JP2019150229A - Foot part analyzer and method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a foot part analyzer and method, capable of performing analysis of shapes of a foot, toe, and leg, the analysis being incapable of being performed using a foot pressure distribution only.SOLUTION: A foot part analyzer of the present invention comprises: sensors (sensors 1 to 7) for measuring force (shearing force, pressure) acting on predetermined positions (L(1), R(1), L(2), R(2), ..., L(7), R(7) in Fig. 1) of a component (10: for example, a shoe) with which the sole of a foot comes into contact; a sensor (NS) for measuring whether or not a scaphoid bone has moved; and control devices (20, 21) having a function for determining whether or not pronation has occurred on the basis of output from the sensors (1 to 7) to determine the existence of abnormality in the foot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a system and method for analyzing the shape of a human foot, toe, and leg (referred to herein as “foot”).

By measuring the pressure acting on a specific part of the human foot and identifying the so-called “foot pressure distribution”, the position where the most load is applied on the sole is estimated, and the risk of knee osteoarthritis and hallux valgus Evaluation can be performed.
Here, various abnormalities relating to the shape of the foot, toes, and legs exist in addition to knee osteoarthritis and hallux valgus. However, in the prior art, abnormalities that cannot be determined only by foot pressure distribution such as knee osteoarthritis and hallux valgus cannot be determined.
Parameters other than the foot pressure distribution are necessary to determine such an abnormality (an abnormality that cannot be determined only by the foot pressure distribution), but such a parameter has not been proposed in the past.
As another conventional technique, there is a technique for evaluating walking ability using a seat-type pressure sensor (see Patent Document 1). However, the related art (Patent Document 1) requires a large area for installing the seat type pressure sensor, and cannot be applied to a technique for determining various diseases.

JP 2014-94070 A

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and provides a foot analysis device and method capable of analyzing the shape of the foot, toes, and legs that cannot be achieved only by the foot pressure distribution. It is an object.

  As a result of various studies, the inventor has found that the scaphoid bone is likely to move toward the center line side of the body (so-called “inner side”) (when pronation occurs) and It was discovered that it is possible to determine whether or not it is likely to cause an abnormality in the shape of the foot, toe, and leg by analyzing the pressure in a virtual line connecting the foot bones (so-called “first row”).

The foot analysis device (100, 101) of the present invention was created based on the above-described knowledge, and a predetermined position (L (1) in FIG. 1) of a member (10: for example, a shoe) with which the sole of the foot contacts. , R (1), L (2), R (2)... L (7), R (7), (NS): force (shearing force, pressure) acting on (NS) in FIG. Sensors (sensors 1 to 7) for measuring
A sensor (NS) that measures whether the scaphoid bone has moved;
A control device (20, 21) having a function of determining whether or not pronation has occurred based on the output from the sensors (1 to 7, NS) and determining whether or not there is a foot abnormality. It is characterized by having prepared.

The foot part analysis method of the present invention is based on a predetermined position (L (1), R (1), L (2), R (2) in FIG. A process of measuring forces (shearing force, pressure) acting on L (7) and R (7)) with sensors (sensors 1 to 7);
A step of measuring whether or not the scaphoid bone has moved by a sensor (pronation sensor NS);
Based on the output from the sensors (1 to 7, NS), it is characterized by determining whether or not there is a pronation and determining the presence or absence of abnormality.

In the present invention, the member (10) with which the sole of the foot comes into contact may be a shoe, an insole, or a sock.
When the member (10) with which the sole of the foot contacts is an insole, the sensor (1-7, NS) is preferably attached by a fixing means (band or the like).
Moreover, when the member (10) with which the sole of the foot contacts is a sock, it is preferable to attach a sensor (1-7, NS) with a fixing means (band etc.).

In the foot analysis device (100) of the present invention, the sensors (1 to 7, NS) are provided at positions corresponding to the scaphoid bone of a member (10: shoe, for example) that contacts the sole of the foot. ,
It is preferable to be provided at a position corresponding to the first metatarsal head (the thumb ball: position 5) and the lateral foot arch center (position 7).
Alternatively, in the foot analysis device (101) of the present invention, the sensor (1-7, NS) is provided at a position corresponding to the scaphoid bone of a member (10: shoe, for example) that contacts the sole of the foot. And
Cubic bone (position 2), fifth metatarsal head (position 3), first metatarsal head (position 5), intermediate wedge bone (position 6), lateral foot arch center (position 7) It is preferable.

The foot analysis device (102) of the present invention is a measuring instrument (8) that measures the vertical direction of a member (10: for example, a shoe) in which the subject's thumb ball contacts the sole of the foot at a position corresponding to the thumb ball. 9).
The foot analysis method of the present invention preferably includes a step of measuring a vertical distance of a member in contact with the subject's thumb ball and the sole of the foot.
Here, the skin has a certain resistance value, and the resistance value changes as the skin expands and contracts. In addition, the amount of expansion and contraction of the skin is related to the amount of movement of the skeleton inside the foot such as the scaphoid bone. Based on these, in the present invention, as the sensor (NS) for measuring whether or not the scaphoid bone has moved, it is possible to use a sensor having a function of measuring the expansion and contraction of the skin. A sensor based on a change in the resistance value of a gauge, pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, a sensor that measures skin resistance, or the like can be used. In the case of using a strain gauge, it can be composed of a plurality of (for example, two) strain gauges fixed at positions near the scaphoid bone of the subject. In this case, it is preferable that the entire strain gauge has a belt shape and has elasticity.

According to the foot analysis device (100, 101) and the foot analysis method of the present invention having the above-described configuration, by providing a sensor (NS) that measures whether or not the scaphoid bone has moved, It is possible to easily determine whether or not the case corresponds to a case where it is easy to move to the center line side (so-called “inside”) (when pronation occurs).
Sensors (5, 7) are provided at positions corresponding to the first metatarsal head (thumb ball: position 5) and the lateral foot arch center (position 7), or a cubic bone (position 2), fifth middle If sensors are provided at the head of the foot (position 3), the first metatarsal head (position 5), the intermediate cuneiform bone (position 6), and the lateral foot arch center (position 7), the proximal phalanx to the first of the thumb of the foot Since it is possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the pressure distribution in the “first column”, which is a virtual line connecting the metatarsals, whether or not there is a high risk of causing abnormalities in the foot, such as hallux valgus, strong thumb, and restricted thumb (Whether it is easy to cause) can be determined.
Furthermore, the evaluation can be performed at any time when the robot is stationary, standing, walking or other loads, or not loaded (such as sitting in a chair).

When pronation occurs, the position of the thumb ball is anatomically vertically above the normal state and the weight is not supported by the thumb ball. The first row is too soft and moves more than necessary. As a result, the second row from the toes in the index finger and the third row from the toes in the middle finger are positioned vertically downward, and are grounded to support the weight. Due to the anatomical characteristics of the foot, the second and third rows have fallen vertically downward compared to the normal state.
In the present invention, if the sensors (5, 7) are provided at positions corresponding to the first metatarsal head (thumb ball: position 5) and the lateral foot arch center (position 7), the first metatarsal head (thumb finger) is provided. Sphere: The measured value of the sensor (5) at the position 5) is smaller than the first threshold value (predetermined value), and the measured value of the sensor (7) at the center of the lateral foot arch (position 7) is the second value. If it is larger than the threshold (predetermined value), the position of the thumb ball is above the normal state (floating), and it is considered that the weight is not supported by the thumb ball. When “pronunciation occurs”, it can be determined that “there is a high risk of hallux valgus”.

