Motor Function Evaluation Device Using Load Change Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor function evaluation methods, such as questionnaire surveys and physical performance tests, lack objectivity and are cumbersome, posing risks of injury, especially for the elderly, and are difficult to perform frequently due to equipment and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A motor function evaluation device that measures load change over time during a standing up motion, using a measurement base with load sensors and an arithmetic unit to determine balance ability and muscle strength indicators, and includes an impedance measurement unit for muscle mass assessment, allowing for comprehensive and easy evaluation without extensive equipment or space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical performance tests are conducted to evaluate motor function, then comprehensive assessment capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple evaluation functions (muscle strength, balance ability, and overall motor function assessment) into a single integrated device using one measurement base. The load measurement unit captures comprehensive data during standing-up motion that reflects multiple motor functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate tests and equipment for each assessment type.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement base serves multiple purposes: it measures load changes during standing-up motion to assess muscle strength, analyzes load variation patterns to evaluate balance ability, and provides overall motor function assessment. This multi-functional approach allows a single simple device to replace multiple specialized testing equipment.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive physical performance tests are performed, then evaluation accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to professional judgment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an output unit that automatically processes load measurement data and provides objective evaluation results for muscle strength, balance ability, and overall motor function. The system calculates specific indicators (maximum load value, load variation patterns, stabilization time) and presents them as quantified assessments, eliminating the need for professional interpretation while maintaining high evaluation accuracy.
3Productivity
If frequent motor function evaluations are conducted to capture changes over time, then monitoring capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to test complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation process is segmented into a simple standardized motion (standing up from seated position) that can be quickly performed and repeated. The device automatically captures load data throughout the motion sequence, breaking down the complex assessment into manageable time segments (initial phase, middle phase, final phase) that are processed independently and combined for comprehensive results, enabling frequent repeated measurements.
4Ease of operation
If simple standing-up motion is used for evaluation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may be insufficient for comprehensive motor function assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically analyzes load changes throughout the entire standing-up motion sequence, capturing data at different phases (initial push-off, mid-motion, final stabilization). By examining the temporal dynamics of load variation and the subject's movement patterns through the motion sequence, the system extracts multiple assessment indicators from a single simple motion, achieving comprehensive evaluation without increasing test complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides an objective and accurate assessment of motor function with reduced risk of injury, enabling convenient and frequent evaluations, including muscle strength, balance ability, and muscle mass indicators, using a simple standing up motion and stabilizing load variation analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor that measures load change over time of a subject applied to the measurement base
Implementation Method 2
an impedance measurement unit that measures a muscle mass of the subject on the measurement base
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
To provide a motor function evaluation device and a motor function evaluation method capable of evaluating a motor function of a subject comprehensively and easily. A motor function evaluation device 1 of the present invention includes a measurement base 11, a load measurement unit 14 that measures load change over time of the subject applied to the measurement base 11, and an arithmetic unit 24 that determines a balance ability indicator of the subject determined by the load change over time measured by the load measurement unit 14. The arithmetic unit 24 determines the balance ability indicator from a time interval from when the subject stands up and the load applied to the load measurement unit 14 is maximized until when the load variation is stabilized.