JP6127454B2 - Walking age display system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for displaying an age corresponding to walking ability (hereinafter also referred to as walking age) based on a parameter measured by walking action.

  In general, with the aging, muscle strength and balance sensation declines, so that walking ability decreases and walking speed slows down. In addition, the risk of falls increases with age, and the legs and hips are more likely to be damaged. In view of this, the walking ability is evaluated or the walking age is obtained based on the measurement data of the walking action.

  For example, a method of determining a walking age of a subject from imaging a walking action of the subject, measuring a height and a walking speed, and from a walking rhythm, a height, and a walking speed obtained by analyzing an image of the walking action Has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

  Using a sheet-like pressure sensor, measure the stride length, step length, step, etc. during walking from the two-dimensional pressure distribution image obtained by the subject walking on the sheet-like pressure sensor. Based on these balances, the degree of obstacles in walking motion is evaluated (Patent Document 2), and the risk of falls is calculated from the step and step length measured by a sheet-like pressure sensor (Patent Document 3). ) Has been proposed.

  In addition, a method has been proposed in which acceleration data at the time of walking of a subject is acquired using an acceleration sensor and a walking speed is calculated (Patent Documents 4 and 5).

Japanese Patent No. 3655618 Japanese Patent No. 3298793 JP 2002-345786 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-118909 JP 2008-292295 A

  As described above, by knowing the walking age evaluated based on the measurement of walking activity, the subject can compare the walking ability of the subject himself with the walking ability of an average healthy person, lifestyle habits and exercise habits. Is motivated to improve.

  However, it is not easy to accurately evaluate the walking age from the measurement of walking activity, and the evaluation result is unsatisfactory for the person or family, and the evaluation of walking age cannot be used to improve lifestyle and exercise habits Occurs. Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention relates to enabling an accurate walking age to be displayed based on measurement of walking action.

  As a parameter for evaluating the walking age, the present inventor uses the walking parameter measured by the subject carrying the acceleration sensor in daily life and the data measured at a measurement venue that is unusual for the subject. However, using both walking parameters related to the distance or angle of the walking trace measured with a sheet-like pressure sensor, etc., it is possible to evaluate the walking age from both the walking speed in daily life and the way of walking that appears in the walking trace, Then, the walking age obtained in this way is convincing for the subject, and it has been found that the lifestyle and exercise habits are good motivation, and a system for displaying the walking age using these walking parameters has been conceived.

That is, the present invention is a walking age display system for displaying an age corresponding to walking ability based on measurement of walking action,
Walking trace measuring means for outputting walking parameters based on measurement of at least distance or angle of the walking trace;
Acceleration measuring means that outputs walking parameters based on the acceleration measured during walking carried by the subject,
A total walking age calculating means for outputting a walking age (hereinafter also referred to as a total walking age) based on both the walking parameters by the walking trace measuring means and the walking parameters by the acceleration measuring means;
Provided is a walking age display system provided with display means for displaying the total walking age output by the total walking age calculating means.

  According to the walking age display system of the present invention, as a walking parameter for evaluating the walking age, the walking parameter related to the distance or angle of the walking track measured by the walking track measuring unit and the acceleration measuring unit that can be carried in daily life are measured. Since both of the determined walking parameters are used, it is possible to accurately evaluate and display the walking age from both the walking style appearing on the walking trace and the walking speed in daily life.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a walking age display system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a pressure distribution diagram during walking detected by the seat type pressure sensor and explanatory diagrams of walking parameters. FIG. 3 is a relationship diagram between the exercise intensity measured by the acceleration sensor and the walking speed measured by the seat type pressure sensor.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same numerals indicate the same or equivalent components.

  The walking age display system of the present invention displays the walking age based on the measurement of walking action. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a walking age display system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which walking is output from walking trace measuring means 2, acceleration measuring means 10, walking trace measuring means 2 and acceleration measuring means 10, respectively. Comprehensive walking age calculation means for outputting the total walking age based on the parameters, a display 4 for displaying the total walking age output from the total walking age calculation means, and further taking a posture during walking as necessary. A video camera 5 is provided. Here, as the total walking age calculation means, a personal computer 3 having a predetermined total walking age calculation function is provided.

