Feasibility of Measuring the Volition Level in Elderly Patients When Using Audio Encouragement during Gait Training Physical Therapy

The purpose of this study is to find a method for measuring the volition level in elderly patients during gait training physical therapy. First, both the walking speed and tempo of the elderly patients were experimentally measured with a video camera under musical stimulation, however, neither walking speed nor tempo was directly related to the subjects’ will or level of enthusiasm to undergo the gait training physical therapy. Second, the Fmθ activities of EEG signals were experimentally measured while performing a psychological task at a desk. These Fmθ activities seemed to be related to the subjects’ enthusiasm, however, their high level of deviation and the influence of artifacts minimized their usefulness for this purpose.