抄録
Since the introduction of the Intelligent prosthesis in the prosthetic field, many trans-femoral amputees have acquired high functional ability. This is caused by the use of a high-performance prosthetic knee and the introduction of new training programs. It became clear that the physical capacities of T/F amputees were reduced because the poor function of the prosthesis prevented them from doing physical activities to keep their bodies as active as those of sound persons. In using the IP, initial gait training through sports came to be considered as a training series divided into three steps. Conventional gait training is the first step. The second step is to change the walking speed and to walk as normally as possible. The third step is the sports training including games, running, and sprinting. When those prosthesis users who have finished at least the second step are walking, their energy consumption is about 15% higher than normal persons, whereas for those who are not using the IP, energy consumption is about 50% higher than for normal persons, especially at a high walking speed. To achieve better training results, several new training means have been introduced. These include using sensors and multimedia devices. By using sensors, training results are quantitatively evaluated, and a realtime feedback works better to make the trainee understand the instructions of the physiotherapists. A video image of the lateral view is also useful for them to see how their gait appears from the side. The concept of the IP is considered applicable to other joints, such as the hip joint and anklefoot. A hip joint is being developed with the aim of future mechatronic control. Sensor signals will be needed to control these devices. As an experiment, several sensor outputs were accumulated to test what kind of information could be extracted. As a result, cycle time, knee flexion angle, heel contact, toe off, mid stance, stance time, swing time, shank bending moment, thigh flexion angular velocity, and thigh angle in space are considered to be identifiable from those data. Prosthesis constructs a human-machine system with the user. Hardware cannot overcome a functional disability by itself alone. When a new functional device is developed, a new training means should be developed so that the human-machine system can work at its best with the user.
