Vibration stimulation device and vibration stimulation method

Abstract

The invention relates to a vibration stimulation device and a vibration stimulation method. The vibration stimulation device is provided with at least one vibration generation unit configured so as to stimulate antagonistic muscles paired with prime mover muscles by applying vibration to the prime mover muscles of a user's body. The vibration stimulation method includes a step of stimulating antagonistic muscles paired with prime mover muscles by applying vibration to the prime mover muscles of a user's body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vibration stimulation device and a vibration stimulation method. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-143061 and International Publication No. 2016 / 125312 disclose devices for preventing muscle strength reduction by electrical stimulation. The above-mentioned devices are designed to stimulate at the minimum intensity required to maintain muscle strength without causing muscle fatigue. Summary of the invention

[0003] In the above-mentioned apparatus, in order to obtain a wide range of effects while suppressing negative factors such as discomfort, a complicated arrangement is required.

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a vibration stimulation device that can restore or maintain muscle strength through simple settings.

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a vibration stimulation device, which has at least one vibration generating unit, and the at least one vibration generating unit is configured to stimulate an antagonist muscle paired with the prime mover muscle by applying vibration to the prime mover muscle of the user's body. In other words, the vibration stimulation device can be a device having a vibration generating unit, that is, the vibration generating unit is configured to apply vibration to at least the prime mover muscle of the user's body.

[0006] According to the above configuration, by applying vibration (even a small vibration) to the prime mover, the motor nerve of the antagonist muscle can be stimulated through the mechanism of the antagonist muscle reflex. That is, the inventors of the present disclosure have found that by applying a small vibration to the prime mover, the motor nerve can be stimulated in a wide range of the antagonist muscle paired with the prime mover.

[0007] Thus, it is possible to stimulate the motor nerves of the parts that would otherwise feel uncomfortable due to direct vibration stimulation. As a result, it is possible to restore or maintain muscle strength without causing discomfort to the user. In addition, it is possible to restore or maintain muscle strength through simple settings.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the amplitude of the vibration generated by at least one vibration generating unit may be greater than 0.001 mm and less than 1 mm. According to the above configuration, the discomfort caused by applying a large vibration to the user can be reduced, and muscle strength can be restored or maintained.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration stimulation device may also include a seat for a user to sit on and a support portion that covers the user's lower limbs from above. At least one vibration generating portion may be arranged in a portion of the support portion that covers the prime mover muscle. According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress vibration stimulation of the buttocks where multiple nerve groups exist, and to stimulate the antagonist muscles near the buttocks from the tendon portion of the central thigh and the knee side.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration stimulation device may also include a plaster that can be installed on the upper or lower limbs of the user. In other words, the support portion may be replaced by a plaster. At least one vibration generating portion may be disposed in the portion of the plaster that covers the prime mover. According to the above configuration, it is possible to use smaller vibrations to stimulate the antagonist muscles of the upper or lower limbs whose movement is restricted by the plaster. Therefore, it is possible to promote the process of muscle strength recovery after the removal of the plaster.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one vibration generating unit may include a first vibration generating unit disposed at a position covering the prime mover muscle and a second vibration generating unit disposed at a position covering the antagonist muscle. According to the above configuration, since the paired prime mover muscle and antagonist muscle are stimulated respectively, the recovery effect of muscle strength is further enhanced.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration stimulation device may include a mat capable of supporting the user from below and a support portion covering the prime mover muscle of the user from above. At least one vibration generating portion may be disposed at a portion of the support portion that covers the prime mover muscle. According to the above configuration, stimulation can be applied to the antagonist muscle of the user's portion facing the mat without providing a vibration generating portion on the mat. Therefore, the user can restore his muscle strength while lying on the mat without compromising the comfort of the mat.

[0013] Other aspects of the present disclosure provide a vibration stimulation method, which includes the step of stimulating an antagonist muscle paired with a prime mover muscle by applying vibration to the prime mover muscle of a user's body.

