The study of human motion patterns for developing a transfer aid system for the elderly

Abstract

We have developed a transfer aid system for the elderly who need assistance in moving from a bed or a chair. We studied a comfortable posture for the elderly at an initial phase of standing. The subjects were divided into two age groups, the young group (mean 29.6 years), the elderly group (mean 65.0 years). In this experiment, the subjects were allowed to stand up from a chair by changing the angle of their ankles at the initial phase of standing. Sagittal plane kinematics, surface electromyographic (EMG) signals at lower limbs and ground reaction forces were measured using a 3 dimension motion analyzer, when each subject stood up from a chair. From the experimental results, when the initial angle of ankles was about 70 degrees and initial angle of the trunk was about 45 degrees while standing from a bed, the comfortable transfer aid motion was determined. From the above results, We ware designed a transfer aid system by using of a MH (Metal Hydride) actuator which is light, powerful, no-vibratile and silent. The transfer aid could enable a comfortable posture thanks to the help of the chest and knee pads at the initial phase.