Jaw part muscle strength measurement device and jaw part attachment

Abstract

To perform quantitative and reproducible measurement of muscle strength of muscles exerted during swallowing.SOLUTION: A jaw part muscle strength measurement device comprises: a jaw reception element 3 which is equipped with a muscle strength gauge 2 on its upper surface, and receives the jaw of a subject with the muscle strength gauge 2; a chest contact element 4 which is positioned on the chest of the subject; and a fixation belt 5 which is connected to the chest contact element 4 at both ends and fixed around the neck of the subject in a manner of being adjustable in length. The jaw reception element 3 and the chest contact element 4 are rotatably connected with each other, and a length-adjustable support element 6 is provided between the lower surface of the jaw reception element 3 and the front surface of the chest contact element 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a jaw muscle strength measuring device and a jaw attachment to which an instrument such as a muscle strength meter can be attached. [Background technology]

[0002] The effectiveness of training the head flexion muscles at the front of the neck has been proven and is being taught as a form of training to improve laryngeal elevation and esophageal entrance in the treatment of swallowing disorders. For example, rehabilitation training to improve swallowing muscle strength includes squashing a rubber ball under the jaw, or squashing an empty plastic bottle. A quantitative evaluation of the muscle strength involved in swallowing is necessary to understand the current muscle strength and confirm the effectiveness of training.

[0003] In current assessments, the degree of neck flexion strength is vaguely described as "can / cannot lift head in supine position" or "can / cannot place hand on forehead and flex neck to resist pushing force with hand", or is assessed in stages using methods such as MMT (manual muscle testing), GS grade, and mouth opening strength (dedicated measuring equipment is available). Until now, there has been no means to quantitatively capture muscle strength involved in swallowing (typically, strength of the suprahyoid muscles) as a numerical value.

[0004] Patent Document 1 focuses on the fact that the cause of the decline in swallowing function in the elderly is weakened strength of the suprahyoid muscles, which are essential for elevating the larynx when swallowing, and discloses a swallowing muscle strength measuring device that aims to quantitatively and accurately evaluate the strength of the suprahyoid muscles, which are necessary for elevating the larynx when swallowing.

[0005] Here, especially in the case of elderly people, individual differences in physique (stout men, slender women, etc.) and limb position tend to become greater due to decreased muscle strength and changes in posture, etc., and in order to properly measure and train swallowing muscle strength, a device that matches the subject's physique and limb position is required. Also, in order to quantitatively monitor the subject's muscle strength, it is important to perform reproducible measurements. [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2023-37380 DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that enables quantitative and reproducible measurement of the strength of muscles acting during swallowing and training of those muscles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The technical means adopted in the present invention are: A chin rest element having a dynamometer on its upper surface and supporting the chin of the subject on the dynamometer; a chest support element disposed on the subject's chest; a fixing belt whose both ends are connected to the chin rest element and / or the chest rest element and which is fixed around the neck of the subject in a length-adjustable manner; Equipped with The chin rest element and the chest rest element are pivotally connected, and a length-adjustable support element is provided between a lower surface of the chin rest element and a front surface of the chest rest element, and an angle of the chin rest element relative to the chest rest element is determined by the length of the support element; The length of the support element and the length of the fixing belt determine the attachment position relative to the subject. It is a jaw muscle strength measuring device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the muscle strength meter includes a load measuring unit, and the load measuring unit includes a plurality of load sensors provided on an upper surface of the chin rest element. In one embodiment, the fixing belt is composed of a first element and a second element, the length of the fixing belt can be adjusted by adjusting the degree of overlap between the first element and the second element, and a means for fixing the adjusted length is provided. In one embodiment, the support element is composed of a first element and a second element, the length of the support element is adjustable by adjusting the degree of overlap between the first element and the second element, and a means is provided for fixing the adjusted length.

[0009] In one embodiment, the support element is provided with an index that indicates the length of the support element when the length is adjusted. In one embodiment, the index is a scale. In one embodiment, the fixing belt is provided with an index that indicates the length of the fixing belt when the length is adjusted. In one embodiment, an angle display unit is provided that displays the angle of the chin rest element relative to the chest rest element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the muscle force meter is detachably attached to an upper surface of the chin rest element. In one embodiment, a hook-and-loop fastener is provided on an upper surface of the chin rest element and a lower surface of the muscle strength meter, and the muscle strength meter can be attached to and detached from the upper surface of the chin rest element via the hook-and-loop fastener.

[0011] The technical means adopted in the present invention are: a chin rest element for receiving the subject's chin; a chest support element disposed on the subject's chest; a fixing belt whose both ends are connected to the chin rest element and / or the chest rest element and which is fixed around the neck of the subject in a length-adjustable manner; Equipped with The chin rest element and the chest rest element are pivotally connected, and a length-adjustable support element is provided between a lower surface of the chin rest element and a front surface of the chest rest element, and an angle of the chin rest element relative to the chest rest element is determined by the length of the support element; The length of the support element and the length of the fixing belt determine the attachment position relative to the subject. This is the jaw attachment.