[0014] According to the above configuration, by applying a small vibration to the prime mover muscle, the motor nerve of the antagonist muscle can be stimulated through the mechanism of the antagonist muscle reflex, thereby realizing recovery or maintenance of muscle strength through simple settings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing a vibration stimulation device in an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the antagonist muscle reflex.

[0017] Figure 3 It means Figure 1Schematic side views of vibration stimulation devices in various embodiments.

[0018] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 Schematic side views of vibration stimulation devices in various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0020] [1. First embodiment]

[0021] [1-1. Structure]

[0022] Figure 1 The vibration stimulation device 1 shown is used to maintain or restore the muscle strength and motor ability of the lower limbs of the user U. The vibration stimulation device 1 includes a seat 2, a support portion 3, a first vibration generating portion 11A, and a second vibration generating portion 11B.

[0023] When the user U is seated on the chair 2 , the vibration stimulation device 1 applies vibration stimulation to the lower limbs of the user U through the vibration generating parts 11A and 11B. This can suppress the decrease in muscle strength and muscle mass due to aging and prevent frailty.

[0024] Therefore, the user U can maintain or recover the muscle strength of his lower limbs without exercising by himself, thereby maintaining or improving the balance and walking function of the lower limbs of the user U.

[0025] <Seat>

[0026] The chair 2 includes a seat portion 21 for supporting the buttocks of the user U and a backrest 22. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the backrest 22 of the seat 2 supports the user U in such a manner that the back of the user U is straightened; however, the backrest 22 may be a tiltable backrest.

[0027] <Supporting part>

[0028] The support part 3 is a mounting member that covers the lower limbs of the user U from above. The support part 3 is fixed to the clothes of the user U or the seat 2, for example, in a state of covering the lower limbs of the user U. The support part 3 is configured to clamp the lower limbs of the user U in the up-down direction and / or the front-back direction together with the seat 2. The support part 3 can be divided into a plurality of parts.

[0029] <Vibration Generating Section>

[0030] The first vibration generator 11A and the second vibration generator 11B are configured to apply vibration to a seated person (ie, user U) seated on the seat 2 .

[0031] Specifically, the first vibration generating unit 11A and the second vibration generating unit 11B are configured to apply vibration to the prime mover of the body of the user U. When the prime mover of the body of the user U is applied with vibration, the antagonist muscle paired with the prime mover to which vibration has been applied is also stimulated. That is, the first vibration generating unit 11A and the second vibration generating unit 11B are configured to stimulate the antagonist muscle paired with the prime mover to which vibration has been applied by applying vibration to the prime mover of the body of the user U. In addition, the first vibration generating unit 11A and the second vibration generating unit 11B apply vibration to a common prime mover. Specifically, the first vibration generating unit 11A applies vibration to the belly of the same prime mover, and the second vibration generating unit 11B applies vibration to the tendon of the same prime mover.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a diagram that explains the mechanism of generating signals in the human body by vibration stimulation. When vibration stimulation is applied to a prime mover muscle (called a "vibration applying muscle"), a signal from the muscle spindle of the vibration applying muscle is sent to the spinal cord through the nerve. In the spinal cord, spinal cord activity is generated due to the signal, and a signal is sent to the antagonist muscle group paired with the vibration applying muscle. In this way, an antagonist muscle reflex caused by applying a pseudo-vibration stimulation to the antagonist muscle to which vibration is not directly applied can be obtained.