In addition, when pronation occurs and the subject is a flat foot, when the arch (AR1) on the thumb side of the toe becomes “collapsed”, the relative relationship between the first metatarsal bone and the proximal phalanx The position is displaced and a so-called “deviation” occurs. When such “displacement” occurs, it is difficult to raise the thumb upward, and the risk of a strong thumb or restricted thumb increases.
If the force acting on the cubic bone (position 2) and the force acting on the intermediate wedge bone (position 6) are obtained, it can be determined whether or not the subject is a flat foot. Also, if the difference between the pressure (acting force) at position (5) and the pressure (acting force) at position (3) is greater than a predetermined value (threshold), the thumb is sufficiently grounded. If the pressure difference is small, it can be determined that the thumb is not sufficiently grounded and is located above the normal state (so-called “floating” state).
Furthermore, even if the pressure difference at position (5) and the pressure at position (3) is large, if the pressure (acting force) at position (7) is large, the thumb is not sufficiently grounded and normal It can be determined that it is located above the state.
According to the present invention, the pressure difference at the position (5) and the pressure difference at the position (3) are compared with the third threshold value (predetermined value), and the pressure at the position (7) is compared with the fourth threshold value (predetermined value). Value), it can be determined whether the position of the thumb ball is higher than the normal state (floating) and the weight is not supported by the thumb ball. When the position of the ball is above the normal state (floating up), the weight is not supported by the thumb ball, and “pronunciation has occurred” and “the subject has flat feet” It can be determined that “the risk of becoming a strong or restricted thumb is high”.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the measuring instrument (8, 9) is provided on the member (10) that contacts the sole of the foot such as a shoe or sole that contacts the foot of the subject, the configuration that contacts the subject is reduced in size. I can do it.
Therefore, it does not give extra stress to the person being measured like a large-sized device, and therefore accurate measurement is possible. In addition, if the device is downsized, it is possible to directly measure the force (shearing force or pressure) acting on the above-described position while exercising (for example, during walking). Unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to estimate the sole pressure during walking from the sole pressure in a stationary state.
In particular, if the output of the sensor is wirelessly transmitted to the control device in the present invention, movement analysis during exercise is easily performed.

It is an explanation top view of a sole measuring device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the position of the scaphoid bone sensor in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 (A) is a side view, FIG.2 (B) is a BB arrow sectional drawing of FIG. 2 (A). It is a figure which shows the skeleton of a human foot part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arch of a leg | foot. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the control apparatus used by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the control apparatus used by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the pronation sensor used by 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment. It is an explanatory top view showing an outline of a sole measuring device used in a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part in FIG. It is explanatory drawing similar to FIG. 10 which shows the modification of 3rd Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an overview of an embodiment of the present invention.
The analysis apparatus of the present invention according to the embodiment is generally indicated by reference numeral 100 (101) in FIG. 1, and is a shoe 10 that is a member with which the sole of the foot contacts, a control device 20 (21), and a display device. 30 and the determination device 40.
The shoe 10 includes a right foot shoe 10R and a left foot shoe 10L. In each shoe 10R, 10L, a sensor R1 is provided at seven predetermined positions (R1) to (R7) and (L1) to (L7). -R7, L1-L7 are installed. In FIG. 1, the “predetermined position” or the “sensor” installed at the predetermined position is represented by the same reference numeral and indicated by reference numerals (R1) to (R7) and (L1) to (L7). ing.

In addition, the shoe is provided with a pronation sensor NS, and the pronation sensor NS is such that the scaphoid bone 13 (see FIG. 3) is on the center line side of the body not shown (so-called “inside”: arrow IN in FIG. 3). It has a function to detect whether or not to move to the side).
The position of the pronation sensor NS will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B). The pronation sensor NS is a position corresponding to the scaphoid bone 13 (see FIG. 3), and is disposed over a wide area from the shoe sole portion of the shoe 10 (a member with which the sole of the foot contacts) to the inner shoe side surface. . The pronation sensor NS has a function of detecting the amount of movement when the scaphoid bone moves toward the center line of the body (in the direction of the arrow IN in FIG. 3).
FIG. 2 shows the position of the pronation sensor NS on the right foot. The pronation sensor on the left foot (not shown) is disposed at a position symmetrical to the position shown in FIG.

The sensors R1 to R7, L1 to L7, and the pronation sensor NS can be attached to the insole instead of the shoes. In that case, in order to arrange the pronation sensor NS at a position corresponding to the position spanning the shoe sole and the shoe side surface of the shoe, the pronation sensor NS protrudes upward from the insole side edge by a band or other fixing means and rotates. It is necessary to attach so that the relative position of the inner sensor NS and the insole does not change.
Similarly, the sensors R1 to R7, L1 to L7, and the pronation sensor NS can be arranged on the socks. In this case as well, it is desirable to attach the sensor to the socks with fixing means so that the sensor does not move.

In FIG. 1 again, the measurement results of the sensors R1 to R7, L1 to L7, and the pronation sensor NS are transmitted to the control device 20 (21) by radio. In FIG. 1, as an example of the sensors, arrows SR <b> 1 and SL <b> 1 (wireless signal lines) indicate how the measurement results are wirelessly transmitted from the sensors R <b> 1 and L <b> 1 to the control device 20 (21).
In addition, when transmitting each measurement result from each sensor R1-R7, L1-L7, and the pronation sensor NS to the control apparatus 20 (21), it is also possible to carry out with a wire communication.

The analysis result by the control device 20 (21) is transmitted to the display device 30 via the information signal line IL9 (IL19).
The result (analysis result) processed by the control device 20 (21) is transmitted to the determination device 40 via the information signal line IL10 (IL20), and the image data of the display device 30 is also transmitted to the information signal line IL11 (IL21). To the determination device 40.
The determination device 40 determines and presents necessary countermeasures based on the analysis result of the control device 20 (21) and the image data of the display device 30.

Next, the installation positions of the sensors R1 to R7, L1 to L7, and the pronation sensor NS will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 shows the positions of the sensors (1) to (7) and the position of the pronation sensor NS in the right foot (the right foot shoe 10R or insole), but the left foot (the left foot shoe 10L or insole) not shown. Is provided at a position symmetrical to the position shown in FIG.
The positions of the sensors 1 to 7 (sensors R1 to R7, which will be described as “sensors 1 to 7” in the following in order to avoid complexity) are defined from the skeleton structure of the side of the human foot. Therefore, FIG. 3 shows the skeleton of the right foot.

The position where the sensor 1 is disposed (the position indicated by reference numeral (1) in FIG. 3) is the rib bulge. More preferably, position (1) is the center of the heel bone.
Also, when determining the position (1), when the rib protuberance is displaced outward (the fifth metatarsal side, that is, the little finger side in FIG. 3), the amount (the amount displaced outward) is measured. The position is set as possible. Normally, if the rib bulge is displaced, it is on the outside of the foot (the little finger side) and does not come off the inside of the foot (the first metatarsal side, that is, the thumb side in FIG. 3).
The position where the sensor 2 is disposed (the position indicated by reference numeral (2) in FIG. 3) is a position corresponding to the cubic bone. However, it may be slightly outside the center of the cubic bone (the little finger side: the region of the fifth metatarsal bone).

The position where the sensor 3 is disposed (the position indicated by reference numeral (3) in FIG. 3) is a position corresponding to the fifth metatarsal head.
In order to analyze the state at the time of walking, it is necessary to measure the force acting on the “location where weight is applied during walking”. The fifth metatarsal head, which is the root of the fifth metatarsal, is a “location where weight is applied during walking”.
Here, even if the position where the sensor 3 is arranged is shifted to about ３ of the length of the fifth metatarsal head and to the side opposite to the toes, the force acting on “the place where weight is applied during walking” can be measured. So there is no problem.
However, since the fifth end phalanx (toe side bone) does not bear weight, it is inconvenient to attach the sensor to a position shifted to the fifth end phalanx side (toe side) from the fifth metatarsal head.

