject U is stored in the storage unit 36.

[0037] The control unit 37 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 37 controls the operations of the label setting display unit 31, the data acquisition unit 32, the bending angle calculation unit 33, the correlation coefficient calculation unit 34, the frailty evaluation unit 35, and the storage unit 36 by executing a program.

[0038] Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 as well, a frailty evaluation method for evaluating frailty based on the frailty evaluation system 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the frailty evaluation method according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation method of an evaluation result evaluated by the frailty evaluation method of the present embodiment. Each process of the frailty evaluation method is executed by a frailty evaluation program stored in the frailty evaluation system 1.

[0039] When the frailty evaluation system 1 is activated, the marker setting display unit 31 causes the display device 20 to display a marker S at a point separated from the subject U by a predetermined distance (S10). The subject U performs a reach operation toward the marker S displayed on the display device 20. At this time, when the subject U performs the reach operation, the human body model UM operates in accordance with the reach operation of the subject U. The subject U performs the reach operation while looking at the display device 20 so that the fingertip of the hand of the human body model UM can reach the marker S on the display device 20. When the fingertip of the hand of the subject U, that is, the fingertip of the hand of the human body model UM reaches the marker S, the marker S is gradually displayed farther away. The subject U repeats the reach operation with the marker S as the target.

[0040] While the subject U is performing the reach operation, the measuring device 10 measures the three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject U who is performing the reach operation at each predetermined sampling time (S12). The measuring device 10 transmits the measured three-dimensional coordinate data to the information processing device 30. When the three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject U is measured by the measuring device 10, the data acquisition unit 32 executes a data acquisition step of acquiring the three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject U measured by the measuring device 10 (S14).

[0041] The reaching operation for evaluating frailty is executed for a predetermined time during which three-dimensional coordinate data at two or more points with different distances from the subject U can be acquired. When the predetermined time has elapsed and no variation is observed in the acquired three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject U, the control unit 37 determines that the reaching operation has ended (S16). If the reaching operation has not ended, the marking setting display unit 31 is caused to display a mark S at the same point or a different point (S10), and the subject U is made to perform the reaching operation. Then, the three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject U is measured by the measuring device 10 (S12), and the data acquisition unit 32 is caused to acquire the three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject U (S14). This series of processes is repeated for a predetermined time. Even if it is determined that the reaching operation has ended because the predetermined time has elapsed and no variation is observed in the acquired three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject U, for example, if the reaching operation of the subject U is insufficient and three-dimensional coordinate data at two or more points with different distances from the subject U cannot be acquired, the frailty cannot be evaluated, and thus the subject U is made to perform the reaching operation again to measure the three-dimensional coordinate data.

[0042] When the reaching operation ends (Yes in S16), the bending angle calculation unit 33 executes a bending angle calculation step of calculating a first bending angle θ1 and a second bending angle θ2 on the body that the subject U bends to maintain balance based on the acquired three-dimensional coordinate data (S18). The first bending angle θ1 and the second bending angle θ2 are calculated for each sampling time at which the three-dimensional coordinate data is measured. At this time, the bending angle calculation unit 33 also calculates the reach distance from the subject U at the time when the three-dimensional coordinate data is measured. The calculated first bending angle θ1 and second bending angle θ2 are transmitted to the correlation coefficient calculation unit 34 in association with the reach distance from the subject U.

[0043] When receiving the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2, the correlation coefficient calculation unit 34, based on the calculated first flexion angle θ1 and second flexion angle θ2, executes a correlation coefficient calculation step of calculating a first correlation coefficient r1 between each first flexion angle θ1 and the distance to each point, and a second correlation coefficient r2 between each second flexion angle θ2 and the distance to each point at two or more points where the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 are changing and the distances from the subject U are different (S20). The correlation coefficient calculation unit 34 calculates the first correlation coefficient r1 and the second correlation coefficient r2 using a calculation method for Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, or Kendall's rank correlation coefficient. The calculated first correlation coefficient r1 and second correlation coefficient r2 are transmitted to the frailty evaluation unit 35.

