Training device and training method for stimulating balance by utilizing sole vibration

Abstract

The invention provides a training device for stimulating balance by utilizing sole vibration. The training device comprises a bottom plate, a plurality of upright post brackets, an annular armrest, a left sole vibration mechanism, a right sole vibration mechanism, a display screen and an electric control module, the left sole vibration mechanism, the right sole vibration mechanism and the display screen are electrically connected with the electric control module; the left sole vibration mechanism and the right sole vibration mechanism are arranged on the bottom plate side by side, and the multiple stand column supports are arranged on the side face of the bottom plate and used for supporting the annular handrail and the display screen. A left inflatable balance hemisphere is arranged on the bottom face of the left sole vibration mechanism, and a right inflatable balance hemisphere is arranged on the bottom face of the right sole vibration mechanism. By designing a training device for improving the balance control ability of the human body, vibration stimulation is carried out on the feet of the human body, the sensory sensitivity of the feet is improved through weak vibration signals, and the balance control ability of the human body is improved.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of medical care, and in particular to a balance training device and a training method utilizing sole vibration stimulation. [Background technology]

[0002] Balance control ability is a very important body function. Body sensory information is an important factor affecting the balance control ability of the elderly. With the increase of age, this function gradually declines, and serious cases may cause falls and accidents. According to statistics, 20-40% of the elderly over 65 years old fall due to loss of balance every year, which not only affects their normal life, but also increases medical expenses, constituting a multi-faceted burden.

[0003] As a non-invasive intervention method, plantar vibration stimulation helps to enhance neuromuscular function and thus improve balance by activating sensory neurons in the soles of the feet. Plantar vibration stimulation mechanically stimulates the small nerve endings in the soles of the feet, enhances sensory input and improves the central nervous system's ability to perceive posture. Vibration stimulation can improve muscle responsiveness and enhance the contraction coordination of lower limb muscles, thereby providing better support in dynamic and static balance.

[0004] In view of this, the inventor of this case conducted in-depth research on the above-mentioned issues, which led to the emergence of this case. [Summary of the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the technical problem that the elderly are prone to falling due to their decreased balance control ability. It provides a balance training device and training method using sole vibration stimulation. By designing a training device for improving the balance control ability of the human body, the human foot is subjected to vibration stimulation, the sensory sensitivity of the foot is increased through weak vibration signals, and the balance control ability of the human body is improved.

[0006] The present invention is implemented as follows: a balance training device that utilizes sole vibration stimulation includes a base plate, a plurality of column brackets, an annular armrest, a left sole vibration mechanism, a right sole vibration mechanism, a display screen, and an electronic control module; the left sole vibration mechanism, the right sole vibration mechanism, and the display screen are all electrically connected to the electronic control module; the left sole vibration mechanism and the right sole vibration mechanism are arranged side by side on the base plate, and a plurality of the column brackets are arranged on the side of the base plate for supporting the annular armrest and the display screen; a left inflatable balancing hemisphere is provided on the bottom surface of the left sole vibration mechanism, and a right inflatable balancing hemisphere is provided on the bottom surface of the right sole vibration mechanism.

[0007] Furthermore, the left sole vibration mechanism includes, from top to bottom, a foot-shaped vibration component, a lower electromagnetic force-conducting member, and a vibration plate, wherein the lower electromagnetic force-conducting member is fixedly mounted on the vibration plate;

[0008] The foot-shaped vibration component includes a big toe vibration unit, four toe vibration units, a forefoot medial vibration unit, a forefoot middle vibration unit, a forefoot lateral vibration unit, a foot arch medial vibration unit, a foot arch lateral vibration unit, and a heel vibration unit;

[0009] Any vibration unit includes a contact layer, a vibration layer, and an upper electromagnetic force member, which are fixedly connected in sequence from top to bottom, and the contact layer has a built-in pressure sensor; the upper electromagnetic force member and the lower electromagnetic force member have the same magnetic pole.

[0010] Furthermore, the contact layer is a soft silicone contact layer made of silicone; the left sole vibration mechanism also includes a first circuit connecting the pressure sensor and the electronic control module, and a first button arranged on the display screen for turning on the pressure sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, the vibration layer has a built-in linear resonant driver.

[0012] Furthermore, the left sole vibration mechanism also includes a second circuit connecting the lower electromagnetic force member and the electric control module, and a second button arranged on the display screen for energizing the lower electromagnetic force member.

[0013] Furthermore, the structure of the right sole vibration mechanism is the same as that of the left sole vibration mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, an inflatable part is provided on the bottom plate, and the inflatable part is connected with the left inflatable balancing hemisphere and the right inflatable balancing hemisphere through an inflatable tube; a left inflatable button and a right inflatable button are provided on the column bracket.