The sensor 4 (position indicated by reference numeral (4) in FIG. 3) is disposed at the tip of the toe side of the “first row” (virtual line connecting the proximal phalanx 11 to the first metatarsal 12 in the thumb of the toe). . Here, the sensor 4 is disposed on the thumb contact surface, that is, the area that reaches the ground at the time of walking at the tip of the thumb. As described in the second embodiment, the sensor 4 is required to detect an abnormality in the pressure in the first row, and it acts on the position (4) to determine the strength of kicking during walking. Since it is necessary to measure the force, the sensor 4 is arranged on the thumb contact surface.
Here, there is an individual difference as to which part of the big toe the bone (first distal phalanx) extends. Therefore, the position (4) is not specified by the name of the bone, but is specified as the “finger ground contact surface” as described above.

The position where the sensor 5 is disposed (the position indicated by reference numeral (5) in FIG. 3) is a position corresponding to the first metatarsal head.
It is the portion of the first metatarsal side, the so-called “thumb ball”, that weighs when walking. Since the weight is applied to the thumb ball, the mounting position of the sensor 5 is set so as not to be detached from the thumb ball. In other words, in FIG. 3, the sensor 5 is provided at the position of the thumb ball.

The position where the sensor 6 is disposed (the position indicated by reference numeral (6) in FIG. 3) is a position corresponding to the intermediate wedge bone.
The position where the sensor 6 is arranged is sandwiched between a straight line Lα connecting the second finger (index finger) from the position (1) where the sensor 1 is arranged and a straight line Lβ connecting the fourth finger (ring finger) from the position (1). What is necessary is just the area of three wedge-shaped bones in the area.
Here, it is inconvenient to install the sensor 6 because the region closer to the thumb than the straight line Lα connecting the position (1) and the second finger (index finger) may become an arch. On the other hand, since the region on the little finger side of the straight line Lβ connecting the position (1) and the fourth finger (ringing finger) may overlap with the position (2), it is also inconvenient to install the sensor 6. It is. For these reasons, the arrangement position of the sensor 6 is determined as described above.

As shown in FIG. 4, there are three types of foot arches: a vertical arch AR1, an outer arch AR2, and a horizontal arch AR3. The longitudinal arch AR1 extends from the vicinity of the position (1) representing the rib bulge in FIG. 3 to the vicinity of the position (5) representing the first metatarsal head, and the outer arch AR2 is the heel in FIG. It extends from the vicinity of the position (1) representing the bone protuberance to the vicinity of the position (3) representing the fifth metatarsal head. Further, the lateral arch AR3 extends from the vicinity of the position (5) representing the first metatarsal head in FIG. 3 to the vicinity of the position (3) representing the fifth metatarsal head. The arches AR1 to AR3 can absorb the impact on the sole when walking.
In order to specify the foot arch, it is necessary to refer to the measurement results at positions other than the positions (2) and (6) (for example, the positions (1) and (3)).
Also, from the measurement results of position (6) and position (2) (and other measurement results of positions (1), (3), etc.), the center of gravity (the pressure center of the sole at the moment: the center of gravity of the center of gravity) The trajectory can be specified (determined).

From the measurement result of the force (pressure, shear force) acting on the position (6) measured by the sensor 6 and the measurement result of the force (pressure, shear force) acting on the position (2) measured by the sensor 2, Three types of “flat feet”, “normal”, and “high arch” can be determined.
Measurement results of force (pressure or shear force) acting at position (6) and force (pressure or shear force) acting at position (2) in each of “flat foot”, “normal”, and “high arch” The magnitude relationship of the results is different. That is,
Flat feet: force acting on position (2) ≒ force acting on position (6), or
Force acting on position (2) ≦ force acting on position (6) Normal: force acting on position (2)> force acting on position (6) High arch: force acting on position (2), position (6 The force acting on) is not detected.

In FIG. 3, the position where the sensor 7 is disposed (the position indicated by (7) in FIG. 3) is the second metatarsal head (base portion of the second finger (index finger)) and the third metatarsal head (third finger). (Center of the middle finger)) (located at the center of the side foot arch).
Here, the barycentric line passes along a line (line Lα in FIG. 3) connecting the heel and the second finger. For this reason, it is inconvenient to provide the sensor 7 in a region closer to the first finger (thumb side) than the second finger.
On the other hand, the region closer to the little finger than the third finger (middle finger) deviates from the barycentric line, so it is inconvenient to provide the sensor 7. Since the weight is on the inner side of the center line of the foot, if the position (7) of the sensor 7 is on the outer side of the center line of the foot, the weighted state cannot be detected.

As described above, in FIG. 3, the imaginary line connecting the proximal phalanx 11 to the first metatarsal bone 12 in the thumb of the big toe is the “first row”. In the illustrated embodiment, when the scaphoid bone 13 moves toward the center line side of the body (in the direction of the arrow IN, inside) (that is, when pronation occurs), the pressure distribution in the first row is abnormal. In this case, it is determined that it is easy to cause anomalies of the foot (valgus valgus, strong thumb, restricted thumb).
Here, the arrow IN is directed toward the center axis of the body (so-called inside), but more specifically, is directed toward the center axis of the body (so-called inside) and downward in the vertical direction. In other words, it is toward the inside diagonally downward.
When the arch AR1 (see FIG. 4) is crushed, if it is a normal foot, the scaphoid bone 13 moves forward (toe side: upward in FIG. 3) and absorbs the impact. However, in response to such an impact or movement, the scaphoid bone 13 moves toward the arrow IN side (on the center axis side of the body and vertically downward), and the arch AR1 falls inward (arrow IN side). There is an anomaly that collapses in such a manner. Such anomaly is called “pronation”.
As described in the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 8, when pronation occurs, there are cases where the risk of hallux valgus, strong thumb, and restricted thumb increases.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 1 to 7 and the pronation sensor NS can detect that a foot abnormality, such as a hallux valgus, a strong thumb, or a limited thumb, is likely to occur.
Here, since there are individual differences in foot flexibility, there are also individual differences in the flexibility of the arch shown in FIG.
By analyzing the measurement results at the positions (2), (6), and (7), the flexibility of the arch can be understood. Depending on the flexibility of the arch, a “high arch” when standing still may result in a “flat foot” when walking (when the arch is soft). Alternatively, there is a case of “normal” when standing and stationary, but a “high arch” when walking (when the arch is hard).

Further, by analyzing the measurement results at the positions (2), (6), and (7), the center of gravity (the pressure center of the sole at the moment) and the arch shape can be appropriately known.
Here, when the force acting on the positions (2), (6), (7) is not measured, for example, when only the force acting on the positions (1), (3), (5) is measured, It is impossible to identify the arch.
In addition to the force acting on the positions (1), (3) and (5), the arch can be specified by measuring the forces acting on the positions (2), (6) and (7). . That is, the vertical arch AR1 and the outer arch AR2 in FIG. 4 can be determined from the measurement results of the positions (2) and (6), and the state of the arch can be grasped from the vertical arch AR1. Further, the lateral arch AR3 can be specified based on the measurement results at the positions (3), (7), and (5). The measurement result of the position (7) is indispensable for determining the lateral arch AR3.

Next, regarding the specification of the center of gravity line, conventionally, pressure sensors are installed only at the positions (1), (3), and (5), and the load distribution at the positions (1), (3), and (5) on the foot is The center of gravity point was specified on the assumption that the ratio was 3: 1: 2.
However, in the illustrated embodiment, sensors (sensors 2, 6, 7) are also installed at positions (2), (6), (7). The force (pressure, shear force) acting on the positions (2), (6), and (7) is also measured to accurately obtain the center of gravity (COP), and the center of gravity line that is the locus is accurately specified. I can do it.