  The walking trace measuring means 2 measures at least a distance or an angle of a predetermined portion of the walking trace, further measures a time required for walking in a predetermined section as necessary, and outputs a walking state parameter. In the walking age display system 1 of the embodiment, the walking trace measuring means 2 includes a seat type pressure sensor 2a and a walking parameter calculation means for outputting a walking parameter from the output of the seat type pressure sensor 2a. The calculation function of the calculation means is incorporated in the personal computer 3 described above.

  As the seat-type pressure sensor 2a, a sensor that outputs two-dimensional data of a foot pressure distribution received by a walking surface by walking and can form a pressure distribution image during walking as shown in FIG. 2 can be used. . Further, as a walking parameter calculation function, the right walking angle, the left walking angle, the walking cycle, the both leg support period, the stride, the walking ratio, the stride time, the stance period are analyzed by analyzing the pressure distribution output by the seat type pressure sensor 2a. It is preferable to be able to measure walking parameters such as time, swing leg time, step left / right difference, step left / right difference, walking angle left / right difference, toe angle left / right difference, among others, at least right walking angle, left walking angle, walking cycle, both legs It is more preferable that the support period time and the stride can be measured. Among these, in particular, the left and right walking angles are not easily affected by the mental state of the subject and are not easily controlled arbitrarily. Therefore, even if it is measured by an extraordinary walking act of walking on the seat-type pressure sensor 2a, it is easy to obtain the same measurement value as that measured by an ordinary walking act. Therefore, the accuracy of walking age can be improved by using the left and right walking angles as walking parameters for evaluating walking age.

  The walking parameter calculation function for measuring the walking parameter from the pressure distribution output by the seat pressure sensor 2a may be incorporated in a calculation means separate from the personal computer 3 in which the comprehensive walking age calculation function is incorporated. The seat type pressure sensor 2a may be provided.

  The measurement area of the seat-type pressure sensor 2a preferably has a length L1 of 240 cm or more and a width L3 of 60 cm or more. As a walking path, a walking area and a braking area are secured before and after the measurement area. The length L2 of the road is preferably 7 m or more and 10 m or less. Although it is difficult to measure the walking action in daily life by measuring the walking action by the seat pressure sensor 2a, it is measured by installing the measurement area of the seat pressure sensor 2a in a sufficiently long walking path. Can be brought close to walking activities in daily life.

The resolution of the sheet type pressure sensor 2a is preferably 1 cm ² or less and the analysis frequency is preferably 60 Hz or more.

  As a walking trace measuring means provided with such a seat type pressure sensor 2a, for example, anima type seat type lower limb weight meter series walk way, an AMTI floor reaction force meter, or the like can be used.

  Here, the left and right walking angles measured by the seat-type pressure sensor 2a are angles (°) formed by a straight line connecting the left and right heels with the other heel as shown in FIG. In addition, the right and left of the walking angle shall be determined by the left and right of the foot that is on the ground as an axis foot. For example, when the left foot is stepped on with the right foot and the right foot is grounded, the angle between the straight line connecting the right foot heel while touching the ground and the left foot heel when in contact with the traveling direction is the right walking angle. . The walking angle left / right difference is the difference between the left and right walking angles.

  Note that the point in the heel that serves as a base point for measuring the walking angle can be determined from the pressure distribution image by the pressure center point at the rear part of the foot pressure.

  The walking cycle is the time from when the right and left heels touch down again until the same side of the heel touches again. The pitch is a value obtained by calculating the number of steps per minute from the time from when the right and left saddles touch down again to the right and left saddles touching again. Since the pitch tends to decrease with age, the walking cycle or pitch is preferably used as a walking age parameter.

  The both-leg support period time is the time during which both the left and right feet are in contact with the ground, and the both-leg support period (%) is the ratio of the both-leg support period to one walking cycle. Therefore, the driving action is zero. The period for supporting both legs is relatively less affected by the mental state of the subject and is less susceptible to arbitrary control. In a normal walking action, the time period for supporting both legs occupies about 20% of the walking cycle, but increases with age. Therefore, it is an important parameter for evaluating walking age.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the stride is the distance from the left and right side of the heel to the ground on the other side. The left and right of the stride are determined by the left and right of the foot that is the axis foot. In addition, it is preferable to use a standard value obtained by dividing the stride by the height.