[0033] As the first vibration generating unit 11A and the second vibration generating unit 11B, known actuator-type vibrators can be used. The frequency of the vibration of each vibrator (i.e., the vibration generated by the vibration generating units 11A and 11B) is preferably 20 Hz or more and 110 Hz or less. In addition, the vibration amplitude of each vibrator is preferably 0.001 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0034] By adopting the above-mentioned frequency and amplitude, the muscle spindles of the antagonist muscles can be effectively made to react (increase the excitement of the muscle spindles) through vibration stimulation. As a result, the recovery effect or maintenance effect of muscle strength can be enhanced. In this way, the discomfort brought to the user by applying a large vibration (a large vibration that makes the user feel uncomfortable) can be reduced, and the recovery or maintenance of muscle strength can be achieved. On the other hand, if the frequency is lower than 20Hz or higher than 110Hz, the muscle spindles of the antagonist muscles cannot react effectively (the muscle spindles of the antagonist muscles are not excited). The same is true when the amplitude of the vibration is less than 0.001mm or greater than 1mm.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the first vibration generating part 11A and the second vibration generating part 11B are arranged at a portion of the support part 3 that covers the prime mover muscle to which the vibration is input.

[0036] The first vibration generating unit 11A is configured to apply vibration to a range including the belly of the muscles (eg, quadriceps femoris) on the front side of the thigh. Specifically, the first vibration generating unit 11A is disposed at a portion of the support unit 3 that faces the thigh.

[0037] The second vibration generating part 11B is configured to apply vibration to a range including the tendon of the muscles (eg, quadriceps femoris) on the front side of the thigh. Specifically, the second vibration generating part 11B is disposed at a portion of the support part 3 that faces the patella.

[0038] The vibration stimulation applied to the belly of the muscle by the first vibration generating unit 11A and the vibration stimulation applied to the tendon by the second vibration generating unit 11B have a stimulating effect on the antagonist muscles (e.g., biceps femoris) of the above muscles. In other words, by applying vibration to a portion away from the buttocks of the user U, it is possible to stimulate the muscles in the target area M1 which is close to the buttocks of the user U and has a relatively wide range. In addition, it is possible to select a portion to be stimulated from different portions (e.g., the belly of the muscle and the tendon) for one antagonist muscle.

[0039] In addition, the first vibration generating unit 11A and the second vibration generating unit 11B may be provided on the left leg and the right leg of the user U, respectively, or may be provided on only one leg of the user U.

[0040] <Vibration stimulation method>

[0041] The vibration stimulation method of this embodiment includes the following steps: using the vibration stimulation device 1 to apply vibration to the prime mover muscle of the user's body, thereby stimulating the antagonist muscle paired with the prime mover muscle.

[0042] [1-2. Effect]

[0043] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0044] (1a) By applying a small vibration to the prime mover muscle, the motor nerve of the antagonist muscle can be stimulated through the mechanism of the antagonist muscle reflex. As a result, the motor nerve of the part that would cause discomfort due to a large vibration stimulation or direct vibration stimulation can be stimulated. As a result, the muscle strength can be restored or maintained through a simple setting. In addition, the muscle strength can be restored or maintained without causing discomfort to the user.

[0045] (1b) While suppressing vibration stimulation to the buttocks where multiple nerve groups exist, it is possible to stimulate the antagonist muscles near the buttocks from the tendon part of the middle thigh and the knee side.

[0046] [2. Second embodiment]

[0047] [2-1. Structure]

[0048] Figure 3 The vibration stimulation device 1A shown is used to maintain or restore the muscle strength and motor ability of the lower limbs and / or upper limbs of the user U. The vibration stimulation device 1A includes a cast 4, a first vibration generating unit 11A, and a second vibration generating unit 11B.

[0049] The vibration stimulation device 1A applies vibration stimulation to the user U wearing the cast 4 through the vibration generating units 11A and 11B. This can suppress a decrease in muscle strength and a decrease in muscle mass due to movement restrictions caused by bone fractures or the like.

[0050] <Plaster>

[0051] The plaster 4 is a fitting that can be attached to the lower limb of the user U. The plaster 4 is attached to the user by, for example, being wrapped around one leg of the user U. The plaster 4 covers the entire leg of the user U in the circumferential direction.