[0044] When receiving the first correlation coefficient r1 and the second correlation coefficient r2, the frailty evaluation unit 35 executes a frailty evaluation step of evaluating the frailty of the subject U based on the calculated first correlation coefficient r1 and second correlation coefficient r2 (S22). The frailty evaluation unit 35 evaluates as healthy when both the first correlation coefficient r1 and the second correlation coefficient r2 are 0 or more, evaluates as frail when the first correlation coefficient r1 is 0 or more and the second correlation coefficient r2 is less than 0, and evaluates as a pre-frail state when the first correlation coefficient r1 is less than 0 and the second correlation coefficient r2 is 0 or more. When the evaluation of frailty is completed, the processing of the frailty evaluation method is terminated.

[0045] The result of the frailty evaluation by the frailty evaluation unit 35 is stored in the storage unit 36. When displaying the evaluation result, it is displayed on the display device 20 or a display device different from the display device 20 (not shown), or output on paper by a printing device connected to the information processing device 30 via a network. Specifically, the evaluation result is presented by methods such as being plotted on a graph shown in FIG. 5, or shown by text and a figure as shown in FIG. 7.

[0046] In the evaluation results, if it is evaluated as a pre-frail state, a reaching motion in a direction different from the direction in the first reaching motion is performed, and frailty is evaluated including the result of evaluating the second reaching motion using the frailty evaluation system 1 and the frailty evaluation method of the present invention. That is, when the first reaching motion is performed laterally, the second reaching motion is performed forward to evaluate frailty. Further, when it is evaluated as a pre-frail state in both the lateral reaching motion and the forward reaching motion, frailty can also be evaluated by performing another test.

Example

[0047] Next, the frailty evaluation system 1 according to the above embodiment will be specifically described with reference to examples.

[0048] [Example 1] In this Example 1, the frailty evaluation system 1 of the above embodiment is used to perform a reaching motion to the right or left to evaluate frailty. Here, 37 subjects who were judged to be healthy or frail based on the applicable items among the items related to the locomotor system of the frailty basic checklist that has been used for frailty evaluation since before were asked to perform a lateral reaching motion to evaluate frailty.

[0049] For each subject U, as shown in the above embodiment, the first correlation coefficient r1 and the second correlation coefficient r2 are calculated using the calculation method of Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient. For each subject U, the result of plotting with the value of the first correlation coefficient r1 on the vertical axis and the value of the second correlation coefficient r2 on the horizontal axis is shown in FIG. 5. As can be seen from FIG. 5, in the fourth quadrant of the graph, subjects U who were judged to be healthy or frail in the conventional frailty basic checklist are mixed. That is, the subjects U who enter the fourth quadrant of the graph are in a state close to frailty even if they are judged to be healthy, and are in a state close to health even if they are judged to be frail. That is, it can be seen that the frailty evaluation system 1 and the frailty evaluation method of the present invention can discriminate those who are difficult to discriminate between the states of health and frailty as a pre-frail state.

[0050] [Example 2] In this Example 2, the frailty evaluation system 1 of the above embodiment is used to perform a reach motion to the right for frailty evaluation. Here, in Example 1, for the healthy subject A, the pre-frail subject B, and the frail subject C who were discriminated as healthy, pre-frail, and frail, respectively, each of the subjects A to C was asked to perform a lateral reach motion, and frailty was evaluated.

[0051] For each of the subjects A to C, as shown in the above embodiment, the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 are calculated, and the correlation relationships between the reach distances at a plurality of points where the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 have changed from the initial upright values and the first flexion angle θ1 and the second flexion angle θ2 are shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, respectively. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the evaluation result of the subject A in Example 2. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the evaluation result of the subject B in Example 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the evaluation result of the subject C in Example 2. In FIGS. 8 to 10, the postures of the subjects A to C are also shown together so that the postures of the subjects A to C can be easily understood. Also, in FIGS. 8 to 10, the values of the first correlation coefficient r1 and the second correlation coefficient r2 calculated as shown in the above embodiment using the calculation method of Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient are also shown.

[0052] Generally, for a healthy person, in order to reach the fingertips of the hand to a far distance, as shown in the posture diagram of FIG. 8, the body leans in the direction of the sign S, and at the same time, the knee of the leg that supports the body is bent to support the body. At this time, as the distance from the subject U increases, the knee tends to bend, so the first correlation coefficient r1 between the first flexion angle θ1 and the distance is 0 or more. At the same time, as the distance from the subject U increases, the body tends to lean toward the sign S side, so the second correlation coefficient r2 between the second flexion angle θ2 and the distance is also 0 or more.

