論文ID: 25-00038
In this study, we developed and evaluated a compact exercise device that can efficiently train the quadriceps to prevent disuse syndrome in the elderly. Lower-limb muscles play a crucial role in daily life; however, muscle strength declines with age, necessitating regular exercise. Large exercise machines are often limited by their required installation space and are not suitable for regions with poor transportation access. Thus, there is demand for compact exercise equipment that enables safe and efficient exercises. To address this need, we designed a compact stepping exercise device that can be used bedside and facilitates flexion and extension movements of the lower limbs. It features a mechanical structure in which the pedals move along a linear rail, with rubber tubing providing the stepping resistance. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of using the compact exercise device on the muscles and joints of the lower limbs. For evaluation, we designed a pedal-type force sensor equipped with two triaxial force sensors. Three exercise conditions—stepping with high resistance (SHR), stepping with low resistance (SLR), and gait—were measured using the sensors and a motion-capture system. Inverse dynamics analysis was performed using AnyBody software to estimate lower-limb muscle activity and joint loading. Biomechanical analysis indicated that SHR resulted in higher muscle activity than SLR in some quadriceps muscles, suggesting that a quadriceps training environment can be easily configured to suit the user’s condition by changing the resistance tube. Furthermore, compared with gait, the stepping exercise exhibited higher average muscle activity in the knee and hip extensors and reduced maximum axial joint reaction forces at the hip, knee, and ankle. The simplicity and effectiveness of the proposed exercise device suggest its potential widespread adoption in rehabilitation programs for elderly individuals.
