Abstract
In this study, we develop the small wearable device to reduce the risk of falls for elderly person. The developed device can stabilize human gait by enhancing plantar tactile sensitivity using stochastic resonance. A total of 13 normal elderly subjects (72±9 years) were recruited in this research We had the subjects walk on a walkway with normal walking velocity three times per one trial with wearing the device on the tarsal tunnel. And also the tactiles sensitivity of the subjects were invesitgated by using SWM (Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament). As the results of experiment, we found that the affects for gait by the device are different by the intensity of the vibration stimulus. The experimental results suggest that gait is influenced by the sensing threshold of tarsal tunnel rather than the plantar tactile sensitivity.