[0053] As physical function declines, in order to prevent the body from falling, as shown in the posture diagram of FIG. 9, when trying to tilt the body in the direction of the sign S, the knee joint assumes a posture with the knee extended while trying to support the body by bracing the legs. At this time, the farther the distance from the subject U, the more the knee tries to extend, so the first correlation coefficient r1 between the first flexion angle θ1 and the distance becomes less than 0. On the other hand, the farther the distance from the subject U, the more the body tries to tilt toward the sign S, so the second correlation coefficient r2 between the second flexion angle θ2 and the distance is 0 or more.

[0054] When physical function further declines due to frailty, as shown in the posture diagram of FIG. 10, this time, the knee joint is bent to approach the sign S, but the body assumes a posture of tilting in the direction opposite to the sign S in order to maintain balance. At this time, the farther the distance from the subject U, the more the knee tries to bend, so the first correlation coefficient r1 between the first flexion angle θ1 and the distance is 0 or more. On the other hand, the farther the distance from the subject U, the more the body tries to tilt to the side opposite to the sign S, so the second correlation coefficient r2 between the second flexion angle θ2 and the distance becomes less than 0.

[0055] In the graphs showing the correlation relationships of FIGS. 8 to 10, it can be seen that the above-described characteristics appear as correlation relationships for the subjects A to C in each state. Also, in the first correlation coefficient r1 and the second correlation coefficient r2, for the subject A who is judged to be healthy, both are 0 or more. For the subject B who has a slight decline in physical function and is judged to be in a pre-frail state, the first correlation coefficient r1 is less than 0 because the knee joint stops bending, while the second correlation coefficient r2 is 0 or more because the body tilts. For the subject C who has a further decline in physical function and is judged to be frail, the first correlation coefficient r1 is 0 or more because the knee joint bends, while the second correlation coefficient r2 is less than 0 because the body tilts to the side opposite to the sign S. Since this is accurately shown in the graphs of FIGS. 8 to 10, it can be seen that the frailty evaluation system 1 of the present invention can accurately determine frailty and can also determine a pre-frail state in which it is difficult to distinguish between health and frailty.

[0056] As described above, in the frailty evaluation system 1 of the present invention, three-dimensional coordinate data of the posture of the subject U when performing a reach motion is acquired, and two flexion angles θ1 and θ2 on the body where changes in posture appear when the body function deteriorates are calculated from the three-dimensional coordinate data. Then, a correlation coefficient is calculated from the correlation relationship between the flexion angles θ1 and θ2 and the reach distance at the time when the flexion angles θ1 and θ2 are calculated, and frailty is evaluated using the correlation coefficient. In this way, in the present invention, since the flexion angles θ1 and θ2 on the body where characteristics are likely to appear when frailty occurs can be calculated to evaluate frailty, frailty can be accurately evaluated using the reach motion.

[0057] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0058] For example, in the above embodiment, the frailty evaluation system 1 includes the display device 20, and the information processing device 30 includes the marker setting display unit 31. However, the present invention does not necessarily have to be configured in this way. That is, the frailty evaluation system 1 does not necessarily have to include the display device 20 and the marker setting display unit 31. In this case, the measuring device 10 may be installed alone in front of the subject U who is to be evaluated for frailty. Also, the marker S may be provided so that the subject U can touch it in the space where frailty is evaluated. Further, the subject U may be made to perform a reach motion without using the marker S.

[0059] Also, in the above embodiment, the frailty evaluation system 1 evaluates frailty using a lateral reach motion. However, the present invention does not necessarily have to be configured in this way. That is, the frailty evaluation system 1 may evaluate frailty using a forward reach motion. At this time, the marker S is shown in the forward direction of the subject U. The subject U performs a reach motion so as to reach the fingertip of the hand to the marker S by bending forward in the forward direction, and the frailty evaluation system 1 evaluates the frailty of the subject U based on the reach motion of the subject U. Note that the subject U may be made to perform a forward reach motion without using the marker S.

