Hand grip strength testing and training device

Abstract

The invention discloses a hand grip strength testing and training device which comprises a pressurizing air bag which is configured to be in a mode that the pressurizing air bag can be compressed inwards when being extruded and can be rebounded when being loosened and used for being extruded by a hand to generate air pressure change; and the pressure sensor is communicated with the pressurizing air bag and is used for measuring the air pressure value of the pressurizing air bag. The device is simple in structure, low in cost, easy and flexible to operate, capable of meeting the single-hand and double-hand testing requirement, capable of providing stable and quantifiable data and assisting precise rehabilitation evaluation, capable of meeting the requirement of a patient for simple rehabilitation training while providing a data testing function, capable of meeting the requirements of different scenes and high in practicability. And reliable data support is provided for rehabilitation evaluation of the hand disease patient.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of rehabilitation and fitness equipment, and particularly relates to a hand grip strength testing and training device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Hand grip strength is an important indicator for measuring hand muscle strength, nerve function and joint mobility. In particular, for patients with hand diseases such as post-stroke sequelae, wrist fracture and ulnar nerve injury, grip strength recovery is the core basis for evaluating rehabilitation effect. At present, the commonly used grip strength testing tools in the clinic and at home are mainly divided into two categories: One type is a mechanical spring type grip strength meter. Its principle is to compress the spring by hand gripping, and to drive the pointer to display the grip strength value by spring deformation. However, this type of tool has low precision, inaccurate data due to spring fatigue, fixed grip handle shape and other problems. For patients with hand swelling and limited activity, it is difficult to hold comfortably, and it may even aggravate the discomfort.

[0003] The other type is an electronic grip strength meter. It does not conform to the way people hold, and it is not comfortable to hold. It is difficult to intelligently adjust the holding difficulty, and it cannot measure the work done.

[0004] In addition, most of the existing grip strength testing tools can only test a single hand at a time. If the difference between the grip strengths of both hands needs to be compared, it needs to be tested twice, which is cumbersome and prone to data errors due to different testing times. Moreover, there is a lack of devices that can consider both testing and rehabilitation training. SUMMARY

[0005] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a hand grip strength testing and training device, which aims to solve at least one technical problem mentioned in the background.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides a hand grip strength testing and training device, comprising: A pressurized air bag configured in a form that can be compressed inwardly and released to restore, for being squeezed by hands to generate air pressure changes; A pressure sensor in communication with the pressurized air bag for measuring the air pressure value of the pressurized air bag.

[0007] Further comprising: An air outlet pipe in communication with the pressurized air bag, and the pressure sensor is arranged on the other side of the pressurized air bag opposite to the air outlet pipe.

[0008] Further comprising: A first valve arranged between the pressurized air bag and the external environment and conductive when the pressurized air bag is in a negative pressure state, for allowing external air to enter the pressurized air bag when the pressurized air bag restores; A second valve is arranged between the pressurized air bag and the external environment and is openable when the pressurized air bag is in a positive pressure state, for increasing the exhaust resistance of the pressurized air bag. The pressure sensor is arranged between the first valve or the second valve and the pressurized air bag.

[0009] Further, the pressurized air bag comprises: A handheld air bag for hand holding operation; An expansion air bag in communication with the handheld air bag, for receiving the gas exhausted from the handheld air bag when the handheld air bag is squeezed.

[0010] Further, the pressurized air bag comprises: A third valve arranged between the handheld air bag and the external environment and openable when the handheld air bag is in a negative pressure state; A fourth valve arranged between the handheld air bag and the expansion air bag and openable when the air pressure of the handheld air bag is greater than that of the expansion air bag.

[0011] Further, the pressure sensor is arranged between the fourth valve and the expansion air bag.

[0012] Further, the pressurized air bag comprises: A deflation valve and / or a pump in communication with the expansion air bag, for controlling the air pressure of the expansion air bag.

[0013] Further, the expansion air bag is connected with a flexible air pipe for communication with the handheld air bag.

[0014] Further, the data obtained by the pressure sensor can be displayed through an interface.

