title: A system utilizing metal hydride actuators to achieve passive motion of toe joints for prevention of pressure ulcers: a pilot study.
abstract: This paper describes the influence of human toe movement on blood flow and the design of a toe joint passive motion system for preventing pressure ulcers. First, we measured lower extremity blood flow in the foot during active and passive motion of the toe to facilitate the design of new rehabilitation equipment. Also, the flexion and extension angles and the force of the toe joints were measured to determine appropriate specifications for the system. Increases in blood flow were observed at the external malleolus during movement. Flexion and extension angles and the force of the toe joints were found to differ significantly among participants. It is shown that a toe joint passive motion system can be effective in preventing pressure ulcers. On the basis of these results, a device using alloys of metal hydride (MH) as an actuator that is suitable for the system to initiate toe motion, was developed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
authors.forename: Minako
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hosono
authors.forename: Shuichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ino
authors.forename: Mitsuru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: Kazuhiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamashita
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Izumi