Here, the “foot bone axis” will be described.
The “foot bone axis” is an axis that penetrates the position (1) representing the rib bulge and the talus, and shear force is applied to the positions (1), (2), (3), (5), and (7). By providing the sensors 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 and analyzing the measurement result, it is possible to accurately grasp the movement in the “foot bone axis”.
Positions (1), (2), (3), (5), and (7) are parts that move greatly at the bottom of the foot, so when the shear force of these five parts is obtained, the movement of the “bone axis of the foot” is analyzed. easy. By analyzing the shear force at positions (1), (2), (3), (5), and (7) and analyzing the motion of the “bone axis of the foot”, the displacement of the ribs and the like while walking Speed, force (change in load), direction, twist, etc. can be evaluated.
Further, the movement of the foot bone axis depends on the flexibility of the joint of the sole.

Instead of a pressure sensor, a “shear force sensor” can be arranged at the positions (1), (2), (3), (5), and (7). The forces acting on the positions (1), (2), (3), (5), (7) do not act only in the vertical direction, but are parallel to the shoe sole in addition to the force perpendicular to the vertical direction. This is because a shear force sensor is preferable for measuring such a force because it acts in any direction. However, a pressure sensor can also be applied.
By analyzing the measurement results of the shear force acting on the positions (1), (2), (3), (5), (7), the movement of the “foot bone axis” can be accurately grasped. .
If the movement of the bone axis of the foot can be accurately grasped, for example, it can be determined whether or not the bone of the heel is valgus. If the arch is stiff and the foot bone axis does not move inward, a load is applied to the positions (2) and (3), and the knee is twisted during walking (a pronation moment is generated). There is a risk of complaining of knee pain in a so-called “knee rub” condition. By measuring whether or not a load is applied to the positions (2) and (3), it is possible to determine whether or not there is a risk of complaining of such knee pain.
The measurement result of position (4) is used to determine the walking function and to determine the possibility of falling during walking.

The configuration and functions (actions) of the control device 20 shown in FIG. 1 will be described next with reference to the contents of the first to third embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the description thereof are common to the first to third embodiments of FIGS.
First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
In the first embodiment, it is determined whether the risk of hallux valgus is high.
In FIG. 5 which shows the functional block of the control apparatus 20 used suitably with the foot | leg part analysis apparatus 100 of 1st Embodiment, the control apparatus 20 (part enclosed with the broken line) is the pronation judgment block 20A, the 1st comparison block. 20B, determination block 20C, and storage block 20D. Reference numerals 20I and 20O in FIG. 5 indicate an input side interface and an output side interface, respectively.
As described with reference to FIG. 1, the control device 20 is connected to the display device 30 and the determination device 40 via the information signal lines IL9 and IL10.

The measurement signals from the sensors 1 to 7 and the sensor NS (pronation sensor) arranged at predetermined positions of the member 10 (for example, shoes: see FIG. 1) are transmitted to the control device 20 (pronation determination block) via the input side interface 20I. 20A and the first comparison block 20B).
The pronation determination block 20A is a measurement signal from the pronation sensor NS (when the scaphoid bone moves to the center line side of the body (in the direction of the arrow IN in FIG. 3) via the input side interface 20I and the information signal line IL1. When the measurement result of the pronation sensor NS is greater than or equal to the pronation threshold N0. It has a function to determine that pronation has occurred.
The determination result of the pronation determination block 20A (whether or not pronation has occurred) is transmitted to the determination block 20C via the information signal line IL2.
The threshold value (predetermined value) can be determined by, for example, a ratio to the foot length or a ratio to the foot circumference (peripheral dimension of the metatarsal row). The ratio is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Furthermore, instead of comparing with the threshold value (predetermined value), the center line side of the body of the scaphoid bone (the arrow in FIG. 3) in the line until the center of gravity is removed from the heel side to the toe side during walking. Whether or not pronation has occurred can be determined based on the timing at which the movement in the (IN direction) occurs. In other words, depending on the position of the center of gravity when the movement of the scaphoid bone toward the center line side of the body (in the direction of the arrow IN in FIG. 3) occurs (the movement of the scaphoid bone in the I direction is from the heel side of the foot). It is possible to determine whether or not pronation has occurred by determining at which position of the line it has been started until it has come off to the toe side.

The first comparison block 20B measures the measurement signal (measurement of pressure and shear force acting on the position 5) from the sensor 5 at the position (5) (corresponding to the thumb ball) via the input side interface 20I and the information signal line IL3. Value) and a measurement signal (measured value of pressure and shear force acting on the position 7) from the sensor 7 at the position (7) (corresponding to the center of the lateral foot), and the measured value M5 of the sensor 5 and the sensor 7 is compared with the respective threshold values (first threshold value N1 and second threshold value N2) stored in the storage block 20D to determine whether or not pronation has occurred. Has the function to judge.
The comparison result of the comparison block 20B is transmitted to the determination block 20C via the information signal line IL4.

The determination block 20C receives the determination result (whether or not pronation has occurred) from the pronation determination block 20A via the information signal line IL2, and compares it from the first comparison block 20B via the information signal line IL4. Receive the result.
In the determination block 20C, the determination result of the pronation determination block 20A is “pronation has occurred”, and the comparison result of the first comparison block 20B is “the measured value M5 of the sensor 5 is the first threshold. A function of determining that “the risk of hallux valgus is high” when the measured value M7 of the sensor 7 is smaller than the value N1 (predetermined value) and greater than the second threshold value N2 (predetermined value). Have.
The determination result by the determination block 20C is transmitted to the display device 30 via the output side interface 20O and the information signal line IL9 and displayed. At the same time, the determination result by the determination block 20C is transmitted to the determination device 40 via the output side interface 20O and the information signal line IL10.

The memory block 20D stores the second threshold value regarding the measured value M7 of the sensor 7, the first threshold value N1 (predetermined value) regarding the measured value M5 of the sensor 5, and the measured value M7 of the sensor 7. It has a function of storing a threshold value N2 (predetermined value).
The pronation threshold N0 stored in the storage block 20D is transmitted to the pronation determination block 20A via the information signal line IL5, and is used for the determination by the pronation determination block 20A.
The first and second threshold values N1 and N2 stored in the storage block 20D are transmitted to the first comparison block 20B via the information signal line IL6 and used for comparison by the first comparison block.
Furthermore, the storage block 20D has a function of receiving and storing the determination result of the determination block 20C (by the information signal line IL7). The determination result is used as necessary in subsequent determinations and determinations.

The display device 30 has a function of displaying the determination result transmitted from the control device 20 (determination block 20C).
Specifically, whether the subject is “high risk of hallux valgus”, “is not high risk of hallux valgus”, or “how high is the risk of hallux valgus”, including image data To do.
The display device 30 transmits the image data to the determination device 40 via the information signal line IL11.

The determination device 40 receives the determination result transmitted from the control device 20 (determination block 20C) and the image data transmitted from the display device 30, and based on these, the determination result is “high risk of becoming hallux valgus”. ”, It has a function of presenting exercises, appliances, etc. for improving it.
The determination device 40 is an information processing device such as a computer, but is not limited thereto. For example, a case where a specialist or an operator who has medical knowledge such as a doctor makes a necessary determination or presentation for improvement based on information or data from the control device 20 or the display device 30 is also included. For example, from the determination result transmitted to the display device 30, the doctor can present exercise, equipment used, and the like to prevent it when “there is a high risk of hallux valgus”.
At the time of determination by the determination device 40, if the determination device 40 is an information processing device, for example, a conventionally known software technique is used, and the determination is made on a case-by-case basis in consideration of the characteristics of the measurement subject. .
Although not clearly shown, the determination result of the determination device 40 is fed back to the control device 20 and sent to the storage block 20D for storage.