[0052] <Vibration Generating Section>

[0053] The first vibration generator 11A and the second vibration generator 11B are the same vibration generators as those in the first embodiment, and are configured to apply vibrations to the wearer (ie, the user U) who wears the plaster 4 .

[0054] The first vibration generator 11A and the second vibration generator 11B are disposed at a portion of the plaster 4 that covers the prime mover muscle to which vibration is input.

[0055] The first vibration generator 11A is configured to apply vibration to a region including the posterior side of the calf (eg, the gastrocnemius muscle). Specifically, the first vibration generator 11A is disposed at a portion of the plaster 4 that faces the calf.

[0056] The second vibration generating part 11B is configured to apply vibration to a range including the front side of the lower leg (eg, the tibialis anterior muscle). Specifically, the second vibration generating part 11B is disposed at a portion of the cast 4 that faces the tibia.

[0057] The vibration stimulation applied by the first vibration generating unit 11A to the muscles on the back of the calf has a stimulating effect on the target area M1 including the antagonist muscle of the muscle (e.g., the tibialis anterior muscle). The vibration stimulation applied by the second vibration generating unit 11B to the muscles on the front of the calf has a stimulating effect on the target area M2 including the antagonist muscle of the muscle (e.g., the gastrocnemius muscle).

[0058] That is, the second vibration generating part 11B is arranged at a position covering the antagonist muscle that is paired with the prime mover muscle to which the first vibration generating part 11A inputs vibration. Either the first vibration generating part 11A or the second vibration generating part 11B may generate vibration continuously or alternately.

[0059] In addition, the first vibration generating part 11A and the second vibration generating part 11B can also be configured to cover the paired prime movers and antagonists at positions other than the calf (e.g., thigh, knee, etc.). In addition, the plaster 4 can be mounted on the upper limbs. The first vibration generating part 11A and the second vibration generating part 11B can also be configured to cover the paired prime movers and antagonists at positions such as the upper arm, forearm, elbow, etc.

[0060] [2-2. Effect]

[0061] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0062] (2a) For the upper limbs and / or lower limbs whose movements are restricted by the plaster 4, the antagonist muscles of the upper limbs and / or lower limbs can be stimulated by small vibrations. Therefore, the process of muscle strength recovery after the removal of the plaster 4 can be promoted.

[0063] (2b) Since the first vibration generating unit 11A and the second vibration generating unit 11B stimulate the paired agonist muscle and antagonist muscle, respectively, the muscle strength recovery effect can be enhanced.

[0064] [3. Third embodiment]

[0065] [3-1. Structure]

[0066] Figure 4 The vibration stimulation device 1B shown is used to maintain or restore the muscle strength and motor ability of the lower limbs of the user U. The vibration stimulation device 1B includes a cushion 5, a support portion 6, a first vibration generating portion 11A, and a second vibration generating portion 11B.

[0067] When the user U lies on the mat 5 , the vibration stimulation device 1B applies vibration stimulation to the user U through the vibration generating parts 11A and 11B. This can suppress the decrease in muscle strength and muscle mass due to aging, and prevent weakness.

[0068] <Mat>

[0069] The cushion 5 is a member capable of supporting from below the lying user U. The cushion 5 has flexibility.

[0070] <Supporting part>

[0071] The support part 6 is a mounting member that covers the lower limbs of the user U from above. The support part 6 is fixed to the clothes of the user U or the mat 5, for example, in a state of covering the lower limbs of the user U. The support part 6 is configured to clamp the lower limbs of the user U in the vertical direction together with the mat 5. The support part 6 can be divided into a plurality of parts.

[0072] <Vibration Generating Section>

[0073] The first vibration generating unit 11A and the second vibration generating unit 11B are the same vibration generating units as those in the first embodiment, and are configured to apply vibration to the user U lying on the mat 5 .

[0074] The first vibration generator 11A and the second vibration generator 11B are arranged at a portion covering a prime mover muscle to which vibration is input in the support portion 6. The first vibration generator 11A and the second vibration generator 11B apply vibration to different prime movers.

