JP7480465B2 - Walking training equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device used for training in walking in which the hands and feet on the same side of the body move in coordination (hereinafter referred to as "ipsilateral walking"), and for assisting in walking.

In Japan, where the aging society is progressing, in order for elderly people to live healthy and active lives, it is desirable to improve their walking ability, their ability to freely carry out daily activities and movements, their health condition, and their mental and psychological aspects, such as their sense of purpose and enjoyment in life.

Non-Patent Document 1 proposes "QOM training" as one of the training methods for improving the quality of mental and physical activities in daily life. Here, QOM is an abbreviation for Quality of Motion, meaning the quality of movement. "QOM training" aims to smoothly perform all movements related to daily life activities, such as improving walking movements, and is characterized by improving the body's maneuverability function in whole-body movements, mainly through training of the nervous system. In this "QOM training," a walking movement called "core stretching walking" is proposed, in which the knee and hip on the side of the leg that is put forward are moved forward.

Non-Patent Document 2 states that in order to master this "core stretching walking," it is good to first practice the Nanba walking style. Nanba walking is widely known in ancient martial arts and the like, and involves walking by simultaneously moving the right hand, right foot, and right hip forward, and then moving the left hand, left foot, and left hip forward, that is, walking in the same direction, in which the hands and feet on the same side of the body are moved simultaneously.

A training machine for training the Namba walking movement is described in Non-Patent Document 1, but a certain amount of space is required to install this training machine, and it is not an easy way to train. In addition, there have been toys such as stilts as tools for training the Namba walking. The platform on which the feet are placed is higher than the ground, making it difficult to maintain balance, and there is a risk of falling for beginners and the elderly.

The invention described in Patent Document 1 provides a pole grip that has a section that supports the forearm in addition to the gripping section, distributing the force of the hand applied to the walking stick across the entire arm, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

The invention described in Patent Document 2 aims to enhance the walking assistance effect by providing an elastically deformable portion on the contact surface of the pole to ensure that the bottom contact surface comes into contact with the ground.

However, in both of the inventions of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the feet can move freely without being coordinated with the movement of the hands, and therefore, these devices are not suitable for effectively training ipsilateral walking movements.

JP2016-015997A JP 2014-147614 A

"Cognitive Activity QOM Training to Extend Healthy Lifespan" by Hiromichi Kobayashi, Professor at the University of Tokyo, Publisher: Kyorin Shoin, Publication date: January 20, 2013 "Creating Sports Movements to Improve Running Performance" by Professor Hiromichi Kobayashi of the University of Tokyo, Publisher: Kyorin Shoin, Publication date: November 22, 2001

The present invention provides an apparatus that allows elderly people and beginners to easily and safely train in ipsilateral walking without using large equipment, with the aim of improving the walking ability of elderly people so that they can live healthy and active lives.
The present invention provides an apparatus that allows elderly people to train their ipsilateral walking in the comfort of their own home without placing a heavy burden on their body.
To provide a device that can assist a person who has difficulty walking due to weakened leg strength on one side by wearing the device on the weakened leg.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized in that it has a structure in which a grip portion is provided at the upper end of a long rod-shaped pole and a stirrup portion is provided at the lower end of the pole.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized by a pair of structures in which a grip portion is provided at the upper end of a long rod-shaped pole and a stirrup portion is provided at the lower end of the pole.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized in that the stirrup portion has a structure that covers the instep, sides and bottom of the foot or shoe in a band-like shape.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized in that the stirrup portion has a connecting portion between the outer end of the stirrup portion and the pole.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized in that the stirrup portion has a structure in which the connection portion between the stirrup portion and the pole is elastically deformable.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized in that the grip portion has a shape curved forward.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized in that the grip portion has a structure that allows elastic deformation when gripped by hand.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized in that the pole is a cylindrical pipe made of an elastic member and has a structure that bends when force is applied from the front, back, left and right directions.

The walking training device of the present invention is characterized in that the part of the stirrup that covers the instep, sides and bottom of the foot or shoe in a strip-like shape and the part that connects to the pole are made of different materials.

The walking training device of the present invention is characterized in that the part of the stirrup where the foot or shoe is placed and the part which connects to the pole are constructed as one unit using an elastically deformable material.

The walking training device of the present invention is characterized in that the part of the stirrup where the foot or shoe is placed is made of an elastically deformable material, and the foot is held in place by the part that covers the foot or shoe in a band-like shape.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized in that a strip-shaped groove is formed on the underside of the stirrup portion where the foot or shoe is placed.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized in that the stirrup portion has attachment portions for band hooks on both the left and right ends.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized in that the grip portion has a structure that allows it to rotate left and right around the axis of the pole.

