Position sense support band

Abstract

To provide a position sense assisting band as a body motion range expanding tool which can be easily manufactured without much trouble, can be easily worn, and can expand the body motion range. [Solution] A position sense assistance band formed from an elastic material and worn on the human body to assist position sense, comprising a band body 11 which is an area where elasticity is maintained, and a reduced elasticity section 12 which is an area where elasticity is reduced, and is characterized in that the elongation force required to stretch the reduced elasticity section 12 is more than twice as great as the elongation force required to stretch the band body 11.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a band that is worn on the body to aid in position sense recognition. [Background technology]

[0002] Various efforts have been made to increase the range of motion of the body. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a specially shaped taping tape that is applied directly to the joints to improve joint movement. Patent Document 2 discloses clothing that has arched stitching around the joints to allow the skin surface to move smoothly and increase the range of motion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-18247 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2012 / 140754 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the taping tape of Patent Document 1 requires the user to apply the taping tape to each joint, which can be problematic in that the user may not be able to apply the tape by himself depending on the location of the joint. In addition, the tape is applied to the skin using an adhesive, which can cause skin irritation.

[0005] Furthermore, with the garment of Patent Document 2, arch-shaped sewn parts must be provided for each part of the body where it is desired to increase the range of motion, which makes the processing complicated and makes manufacturing time-consuming.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a position sense assistance band as a body motion range expansion device that can be easily manufactured without much effort, is easy to wear, and can expand the body's range of motion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the position sense assistance band of the present invention is a position sense assistance band formed from an elastic material and worn on the human body to assist position sense, and is characterized in that it comprises a band main body which is an area where elasticity is maintained and a reduced elasticity section which is an area where elasticity is reduced, and the extension force which is the force required to stretch the reduced elasticity section is more than twice as strong as the extension force which is the force required to stretch the band main body.

[0008] Here, it is preferable that the band body and the reduced elasticity portion are constructed by bonding two layers of elastic fabric together, and that the application area ratio of the adhesive that bonds the fabrics together is higher in the reduced elasticity portion than in the band body.

[0009] The reduced elasticity portion may be configured by layering a material having an elasticity less than that of the band body onto the band body.

[0010] Furthermore, the reduced elasticity portion may be configured with a knitting structure different from that of the band body, thereby adjusting the elongation force in the reduced elasticity portion.

[0011] It is further preferable to provide an identifier that indicates that the portion is a portion with reduced elasticity.

[0012] In addition, the band body and the reduced elasticity portions may each be provided in multiple pieces, the band body and the reduced elasticity portions may be arranged alternately, and a pair of reduced elasticity portions may be arranged in opposing positions when formed into a ring shape.

[0013] Furthermore, among the multiple reduced elasticity sections, a second reduced elasticity section may be provided which is a region with further reduced elasticity, and a pair of second reduced elasticity sections may be arranged in opposing positions when formed into a ring shape. Effect of the Invention

[0014] The position sense auxiliary band according to the present invention makes it easier to recognize the position sense of the place where it is worn, thereby resulting in an increase in the range of motion of the body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a position sense assistance band according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating another example of the configuration of the position sense assistance band. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state in which the position sense assistance band is worn. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing the test results of the finger-nose test. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph showing test results of cervical rotation angle. [Figure 6] 13 is a graph showing test results of standing forward bending. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 shows test results for standing forward bending. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the test contents of shoulder external rotation range of motion. [Figure 9] 13 is a graph showing the test results of shoulder external rotation range of motion. [Figure 10] 1 is a graph showing hip flexion strength test results. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The position sense assistance band according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0017] The position sense assistance band according to the embodiment of the present invention is a stretchy circular band that is worn on the head or on the upper arms and thighs, which are parts of the limbs that are closer to the torso. By wearing this position sense assistance band, the range of motion of the body can be easily expanded.

[0018] The position sense assistance band is characterized by being stretchable, but by providing an area of ​​reduced elasticity in part of the circular band and wearing it on the head, upper arm, thigh, chest, etc., the range of motion of the body can be further expanded compared to bands with uniform elasticity.