[0015] Further, the hand grip strength test and training device is configured with two sets, and symmetrical training can be performed on the left and right hands.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present application are embodied in: The present application has the advantages of simple structure, ellipsoidal shape in line with ergonomics, comfortable holding of flexible material, easy and flexible operation, measurement of holding force and work, measurement of maximum single holding force and endurance of multiple holding, meeting the needs of single and double hand testing, providing stable and quantifiable data to assist precise rehabilitation evaluation, meeting the needs of patients for rehabilitation training while providing data testing function, meeting different scene needs, and performing symmetrical training through comparison of left and right holding conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a structural schematic view of a hand grip strength test and training device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 Fig. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a hand grip strength testing and training device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 Fig. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a hand grip strength testing and training device according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Legend of reference signs: 1, pressurized air bag; 2, pressure sensor; 3, air outlet pipe; 4, air inlet pipe; 5, first valve; 6, second valve; 7, hand-held air bag; 8, expansion air bag; 9, third valve; 10, fourth valve; 11, flexible air pipe; 12, air release valve; 13, connecting frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments. The embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0020] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present application involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement condition, etc. between the components in a certain posture (as shown in the drawings), and if the certain posture changes, the directional indications also change accordingly.

[0021] In addition, if the embodiments of the present application involve descriptions of “first”, “second”, etc., the descriptions of “first”, “second”, etc. are only for description purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited by “first”, “second” can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features.

[0022] Example One Reference should be made to Figure 1 : The embodiment provides a hand grip strength testing and training device, which comprises: A pressurized air bag 1 is configured in a form of being squeezed to be inwardly compressed and being released to be rebounded, and is used for being squeezed by a hand to generate air pressure change; A pressure sensor 2 is in communication with the pressurized air bag 1, and is used for measuring the air pressure value of the pressurized air bag 1.

[0023] The more preferred embodiment of the embodiment further comprises: An air outlet pipe 3 is in communication with the pressurized air bag 1, and the pressure sensor 2 is arranged on the other side of the pressurized air bag 1 opposite to the air outlet pipe 3.

[0024] The more preferred embodiment of the present application further comprises: An air inlet pipe 4 is in communication with the pressurized air bag 1 and is located opposite to the air outlet pipe 3, and the pressure sensor 2 is arranged on the air inlet pipe 4.

[0025] The more preferred embodiment of the present application further comprises: A first valve 5 is arranged between the pressurized air bag 1 and the external environment and is conductive when the pressurized air bag 1 is in a negative pressure state, so as to allow external air to enter the pressurized air bag 1 when the pressurized air bag 1 rebounds.

[0026] The more preferred embodiment of the present application further comprises: A second valve 6 is arranged between the pressurized air bag 1 and the external environment and is conductive when the pressurized air bag 1 is in a positive pressure state, so as to increase the exhaust resistance of the pressurized air bag 1.

[0027] The pressure sensor 2 can be arranged between the first valve 5 or the second valve 6 and the pressurized air bag 1. In the example shown in the figure, the first valve 5 is arranged on the air inlet pipe 4, the second valve 6 is arranged on the air outlet pipe 3, and the pressure sensor 2 is arranged on the air inlet pipe 4 and located between the first valve 5 and the pressurized air bag 1.

[0028] In specific implementations, the first valve 4 and the second valve 5 can both be one-way valves.

[0029] The hand grip strength testing and training device of the present application includes two use modes: One is a closed mode, in which the air outlet pipe 3 and the first valve 5 (or the first valve 5 is closed) are not included, and the entire device is in a closed state. When measuring the grip strength, the hand squeezes the pressurized air bag 1 and keeps still, and the air pressure is measured by the pressure sensor 2. If rehabilitation training is required, the pressurized air bag 1 can be repeatedly squeezed by hand. The pressurized air bag 1 can be made of a material and have a structure and size that can rebound well.

[0030] Secondly, the inflation mode, in which the outflow pipe 3 and the first valve 5 are included, when the hand grip force is measured, the hand holds and squeezes the pressurized air bag 1, and the first valve 5 is not conducted (at this time, the air pressure in the pressurized air bag 1 is greater than the atmospheric pressure), the gas in the pressurized air bag 1 is discharged through the outflow pipe 3, and the air pressure in this process is measured by the pressure sensor 2, and when the hand is released, the pressurized air bag 1 rebounds and restores, and the first valve 5 is conducted (at this time, the air pressure in the pressurized air bag 1 is less than the atmospheric pressure), and the external air enters the pressurized air bag 1. If rehabilitation training is required, the pressurized air bag 1 can be repeatedly squeezed by hand, and due to the design of the outflow pipe 3 and the first valve 5, the pressurized air bag 1 always maintains the atmospheric pressure when the hand is released, and the rehabilitation training can be performed for a long time.