  The walking ratio is a value obtained by dividing the stride (m) by the pitch (times / minute). The walking ratio indicates walking efficiency, approaching 0.006 for adults and lower for infants and the elderly.

  The stride time is the time from when one of the left and right saddles touches down until that one of the saddles touches down again.

  The stance period is the time from the left and right heel contact to the time when one foot leaves the ground.

  The free leg period is the time from when one of the left and right feet leaves the ground until the heel of the one foot contacts the ground.

  The difference between the left and right stride length is the difference between the distance from the ground contact of the left foot to the ground contact and the distance from the ground contact to the ground contact of the other foot, and is divided by the height. It is preferable to use what was done.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the step is a horizontal distance from one heel contact to the left and the other heel contact, and determines the left and right of the step on the left and right of the foot that is the shaft foot. The difference between the left and right steps is the difference between the step distance when the left and right foot is used as an axis foot and the other foot is stepped on, and the step distance when the left and right axis feet are reversed. It is preferable to use what is standardized by dividing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the toe angle is an angle (°) formed by a straight line connecting the heel and the toe with the traveling direction, and the outside is plus and the inside is minus. The toe angle left / right difference is the difference between the left and right toe angles.

  In the present invention, the walking trace measuring means 2 is not limited to the one using the seat type pressure sensor 2a described above. For example, a foot on which a marker is attached may be photographed with a plurality of video cameras and measured by an operation analysis of image information. Specifically, a plurality of video cameras and a 3D motion analysis system (3D motion analysis system VICON manufactured by Interliha) can be used. Further, the distance and angle of footprints formed by walking with ink on the soles of the feet may be measured. You may combine the measurement means which combined the analysis of the time by a video image. Among these, those using a seat type pressure sensor are preferable from the viewpoint of cost, burden on the person under test, and accuracy.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, the acceleration measuring means 10 includes an acceleration sensor that is carried by a subject and measures acceleration during walking, and a walking parameter calculation means that outputs walking parameters based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor. Here, examples of walking parameters output by the acceleration measuring means 10 include exercise intensity and walking speed. As shown in FIG. 3, the present inventor has found that the exercise intensity output from the acceleration measuring means 10 has a high correlation with the walking speed measured using a seat type pressure sensor. Therefore, exercise intensity and walking speed output from the acceleration measuring means 10 carried in daily life are important parameters for evaluating the walking age from the walking speed in daily life.

  In addition, when outputting exercise intensity or walking speed as walking parameters from the acceleration measuring means 10, it is preferable to output these parameters as average values during walking throughout the day.

  As the acceleration measuring means 10 that can be used for measuring the acceleration during walking, for example, Suzuken Lifecoder EX, Lifecoder PLUS, etc. that output exercise intensity from three-axis acceleration can be used. it can

  The acceleration measuring means 10 is preferably capable of displaying the total walking age output by the personal computer 3 as will be described later. Thus, the subject can check the overall walking age while checking the exercise intensity or walking speed during walking on a daily basis.

  The personal computer 3 is connected to the seat pressure sensor 2a and the acceleration measuring means 10 by wire or wirelessly, and the walking parameter calculation function of the walking trace measuring means 2 is based on the data sent from the seat pressure sensor 2a. Calculate the parameters. Further, based on the walking parameters based on the data of the seat pressure sensor 2a and the walking parameters output by the acceleration measuring means 10, the total walking age is calculated by the total walking age calculation function, and the total walking age is displayed on the display 4. Output.

  The walking parameters output from the walking trace measuring means 2 are obtained by measuring the distance and angle of the walking trace as described above, and the balance of the numerical value and the difference between the left and right feet is suitable for the age. The way you walk will appear. On the other hand, the walking parameter output from the acceleration measuring means 10 reflects the walking speed in daily life. And it is known that the walking speed generally tends to become slower with aging. Accordingly, the total walking age based on both the walking parameters output from the walking trace measuring means 2 and the acceleration measuring means 10 is displayed on the display 4, so that the subject evaluated from both the walking method and the walking speed. It becomes possible to know the walking age. In particular, when the total walking age is also displayed on the display 11 of the acceleration measuring means 10, the subject can update the updated value of the total walking age at any time by the acceleration measuring means 10 that can be carried on a daily basis. It is preferable because it becomes possible to know.

