Biological motion analysis of car pedal errors among elderly driver

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  • 自動車ペダル踏み間違い発生時の生体運動解析
  • ジドウシャ ペダル フミ マチガイ ハッセイジ ノ セイタイ ウンドウ カイセキ

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Abstract

The incidence of car pedal errors increases for people aged 75 and over, which is one of the reasons why the number of fatal accidents caused by elderly drivers does not decrease. In addition, cognitive dysfunction and motor control abnormalities can cause pedal errors in elderly people. This study clarifies the cause of pedal errors through biological motion analysis of pedal error occurrences. The study participants comprised 11 young and 10 elderly drivers. Using a pedal for the experiment, a tricolor LED light installed in front of the subjects was randomly turned on at intervals of 20〜30 seconds. In the case of the red light, emergency braking was to be performed by the participants. The measurements were calculated continuously for 5 minutes, and three sets were performed. Data was extracted from three cases in which pedal errors occurred while braking, and joint motion and electromyograms （EMG） of the lower limbs were analyzed. In Case 1, the activity of the soleus increased at an inappropriate time and the accelerator was pushed. In Case 2, after the accelerator was released, the tibialis anterior and the soleus repeatedly contracted and relaxed in synchronization and swaying of the toes was observed. In Case 3, the range of hip motion was limited and simultaneous pressing of both pedals was observed. Since abnormal waveforms of joint motion and EMG were observed in all cases, it is possible that the decrease in motor control ability was related to pedal error occurrence. In the elderly group, pedal errors might have occurred unconsciously due to the aging of the nervous system and muscles, regardless of cognitive function.

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