[0019] By wearing a circular band, it becomes easier to recognize the position of the area where it is worn, which results in a wider range of motion of the body. Also, by wearing a circular band that has a part with reduced elasticity, it becomes even easier to recognize the position of the area where it is worn, which results in a wider range of motion of the body.

[0020] Humans have position sense (body sensation or body awareness), which is the sense that allows us to recognize where our bodies are and what posture our bodies are in. Position sense is used to recognize where our bodies are and what posture our bodies are in based on information from muscles, tendons, joint capsules, skin, etc. This position sense provides the brain with the bodily information necessary for movement, and is an essential sense for movement. For example, people with brain diseases, such as stroke patients, are unable to move well because their position sense is impaired.

[0021] The position sense assistance band is an elastic, circular band that is worn around the head or a part of the body, such as the upper arm or thigh, which is the part of the limb closest to the torso. By applying some kind of stimulation to the area where the band is worn (in this case, an uncomfortable feeling caused by pressure), it assists position sense and enables the brain to recognize the position and orientation of the part of the body where the band is worn.

[0022] Furthermore, by providing a portion of the annular band with reduced elasticity that is less likely to stretch, and by wearing the band that is characterized by being stretchable, some kind of stimulation is applied to the portion of the area where it is worn, making it possible to more clearly recognize positional sense in a narrower area.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a position sense assistance band according to this embodiment.

[0024] The position sense assistance band 1 is an annular band entirely made of elastic material, and is composed of a band body 11 and a reduced elasticity portion 12. The band body 11 is an area made of elastic material, that is, in a state where elasticity is maintained, and the reduced elasticity portion 12 is an area made to have lower elasticity than the band body 11. The position sense assistance band 1 is arranged so that the band body 11 and the reduced elasticity portion 12 appear alternately in multiple locations. FIG. 1 shows an example in which, in the annular position sense assistance band 1, a pair of band bodies 11 are arranged so as to face each other, and a pair of reduced elasticity portions 12 are arranged so as to face each other.

[0025] The elastic material constituting the band body 11 is, for example, an elastic fabric, and may be an elastic tape or a band-shaped rubber. The elastic material has extensibility (ease of stretching the material) in both the length and width directions, and for example, a fabric having an extensibility of 150% in the length direction and 110% in the width direction when a load of 1.5 kg is applied to a test piece of 2.5 cm wide fabric can be used. Note that 150% here means that the stretched portion is 150% of the original length, which is 2.5 times the overall length of the band body 11.

[0026] The elasticity of the reduced elasticity portion 12 is reduced by reducing the extensibility of the reduced elasticity portion 12 compared to the band body 11. Here, the extensibility of the reduced elasticity portion 12 is reduced so that the elongation force of the reduced elasticity portion 12 (the force required to elongate the reduced elasticity portion 12) is at least twice the elongation force of the band body 11 (the force required to elongate the band body 11). Several methods can be considered for reducing the extensibility of the reduced elasticity portion 12, that is, for making the reduced elasticity portion 12 less likely to elongate than the band body 11.

[0027] For example, when the position sense assistance band 1 is constructed by bonding two pieces of fabric together, the proportion of adhesive applied to bond the fabrics together (adhesive application area ratio) is made low at the portion that constitutes the band main body 11 and high at the portion that constitutes the reduced elasticity portion 12. In other words, the density of the adhesive points between the fabrics in the band main body 11 is reduced to ensure extensibility without impeding the stretch of the fabric, and the density of the adhesive points in the reduced elasticity portion 12 is increased to restrict the stretch of the fabric and make it less likely to stretch. In this way, the band main body 11 and the reduced elasticity portion 12 can be constructed by changing the density of the adhesive points.

[0028] In addition, the stretchability and stretching force of the less elasticity portion 12 can be adjusted by differentiating the knitting structure constituting the band body 11 from the knitting structure constituting the less elasticity portion 12. In other words, the band body 11 and the less elasticity portion 12 may be configured to be less stretchable by changing the knitting structure of each of them.