[0031] The outflow pipe 3 of the embodiment has the effect of avoiding the accumulation of gas in the pressurized air bag 1 due to the inflow of the first valve 5.

[0032] Example Two Referring to Figure 2 : The embodiment provides a hand grip force testing and training device, which also includes a pressurized air bag and a pressure sensor, and the difference between the embodiment and the first embodiment is that the pressurized air bag of the embodiment includes: The hand-held air bag 7 is used for hand operation; The expansion air bag 8 is in communication with the hand-held air bag 7 and is used for receiving the gas discharged from the hand-held air bag 7 when the hand-held air bag 7 is squeezed.

[0033] The more preferred embodiment of the embodiment also includes: The third valve 9 is arranged between the hand-held air bag 7 and the external environment and can be conducted when the hand-held air bag 7 is in a negative pressure state; The fourth valve 10 is arranged between the hand-held air bag 7 and the expansion air bag 8 and can be conducted when the air pressure of the hand-held air bag 7 is greater than that of the expansion air bag 8.

[0034] The third valve 9 and the fourth valve 10 can also be one-way valves.

[0035] In the more preferred embodiment of the embodiment, the pressure sensor 2 is arranged between the fourth valve 10 and the expansion air bag 8.

[0036] In the more preferred embodiment of the embodiment, the expansion air bag 8 is connected with a flexible air pipe 11 for communication with the hand-held air bag 7. The flexible air pipe 11 can be a silica gel pipe, and the two ends are connected with the pressure sensor 2 and the expansion air bag 8, or directly communicated with the pressurized air bag 1. The function of the flexible air pipe 11 is to make the components flexible and bendable with the hand movement, and the length is preferably designed to be 20-50 cm, which avoids the limitation of hand movement due to too short length and prevents too long length from causing too large air flow resistance.

[0037] A more preferred embodiment further includes: A vent valve 12 and / or a pump, connected to the expansion airbag 8, are used to control the air pressure in the expansion airbag 8. The function of the vent valve 12 is to release air and restore the pressure when there is too much gas inside the expansion airbag 8. The vent valve 12 can be a manual or electric valve, which can quickly release gas after testing for easy reuse; the function of the pump is to inflate the expansion airbag 8 in advance to increase the gripping resistance.

[0038] The hand grip strength test and training device in this embodiment also includes two usage methods: First, in closed mode, the third valve 9 and the fourth valve 10 are not present (or the third valve 9 is closed and the fourth valve 10 is open). When testing grip strength, the hand squeezes the handheld airbag 7 and holds it still. The pressure sensor 2 measures the overall air pressure of the handheld airbag 7 and the expansion airbag 8. If rehabilitation training is required, the handheld airbag 7 can be squeezed repeatedly.

[0039] Secondly, in the inflation mode, which includes a third valve 9 and a fourth valve 10, when testing grip strength, the hand squeezes and holds the handbag 7 still. The third valve 9 is not open (at this time, the air pressure inside the handbag 7 is greater than atmospheric pressure), while the fourth valve 10 is open (at this time, the air pressure on the side of pressure sensor 2 is less than the air pressure on the side of handbag 7). The gas inside the handbag 7 is expelled and enters the expansion airbag 8. The air pressure of the expansion airbag 8 is measured by pressure sensor 2. When released, the handbag 7 rebounds and returns to its original position. The third valve 9 is open (at this time, the air pressure inside the handbag 7 is less than atmospheric pressure), allowing outside air to enter the handbag 7. The fourth valve 10 is not open, preventing the gas inside the expansion airbag 8 from flowing back into the handbag 7. For rehabilitation training, the handbag 7 can be repeatedly squeezed for extended periods.

[0040] This embodiment is equivalent to expanding the overall space of the pressurized airbag by expanding the volume of the handheld airbag 7 through the expansion airbag 8, which can increase the air pressure detection range and adjust the training difficulty.