[0060] A specific description will be given with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the bending angles calculated by the bending angle calculation unit 33 of the frailty evaluation system 1 according to this modified example. The frailty evaluation system 1 includes a measuring device 10, a display device 20, and an information processing device 30, as in the above-described embodiment. The measuring device 10, the display device 20, and the information processing device 30 have the same configuration as in the above-described embodiment except for the bending angle calculation unit 33. The display device 20 is installed on the side (left or right side) of the subject U.

[0061] In this modified example, since the frailty evaluation system 1 uses a reach motion forward, as shown in FIG. 11, the first bending angle θ1 calculated by the bending angle calculation unit 33 is the plantar flexion angle θ1 or the dorsiflexion angle θ1 of the ankle joint, and the second bending angle θ2 calculated is the trunk forward flexion angle θ2. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the first bending angle θ1 is calculated by the angle formed by a straight line obtained by extending the three-dimensional coordinate data of the ankles LA and RA in the vertical direction and a straight line composed of the three-dimensional coordinate data of the ankles LA and RA and the three-dimensional coordinate data of the knee joints LK and RK. The second bending angle θ2 is calculated by the angle formed by a straight line obtained by extending the three-dimensional coordinate data of the center of the waist CH in the vertical direction and a straight line composed of the three-dimensional coordinate data of the center of the waist CH and the three-dimensional coordinate data of the neck CN.

[0062] Also, the reach distance is calculated as follows. First, the sagittal axis direction distance from the midpoint between the left ankle LA and the right ankle RA to the collarbone and the distance obtained by adding the three-dimensional distances from the collarbone to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, and fingertips are calculated. This is calculated for 50 frames immediately after the start of measurement, and the average value is used as the initial measurement distance. The reach distance is calculated by subtracting the initial measurement distance from the sagittal axis direction distance from the midpoint between the left ankle LA and the right ankle RA to the fingertips of the hand of the subject U at that time for each sampling time when the three-dimensional coordinate data is measured. In this modified example, the frailty is evaluated by the same frailty evaluation method as in the above-described embodiment, except that the first bending angle θ1 and the second bending angle θ2 calculated in this way, and the reach distance at the time when each bending angle θ1, θ2 is calculated are used.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0063] 1 Frailty evaluation system 10 Measuring device 20 Display device 30 Information processing device 31 Marking setting display section 32 Data acquisition section 33 Bending angle calculation section 34 Correlation coefficient calculation section 35 Frailty evaluation section θ1 First bending angle θ2 Second bending angle r1 First correlation coefficient r2 Second correlation coefficient U Subject S Mark

Claims

1. A measuring device that measures three-dimensional coordinate data of a subject performing a reach motion in the left or right direction, and An information processing device that evaluates the frailty of the subject based on the three-dimensional coordinate data, comprising: The information processing device includes: A data acquisition unit that acquires the three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject measured by the measuring device; A bending angle calculation unit that calculates a first bending angle and a second bending angle on the body bent by the subject to maintain balance based on the three-dimensional coordinate data acquired by the data acquisition unit; Based on the first bending angle and the second bending angle calculated by the bending angle calculation unit, at two or more points where the first bending angle and the second bending angle are changing and the distances from the subject are different, a first correlation coefficient between each first bending angle and the distance to each point, and a second correlation coefficient between each second bending angle and the distance to each point are calculated; A frailty evaluation unit that evaluates the frailty of the subject based on the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient calculated by the correlation coefficient calculation unit, The first bending angle is the bending angle of the knee joint, and the second bending angle is the trunk side bending angle. The distance to each point is the distance that the subject moves in the left or right direction by the reach motion. When calculating the first correlation coefficient, it is the distance to two or more different points within the range from the distance at which the first bending angle starts to change to the maximum distance at which the first bending angle can be calculated. When calculating the second correlation coefficient, it is the distance to two or more different points within the range from the distance at which the second bending angle starts to change to the maximum distance at which the second bending angle can be calculated. The frailty evaluation unit evaluates as healthy when both the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient are 0 or more, evaluates as frail when the first correlation coefficient is 0 or more and the second correlation coefficient is less than 0, and evaluates as a pre-frail state when the first correlation coefficient is less than 0 and the second correlation coefficient is 0 or more. A frailty evaluation system.