[0029] Also, the reduced elasticity portion 12 may be formed by overlapping more layers of fabric than the band body 11, such as by forming the reduced elasticity portion 12 with a double or triple layer of fabric. When forming the reduced elasticity portion 12 with a double or triple layer of fabric, the fabric is preferably overlapped by bonding or sewing, and in this case, the overlapping fabric may be the same fabric or different fabrics.

[0030] The material to be attached to the area where reduced elasticity portion 12 is to be formed to reduce extensibility may be a fabric with the same elasticity as band body 11, or a tape, band-shaped rubber, or film with the same degree of elasticity. Also, a material with less elasticity than band body 11 or a material with no elasticity may be used.

[0031] The size of the area of ​​the elasticity-reduced portion 12 in the position sense auxiliary band 1 is preferably changed depending on the part where the position sense auxiliary band 1 is worn, but is preferably about 10 to 20% of the circumference of the position sense auxiliary band 1. For example, if the circumference of the position sense auxiliary band 1 is 40 cm, the area is preferably about 3 to 7 cm long. In addition, the width direction is preferably about 30 to 100% of the width of the position sense auxiliary band 1. For example, if the width of the position sense auxiliary band 1 is 3 cm, the width is preferably about 1 to 3 cm. Of course, the circumference and width of the position sense auxiliary band 1 vary depending on the part of use and the body type of the wearer. For example, the position sense auxiliary band 1 used on the upper arm should be 2.5 cm wide, and when used on the chest, it should be 5 cm wide.

[0032] Furthermore, by adjusting the size (circumference or width) of the area of ​​the reduced elasticity part 12 in the position sense assistance band 1, the degree to which the reduced elasticity part 12 is less likely to stretch may be adjusted.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the position sense assistance band.

[0034] The position sense assistance band 2 includes a reduced elasticity portion 22 and a second reduced elasticity portion 23 as portions less stretchable than the band body 21. The reduced elasticity portion 22 and the second reduced elasticity portion 23 have a difference in stretchability, and for example, the second reduced elasticity portion 23 is less stretchable than the reduced elasticity portion 22. As a method for making the second reduced elasticity portion 23 less stretchable than the reduced elasticity portion 22, the density of the bonding portion or the knitting structure can be changed, the number of overlapping fabrics can be increased, the size of the area of ​​the reduced elasticity portion 23 can be adjusted, and the like, as described above. In addition, considering the manufacturing effort and cost, it is preferable to make the perimeter or width of the reduced elasticity portion 23 larger than the reduced elasticity portion 22 and adjust the area of ​​the reduced elasticity portion 23 to make the difference in stretchability between the reduced elasticity portion 22 and the second reduced elasticity portion 23.

[0035] The position sense auxiliary band 1 thus configured is used, for example, by being worn on the head as a head band. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state in which the position sense auxiliary band is worn on the head. As shown in FIG. 3, when the position sense auxiliary band 1 is worn on the head, it is worn so that the reduced elasticity portion 12, which is an area in which the elasticity is reduced by reducing the extensibility, is located on the front side and the back side of the head. This makes it easier for the wearer of the position sense auxiliary band 1 to recognize the position sense and can increase the range of motion of the body. At this time, it is preferable to attach an identifier indicating that it is the reduced elasticity portion 12 to the reduced elasticity portion 12 so that the wearer can recognize the position of the reduced elasticity portion 12 in the position sense auxiliary band 1. As the identifier, some kind of symbol may be attached as a mark, or the color of the fabric of the relevant part may be changed, etc.

[0036] Examples will be described below.

[0037] The accuracy of position sense can be checked with a test called the finger-nose test. The finger-nose test is a test to check whether a person can accurately touch their nose with their index finger while keeping their eyes closed and their arms horizontal with their elbows extended. Being able to touch accurately indicates that they have an accurate grasp of their own body. This is done from three directions: to the right, in front, and to the left, and the accuracy is indicated by the number of times they are able to accurately touch the tip of their nose. Closing the eyes measures the ability to recognize where one's body is in space without relying on vision, in other words, position sense.