[0075] The first vibration generating unit 11A is configured to apply vibration to a range including the front muscles of the middle part of the thigh (eg, the quadriceps femoris). Specifically, the first vibration generating unit 11A is disposed at a portion of the support unit 6 that faces the thigh.

[0076] The second vibration generating part 11B is configured to apply vibration to a range including the front side of the lower leg (eg, the tibialis anterior muscle). Specifically, the second vibration generating part 11B is disposed at a portion of the support part 6 that faces the tibia.

[0077] The vibration stimulation applied by the first vibration generating unit 11A to the muscles on the front side of the middle part of the thigh has a stimulating effect on the target area M1 including the antagonist muscle of the muscle (e.g., the biceps femoris). The vibration stimulation applied by the second vibration generating unit 11B to the muscles on the front side of the calf has a stimulating effect on the target area M2 including the antagonist muscle of the muscle (e.g., the gastrocnemius).

[0078] Thus, the first vibration generating unit 11A and the second vibration generating unit 11B can provide stimulation effects to a wide range of parts of the body of the user U supported by the mat 5. Thus, it is possible to suppress discomfort to the user U when the mat 5 itself vibrates.

[0079] In addition, the first vibration generating unit 11A and the second vibration generating unit 11B may be provided on the left leg and the right leg of the user U, respectively, or may be provided on only one leg of the user U. Furthermore, by vibrating the first vibration generating unit 11A and the second vibration generating unit 11B simultaneously, stimulation effects can be given to different parts of the body at the same time.

[0080] [3-2. Effect]

[0081] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0082] (3a) The antagonist muscles of the user's part facing the mat 5 can be stimulated without providing a vibration generator on the mat 5 . Therefore, the user can recover his / her muscle strength while lying on the mat 5 without losing the comfort of the mat 5 .

[0083] [4. Other embodiments]

[0084] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above; however, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms.

[0085] (4a) In the vibration stimulation device of the above embodiment, the number of vibration generating units is not limited to two. That is, the vibration stimulation device may have only one vibration generating unit, or may have three or more vibration generating units.

[0086] (4b) The functions of one component in the above-mentioned embodiment may be dispersed among a plurality of components, or the functions of a plurality of components may be integrated into one component. In addition, a part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiment may be omitted. At least a part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiment may be added to the components of the above-mentioned other embodiments, or at least a part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiment may be replaced with the components of the above-mentioned other embodiments. In addition, all the modes included in the technical ideas determined by the sentences recorded in the present disclosure are embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A vibration stimulation device, characterized in that: The device includes at least one vibration generating unit configured to stimulate an antagonist muscle paired with the agonist muscle by applying vibration to the agonist muscle of the user's body.

2. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The amplitude of the vibration generated by the at least one vibration generating unit is greater than or equal to 0.001 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm.

3. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vibration stimulation device also has: a seat capable of seating the user; and a support portion, the support portion covering the user's lower limb from above, The at least one vibration generating part is arranged at a portion of the supporting part that covers the prime mover muscle.

4. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vibration stimulation device further comprises a plaster that can be mounted on an upper limb or a lower limb of the user, The at least one vibration generating unit is disposed in a portion of the plaster covering the prime mover muscle.

5. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The at least one vibration generating unit includes a first vibration generating unit and a second vibration generating unit, The first vibration generating unit is arranged at a position covering the prime mover muscle, The second vibration generating unit is arranged at a location covering the antagonist muscle.

6. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vibration stimulation device also has: a cushion capable of supporting the user from below; and a support portion, the support portion covering the prime mover muscle of the user from above, The at least one vibration generating part is arranged at a portion of the supporting part that covers the prime mover muscle.

7. A vibration stimulation method, characterized in that: The steps include: By applying vibration to the prime mover muscle of the user's body, the antagonist muscle paired with the prime mover muscle is stimulated.

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