[0015] Furthermore, the annular armrest includes an annular main body portion and an opening and closing portion, and the annular main body portion and the opening and closing portion are rotatably connected.

[0016] On the other hand, a training method using a foot vibration stimulation balance training device comprises the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: Collect standard state data: The human body stands on the left sole vibration mechanism and the right sole vibration mechanism respectively, and presses the first button to turn on the pressure sensor to collect the pressure distribution and pressure center COP data of the two feet in the static standing state, which are recorded as standard state data; the standard state data are displayed on the display screen as a reference indicator for subsequent training;

[0018] Step 2: Simple vibration training: Press the second button to energize the lower electromagnetic force part, and step on the upper electromagnetic force part of multiple vibration units to form a path, providing electrical energy to the vibration layer to form vibration stimulation;

[0019] Step 3: Strengthen balance training: Press the left inflation button and the right inflation button. During the inflation process, the subject holds the circular armrests with both hands. After the left inflatable balance hemisphere and the right inflatable balance hemisphere are inflated, the subject lets go of the circular armrests and tries to control the body to maintain balance. In the process of maintaining balance, body shaking will cause differences in the forces on different vibration units. With the standard state data on the display screen as a reference indicator, the subject tries to keep the plantar pressure consistent with the standard state indicator.

[0020] Further, the single-foot training is to open only the left inflation button or the right inflation button in step three.

[0021] The advantages of the present invention are:

[0022] 1. The balance training device utilizing foot vibration stimulation of the present invention can successively carry out simple vibration training and enhanced balance training; by designing left and right foot vibration mechanisms on the bottom plate for conventional vibration training, the standard state data in a static state is first measured, and then the sensory neurons of the foot are activated by a weak vibration signal, aiming to improve the sensory sensitivity of the foot and the perception ability of the central nervous system; the left and right foot vibration mechanisms and the inflatable balance hemisphere are matched to carry out enhanced balance training, aiming to strengthen the training of the human body's balance ability and improve the human body's balance control ability.

[0023] 2. The big toe vibration unit, four toe vibration unit, inner forefoot vibration unit, middle forefoot vibration unit, outer forefoot vibration unit, inner arch vibration unit, outer arch vibration unit and heel vibration unit are distributed according to the shape of the sole of the human body to form a foot-shaped vibration component; since the nerve innervation density of each part of the sole is different, the nerve innervation density of the toes and outer areas is larger, and the nerve innervation density of the heel and inner area is lower; therefore, the 8 vibration units correspond to the 8 parts of the sole of the foot one by one, and vibration stimulation is designed for each part separately. When stepping on the foot, each vibration unit accurately measures and stimulates each part according to the different pressures it receives.

[0024] 3. The present invention uses a training method of a balance training device using sole vibration stimulation. The subjects can perform simple vibration training or enhanced balance training according to actual needs, aiming to enhance the foot sensory sensitivity of the elderly and improve the body's balance control ability. The training method is simple and easy to use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a balance training device utilizing sole vibration stimulation in the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the foot-shaped vibration component of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the left sole vibration mechanism of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inflatable balancing hemisphere of the present invention in an uninflated state.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inflatable balancing hemisphere of the present invention when it is filled with air.

[0031] Base plate 1, column bracket 2, annular armrest 3, annular main body 31, opening and closing part 32, left sole vibration mechanism 4, foot type vibration component 41, big toe vibration unit 411, contact layer 4111, vibration layer 4112, upper electromagnetic force conducting member 4113, pressure sensor 4114, four toe vibration unit 412, forefoot medial vibration unit 413, forefoot middle vibration unit 414, forefoot lateral vibration unit 415, arch medial vibration unit 416, arch lateral vibration unit 417, heel vibration unit 418, lower electromagnetic force conducting member 42, vibration plate 43, supporting leg 431, first circuit 44, second circuit 44, right sole vibration mechanism 5, display screen 6, left inflatable balancing hemisphere 7, inflatable part 8, inflatable tube 9, left inflatable button 10, right inflatable button 11. [Specific implementation method]

[0032] In order to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0033] See also Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the present invention provides a balance training device utilizing sole vibration stimulation, comprising a base plate 1, a plurality of column brackets 2, an annular armrest 3, a left sole vibration mechanism 4, a right sole vibration mechanism 5, a display screen 6, and an electric control module; the left sole vibration mechanism 4, the right sole vibration mechanism 5, and the display screen 6 are all electrically connected to the electric control module; the left sole vibration mechanism 4 and the right sole vibration mechanism 5 are arranged side by side on the base plate 1, and a plurality of the column brackets 2 are arranged on the side of the base plate 1 for supporting the annular armrest 3 and the display screen 6; a left inflatable balancing hemisphere 7 is provided on the bottom surface of the left sole vibration mechanism 4, and a right inflatable balancing hemisphere is provided on the bottom surface of the right sole vibration mechanism 5.