An example of foot analysis according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described mainly with reference to FIG.
Here, when the pronation occurs, the position of the thumb ball is higher than the normal state, and if the weight is not supported by the thumb ball, the first ball from the toe to the thumb ball in the thumb One row is too soft and moves more than necessary. As a result, the second row from the toes of the index finger to the thumb ball and the third row of the middle finger from the toes to the thumb ball are positioned vertically downward, and support the weight by grounding. . Due to the anatomical characteristics of the foot, the second and third rows have fallen vertically downward compared to the normal state.

Specifically, the measured value M5 of the sensor 5 is smaller than the first threshold value N1 (predetermined value), and the measured value M7 of the sensor 7 is larger than the second threshold value N2 (predetermined value). In this case, it can be considered that the position of the thumb ball is higher than the normal state (floating), and the weight is not supported by the thumb ball.
Accordingly, the determination result of the pronation determination block 20A is “pronation has occurred”, and the comparison result of the first comparison block 20B is “the measured value M5 of the sensor 5 is the first threshold value N1 (predetermined value)”. If the measured value M7 of the sensor 7 is smaller than the second threshold value N2 (predetermined value), it can be determined that “there is a high risk of hallux valgus”.

In the flowchart of FIG. 6, prior to step S <b> 1, the sensor NS measures whether or not the scaphoid bone has moved to the center line side of the body (so-called “inside”, the direction of the arrow IN in FIG. 3), and scaphoid bone Is moving to the center line side of the body, the amount of movement is measured. Further, forces (for example, pressure and shear force) acting on the positions (5) and (7) are measured by the sensors 5 and 7.
In step S1, it is determined in the pronation determination block 20A of the control device 20 whether or not pronation has occurred. This determination is made when the measurement result of the pronation sensor NS (the amount of movement when the scaphoid bone moves toward the center line of the body) is greater than or equal to the pronation threshold N0 (predetermined value). If it is less than the pronation threshold N0, it is determined that no pronation has occurred.
As a result of the determination in step S1, if pronation has occurred (step S1 is “Yes”), the process proceeds to step S2, and if pronation has not occurred (step S1 is “No”), the process proceeds to step S4. .

In step S2, it is determined in the first comparison block 20B whether or not the position of the thumb ball is above the normal state (that is, whether or not it is floating). As described above, this determination is made when the measured value M5 of the sensor 5 (position 5) is smaller than the first threshold value N1 (predetermined value) and the measured value M7 of the sensor 7 (position 7) is the second value. If it is larger than the threshold value N2 (predetermined value), it is determined that the position of the thumb ball is higher than the normal state (floating).
If the result of the determination in step S2 is that the position of the thumb ball is higher than the normal state (floating) (step S2 is “Yes”), the process proceeds to step S3, where the position of the thumb ball is normal. If it is in a state (not lifted) (“No” at step S2), the process proceeds to step S4.

If the determination result in step S1 (the pronation determination block 20A) and the determination result in step 2 (the first comparison block 20B) are “Yes”, it is determined in step S3 that “the risk of hallux valgus is high” in the determination block 20C. To do.
On the other hand, if any of the determination result of step S1 (the pronation determination block 20A) and the determination result of step 2 (first comparison block 20B) is “No”, the determination block 20C determines that “the hallux valgus” The risk is not high.
And control is complete | finished.

Although not clearly shown in FIG. 6, when the determination result of the determination block 20 </ b> C (control device 20) is “the risk of becoming hallux valgus is high”, exercise and equipment used to improve hallux valgus by the determination device 40 (FIG. 5). Etc. can be presented.
Although not clearly shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the force acting on the positions (1), (2), (3), (5), (6), and (7) is measured, and the center of gravity (foot) is determined from the measurement results. Determine the pressure center of the back), the center of gravity line, the arch, and the bone axis of the foot, determine whether the center of gravity line, the arch, and the bone axis of the foot are normal, and design and determine the exercise and the equipment to be used to suppress the abnormality Is possible.

According to the foot analysis device 100 and the foot analysis method of the first embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, is the pronation caused by providing the sensor NS that measures whether or not the scaphoid bone has moved? Judging whether or not.
When pronation occurs, the measured value M5 of the sensor 5 at the position (5) (first metatarsal head (corresponding to the thumb ball)) is smaller than the first threshold value N1 (predetermined value). When the measured value M7 of the sensor 7 at the position (7) (corresponding to the center of the lateral foot arch) is larger than the second threshold value N2 (predetermined value), the position of the thumb ball is in a normal state. Can also be determined as “high risk of hallux valgus”.
In addition, when the determination is “the risk of becoming hallux valgus is high”, it is possible to present exercises, appliances, and the like for preventing and improving it.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the same reference numerals are given to the same devices as those in FIGS. 1 to 6.
In the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the risk of a strong thumb or restricted thumb that makes it difficult to move the thumb (especially upward) is high.
In FIG. 7 showing functional blocks of the control device 21 used in the foot analysis device 101 according to the second embodiment, the control device 21 (portion surrounded by a broken line) includes a pronation determination block 21A, a flat foot determination block 21B, A second comparison block 21C, a determination block 21D, and a storage block 21E are included. The first comparison block 20B in FIG. 5 (first embodiment) is not used in the second embodiment.
Reference numerals 21I and 21O in FIG. 7 indicate an input side interface and an output side interface, respectively.
In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the control device 21 is connected to the display device 30 and the determination device 40 via the information signal lines IL19 and IL20.

Also in the second embodiment of FIG. 7, the measurement signals from the sensors 1 to 7 and the sensor NS arranged at predetermined positions of the member 10 (for example, shoes: see FIG. 1) are transmitted to the control device 21 via the input side interface 21I. (The pronation determination block 21A, the flat foot determination block 21B, the second comparison block 21C).
The function of the pronation determination block 21A is the same as that of the pronation determination block 20A of the first embodiment (FIG. 5). The determination result of the pronation determination block 21A (whether or not pronation has occurred) is transmitted to the determination block 21D via the information signal line IL12.

As described above with reference to FIG. 4, from the measurement results of the force acting on the position (6) (corresponding to the intermediate wedge bone) and the position (2) (corresponding to the cubic bone), in relation to the longitudinal arch AR1, Subjects can be classified into three types: “flat feet”, “normal”, and “high arch”. here,
Force acting on position (2) ≈force acting on position (6), or
If the force acting on the position (2) ≦ the force acting on the position (6), the subject is a flat foot,
If the force acting on position (2)> the force acting on position (6), the subject is a “normal” foot that is neither a flat foot nor a high arch,
If neither a force acting on position (2) nor a force acting on position (6) is detected, the subject is classified as “high arch”.
The flat foot determination block 21B has a function of determining whether or not the subject is a flat foot from the measurement result of the force acting on the position (6) and the position (2) based on the above-described reason.

In other words, the flat foot determination block 21B is configured to receive the measurement signal (measured value M2 of the force acting on the position 2) and the position (6) from the sensor 2 at the position (2) via the input side interface 21I and the information signal line IL13. ) Is received from the sensor 6 (measured value M6 of the force acting on the position 6), and the measured value M2 of the sensor 2 and the measured value M6 of the sensor 6 are compared to determine whether or not the subject is a flat foot. Judging. The flat foot judgment block 21B
Measured value M2 of sensor 2≈Measured value M6 of sensor 6 or
Measured value M2 of sensor 2 ≦ Measured value M6 of sensor 6
If so, it is determined that it is “flat foot”, and otherwise it is determined that it is “not flat foot”.
The determination result of the flat foot determination block 21B is transmitted to the determination block 21D via the information signal line IL14.

