Examination of conditions to enhance the rehabilitation effect of power assist leg

Abstract

This study verified the rehabilitation effect of the power assist leg that was developed as an ankle joint rehabilitation device. The experiment imposes a standing posture for 60 minutes after rest in order to reduce the function of the lower leg. After that, the power assist leg was attached to one leg to rehabilitate. The rehabilitation frequency was 50 times, 100 times, 150 times, and 200 times. In order to evaluate the effect, the range of motion of the ankle joint, the flexion force of the toes and the muscle hardness of the lower leg muscles were measured. The rehabilitation effect of wearing the power assist leg was remarkable in the range of motion of the ankle joint and the muscle hardness of the lower leg muscles. The most effective frequency of rehabilitation was 150 or 200, depending on the measurement items. Considering time issues, rehabilitation using the power assist leg was effective when performed 150 times (60 minutes).