[0034] The balance training device utilizing sole vibration stimulation of the present invention can successively carry out simple vibration training and enhanced balance training; by designing left and right sole vibration mechanisms on the bottom plate 1 for conventional vibration training, standard state data in a static state is first measured, and then the sensory neurons of the sole are activated by a weak vibration signal, aiming to improve the sensory sensitivity of the foot and the perception ability of the central nervous system; the left and right sole vibration mechanisms and the inflatable balance hemisphere are coordinated to carry out enhanced balance training, aiming to strengthen the training of the human body's balance ability and improve the human body's balance control ability.

[0035] In the present invention, the left sole vibration mechanism 4 includes a foot-shaped vibration component 41, a lower electromagnetic force component 42, and a vibration plate 43 from top to bottom. The lower electromagnetic force component 42 is fixed on the vibration plate 43. When not powered, there is a gap between the foot-shaped vibration component 41 and the lower electromagnetic force component 42. The foot-shaped vibration component 41 includes a big toe vibration unit 411, four toe vibration units 412, a forefoot inner side vibration unit 413, a forefoot outer side vibration unit 414, an arch inner side vibration unit 414, an arch middle vibration unit 416, an arch outer side vibration unit 417, and a heel vibration unit 418. The big toe vibration unit 411, four toe vibration units 412, forefoot inner side vibration unit 413, forefoot middle vibration unit 414, forefoot outer side vibration unit 415, arch inner side vibration unit 416, arch outer side vibration unit 417, and heel vibration unit 418 are distributed according to the shape of the human foot to form the foot-shaped vibration component 41; since the nerve innervation density of each part of the foot is different, the nerve innervation density of the toes and outer side areas is larger, and the nerve innervation density of the heel and inner side areas is lower; therefore, the 8 vibration units correspond to the 8 parts of the foot one by one, and vibration stimulation is designed for each part separately. When stepping on, each vibration unit accurately measures and stimulates each part according to the different pressures it receives.

[0036] In the present invention, any vibration unit includes a contact layer 4111, a vibration layer 4112, and an upper electromagnetic force member 4113, wherein the contact layer 4111, the vibration layer 4112, and the upper electromagnetic force member 4113 are fixedly connected in sequence from top to bottom, and the contact layer 4111 is equipped with a pressure sensor 4114; the upper electromagnetic force member 4113 and the lower electromagnetic force member 42 have the same magnetic pole. The pressure sensor 4114 built into the contact layer 4111 is used to collect pressure data of each part of the sole in real time, that is, standard state data, and transmit it to the display screen 6. When each vibration unit is not subjected to force, there is a gap between the upper electromagnetic force member 4113 and the lower electromagnetic force member 42 due to the repulsion of the same poles, and a passage cannot be formed, and the vibration layer 4112 cannot be provided with electricity; only when the human body steps on the foot-shaped vibration component 41, the upper electromagnetic force member 4113 and the lower electromagnetic force member 42 of each vibration unit contact to form a passage, and the vibration layer 4112 can be provided with electricity.

[0037] In the present invention, the upper electromagnetic force member 4113 and the lower electromagnetic force member 42 are made of conductive magnets, which include any one of neodymium iron boron magnets, samarium cobalt magnets, and aluminum nickel cobalt magnets. Neodymium iron boron magnets have high conductivity, and their conductivity can be further improved after electroplating.

[0038] Preferably, the upper electromagnetic force conducting member 4113 is an upper NdFeB magnet electromagnetic force conducting member made of NdFeB magnet; and the lower electromagnetic force conducting member 42 is a lower NdFeB magnet electromagnetic force conducting member made of NdFeB magnet.

[0039] In the present invention, the contact layer 4111 is a soft silicone contact layer 4111 made of silicone to ensure the comfort of the sole contact. The left sole vibration mechanism 4 also includes a first circuit 44 connecting the pressure sensor 4114 and the electric control module, and a first button for turning on the pressure sensor 4114 on the display screen 6. After the human body steps on the left sole vibration mechanism 4 and the right sole vibration mechanism 5 respectively, the first button is pressed to turn on the pressure sensor 4114, and the sole pressure distribution and the pressure center COP data in the static standing state are collected and recorded as standard state data.