The walking training device according to the present invention is characterized in that the grip portion has a structure that allows the axis of rotation to be freely changed relative to the direction of the pole.

By inserting the left and right feet into the stirrups of the walking training device of the present invention and holding the grips with the left and right hands, the right hand and right foot, and the left hand and left foot, can be forced to move in coordination, making it possible to train the basic movements of same-sided walking.

Since the stirrup part of the walking training device of the present invention has a structure that covers the foot or shoe in a band-like shape, the foot or shoe fits well to the stirrup part and is less likely to come off the stirrup part.

Since the connecting portion between the stirrup and the pole of the walking training device of the present invention has an elastically deformable structure, it becomes possible for the user to land or take off stably when walking.

Since the grip portion of the walking training device of the present invention has a forward curved structure, by changing the position of the hand that holds the grip portion, it is possible to change the way the arm is extended during walking training.

By using an elastic material for the grip of the walking training device of the present invention, the sensation of the hand gripping the grip provides an appropriate stimulus to the brain, making it possible to improve the effectiveness of training.

When a cylindrical pipe made of an elastic material is used for the pole of the walking training device of the present invention, the pole bends when force is applied to it from the front, back, left and right directions, so that it is possible to reduce the impact on the feet and knees when they come into contact with the pole due to a fall, etc.

In the stirrup section of the walking training device of the present invention, the part that covers the foot or shoe in a strip-like shape and the part that connects to the pole are made of different materials. Therefore, a stretchable and soft material is used for the part that covers the foot or shoe, and a material that deforms less is used for the part that connects to the pole. In other words, it is possible to use optimal materials to realize the function of each part, making it possible to obtain a more comfortable fit.

In the stirrup section of the walking training device of the present invention, the part on which the foot or shoe is placed and the part which connects to the pole are constructed as a single unit, so that the distance between the foot or shoe and the pole is constant, making walking safer and easier.

In the stirrup section of the walking training device of the present invention, the portion on which the foot or shoe is placed is elastically deformable, and the foot is held in place by this portion and a portion that covers the foot or shoe in a band-like shape. Therefore, when the foot or shoe is placed on the foot, the protruding portion covers the side of the foot or shoe, allowing the stirrup section to hold the foot or shoe more closely.

2. The walking training device according to claim 1,
A band-shaped groove is formed on the underside of the part of the stirrup where the foot is placed, which makes it possible to prevent the belt covering the foot or shoe from coming off the stirrup.

The walking training device of the present invention has a structure in which the stirrup section has attachment parts for bands or rubber band hooks on both the left and right ends, so that by attaching the band hook covering the heel of the foot, it is possible to prevent the heel from coming off the stirrup.

The grip portion of the walking training device of the present invention is structured so that it can rotate left and right around the axis of the pole, making it possible to perform walking training while keeping the wrist in a constant direction even when the foot steps in various directions, such as forward and backward, sideways, or diagonally forward.

Since the grip portion of the walking training device of the present invention is structured so as to be rotatable about a free axis relative to the pole, walking training can be performed while freely changing the orientation of the wrist.

1 is an overall perspective view of a pair of left and right walking training devices showing a first example of an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the walking training device in use. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a grip portion of the walking training device. 4 is a diagram showing a grip portion of the walking training device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the stirrup portion of the walking training device. 6 is a diagram showing the stirrup part of the walking training device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 5. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a stirrup part of a second embodiment of the walking training device. 8 is a diagram showing the stirrup part of the second embodiment of the walking training device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 7. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a stirrup portion of a third embodiment of the walking training device. 10 is a diagram showing the stirrup part of the third embodiment of the walking training device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 9. 10 is a diagram showing the stirrup part of the third embodiment of the walking training device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of FIG. 9. 4 is a diagram showing a part of a grip portion of a second example of the walking training device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the same plane as line AA in FIG. 3. 4 is a diagram showing a part of a grip portion of a third example of the walking training device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the same plane as line AA in FIG. 3.

Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view of a pair of walking training devices, one on the left and one on the right, showing a first example of a mode for carrying out the present invention. A grip part 2, which is three-dimensionally molded using ABS resin (a copolymer synthetic resin using acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene), is connected to the upper end of a stainless steel pole 1, and a stirrup part 3, which is three-dimensionally molded using TPU resin (thermoplastic urethane), is connected to the lower end of the pole. The total length of this walking training device is about 100 to 140 cm. The pole 1 and the grip part 2 have the same shape on the left and right, but the stirrup part 3 has a different shape on the left and right.