  In the personal computer 3, the total walking age calculation function for outputting the total walking age from the walking parameters by the walking trace measuring means 2 and the walking parameters by the acceleration measuring means 10 can be based on regression analysis. For example, the walking trace measuring means 2 measures in advance walking parameters including at least the right walking angle, the left walking angle, the walking cycle, both leg support periods, and the stride from the walking action of a plurality of healthy persons. Then, a multiple regression equation in which the actual age of the healthy person is set as the objective variable and the measured walking parameter is included in the explanatory variable is acquired. More specifically, the actual age of the healthy person is used as an objective variable, and a multiple regression equation using each of the measured walking parameters as an objective variable is obtained, or new walking parameters are derived from the measured walking parameters, A multiple regression equation is acquired using the derived walking parameter as an explanatory variable. For example, the walking speed calculated by multiplying the stride and the walking period and the ratio of both legs supporting period obtained by dividing the both leg supporting period time by the walking period are used as explanatory variables.

In addition, when acquiring a multiple regression equation from the walk parameter by the walk trace measurement means 2, it is preferable to measure the walk parameter to be used from a healthy person of 20 to 90 years old. Here, it is preferable that the range of the healthy person is a person who does not need a walking stick or assistance and is capable of daily life by independent walking.
It is preferable that the number of samples for obtaining a multiple regression equation is at least twice the number of walking parameters used as a variable.

  The multiple regression equation thus obtained is stored in the storage means of the personal computer 3.

  In addition, the age calculated from the walking parameters by the walking trace measuring means 2 is hereinafter referred to as walking balance age.

  On the other hand, the walking speed in the daily life of a plurality of healthy persons is measured in advance by the acceleration measuring means 10. Then, a regression equation is acquired using the actual age of the healthy person as an objective variable and the walking speed of daily life as an explanatory variable. As this regression equation, it is preferable to obtain a quadratic or higher-order regression equation from the point that the degree of decrease due to aging is different in around the 60s.

  Hereinafter, the age calculated from the walking parameters by the acceleration measuring means 10 is also referred to as daily walking age.

  Next, an equation for calculating the total walking age is obtained from the above-described regression equation for obtaining the walking balance age and the regression equation for obtaining the daily walking age. For example, a formula for adding the walking balance age and the daily walking age at a predetermined ratio and adding a constant term as necessary is a formula for calculating the total walking age. Here, a specific method for obtaining the coefficient or constant term of the equation is, for example, a multiple regression analysis in which the result of each regression equation is an explanatory variable and the actual age is an objective variable. Thus, by determining the total walking age from the walking balance age and the daily walking age, the walking age can be accurately evaluated from both the walking method and the daily walking speed.

  A formula for calculating the total walking age is also stored in the storage means of the personal computer 3.

  As a method for using the walking age display system 1, for example, the acceleration measuring means 10 is carried by an individual subject day and night in daily life, and the main body portion of the system 1 excluding the acceleration measuring means 10 (that is, the seat type pressure) A walking trace measuring means 2 and a total walking age calculating means) composed of the sensor 2a and the personal computer 3 are installed at a storefront, an event venue or the like. When the subject visits a storefront or the like, the walking behavior of the subject can be measured by the walking trace measuring means 2 installed there. The walking parameters of the subject measured by the walking trace measuring means 2 are stored in the personal computer 3. The total walking age calculating means incorporated in the personal computer 3 calculates and outputs the walking balance age from the walking parameters of the subject using a multiple regression equation stored in advance.