If the arch AR1 is in a “collapsed” state when the pronation is occurring and the subject is a flat foot, the relative position at the joint of the first metatarsal bone and the proximal phalanx is displaced, so-called “deviation” Is generated. When such “displacement” occurs, it is difficult to raise the thumb upward, and the risk of a strong thumb or restricted thumb increases.
Here, the pressure difference between both ends of the arch AR3, that is, the pressure (acting force) at the position (5) (corresponding to the first metatarsal head) and the pressure (acting) at the position (3) (corresponding to the fifth metatarsal head). If the difference is greater than the threshold (predetermined value), the thumb is sufficiently grounded (the thumb ball is normal), but if the pressure difference is small, the thumb is sufficiently It can be determined that the ball is not grounded and the thumb ball is positioned higher than the normal state (so-called “floating” state).
Furthermore, even if the pressure difference at position (5) and the pressure at position (3) is large, if the pressure (acting force) at position (7) (corresponding to the center of the lateral foot arch) is large, It can be determined that the thumb ball is not in contact with the ground and is located above the normal state.

The second comparison block 21C receives the measurement signal from the sensor 5 at the position (5) via the input side interface 21I and the information signal line IL15 (measured value M5 of the pressure at the position 5 or the force acting on the position 5: this specification). May be described as “pressure”), a measurement signal from the sensor 3 at the position (3) (a measured value M3 of the pressure at the position 3 or the force acting on the position 3: expressed as “pressure” in this specification) And a measurement signal from the sensor 7 at the position (7) (measurement value M7 of the pressure at the position 7 or the force acting on the position 7: may be expressed as “pressure” in this specification). To do.
Then, the difference (pressure difference M5-M3) between the measured value M5 of the sensor 5 and the measured value M3 of the sensor 3 is compared with a third threshold value N3 (predetermined value), and the measured value M7 of the sensor 7 is set to the fourth value. It has a function of comparing with a threshold value N4 (predetermined value).

Based on the comparison result of the second comparison block 21C, if the difference between the measurement value M5 of the sensor 5 and the measurement value M3 of the sensor 3 (pressure difference M5-M3) is less than or equal to the third threshold value N3 (predetermined value), It can be determined that the thumb finger is not sufficiently grounded and the thumb ball is positioned higher than the normal state (so-called “floating” state).
Further, even if the difference between the measurement value M5 of the sensor 5 and the measurement value M3 of the sensor 3 (pressure difference M5-M3) is larger than the third threshold value N3, the measurement value M7 of the sensor 7 is the fourth threshold value. If the value is larger than the value N4 (predetermined value), the thumb is not sufficiently grounded, and the thumb ball is positioned higher than a normal state (so-called “floating” state). ) Can be determined.
The comparison result of the second comparison block 21C is transmitted to the determination block 21D via the information signal line IL16.

The determination block 21D includes a determination result from the pronation determination block 21A (whether or not pronation has occurred), a determination result from the flat foot determination block 21B (whether or not it is a flat foot), and a comparison from the second comparison block 21C. The results are received via information signal lines IL12, IL14, and IL16, respectively.
Then, the determination block 21D is determined as “pronation has occurred” by the pronation determination block 21A, determined as “flat foot” by the flat foot determination block 21B, and “measured by the sensor 5” by the second comparison block 21C. The difference between the value M5 and the measured value M3 of the sensor 3 (pressure difference M5-M3) is equal to or less than the third threshold value N3 (in other words, the thumb is not sufficiently grounded and the thumb ball is in a normal state) If it is determined that “the risk of a strong or restricted thumb is high”, it is determined.

The determination block 21D also determines that the pressure difference (M5−M3) between the pressure at the position (5) (measured value M5) and the pressure at the position (3) (measured value M3) is the third threshold value N3 (predetermined value). If the pressure at the position (7) (measured value M7) is greater than the fourth threshold value N4 (predetermined value), it is determined that “the risk of a strong or limited thumb is high”.
The determination result by the determination block 21D is transmitted to the display device 30 and displayed via the output side interface 21O and the information signal line IL19. At the same time, the determination result by the determination block 21D is transmitted to the determination device 40 via the output-side interface 21O and the information signal line IL20.

The storage block 21E has a pronation threshold value N0 related to the measurement value of the pronation sensor NS, a third threshold value N3 related to a pressure difference (M5-M3) between the measurement value M5 of the sensor 5 and the measurement value M3 of the sensor 3. It has a function of storing a fourth threshold value N4 related to the measured value M7 of the sensor 7.
The pronation threshold N0 stored in the storage block 21E is transmitted to the pronation determination block 21A via the information signal line IL17, and is used for the determination by the pronation determination block 21A.
The third and fourth threshold values N3 and N4 stored in the storage block 21E are transmitted to the second comparison block 21C via the information signal line IL18 and used for determination by the second comparison block.
Further, the storage block 21E has a function of receiving and storing the determination result of the determination block 21D (by the information signal line IL22). The determination result is used as necessary in various determinations or determinations.

The display device 30 and the determination device 40 have the same configuration and functions as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.
That is, the display device 30 has a function of displaying the determination result transmitted from the control device 21 or the determination block 21D including the image data. The determination device 40 has a function of receiving the determination result transmitted from the control device 21 or the determination block 21D and the image data transmitted from the display device 30 via the information signal line IL21. Based on this, it has a function of presenting exercises, appliances, etc. for improving “high risk of strong or restricted thumb” when “high risk of strong or restricted thumb” is high.

An example of foot analysis according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described mainly with reference to FIG.
In the flowchart of FIG. 8, first, the sensor NS detects whether or not the scaphoid bone has moved toward the center line of the body (inside: the direction of the arrow IN in FIG. 3) and the amount of movement. Further, forces (for example, pressure and shear force) acting on the positions (2), (3), (5), (6), and (7) are measured by the sensors 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7.
In step S11, it is determined in the pronation determination block 21A of the control device 21 whether or not pronation has occurred. Since it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment of FIG. 5, FIG. 6 regarding judgment whether the pronation has arisen, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted.
As a result of the determination in step S11, if pronation has occurred (step S11 is “Yes”), the process proceeds to step S12, and if pronation has not occurred (step S11 is “No”), the process proceeds to step S16. .

In step S12, it is determined in the flat foot determination block 21B whether or not the subject is a flat foot. As described above, the determination is made by comparing the measured value M2 of the sensor 2 with the measured value M6 of the sensor 6,
Measured value M2 of sensor 2≈Measured value M6 of sensor 6 or
Measured value M2 of sensor 2 ≦ Measured value M6 of sensor 6
If so, it is determined that it is “flat foot”, and otherwise it is determined that it is “not flat foot”.
As a result of the determination in step S12, if the subject is a flat foot (step S12 is “Yes”), the process proceeds to step S13, and if the subject is not a flat foot (step S12 is “No”), the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S13, in the second comparison block 21C, the difference (pressure difference M5-M3) between the measured value M5 of the sensor 5 (position 5) and the measured value M3 of the sensor 3 (position 3) is set to the third threshold value N3 ( It is determined whether or not it is equal to or less than a predetermined value. In other words, it is determined whether or not the thumb is not sufficiently grounded and the thumb ball is positioned higher than in a normal state (so-called “floating” state).
If the difference between the measurement value M5 of the sensor 5 and the measurement value M3 of the sensor 3 (pressure difference M5-M3) is equal to or smaller than the third threshold value N3 (predetermined value) as a result of the comparison in step S13 (step S13 is “ Yes "), the process proceeds to step S15, and when the difference (pressure difference M5-M3) between the measured value M5 of the sensor 5 and the measured value M3 of the sensor 3 is larger than the third threshold value N3 (predetermined value) (step S13). Is "No"), the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, it is determined in the second comparison block 21C whether or not the measured value M7 of the sensor 7 (position 7) is larger than the fourth threshold value N4 (predetermined value). In other words, whether the thumb is not sufficiently grounded and the thumb ball is positioned above the normal state (whether the thumb ball is in a “floating” state) or not. to decide.
If the measurement value M7 of the sensor 7 is larger than the fourth threshold value N4 (predetermined value) as a result of the comparison in step S14 (step S14 is “Yes”), the process proceeds to step S15 and the measurement value M7 of the sensor 7 is reached. Is less than or equal to the fourth threshold value N4 (predetermined value) (“No” at step S14), the process proceeds to step S16.