2 is a diagram showing the state in which the walking training device according to the present invention is used. A method of training for ipsilateral walking using this walking device will be described below with reference to this diagram.
First, the left and right feet are inserted into the left and right stirrup sections 3 of the walking training device of the present invention, respectively, and the user stands upright while gripping the grip sections 2 with the left and right hands.

From this state, when the right foot steps forward, the right hand is forced to move forward together with the right foot because the stirrup 3 and grip 2 are connected via the pole 1. Next, when the left foot steps forward, the left hand similarly moves forward together with the left foot. By alternately repeating this motion, it is possible to train ipsilateral walking movement.

In this way, the walking training device of the present invention can forcibly connect and move the right hand and right foot, and the left hand and left foot, respectively, thereby training the basic movements of same-sided walking.

In addition, the walking training device of the present invention can also be used to train the hand to lead the foot. That is, if the right hand is raised and put forward, the right foot will move forward together with the right hand. Next, if the left hand is raised and put forward, the left foot will move forward together with the left hand. In this way, it is possible to train the same-sided walking movement by consciously moving the hand and following the foot.

In the walking training device of the embodiment of the present invention, the material of the pole 1 is not limited to stainless steel, and the same effect can be obtained by using carbon fiber reinforced plastic, wood, or other lightweight and rigid materials.

In a walking training device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pole 1 is a cylindrical pipe made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material with an outer diameter of 18 mm and an inner diameter of 13 mm. When force is applied to the pole from the front, back, left and right directions, the pole bends, and this has the effect of mitigating the impact from the pole when the foot or knee comes into contact with the pole due to a fall, etc.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the grip portion 2 of the walking training device according to the present invention.
The lower end 21 of the grip portion 2 faces in the vertical direction like the pole 1, but from the middle end 22 of the grip portion 2 to the upper end 23 of the grip portion, it is curved forward like an elliptical arc, and the upper end 23 of the grip portion 2 is structured to be positioned perpendicular to the pole 1 and parallel to the ground.

In this structure, when the upper end 23 of the grip is gripped by the hand, the base of the thumb faces the same direction as the arm, allowing walking training with the arm extended forward. On the other hand, when the lower end 21 of the grip is gripped by the hand and the arm extended forward, walking training is performed in a position where the base of the thumb faces the arm at a right angle, as in the case of a typical cane.

In this way, since the upper end 23 of the grip portion 2 of this walking training device has a shape that is curved forward, by changing the position of the hand that holds the grip portion 2, it is possible to change the way the arm is extended during training.
In addition, since it is easier to lift the pole 1 by gripping the upper end 23 of the grip portion 2 than by gripping the lower end 21, training in leading the foot movements with the hand movements can also be easily achieved.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a part of the grip part 2 of a walking training device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 3. An opening 24 for inserting the pole 1 is provided at the lower end 21 of the grip part in Fig. 4. The grip part 2 having such a shape can be produced by three-dimensional modeling using ABS resin.

In the walking training device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the material of the grip portion 2 is not limited to ABS resin, and similar effects can be obtained if it is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, wood, or other lightweight and highly rigid material.

In a walking training device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the grip portion 2 is made of an elastic material such as urethane resin, soft PVC, or silicone, or the surface is coated with an elastic material, so that the sensation of the hand gripping the grip portion 2 provides an appropriate stimulus to the brain, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the training.

5 is a perspective view showing the stirrup part of a walking training device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The stirrup part 3 is structured to cover the instep part 31, side part 32, and bottom part 33 of the foot, including the base of the big toe, in a band-like shape. An opening 34 for inserting a pole is provided at the outer end of the stirrup part 3, and the pole 1 is inserted into this opening 34 to connect the pole 1 and the stirrup part 3.

The stirrup part 3 is made of an elastically deformable material, so that when the foot lands and leaves the ground, even if the angle between the pole 1 and the stirrup part 3 changes to about 90 degrees ±45 degrees, the foot can land and leave the ground stably.

In the walking training device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the material of the stirrup portion 3 is not limited to TPU resin, and similar effects can be obtained by using rubber or other elastic materials.

Furthermore, a band hook holder 35 is provided on the side of the stirrup section 3 in the walking training device of the embodiment of the present invention. By hanging a band hook covering the heel of the foot on this band hook holder 35, it is possible to make it difficult for the foot to slip off the stirrup section 3. This makes it possible to use this walking training device not only for walking exercises, but also for more vigorous exercises such as jumping and dancing.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the stirrup part 3 of a walking training device according to an embodiment of the present invention taken along line B-B in Fig. 5. The stirrup bottom part 33 has a structure in which the opening on the ankle side is narrower than the mechanism part on the tip side of the foot. This allows the stirrup 3 to easily fit the shape of the foot, making it difficult for the foot to slip off the stirrup 3.