2. A measuring device that measures three-dimensional coordinate data of a subject performing a reach motion in the forward direction, and An information processing device that evaluates the frailty of the subject based on the three-dimensional coordinate data, comprising: The information processing device includes: A data acquisition unit that acquires the three-dimensional coordinate data of the subject measured by the measuring device; A flexion angle calculation unit that calculates a first flexion angle and a second flexion angle on the body bent by the subject to maintain balance based on the three-dimensional coordinate data acquired by the data acquisition unit; Based on the first flexion angle and the second flexion angle calculated by the flexion angle calculation unit, at two or more points where the first flexion angle and the second flexion angle are changing and the distances from the subject are different, a first correlation coefficient between each first flexion angle and the distance to each point, and a second correlation coefficient between each second flexion angle and the distance to each point are calculated; A frailty evaluation unit that evaluates the frailty of the subject based on the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient calculated by the correlation coefficient calculation unit; The first flexion angle is the plantar flexion angle or the dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint, and the second flexion angle is the forward flexion angle of the trunk; The distance to each point is the distance that the subject has moved forward by a reaching motion. When calculating the first correlation coefficient, it is the distance to two or more different points within the range from the distance at which the first flexion angle starts to change to the maximum distance at which the first flexion angle can be calculated. When calculating the second correlation coefficient, it is the distance to two or more different points within the range from the distance at which the second flexion angle starts to change to the maximum distance at which the second flexion angle can be calculated; The frailty evaluation unit evaluates as healthy when both the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient are 0 or more, evaluates as frail when the first correlation coefficient is 0 or more and the second correlation coefficient is less than 0, and evaluates as a pre-frail state when the first correlation coefficient is less than 0 and the second correlation coefficient is 0 or more.

3. Further comprising a display device that displays at least the position of the fingertips of the subject and a marker that is the target of the reaching motion; The frailty evaluation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information processing device further has a marker setting display unit that sets a distance for each marker and causes the display device to display the marker.

4. In the case of calculating the first correlation coefficient, the distances to the respective locations include at least the distance at which the first bending angle begins to change and the maximum distance at which the first bending angle can be calculated. In the case of calculating the second correlation coefficient, the distances to the respective locations include at least the distance at which the second bending angle begins to change and the maximum distance at which the second bending angle can be calculated. The frailty evaluation system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A data acquisition step in which a data acquisition unit acquires three-dimensional coordinate data of a subject who performs a reach operation in the left or right direction, measured by a measuring device. A bending angle calculation step in which a bending angle calculation unit calculates a first bending angle and a second bending angle on the body bent by the subject to maintain balance based on the acquired three-dimensional coordinate data. A correlation coefficient calculation step in which a correlation coefficient calculation unit calculates a first correlation coefficient between each of the first bending angles and the distance to each location, and a second correlation coefficient between each of the second bending angles and the distance to each location, at two or more locations where the first bending angle and the second bending angle are changing and the distances from the subject are different, based on the calculated first bending angle and second bending angle. A frailty evaluation step in which a frailty evaluation unit evaluates the frailty of the subject based on the calculated first correlation coefficient and second correlation coefficient. The first bending angle is the bending angle of the knee joint, and the second bending angle is the trunk side bending angle. The distances to the respective locations are the distances that the subject moves in the left or right direction by a reach operation. In the case of calculating the first correlation coefficient, the distances are the distances to two or more different locations within the range from the distance at which the first bending angle begins to change to the maximum distance at which the first bending angle can be calculated. In the case of calculating the second correlation coefficient, the distances are the distances to two or more different locations within the range from the distance at which the second bending angle begins to change to the maximum distance at which the second bending angle can be calculated. The frailty evaluation method in which the frailty evaluation unit evaluates as healthy when both the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient are 0 or more, evaluates as frail when the first correlation coefficient is 0 or more and the second correlation coefficient is less than 0, and evaluates as a pre-frail state when the first correlation coefficient is less than 0 and the second correlation coefficient is 0 or more.