If the determination result in step S11 (pronation determination block 21A), the determination result in step 12 (flat foot determination block 21B), and the determination result in step S13 (second comparison block 21C) are all “Yes”, or in step S14 If the determination result (second comparison block 21C) is “Yes”, in step S15, the determination block 21D determines that “the risk of a strong or restricted thumb is high”.
If the determination result in step S11 (pronation determination block 21A) is “No”, the determination result in step S12 (flat foot determination block 21B) is “No”, or the determination result in step S14 (second comparison) When the block 21C) is “No”, it is determined in the step S16 that the risk of the strong or limited thumb is not high by the determination block 21D. And control is complete | finished.
Although not clearly shown in FIG. 8, when the determination result of the determination block 21 </ b> D (control device 21) is “high risk of strong or limited thumb”, the determination device 40 determines the risk of strong or limited thumb. It is also possible to present exercise, equipment used, etc. to improve the highness.

7 and 8, according to the foot analysis device 101 and the foot analysis method of the second embodiment, the measurement value M2 of the sensor 2 at the position (2) (corresponding to the cubic bone) and the position (6) (intermediate wedge shape) By comparing the measurement value M6 of the sensor 6 (corresponding to the bone), it is determined whether or not the subject is a flat foot. When pronation occurs and the subject is a flat foot, the measured value M5 of the sensor 5 at the position (5) (corresponding to the first metatarsal head (the thumb ball)) and the position (3) (fifth) The difference (pressure difference M5-M3) of the measured value M3 of the sensor 3 of the metatarsal head is equal to or less than the third threshold value N3 (in other words, the thumb finger is not sufficiently grounded, and the thumb ball Can be determined that the risk of a strong or restricted thumb is high.
Even if the difference between the measured value M5 of the sensor 5 and the measured value M3 of the sensor 3 (pressure difference M5-M3) is larger than the third threshold value N3, the position (7) (corresponding to the center of the lateral foot arch) If the measured value M7 in the sensor 7 is larger than the fourth threshold value N4 (predetermined value), it can be determined that the risk of a strong or limited thumb is high.
In other words, according to the illustrated second embodiment, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the risk of a strong thumb or restricted thumb is high.
Then, it can be determined whether or not the risk of a strong thumb or restricted thumb is high, and it is possible to present exercises, appliances, etc. for preventing and improving it.
Other configurations and operational effects in the second embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 are the same as those of the first embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6.

An example of the pronation sensor NS used in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 8 will be described with reference to FIG. The pronation sensor NS shown in FIG. 9 is a pronation sensor that is directly attached (fixed) to the subject's foot F.
In FIG. 9, the pronation sensor indicated as a whole by the symbol NS is composed of two strain gauges 50-1 and 50-2. The two strain gauges 50-1 and 50-2 have the same configuration, are entirely strip-like, and have stretchability or flexibility in the longitudinal direction. As the strain gauges 50-1 and 50-2, a known strain gauge or a commercially available strain gauge (for example, a strain gauge “C-STRETCH” sold by Bando Chemical Co., Ltd.) can be used.

In FIG. 9 in which the subject's foot is viewed from the thumb side, a region R indicated by a dotted line is an arch, and the two strain cages 50-1 and 50-2 are partially located in the arch R. It is fixed to the subject's foot F so that the other part is located outside the arch R.
In FIG. 9, the code | symbol 52 has shown the fixing tool for fixing the strain gauges 50-1 and 50-2 to a test subject's foot F. FIG. A known or commercially available product can be used as the fixture 52. For example, an adhesive tape or adhesive can be selected as the fixture 52.
The symbol K in FIG. 9 indicates the subject's eyelid.

As shown in FIG. 9, the strain gauge 50-1 is attached to the subject's foot F so as to extend in the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 9), and the strain gauge 50-1 is in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 9). ) Is attached to the subject's foot F so as to extend. In FIG. 9, the strain gauge 50-2 is on the lower side and the strain gauge 50-1 is on the upper side, but the upper and lower sides may be reversed.
When the arch AR1 (see FIG. 4) is crushed, the scaphoid bone 13 (FIG. 3) moves toward the arrow IN side (on the center axis side of the body and vertically downward: FIG. 3). When the arch AR1 collapses in such a manner that it falls to the inside (arrow IN side) and the pronation occurs, as shown in FIG. 9, the scaphoid 13 (FIG. 3) has an arrow V1 and / or an arrow V2. The force shown is applied.
As shown in FIG. 9, the subject's foot F is positioned such that a part of each of the two strain gauges 50-1 and 50-2 is located in the arch R and the other part is located outside the arch R. The strain gauge 50-1 is fixed so as to extend in the vertical direction of the foot F, and the strain gauge 50-1 is attached so as to extend in the front-rear direction of the foot F. When pronation occurs and the force indicated by the arrow V1 and / or the arrow V2 is applied, the outer region of the arch R does not move, but the arch R moves, so the movement of the arch R causes strain gauge 50-1 and / Or the strain gauge 50-2 extends and a tensile force acts. By measuring the tensile force with the strain gauges 50-1 and 50-2, the magnitude and direction of the forces V1 and / or V2 can be determined.

In other words, the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the scaphoid bone 13 are determined from the measurement result of the tensile force acting on the strain gauges 50-1 and 50-2 (forces indicated by arrows V1 and V2 in FIG. 9). I can do it. If the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the scaphoid bone 13 are known, the type, shape, size, etc. of the correction tool to be used for suppressing the pronation can be determined easily and accurately.
As a result, the pronation of the subject can be suppressed, and the risk of hallux valgus, strong and strong thumb, and restricted thumb can be reduced.
The strain gauge in FIG. 9 is an example of a sensor NS that measures whether or not the scaphoid bone has moved. In other words, the sensor NS is not limited to the strain gauge, and a sensor having a function of measuring the expansion and contraction of the skin, such as a sensor based on a change in the resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, a sensor that measures the skin resistance, etc. Can be used. As described above, the skin has a certain resistance value, and the resistance value changes as the skin expands and contracts. In addition, the amount of expansion and contraction of the skin is related to the amount of movement of the skeleton inside the foot such as the scaphoid bone. Therefore, any sensor having a function of measuring skin expansion and contraction can be used as a sensor for measuring whether or not the scaphoid bone has moved.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Similarly to the first embodiment, the third embodiment is also an embodiment relating to risk determination of hallux valgus.
However, in the first embodiment, the pressure (acting force) at the position (5) (corresponding to the first metatarsal head) and the pressure (acting force) at the position (7) (corresponding to the lateral foot arch center) are: Compared to the first and second threshold values N1 and N2 (predetermined values), respectively, whether or not the thumb ball is positioned above the normal state (whether it is “floating”) Or not).
On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the position of the thumb ball in the vertical direction (vertical direction) is directly measured, and whether or not the thumb ball is positioned higher than the normal state (the thumb ball). Whether or not is in a “floating” state.

In FIG. 10, the foot analysis device 102 of the third embodiment has a member 10 (for example, a shoe) that makes contact with the subject's thumb ball and the sole of the foot, and the shoe 10 is the bottom of the subject. A measuring instrument 8 is provided at a position (5) corresponding to the thumb ball (see FIG. 3).
In FIG. 11 showing the main part of FIG. 10, a measuring instrument 8 includes a detection unit 8A movable in the vertical direction, and a biasing unit 8B (spring or the like) that constantly biases the detection unit 8A upward in the vertical direction (arrow A direction). 8C, a detecting portion 8A, and a casing 8C for accommodating the urging portion 8B. The vertical displacement of the detecting portion 8A is measured by a conventionally known means (not shown) and transmitted to a control device (not shown). It can be analyzed in real time.