7 is a diagram showing the stirrup part of a second embodiment of a walking training device according to the present invention. The connecting part 41 of the stirrup part with the pole has an opening 42 for inserting the pole and an insertion port 44 for the belt that covers the foot, and is made of TPU resin. The belt 43 that covers the foot is made of a rubber belt. In this way, the stirrup part is made of different materials.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a part of the stirrup part of a second embodiment of a walking training device according to the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 7. A belt 43 that covers the foot in a belt-like shape is inserted into a belt insertion opening 44 provided at the upper part of a connecting part 41 of the stirrup part with a pole, and the belt is pulled out from the belt insertion opening 44 at the lower part of the stirrup part through a through hole 45.

Since the connecting portion 41 of the stirrup with the pole 1 is made of elastic TPU resin, the foot can land and leave the ground stably when it lands and leaves the ground. Also, the material of the connecting portion of the stirrup with the pole 1 is not limited to TPU resin, and the same effect can be obtained by using rubber or other elastic materials.

The belt 43 that covers the foot of the stirrup is made of a stretchable and soft rubber belt, so the stirrup fits closely to the foot regardless of the size of the foot, and the stirrup is unlikely to come off even during vigorous exercise. In addition, it does not hurt even if the foot is inserted with bare feet or socks on. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to wear a band hook that covers the heel of the foot.

In this way, a stretchable, soft rubber belt is used for the belt that covers the foot in a band-like manner in the stirrup section, and an elastic material that deforms less is used for the pole and connecting section.This allows the optimal material to be used to achieve the function of each part, making it possible to achieve a comfortable fit with a simpler structure.

Furthermore, since the groove 46 is formed in the portion of the insertion opening 44 for the belt that covers the feet provided above and below the stirrup, through which the belt passes, the belt is less likely to come off the stirrup.

In the second embodiment, a rubber belt is used for the belt portion that covers the foot of the stirrup in a band-like shape, but the same effect can be obtained by using a length-adjustable belt or Velcro.

9 is a diagram showing the stirrup part of a third embodiment of a walking training device according to the present invention. The connecting part 51 with the pole and the part 53 on which the foot is placed are integrally formed using TPU resin. This makes the distance between the foot and the pole constant, allowing for safer and more comfortable walking.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the stirrup part of a third embodiment of a walking training device according to the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Fig. 9. A through hole 56 is provided at a connecting portion 51 of the stirrup part with the pole, for inserting a belt 54 that covers the foot.

A rubber belt 54 for covering the foot is inserted into a belt insertion opening 55 at the top of the connection part 51 of the stirrup with the pole, pulled out from the belt insertion opening 55 at the bottom of the stirrup through a through hole 56, passed under the foot-placing part 53, and pulled out upward from the belt insertion opening 55 provided at the end of the foot-placing part 53. This allows the foot-covering belt 54 to cover the whole foot in a band-like shape from the outside of the foot-placing part 53 of the stirrup.

The part 53 of the stirrup where the foot is placed is made of an elastic material, and the belt 54 covering the foot is structured to cover the whole foot in a band shape from the outside of the part 53 where the foot is placed, so that the part of the part 53 where the foot is placed that protrudes from the foot covers the side of the foot, and the stirrup can fit closely to the foot and hold it regardless of the size of the foot.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the stirrup part of a third embodiment of a walking training device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in Fig. 9. A groove 57 for fitting a belt 54 covering the foot is formed under a part 53 of the stirrup part on which the foot is placed, and a protrusion 58 is formed around the groove 57, which makes it difficult for the belt 54 covering the foot to come off the part 53 on which the foot is placed.

By making the width of the part 53 of the stirrup where the foot is placed 4 cm and the thickness 3 mm or less, even if the bare foot is inserted into the stirrup, the step of the stirrup is not felt, and safe and comfortable walking is possible.

Fig. 12 is a view showing a part of a grip of a fourth embodiment of a walking training device according to the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the same plane as line A-A in Fig. 3. In the fourth embodiment, the grip 2 is separated into a lower end 21 and a middle end 22, a disk-shaped protruding portion 25 is provided on the upper portion of the lower end 21 of the grip portion, and a recessed portion 26 is formed on the lower portion of the middle end 22 of the grip portion so as to enclose the disk-shaped protruding portion 25.