[0038] This finger-nose test was carried out for the following Example 1, Example 2 and Comparative Example 1, and the position sense was evaluated in each case.

[0039] In Example 1, two pieces of two-way fabric with a lengthwise stretchability of 150% and a widthwise stretchability of 110% at a load of 1.5 kg were glued together to create a position sense assistance band for wearing on the head. The adhesive was applied in dots with a diameter of about 2 mm, and the adhesive was applied to the area (reduced stretchability part) where the stretchability was reduced by reducing the stretchability at a coating area rate of 58%, and the remaining part (band body) was applied to the center at a coating area rate of 14%, and the edge of the fabric was applied to a coating area rate of 40% to prevent peeling. The circumference of the band was 40 cm, and the length of the reduced stretchability part was 5 cm. The width of the band was 3 cm. Two reduced stretchability parts were created in opposing positions on the position sense assistance band. The force (stretching force) required to stretch the reduced stretchability part by 50% was 3447 gf, and the stretching force of the other parts was 995 gf, so that the stretching force of the reduced stretchability part was about 3.5 times that of the other parts. In Example 1, the extension force required to stretch the area with reduced elasticity (reduced elasticity portion) is approximately 3.5 times the extension force required to stretch the other portion (band body), but experiments have confirmed the effect even with a difference of two times.

[0040] The created head position sense assistance band was worn so that the reduced elasticity parts were positioned at the front and back of the head, and a finger-to-nose test was performed.

[0041] Example 2 is roughly the same as Example 1, except that the position sense assistance band is divided into four equal parts and reduced elasticity portions are created in four places on the front, back, left and right sides.

[0042] The created head position sense assistance band was worn so that the reduced elasticity parts were positioned on the front, back, left and right of the head, and a finger-to-nose test was performed.

[0043] As Comparative Example 1, a finger-to-nose test was carried out without anything being worn on the head.

[0044] The results of the finger-nose test are shown in Figure 4 and Table 1.

[0045] [Table 1]

[0046] The number of subjects in the finger-nose test was 16. As shown in Fig. 4, when the head position sense assistance band was worn, the number of correct answers was significantly higher in both Example 1 and Example 2 than in Comparative Example 1, where nothing was worn on the head. In other words, it was shown that wearing the head position sense assistance band with a region of reduced elasticity makes it easier to recognize the position sense of the head.

[0047] Looking at the results of each subject shown in Table 1, subjects D, L, M, and N scored 0 or 1 when nothing was worn on the head, and had very poor position sense. However, they commented that wearing the head position sense assistance bands of Examples 1 and 2 made it easier to understand the position of their head and made it easier to imagine the position of the tip of their nose. This also shows the effect of wearing the head position sense assistance bands.

[0048] Wearing a head position sense support band will improve head position sense, and the second test will show how this affects movement.

[0049] As the second test, a cervical rotation angle test was conducted to measure the range of motion of rotating the head to the right (turning the face to the right: kinematically expressed as right cervical rotation) with the subject in a seated position with the trunk fixed. In the cervical rotation angle test, facing forward is defined as 0 degrees, and facing straight to the side is defined as 90 degrees.

[0050] In addition to Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 in the finger-nose test described above, as Comparative Example 2, a commercially available sweatband having the same strength all around was worn.

[0051] The tests were carried out in the order of Comparative Example 1, Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 1.

[0052] In order to show that there is no influence of bias in the trial order, a final test is performed on Comparative Example 1. The final Comparative Example 1 is referred to as Comparative Example 1 (second time).

[0053] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the test results of the cervical rotation angle.