[0041] The expansion airbag 8 can be made of elastic sealing materials, such as rubber or elastomeric materials. When not inflated, it is flat and expands evenly after inflation. It collects the gas discharged from the handheld airbag 7 to prevent excessive air pressure inside the handheld airbag, which would make it inconvenient to grip.

[0042] Example Three See Figure 3 : The embodiment is to provide two sets of hand grip test and training device of embodiment one or two, and the two sets of hand grip test and training device are symmetrically connected. In this way, the left and right hands can be symmetrically trained, and the synchronous measurement of the two hands can be performed. The two sets of modes are particularly suitable for stroke patients and other users who need to compare the functional differences of the two hands, so that the time error of two tests can be reduced, and the evaluation accuracy can be improved.

[0043] As a more preferred embodiment of all the above embodiments, the data obtained by the pressure sensor can be displayed through an interface, such as a digital pressure sensor or a host display screen. The change of air pressure can be detected in real time, and the data can be displayed on the screen to achieve the purpose of data visualization.

[0044] As a more preferred embodiment of all the above embodiments, the pressurized air bag or handheld air bag is an arc-shaped structure that fits the physiological curve of the hand, has moderate pressing and rebounding force, is suitable for patients with weak hand strength, adopts an ellipsoid shape, and selects a suitable size to meet the different sizes of hands, such as the spindle shape shown in the figure.

[0045] When the devices of all the above embodiments are used, the user can take a comfortable sitting posture, hold the pressurized air bag or handheld air bag in the hand to be tested, ensure that the hand is naturally curved, and after the air pressure value is measured, the grip strength value is converted according to the pre-calibrated “air pressure-grip strength table”. It is recommended to test continuously for 3 times and take the average value to evaluate the recovery of the hand.

[0046] In all the above embodiments: the one-way valve used is preferably a one-way valve that can be opened and closed, that is, it has three working modes of normal one-way conduction mode controlled by air pressure, closed mode (i.e. the valve channel is always open) and closed mode (i.e. the valve channel is always closed).

[0047] The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A hand grip strength tester and trainer, characterized by, The application relates to a hand-grip strength testing and training device. The device comprises: a pressurized air bag configured to be squeezed by hand to generate air pressure change; 2. The hand grip strength tester and trainer of claim 1, wherein, a pressure sensor in communication with the pressurized air bag for measuring the air pressure value of the pressurized air bag. The device further comprises:

3. The hand grip strength tester and trainer of claim 1, wherein, an air outlet pipe in communication with the pressurized air bag, and the pressure sensor is arranged on the other side of the pressurized air bag opposite to the air outlet pipe. The device further comprises: a first valve arranged between the pressurized air bag and the external environment and capable of being turned on when the pressurized air bag is in a negative pressure state, for allowing external air to enter the pressurized air bag when the pressurized air bag rebounds; a second valve arranged between the pressurized air bag and the external environment and capable of being turned on when the pressurized air bag is in a positive pressure state, for increasing the air exhaust resistance of the pressurized air bag; 4. The hand grip strength tester and trainer of claim 1, wherein, the pressure sensor is arranged between the first valve or the second valve and the pressurized air bag. The pressurized air bag comprises: a hand-held air bag for hand operation; 5. The handgrip test and trainer of claim 4, wherein an expansion air bag in communication with the hand-held air bag for receiving the air exhausted from the hand-held air bag when the hand-held air bag is squeezed. The device further comprises: a third valve arranged between the hand-held air bag and the external environment and capable of being turned on when the hand-held air bag is in a negative pressure state; 6. The handgrip test and trainer of claim 5, wherein a fourth valve arranged between the hand-held air bag and the expansion air bag and capable of being turned on when the air pressure of the hand-held air bag is greater than that of the expansion air bag.

7. The handgrip test and trainer as claimed in claim 4 or 5 or 6, characterized in that The pressure sensor is arranged between the fourth valve and the expansion air bag. The device further comprises:

8. The handgrip test and trainer as claimed in claim 4 or 5 or 6, wherein, an air exhaust valve and / or a pump in communication with the expansion air bag for controlling the air pressure of the expansion air bag.

9. The handgrip test and trainer according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The expansion air bag is connected with a flexible air pipe for communication with the hand-held air bag.

10. The handgrip test and trainer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The data obtained by the pressure sensor can be displayed through an interface. The hand-grip strength testing and training device is configured with two sets and can perform symmetrical training of left and right hands.

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