In the analysis of the foot portion, the upper end of the detection unit A is always the mother of the subject in a state where the subject wears the shoe 10 (member 10 with which the sole of the foot contacts) or is walking while wearing the shoe 10. The position of the subject's thumb ball, that is, the vertical distance between the thumb ball and the shoe 10 (the member that contacts the sole of the foot) is directly measured.
Then, by comparing the measured vertical distance with a control device (not shown), for example, with a threshold value of the vertical distance, whether or not the thumb ball is positioned above the normal state is determined. (Whether or not it is “floating”) to determine the risk of hallux valgus.

10 and 11, according to the foot analysis device 102 and the foot analysis method of the third embodiment, the measuring instrument 8 is provided on the shoe 10 in contact with the subject's foot, and the position of the subject's thumb ball (the thumb) The vertical distance between the ball and the shoe 10) can be directly measured. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the control device.
Further, since the device is miniaturized, it is possible to directly measure the force (shearing force or pressure) acting on the position of the thumb ball while exercising (for example, during walking).
Other configurations and functions and effects of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

FIG. 12 shows a modification of the third embodiment.
In FIG. 11, only one measuring instrument 8 is provided for measuring whether or not the thumb ball is positioned above the normal state (whether or not it is “floating”). In the modified example of FIG. 12, the measuring instrument is provided not only on the base of the thumb, but also on the base of the second to fifth fingers in the shoe 10 (the member that contacts the sole of the foot). Yes. That is, a plurality of measuring instruments 9 are arranged across the base portions of the first to fifth fingers.
Measuring the vertical distance from the shoes 10 (members to which the soles of the feet are in contact) at the plurality of foot portions of the subject with the plurality of measuring devices 9 arranged over the base portions of the first to fifth fingers. I can do it. Examples of the plurality of feet include the position of the subject's thumb ball (position 5), the position of the fifth metatarsal head (position 3), the position of the center of the lateral foot arch (position 7), and the like.

Whether or not the thumb ball is positioned above the normal state by directly measuring the vertical distance from the shoes 10 (members that contact the soles of the feet) in a plurality of parts of these subjects. (Whether or not it is “floating”) can be determined, and it can be determined whether or not a “displacement” has occurred due to the relative position of the first metatarsal bone and the proximal phalanx being displaced. For this reason, it is possible to determine the risk of hallux valgus, strong thumb, or restricted thumb.
Other configurations and operational effects of the modification of FIG. 12 are the same as those of the third embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11.

According to the illustrated embodiment, it is possible to analyze the feet other than those described above.
For example, when the arch is hard and the bone axis of the foot does not move inward, a large load is applied to the positions (2) and (3), and the knee is twisted during walking (pronation moment is generated). , To determine if there is a risk of complaining of knee pain in a so-called “knee rub” condition,
When the force acting on the positions (2) and (3) is measured and the measured force is large, it is possible to make a judgment such as “the arch is hard and the knee may be twisted during walking”.
In addition, when the heel is bent (turned outward), the heel is hard and does not bend outward (the little finger side), so the value of the shear force at the position (1) becomes small, so the position (1) When the acting shear force is measured and the shear force is small, it can be determined that “the heel is bent (outward) and the heel does not bend outward”.
Also, the foot barycentric point, arch, and bone axis of the foot are determined, and the “foot barycentric line” that is the trajectory of the foot barycentric point is determined and compared with normal data, so only the foot pressure distribution is judged. The presence or absence of various abnormalities that cannot be performed (abnormalities other than knee osteoarthritis or hallux valgus) can be determined.

  Furthermore, when the pressure value at the position (4) is large, it means that the toes are effectively used for walking, the force to kick the ground is large, and the toes are effectively used for walking. . Therefore, if other conditions are the same, when the pressure value on the thumb contact surface (position 4) is large, the stride is large, the walking speed is fast, and the clearance (distance between the toe and the contact surface) is also large. It can be seen that walking is stable and there is little risk of falls during walking. That is, it is possible to grasp the risk of falling when walking.

It should be noted that the illustrated embodiment is merely an example, and is not a description to limit the technical scope of the present invention.
In the illustrated embodiment, the pronation sensor NS can be provided on the shoe and can be arranged at a position straddling the shoe sole and the shoe side surface. Alternatively, the pronation sensor NS can be arranged on the insole and fixed by a fixing means (such as a band). It is also possible to attach the inward sensor NS so that the inward sensor NS protrudes upward from the insole side edge and the relative position between the inward sensor NS and the insole does not change.
It is also possible to arrange the pronation sensor NS on the sock and attach it to the sock with a fixing means so that the pronation sensor NS does not move.

1 to 7 (R1 to R7, L1 to L7) ... Sensors (1) to (7), (R1) to (R7), (L1) to (L7) ... Sensor position NS ... Times Inner sensors 8, 9 ... Measuring instruments 10, 10R, 10L ... Shoes (members that contact the soles of the feet)
20, 21 ... Control devices 20A, 21A ... Pronation determination block 20B ... First comparison blocks 20C, 21D ... Determination blocks 20D, 21E ... Storage blocks 20I, 21I ... Input side Interface 20O, 21O ... Output side interface 21B ... Flat foot determination block 21C ... Second comparison block 30 ... Display device 40 ... Determination device 100, 101, 102 ... Foot analysis device AR1 ... Vertical arch AR2 ... Outer arch AR3 ... Horizontal arch

Claims (10)

A sensor that measures a force acting on a predetermined position of a member that contacts the sole of the foot;
A sensor for measuring whether the scaphoid bone has moved,
A foot analysis device comprising a control device having a function of judging whether or not pronation has occurred based on an output from the sensor and judging whether or not there is a foot abnormality. The sensor is provided at a position corresponding to the scaphoid bone of the member that contacts the sole of the foot,
The foot part analyzing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the foot part analyzing apparatus is provided at a position corresponding to a center of the first metatarsal head and a lateral foot arch. The sensor is provided at a position corresponding to the scaphoid bone of the member that contacts the sole of the foot,
The foot analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the foot analysis device is provided at a position corresponding to the center of the cubic bone, the fifth metatarsal head, the first metatarsal head, the intermediate wedge bone, and the lateral foot arch.   The foot analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor for measuring whether or not the scaphoid bone is moved is constituted by a sensor that is fixed at a position near the scaphoid bone of the subject and has a function of measuring expansion and contraction of the skin.   The foot part analysis apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a measuring device that measures a vertical direction of a member in which a thumb ball of the subject and a sole contact with each other. A step of measuring with a sensor a force acting on a predetermined position in a member that contacts the sole of the foot;
Measuring whether or not the scaphoid bone has been moved by a sensor;
A foot analysis method comprising a step of determining whether there is a pronation based on an output from the sensor and determining whether there is an abnormality. The sensor is provided at a position corresponding to the scaphoid bone of the member that contacts the sole of the foot,
The foot part analysis method according to claim 6, wherein the foot part analysis method is provided at a position corresponding to the center of the first metatarsal head and the transverse arch. The sensor is provided at a position corresponding to the scaphoid bone of the member that contacts the sole of the foot,
The foot part analysis method according to claim 6, wherein the foot part analysis method is provided at a position corresponding to the center of the cubic bone, the fifth metatarsal head, the first metatarsal head, the intermediate wedge bone, and the lateral foot arch.   The foot analysis method according to claim 6, wherein the sensor for measuring whether or not the scaphoid bone is moved comprises a sensor that is fixed at a position near the scaphoid bone of the subject and has a function of measuring the expansion and contraction of the skin.   The foot part analysis method according to claim 6, further comprising a step of measuring a vertical distance of a member in contact with the thumb ball and the sole of the subject.

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