[0054] There were 9 subjects. In both Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, the cervical rotation angle was significantly increased compared to Comparative Example 1, where nothing was worn. In other words, it was proven that wearing a band-like object on the head makes the sense of position easier to understand and makes it easier to exercise. In other words, it has been shown that being able to recognize the position of the head when exercising allows the body to move with peace of mind. Since movement is performed while constantly receiving sensory feedback, it is believed that the stimulation of the head expands the range of movement of the head. However, the statistics (degree of difference between Comparative Example 1 "without wearing" and Examples 1 and 2) were 5.72 for Example 1 and 3.99 for Comparative Example 2, which shows that Example 1 is significantly larger and the effect of Example 1 is greater. In other words, it can be said that it was shown that sensory stimulation that stimulates position sense is easier to stimulate the senses and more effective when it is varied in strength than when it is constant.

[0055] In addition, taking into consideration the bias of the measurement order, Example 1 showed a significantly higher value when compared with the result of Comparative Example 1 "not worn" (second measurement). The commercially available head sweatband of Comparative Example 2 tended to be higher than "not worn" (second measurement), but the difference was not significant. This also shows that Example 1 of the present invention is effective when worn, and is more effective than commercially available products.

[0056] Next, the third test was conducted to show the effect of wearing the head position sense support band on whole body movements including the head, not just on the movement of the head itself. The motor task in the third test was forward bending in a standing position. In forward bending in a standing position, the head faces forward and moves toward the feet, which causes a large change in head position. Therefore, it is thought that the position sense of the head has a large effect on the movement.

[0057] The tests were carried out in the order of Comparative Example 1, Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 1.

[0058] In order to show that there is no influence of bias in the trial order, a final test is performed on Comparative Example 1. The final Comparative Example 1 is referred to as Comparative Example 1 (second time).

[0059] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the test results of standing forward bending.

[0060] The position of the sole of the foot was set to 0, and the direction below the sole of the foot was set to positive.

[0061] In both Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, the amount of forward bending was significantly increased compared to Comparative Example 1 where the device was not worn. In exercises where the head moves a lot like this, awareness of the head's position becomes more important. It is thought that the amount of exercise increased because it became easier to recognize the head's position. However, the statistics (degree of difference between Comparative Example 1 "not worn" and Examples 1 and 2) were 5.93 for Example 1 and 3.56 for Comparative Example 2, indicating that Example 1 had a much greater effect.

[0062] Moreover, compared to the results of the second measurement of Comparative Example 1, Example 1 showed significantly higher values. Comparative Example 2 tended to show higher values ​​than the second measurement of Comparative Example 1, but the difference was not significant. From this, it can be said that Example 1 of the present invention is effective when worn, and is more effective than Comparative Example 2, which has uniform elongation.

[0063] Tests conducted so far have proven that a position sense assistance band with two or four reduced elasticity areas is more effective at assisting position sense and increasing the range of motion than a band with no reduced elasticity areas at all; however, tests involving standing forward bending have shown that a similar effect can be achieved even when there is only one reduced elasticity area.

[0064] FIG. 7 shows the test results of forward bending in a standing position. Example 3 is generally similar to Examples 1 and 2, in that the position sense assistance band had a reduced elasticity portion in only one place, and the test was conducted by wearing it on the head so that the reduced elasticity portion was located on the forehead.

[0065] Example 4 had the same configuration as Example 3, and the test was performed by wearing the head so that the reduced elasticity portion was located at the back of the head.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the body is bent better in Example 3, Example 4, and Example 2 than in Comparative Example 1. The value of Comparative Example 1 in FIG. 6 is 5 cm. When expressed numerically according to FIG. 6, Example 3 in FIG. 7 is 10.9 cm, Example 4 is 8.1 cm, and Example 2 is 8.8 cm. Example 3 has a better result than Example 2, but Example 4 has a slightly worse result than Example 2. Our verification results show that there are more suitable areas for the area with reduced elasticity depending on the direction of body movement. In order to sharpen the position sense, it is preferable to wear the position sense assistance band so that the area with reduced elasticity is positioned so as to compress the appropriate place. However, in actual exercise situations, since the body moves in various directions, it is preferable to wear one with two or four areas with reduced elasticity as in Example 1 or Example 2. However, in training, the effect is maximized by using a band with one area with reduced elasticity as in Example 3 or Example 4.

