Abstract
[Purpose] In this study, the effect on partial weight bearing (PWB) of acoustic alarm feedback provided by portable electronic foot sensor shoes was investigated. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 11 healthy young adults aged 28 ± 7 years old. The subjects performed three PWB tasks: the feedback program with acoustic alarm feedback using Step Aid; the feedback program with scale (ordinary method); and the no feedback program. The PWB alarm was set to 1/3 of body weight, and the PWB side was the pivot foot. The PWB of the pivot foot during 50-m walking and the 10 m walking time using Step Aid were measured. [Results] With acoustic alarm feedback provided by Step Aid, subjects were able to keep 1/3PWB significantly better than in the tasks with scales, and no feedback. [Conclusion] PWB walking with acoustic alarm feedback provided by Step Aid effectively enabled appropriate weight bearing during PWB walking rehabilitation.