  Further, when a subject visiting a store or the like where the main body of the system 1 is installed outputs walking parameters based on the measurement of acceleration to the personal computer 3 from the acceleration measurement means 10 carried on a daily basis, The total walking age calculating means incorporated in the computer 3 calculates the daily walking age using a regression equation stored in advance using the walking parameters sent or based on the measurement of acceleration. Further, the total walking age of the subject is output by a formula for calculating the total walking age from the walking balance age and the daily walking age stored in advance. The total walking age is displayed on the display 4 connected to the personal computer 3. In this case, it is preferable that the total walking age is displayed on the display 11 of the acceleration measuring means 10 carried by the subject. The display of the total walking age allows the subject to easily know the walking age evaluated from both the walking and walking speed, and motivates improvement of lifestyle habits and exercise habits.

  Further, since the personal computer 3 stores the walking balance age of the subject, the subject visits the installation location of the main part of the system 1 again at a later date, and the acceleration is measured from the acceleration measuring means 10 carried by the subject on a daily basis. When the latest walking parameters based on the measured data are output to the personal computer 3, the personal computer 3 calculates the total walking age using the stored walking balance age and the walking parameters newly input from the acceleration measuring means 10. Output. Thus, once the subject measures the walking parameters by the walking trace measuring means 2, the subject can know the total walking age even if the measurement of the walking action by the walking trace measuring means 2 is omitted.

  The walking age display system 1 of the present invention can take various forms. For example, as a method of calculating the total walking age based on the walking parameter by the walking trace measuring unit 2 and the walking parameter by the acceleration measuring unit 10 in the total walking age calculating unit incorporated in the personal computer 3, the walking balance age or daily life is calculated. You may use the multiple regression equation which calculates | requires a total walk age directly from the walk parameter by the walk trace measurement means 2, and the walk parameter by the acceleration measurement means 10, without calculating | requiring walk age.

  Further, the acceleration sensor of the acceleration measuring means 10 and the walking parameter calculation means for outputting a walking parameter based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor may be configured separately. For example, in the walking age display system 1 shown in FIG. 1, a calculation function of a walking parameter calculation unit that outputs a walking parameter based on acceleration may be incorporated in the personal computer 3.

  The acceleration measuring means 10 may be provided with a total walking age calculation function similar to the total walking age calculation function provided in the personal computer 3. Thereby, the test subject can know the total walking age from the walking parameters based on the latest acceleration measurement at any time.

  Further, the acceleration measuring means 10 is provided with a storage means in addition to providing the comprehensive walking age calculation function, and the walking parameters measured by the walking trace measuring means 2 installed at the store etc. are input to the acceleration measuring means 10. Then, in the daily life of the subject, the total walking age may be updated each time the daily walking age of the subject is updated by the acceleration measuring means 10.

  The display 4 and acceleration measuring means 10 may display not only the total walking age but also the walking balance age and the daily walking age.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described specifically by way of examples.
Example 1

(1) Acquisition of regression equation for determining walking balance age As a seat type pressure sensor, a seat type lower limb weight meter series walk way made by Anima Co., Ltd. is used, and subjects of 21 to 88 years old (94 men, 354 women) The right walking angle, left walking angle, walking cycle, both leg support period, and stride were measured. Note that these subjects were confirmed to be healthy persons without gait disturbance through an interview.

  For these subjects, the real age was the objective variable, and multiple regression analysis using the measured values of walking ratio (= stride / pitch = stride / walking cycle), both-leg support period (%), right walking angle, and left walking angle as explanatory variables And the following multiple regression equation for obtaining the walking balance age (years) was obtained.

式中、A：歩行比（m/step/min）
B：両脚支持期（％）
C：右歩行角度（°）
D：左歩行角度（°）

In the formula, A: walking ratio (m / step / min)
B: Support period for both legs (%)
C: Right walking angle (°)
D: Left walking angle (°)

(2) Acquisition of regression equation to determine the age of daily walking (1) Subjects (81 men, 341 women) have an acceleration sensor (Suzuken Lifecoder EX) as an acceleration measurement means 10 and always carry it day and night The average walking speed of each elderly person for 14 days was calculated.
Then, the following regression equation for obtaining the daily walking age (years) was obtained with the subject's actual age as the objective variable and the above average walking speed as the explanatory variable.

式中、ｘ：日常生活の歩行速度

Where x: walking speed in daily life

(3) Acquisition of regression equation for determining total walking age By performing multiple comparison analysis with walking balance age determined in (1) and daily walking age determined in (2) as explanatory variables, total walking age (years old) ) Was obtained.