With this structure, while the lower end 21 of the grip part is fixed to the pole, the middle end 22 and the upper end 23 of the grip part can be rotated around the axis of the pole 1. As a result, even if the foot inserted in the stirrup 3 is stepped diagonally forward and the foot direction changes, the wrist gripping the grip part 2 can be kept facing straight forward.
In this way, by making the grip part rotatable, it is possible to perform walking training while keeping the wrist orientation constant even when stepping in various directions, such as forward/backward, sideways, or diagonally forward.

Fig. 13 is a view showing a part of a grip of a fifth embodiment of a walking training device according to the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the same plane as line A-A in Fig. 3. In the fifth embodiment, the grip portion is separated into a lower end 21 and a middle end 22, a spherical protrusion 27 is provided on the upper part of the lower end 21 of the grip, and a recessed portion 28 is formed on the lower part of the middle end 22 of the grip portion so as to enclose the spherical protrusion 27.

With this structure, while the lower end 21 of the grip portion is fixed to the pole, the middle end 22 and the upper end 21 of the grip portion can be rotated around an axis at any angle relative to the pole 1.
By making the grip part 2 rotatable about a free axis relative to the pole 1, it becomes possible to train ipsilateral walking movement while freely changing the direction of the wrist.

A walking training device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to assist the walking of a person who has difficulty walking due to reduced leg strength on one side.

When a person walks with the walking training device of the present invention attached to a leg with reduced leg strength, the foot is supported by the pole and stirrups when it lands, allowing the person to walk safely. In addition, since the landing point of the walking training device coincides with the landing point of the foot, it is possible to avoid contact with other people when walking in a crowd.

The grip portion and the stirrup portion shown in the first to fifth embodiments are manufactured using three-dimensional modeling technology, but the manufacturing method is not limited to this.

By using this walking training device, elderly people and beginners can train ipsilateral walking exercises relatively easily and enjoyably, which is expected to improve their walking ability and enable them to live healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives. By further popularizing ipsilateral walking exercises using this walking training device, it is expected that a happy and prosperous aging society will be realized.

1 Pole 2 Grip section 3 Stabilizer section 21 Lower end of grip section 22 Middle end of grip section 23 Upper end of grip section 24 Groove section for inserting pole at lower end of grip section 25 Upper disk-shaped protruding section at lower end of grip section 26 Lower concave section at middle end of grip section 27 Upper spherical protruding section at lower end of grip section 28 Lower concave section at middle end of grip section 31 Covering section for top of foot of stabilizer section 32 Covering section for side of foot of stabilizer section 33 Covering section for bottom of foot of stabilizer section 34 Opening for inserting pole 35 Band hook holder 41 Connection section of stabilizer section with pole 42 Opening for inserting pole 43 Belt covering foot of stabilizer section 44 Insertion port for belt covering foot of stabilizer section 45 Through hole for passing belt covering foot of stabilizer section 46 Groove for insertion port for belt covering foot of stabilizer section 51 Connection section of stabilizer section with pole 52 Opening for inserting pole 53 Section for placing foot of stabilizer section 54 Belt 55 covering the foot of the stirrup. Insertion port 56 for the belt covering the foot of the stirrup. Through hole 57 for passing the belt covering the foot of the stirrup. Groove 58 for passing the belt formed on the underside of the part of the stirrup where the foot is placed. Convex part formed on the underside of the part of the stirrup where the foot is placed.

Claims (9)

A walking training device comprising a grip portion at the upper end of a long rod-shaped pole and an abseil portion at the lower end of the pole into which the foot is inserted, the abseil portion having a connecting structure made of an elastic material with an opening through which the pole is inserted, the connecting structure being structured so that the angle between the pole and the abseil portion changes continuously to enable the foot to land and take off stably when training ipsilateral walking, in which the right and left limbs are connected respectively and alternating movements are repeated. 2. The walking training device according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion has a shape curved forward. 2. A walking training device according to claim 1, wherein said grip or a surface covering said grip is made of an elastic material. 2. The walking training device according to claim 1, wherein said pole is a cylindrical pipe made of an elastic material. 2. The walking training device according to claim 1, wherein the stirrup portion, which covers the instep, sides and bottom of the foot and the shoe in a band-like shape, and the portion which connects to the pole are made of a softer material. 2. The walking training device according to claim 1, wherein the stirrup portion, the portion for placing the foot and shoe, and the connecting structure portion are integrally formed using an elastic material. 2. A walking training device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the part of the stirrup portion on which the foot and shoe are placed is made of an elastic material, and the foot can be held by said part and the part covering the foot or shoe in a band-like shape. 2. A walking training device according to claim 1, wherein a band-shaped groove is formed on the underside of the stirrup portion where the foot and shoe are placed. 2. The walking training device according to claim 1, wherein the stirrup portion has attachment portions for band hooks on both the left and right ends.