[0067] Tests were also conducted on position sense aid bands placed on different parts of the body.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the test contents of the shoulder external rotation range of motion.

[0069] In the test of the shoulder external rotation range of motion, the position sense assistance band of Example 5 was attached near the upper arm, the arm was bent 90 degrees, and the forearm and upper arm were rotated upward from the state where they were horizontal to the ground, and the maximum rotation angle was measured. Note that Example 5 is almost the same as Example 2, except that the length of the band was 22 cm.

[0070] Figure 9 is a graph showing the test results of the shoulder external rotation range of motion. As shown in Figure 9, when the band was not worn, it was 119.3 degrees, and when the position sense assistance band of Example 5 was worn near the upper arm, it was 123.8 degrees.

[0071] By wearing the position sense assistance band of Example 5 near the upper arm, partial pressure is generated in the upper arm, making it easier to be aware of the pressure, and it is believed that this allows the range of motion of the arm to be maximized.

[0072] As Example 6, a position sense assistance band was created with the same configuration as Example 2, except that the band width was 5 cm. A test was conducted to measure hip flexion strength by attaching it to the proximal thigh. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the hip flexion strength test results.

[0073] The hip flexion strength when no band was worn was 202.3 N·m, and when the position sense support band of Example 6 was worn, the hip flexion strength was 222.8 N·m, indicating that the thigh could be moved better.

[0074] The above describes the position sense assistance band of the present invention based on an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various design changes are possible as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved and the gist of the invention is not deviated from, and all of these are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] For example, in the above embodiment, the position sense assistance band is described as a ring-shaped band, but it does not have to be ring-shaped, and for example, a hook-and-loop fastener may be attached to both ends of a linear tape-like object, and the hook-and-loop fasteners may be bonded together to form a ring when worn. In this case, the adhesive portion of the hook-and-loop fastener may function as the elasticity reducing portion. [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] The position sense assistance band according to the present invention is suitable as a body motion range extension device for increasing the body's range of motion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1,2 Position sense support band 11,21 Band body 12,22 Reduced elasticity 23 2nd elasticity reduction part

Claims

1. A position sense assistance band made of an elastic material and worn on a human body to assist position sense, A band body in which elasticity is maintained; A reduced elasticity portion is an area in which elasticity is reduced to allow the wearer to recognize the position of the wearing part, The elongation force required to elongate the reduced elasticity portion is at least twice as large as the elongation force required to elongate the band body, The elasticity-reducing portion has a length of 10 to 20% of the circumference of the position sense assistance band. A position sense assistance band characterized by:

2. The band body and the reduced elasticity portion are configured by bonding two layers of elastic fabric together, The adhesive that bonds the fabrics has a higher coating area ratio in the reduced elasticity portion than in the band body.

2. The position sense assistance band according to claim 1 .

3. The reduced elasticity portion is formed by layering a material having less elasticity than the band body on the band body.

2. The position sense assistance band according to claim 1 .

4. The reduced elasticity portion is formed with a knitting structure different from that of the band body, so that the elongation force in the reduced elasticity portion is adjusted.

2. The position sense assistance band according to claim 1 .

5. Further, the reduced elasticity portion is provided with an identifier that indicates that it is a reduced elasticity portion.

2. The position sense assistance band according to claim 1 .

6. The band body and the reduced elasticity portion are each provided in a plurality of pieces, the band body and the reduced elasticity portion are alternately arranged, and a pair of reduced elasticity portions are arranged at positions facing each other when the band body and the reduced elasticity portion are formed in a ring shape.

2. The position sense assistance band according to claim 1 .

7. Among the plurality of reduced elasticity portions, a second reduced elasticity portion is provided which is a region in which elasticity is further reduced, When formed into a ring shape, a pair of second elasticity reduced portions are disposed at opposing positions.

7. The position sense assistance band according to claim 6.

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