(4) Verification The formula for calculating the walking balance age obtained in (1), the formula for calculating the daily walking age obtained in (2), and the formula for calculating the total walking age obtained in (3) are shown in FIG. 1 was stored in the personal computer 3 of the walking age display system 1 shown in FIG.

  Twenty-seven healthy men and women from the age of 60 to 74 first walk on the seat-type pressure sensor 2a of the walking trace measuring means 2, and the walking trace measuring means 2 uses the walking ratio (m / step / min) as a walking parameter. ), Both leg support period (%), right walking angle (°), and left walking angle (°). These numerical values were stored in the personal computer 3.

  Thereafter, the subject carried the acceleration sensor (Suzuken Life Corder EX) in daily life for 14 days. The average walking speed obtained thereby was 3.68 ± 0.56 km / hour. This numerical value was output to the personal computer 3.

  Using the walking parameters obtained by the walking trace measuring means 2 and the walking parameters obtained by the acceleration measuring means 10 thus obtained, the personal computer 3 calculates the walking balance age, the daily walking age, and the total walking age. The display 4 and the display 11 of the acceleration measuring means 10 are displayed.

  When the correlation between the walking balance age, the daily walking age, the total walking age and the actual age for the 27 persons calculated this time was examined, the correlation coefficients were 0.22, 0.13, and 0.25, respectively. Showed the highest correlation with real age.

  From the above results, it is considered that the total walking age combining the walking balance age and the daily walking age is appropriate as the walking age that is most satisfactory for the user.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Walking age display system 2 Walking trace measurement means 2a Sheet type pressure sensor 3 Personal computer 4 Display 5 Video camera 10 Acceleration measurement means 11 Display of acceleration measurement means

Claims (7)

A walking age display system that displays an age corresponding to walking ability (hereinafter referred to as walking age) based on measurement of walking action, at least a right walking angle as a walking parameter based on measurement of at least a distance or an angle of a walking track , Walking trace measuring means for outputting left walking angle, walking cycle, both leg support period and stride ,
Acceleration measuring means for outputting the exercise intensity or walking speed as the walking parameter based on the acceleration at the time of walking measured are carried to the subject,
A total walking age calculating means for outputting a walking age (hereinafter also referred to as a total walking age) based on both the walking parameters by the walking trace measuring means and the walking parameters by the acceleration measuring means;
A display means for displaying the total walking age output by the total walking age calculating means ;
The total walking age calculating means calculates a walking age (hereinafter also referred to as a walking balance age) based on at least a right walking angle, a left walking angle, a walking cycle, a both-leg supporting period time and a stride by a walking trace measuring means. A walking age display system that calculates walking age (hereinafter also referred to as daily walking age) based on exercise intensity or walking speed by acceleration measuring means, and adds the walking balance age and the daily walking age at a predetermined ratio .   The walking age display system according to claim 1, wherein the acceleration measuring means includes display means for displaying the total walking age. The walking age display system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acceleration measuring means has a function of a total walking age calculating means . The total walking age calculating means has storage means for storing the walking parameters by the walking trace measuring means and the walking parameters by the acceleration measuring means, and is stored in the storage means or newly input to the total walking age calculating means. , a walking parameter by the walking mark measuring means, newly inputted to the stored or overall walking age computing means in the storage means, according to claim 1 to 3 for outputting a total walking age on the basis of the walking parameter by the acceleration measuring means The walking age display system according to any one of the above . Overall walking age computing means, a walking parameter by the walking trail measuring means stored in the storage means, the newly input, walking according to claim 4, wherein outputting the total walking age on the basis of the walking parameter by the acceleration measuring means Age display system. The walking age display system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the sensor of the walking trace measuring means is a seat type pressure sensor. The walking trace measurement means has the following parameters as walking parameters: right walking angle, left walking angle, walking cycle, both leg support period, stride, walking ratio, stride time, stance period, swing period period, left / right difference in step, right / left step The walking age display system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , which outputs a difference, a walking angle left-right difference, or a toe angle left-right difference.

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