## Health, Welfare and care services

## Life Sciences

## Auto Stretching Device for Lower Limbs

Keyword: Trendy fitness device, Technology transfer to local company, Device development strategy for general use

Organizations Involved

○ Keiji Imado, Associate Professor of Institute of

Scientific Research, Oita University

○ Yoshimasa Goto, Company Executive, Goto-Taiki Corporation

○ Sueki Sato, Company Executive, Oita TLO Corporation

Imado A.P

Goto CE

Sato CE

## 【Abstract】

We developed a device applying a lever crank mechanism by which passive dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of ankle joints were executed at standing posture. We confirmed that dynamically stretching the triceps surae improves the blood flow from muscle pumping effect. The flexibility of ankle joint and balancing capability can be simultaneously evaluated by the device. The seed is successfully licensed to the local company through matching activities by Oita TLO corporation.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

## Technological Impact

Calves are stretched automatically in standing posture. The flexibility of ankle joint is quantitatively evaluated by the dorsiflexion energy. The balancing ability can be evaluated by the magnitude of variation of the pedal torque. Age of blood vessel can be rejuvenated through improving blood flow in lower limbs.

## Market Impact

Success in development of effective fitness device that is easy to use Targeted markets are ;

• Medical institution (including rehabilitation center)

• Airport lounge

• Gymnasium

• Welfare facilities in companies, Home

## Project Background

The Oita TLO introduced the seed to the company that was searching a new business development. A joint research started aiming the commercialization of the seed and resulted in licensing agreement.

## Funding History

1. The City Area Project from 2003 to 2004

2. Medium-sized and small enterprises technological product development support business in Oita prefecture in 2006.

## I ntellectual property protection

Patent application: Domestic 1,

[Auto Stretching Device for Lower Limbs]

Patent application 2006-202615

(Domestic Priority)

## Passive Stretching Device

Calves are stretched automatically by alternate rotation of the pedals. The flexibility of ankle joint can be evaluated by the pedal torque.

## Flexibility Evaluation

Energy consumed for dorsiflexing the ankle joints and standard deviation of pedal torque : Immediately

after start vs. after 5 minutes.

## Change of blood flow with

## pedal angle

Change of blood flow volume drawn in red line is synchronized with change of pedal angle. There is little

change in the case of static pedal.

## ●Social Impact

Planning the use in hospitals in rehabilitation process. The flexibility of muscles associated with ankle joints recovers. The flows in veins and lymph vessels are improved by repetitive passive dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of ankle joints. The device is effective for preventing venous thrombosis likely to occur in the long time seating or laying posture.

## Turning point in the Project

OPlain explanation of the invention of the researcher is very important. OClose communications are important to know the trend of the targeted enterprise.

For more information, contact: Mika Yoshino, Research and Social Collaboration Affairs, Oita University, +81-97-554-7430, nucou-invorg@ad.oita-u.ac.jp