6. A data acquisition step in which a data acquisition unit acquires three-dimensional coordinate data of a subject performing a reach operation forward, measured by a measuring device. A bending angle calculation step in which a bending angle calculation unit calculates a first bending angle and a second bending angle on the body bent by the subject to maintain balance, based on the acquired three-dimensional coordinate data. A correlation coefficient calculation step in which a correlation coefficient calculation unit calculates a first correlation coefficient between each of the first bending angles and the distance to each point, and a second correlation coefficient between each of the second bending angles and the distance to each point, at two or more points where the first bending angle and the second bending angle are changing and the distances from the subject are different, based on the calculated first bending angle and second bending angle. A frailty evaluation step in which a frailty evaluation unit evaluates the frailty of the subject based on the calculated first correlation coefficient and second correlation coefficient. The apparatus is provided with: The first bending angle is the plantar flexion angle or dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint, and the second bending angle is the forward flexion angle of the trunk. The distance to each point is the distance that the subject has moved forward by a reach operation. When calculating the first correlation coefficient, it is the distance to two or more different points within the range from the distance at which the first bending angle starts to change to the maximum distance at which the first bending angle can be calculated. When calculating the second correlation coefficient, it is the distance to two or more different points within the range from the distance at which the second bending angle starts to change to the maximum distance at which the second bending angle can be calculated. The frailty evaluation method in which the frailty evaluation unit evaluates as healthy when both the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient are 0 or more, evaluates as frail when the first correlation coefficient is 0 or more and the second correlation coefficient is less than 0, and evaluates as a pre-frail state when the first correlation coefficient is less than 0 and the second correlation coefficient is 0 or more.

7. A data acquisition step in which three-dimensional coordinate data of a subject performing a reach operation in the left or right direction, measured by a measuring device, is acquired. A bending angle calculation step in which, based on the acquired three-dimensional coordinate data, a first bending angle and a second bending angle on the body bent by the subject to maintain balance are calculated. Based on the calculated first flexion angle and the second flexion angle, the first flexion angle and the second flexion angle are changing, and at two or more points where the distance from the subject is different, a correlation coefficient calculation step of calculating a first correlation coefficient between each first flexion angle and the distance to each point, and a second correlation coefficient between each second flexion angle and the distance to each point; A frailty evaluation program that causes a computer to execute a process including a frailty evaluation step of evaluating the frailty of a subject based on the calculated first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient. The first flexion angle is the flexion angle of the knee joint, and the second flexion angle is the trunk side flexion angle. The distance to each point is the distance that the subject moves in the left or right direction by a reaching motion. When calculating the first correlation coefficient, it is the distance to two or more different points within the range from the distance at which the first flexion angle starts to change to the maximum distance at which the first flexion angle can be calculated. When calculating the second correlation coefficient, it is the distance to two or more different points within the range from the distance at which the second flexion angle starts to change to the maximum distance at which the second flexion angle can be calculated. In the frailty evaluation step, when both the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient are 0 or more, it is evaluated as healthy. When the first correlation coefficient is 0 or more and the second correlation coefficient is less than 0, it is evaluated as frail. When the first correlation coefficient is less than 0 and the second correlation coefficient is 0 or more, it is evaluated as a pre-frail state.

8. A data acquisition step of acquiring three-dimensional coordinate data of a subject performing a reaching motion forward measured by a measuring device; A flexion angle calculation step of calculating a first flexion angle and a second flexion angle on the body that the subject bends to maintain balance based on the acquired three-dimensional coordinate data; Based on the calculated first flexion angle and the second flexion angle, the first flexion angle and the second flexion angle are changing, and at two or more points where the distance from the subject is different, a correlation coefficient calculation step of calculating a first correlation coefficient between each first flexion angle and the distance to each point, and a second correlation coefficient between each second flexion angle and the distance to each point; A frailty assessment program that causes a computer to execute a process including a frailty assessment step of assessing frailty of a subject based on the calculated first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient. The first flexion angle is the plantar flexion angle or dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint, and the second flexion angle is the trunk forward flexion angle. The distance to each point is the distance that the subject has moved forward by a reaching motion. When calculating the first correlation coefficient, it is the distance to two or more different points within the range from the distance at which the first flexion angle begins to change to the maximum distance at which the first flexion angle can be calculated. When calculating the second correlation coefficient, it is the distance to two or more different points within the range from the distance at which the second flexion angle begins to change to the maximum distance at which the second flexion angle can be calculated. In the frailty assessment step, when both the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient are 0 or more, it is evaluated as healthy; when the first correlation coefficient is 0 or more and the second correlation coefficient is less than 0, it is evaluated as frail; and when the first correlation coefficient is less than 0 and the second correlation coefficient is 0 or more, it is evaluated as a pre-frail state.

Images