[0040] In the present invention, the vibration layer 4112 is built with a linear resonant driver 4115, and the vibration frequency of the linear resonant driver 4115 is 100-250HZ. The linear resonant driver 4115 is a device that uses the principle of mechanical resonance to generate high-frequency, low-amplitude linear vibrations driven by electromagnetic force. It is mainly composed of components such as coils, magnets, mass blocks and springs. When current passes through the coil, the interaction between the coil and the magnet will generate electromagnetic force, causing the mass block to vibrate under the action of the spring. When the upper electromagnetic force-conducting member 4113 and the lower electromagnetic force-conducting member 42 contact to form a path, power is supplied to the linear resonant driver 4115, and the linear resonant driver 4115 vibrates to vibrate and stimulate the sole of the foot.

[0041] In the present invention, the left sole vibration mechanism 4 also includes a second circuit 45 connecting the lower electromagnetic force member 42 and the electric control module, and a second button provided on the display screen 6 for energizing the lower electromagnetic force member 42. After collecting the standard state data, the second button is pressed to energize the lower electromagnetic force member 42 for conventional vibration training, and the upper electromagnetic force member 4113 and the lower electromagnetic force member 42 are in contact to form a path, so that the vibration layer 4112 vibrates, and a vibration signal is generated to activate the sole.

[0042] In the present invention, the structure of the right sole vibration mechanism 5 is the same as that of the left sole vibration mechanism 4 .

[0043] In the present invention, in order to further strengthen the training, the bottom surface of the vibration plate 43 of the left sole vibration mechanism 4 is provided with a left inflatable balancing hemisphere 7, and the bottom surface of the vibration plate 43 of the right sole vibration mechanism 5 is provided with a right inflatable balancing hemisphere; the bottom plate 1 is provided with an inflatable portion 8, and the inflatable portion 8 is connected with the left inflatable balancing hemisphere 7 and the right inflatable balancing hemisphere through an inflatable tube 9; the column bracket 2 is provided with a left inflatable button 10 and a right inflatable button 11. The inflatable balancing hemisphere is made of rubber material. After the human body stands firmly, on the basis of conventional vibration training, the left inflation button 10 and the right inflation button 11 are pressed, and the inflation part 8 inflates the inflatable balance hemisphere through the inflation tube 9. The subject holds the annular armrest 3 with both hands during the gradual expansion of the inflatable balance hemisphere to avoid falling; after the inflation is completed, the subject lets go of the armrest and controls his own balance as much as possible. In the process of maintaining balance, the body will shake, causing differences in force on different parts of the sole of the foot. The subject uses the standard state data on the display screen 6 as a reference and tries to keep the sole pressure consistent with the standard state data.

[0044] In the present invention, the inflation part 8 is an air pump.

[0045] In the present invention, the single-foot training is used in the same manner as the double-foot training, except that only one of the inflatable balance hemispheres is opened.

[0046] In the present invention, the annular armrest 3 includes an annular main body 31 and an opening and closing part 32, and the annular main body 31 and the opening and closing part 32 are rotatably connected. After the opening and closing part 32 is opened, a person can enter the annular main body 31 to complete training.

[0047] In the present invention, support legs 431 are provided on both sides of the bottom surface of the vibration plate 43, so that a receiving cavity for the inflatable balancing hemisphere is formed between the bottom plate 1 and the vibration plate 43, thereby preventing the inflatable balancing hemisphere from being stepped on and damaged in an uninflated state.

[0048] The present invention also provides a training method using a foot sole vibration stimulation balance training device, comprising the following steps:

[0049] Step 1: Collecting standard state data: The human body stands on the left sole vibration mechanism 4 and the right sole vibration mechanism 5 respectively, and presses the first button to turn on the pressure sensor 4114 to collect the pressure distribution and pressure center COP data of the two feet in the static standing state, which are recorded as standard state data; the standard state data are displayed on the display screen 6 as a reference indicator for subsequent training;

[0050] Step 2: Simple vibration training: Press the second button to energize the lower electromagnetic force member 42, and step on the upper electromagnetic force member 4113 of the multiple vibration units to form a path with the lower electromagnetic force member 42, so as to provide electrical energy to the vibration layer 4112 to form vibration stimulation;

[0051] Step 3: Strengthen balance training: press the left inflation button 10 and the right inflation button 11. During the inflation process, the subject holds the annular armrest 3 with both hands. After the left inflatable balance hemisphere 7 and the right inflatable balance hemisphere are inflated, the subject lets go of the annular armrest 3 and tries to control the body to maintain balance. In the process of maintaining balance, body shaking will cause differences in the forces on different vibration units. With the standard state data in the display screen 6 as a reference indicator, the subject tries to keep the plantar pressure consistent with the standard state indicator.

[0052] As another specific implementation, the single-foot training is to open only the left inflation button 10 or the right inflation button 11 in step three.

[0053] The training method of the present invention allows subjects to perform simple vibration training or enhanced balance training according to actual needs, aiming to enhance the foot sensory sensitivity of the elderly and improve the body's balance control ability. The training method is simple and easy to use.

[0054] Although the specific implementation modes of the present invention are described above, those skilled in the art should understand that the specific implementation modes described are only illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Equivalent modifications and changes made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A balance training device utilizing foot vibration stimulation, characterized in that: It includes a bottom plate, a plurality of column brackets, a circular armrest, a left foot vibration mechanism, a right foot vibration mechanism, a display screen, and an electric control module; the left foot vibration mechanism, the right foot vibration mechanism, and the display screen are all electrically connected to the electric control module; the left foot vibration mechanism and the right foot vibration mechanism are arranged side by side on the bottom plate, and a plurality of column brackets are arranged on the side of the bottom plate to support the circular armrest and the display screen; A left inflatable balancing hemisphere is disposed on the bottom surface of the left sole vibration mechanism, and a right inflatable balancing hemisphere is disposed on the bottom surface of the right sole vibration mechanism.

2. The balance training device using sole vibration stimulation as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The left sole vibration mechanism comprises, from top to bottom, a foot-shaped vibration component, a lower electromagnetic force-conducting member, and a vibration plate, wherein the lower electromagnetic force-conducting member is fixedly mounted on the vibration plate; The foot-shaped vibration component includes a big toe vibration unit, four toe vibration units, a forefoot medial vibration unit, a forefoot middle vibration unit, a forefoot lateral vibration unit, a foot arch medial vibration unit, a foot arch lateral vibration unit, and a heel vibration unit; Any vibration unit includes a contact layer, a vibration layer, and an upper electromagnetic force member, which are fixedly connected in sequence from top to bottom, and the contact layer has a built-in pressure sensor; the upper electromagnetic force member and the lower electromagnetic force member have the same magnetic pole.

3. The balance training device utilizing sole vibration stimulation as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The contact layer is a soft silicone contact layer made of silicone; the left sole vibration mechanism also includes a first circuit connecting the pressure sensor and the electric control module, and a first button arranged on the display screen for turning on the pressure sensor.

4. The balance training device utilizing sole vibration stimulation as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The vibration layer has a built-in linear resonant driver.

5. The balance training device utilizing sole vibration stimulation as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The left sole vibration mechanism also includes a second circuit connecting the lower electromagnetic force member and the electric control module, and a second button arranged on the display screen for energizing the lower electromagnetic force member.

6. The balance training device utilizing sole vibration stimulation as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The structure of the right sole vibration mechanism is the same as that of the left sole vibration mechanism.

7. The balance training device using sole vibration stimulation as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom plate is provided with an inflatable part, which is connected with the left inflatable balancing hemisphere and the right inflatable balancing hemisphere through an inflatable tube; the column bracket is provided with a left inflatable button and a right inflatable button.

8. The balance training device using sole vibration stimulation as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The annular armrest comprises an annular main body portion and an opening and closing portion, and the annular main body portion and the opening and closing portion are rotatably connected.

9. A training method using the balance training device using sole vibration stimulation as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The steps include: Step 1: Collect standard state data: The human body stands on the left sole vibration mechanism and the right sole vibration mechanism respectively, and presses the first button to turn on the pressure sensor to collect the pressure distribution and pressure center COP data of the two feet in the static standing state, which are recorded as standard state data; the standard state data are displayed on the display screen as a reference indicator for subsequent training; Step 2: Simple vibration training: Press the second button to energize the lower electromagnetic force part, and step on the upper electromagnetic force part of multiple vibration units to form a path, providing electrical energy to the vibration layer to form vibration stimulation; Step 3: Strengthen balance training: Press the left inflation button and the right inflation button. During the inflation process, the subject holds the circular armrests with both hands. After the left inflatable balance hemisphere and the right inflatable balance hemisphere are inflated, the subject lets go of the circular armrests and tries to control the body to maintain balance. In the process of maintaining balance, body shaking will cause differences in the forces on different vibration units. With the standard state data on the display screen as a reference indicator, the subject tries to keep the plantar pressure consistent with the standard state indicator.

10. The training method according to claim 9, characterized in that: For single-foot training, turn on only the left inflation button or the right inflation button in step three.

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