[0012] In one embodiment, the chin rest element is provided with a fixing means to which a measuring tool or a training tool is detachably fixed. In one embodiment, the fastening means is a hook and loop fastener. In one embodiment, the fastening means is a recess. Effect of the Invention

[0013] The muscle strength measuring device according to the present invention makes it possible to quantitatively and reproducibly measure muscle strength acting during swallowing (mainly muscle strength of the suprahyoid muscles). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a jaw muscle strength measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention, separated into a jaw attachment and a muscle strength meter. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a jaw attachment according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a jaw attachment according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a jaw muscle strength measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the jaw muscle strength measuring device according to the present embodiment is attached. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a jaw muscle strength measuring device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The jaw muscle strength measuring device and jaw attachment according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the jaw muscle strength measuring device according to this embodiment comprises a jaw attachment 1 and a muscle strength meter 2 that is detachable from the jaw attachment 1.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the chin attachment 1 comprises a chin support element 3 that supports the subject's chin, a chest support element 4 that is positioned on the subject's chest, and a fixed belt 5 that is connected at both ends to the chest support element 4 and is worn around the subject's neck in a length-adjustable manner.

[0017] The muscle strength meter 2 comprises a square plate-shaped load measuring unit 20, a cord 21 that outputs a signal acquired by the load measuring unit 20, a cover 22 attached to cover the upper surface of the load measuring unit 20, and a main body (not shown). The cover 22 is made of elastic resin, and the upper surface is a gently curved concave surface that forms a surface on which the subject's chin is placed. A hook-and-loop fastener 23 is provided on the lower surface of the load measuring unit 20. The main body of the muscle strength meter 2 is equipped with an amplifier for signals acquired by the load measuring unit 20, a calculation unit, a display unit, and an operation unit. The load measuring unit 20 according to this embodiment is a so-called small force plate, and has multiple (for example, four) load sensors disposed at a distance from each other. The load measuring unit 20 measures forces acting on the upper surface of the load measuring unit 20 from all directions using the multiple load sensors, and outputs the total force. The muscle strength measuring device according to this embodiment is designed to measure forces acting on multiple load sensors when a subject wearing the muscle strength measuring device lowers his or her lower jaw. The load measuring unit 20 in this embodiment is configured to add up and output the values ​​of multiple load sensors arranged at a distance from one another, so that even if the subject's jaw and the chin rest element 3 (and the load measuring unit 20) are not precisely aligned (the position of the jaw and the support surface can shift slightly for each measurement), the force acting from the jaw to the load measuring unit 20 can be obtained with high accuracy, enabling measurements with good reproducibility.

[0018] The main body of the dynamometer 2 is composed of a computer (equipped with a calculation unit and a storage unit). The signal acquired by the load measuring unit 20 (equipped with a plurality of load sensors) may be output wirelessly. In this embodiment, the load measuring unit 20 of the dynamometer 2 is mounted on the chin rest element 3, but in addition to the load measuring unit 20, a computer (calculation unit, storage unit) may be mounted on the chin rest element 3. In one embodiment, a monitor device (not shown) is provided separately from the main body of the dynamometer 2, and a force acting on the load measuring unit 20 when the subject lowers the lower jaw is acquired and a numerical value or a graph of the numerical value is displayed on the display unit of the monitor device. The measurement data is transmitted from the main body to the monitor device wirelessly or by wire. The monitor device may be equipped with a computer (calculation unit and storage unit). The display unit of the monitor device is located in a position where the subject can see it during measurement, and the subject performs measurement (training) while checking the display unit of the monitor device. The monitor device can be composed of, for example, a tablet or a smartphone, and the subject may perform training while checking the measurement data received wirelessly from the dynamometer 2 by holding the tablet or smartphone in his or her hand.

[0019] The chin rest element 3 includes a plate-shaped portion 30 and left and right extension pieces 31 extending rearward from both widthwise ends of the plate-shaped portion 30. A hook-and-loop fastener 32 is provided on the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 30. A cushion member 33 is provided on the rear end edge of the plate-shaped portion 30 and on the inner surface of the extension piece 31. The chin rest element 3 according to this embodiment is made of metal, but may be made of other materials such as resin.

[0020] The hook and loop fastener 23 of the muscle strength meter 2 is removably attached to the hook and loop fastener 32 on the upper surface of the plate-like portion 30 of the chin rest element 3. In the muscle strength measuring device according to this embodiment, the muscle strength meter 2 is removably attached to the plate-like portion 30 using a hook and loop fastener, but the means for making it removably attached is not limited to hook and loop fasteners. For example, a recess may be formed in the plate-like portion 30 of the chin rest element 3 so that the muscle strength meter fits into the recess. In the muscle strength measuring device according to this embodiment, the muscle strength meter 2 is removably attached, but the muscle strength meter may be fixed.

[0021] The chest support element 4 comprises a cushioned pad 40 that contacts the chest of the subject, a plate-like portion 41 provided on the front of the pad 40, and left and right extension pieces 42 extending upward from both ends in the width direction of the plate-like portion 40. The plate-like portion 41 forms the front surface of the chest support element 4. The left and right extension pieces 42 are formed with bent pieces 43 extending forward, and the left and right extension pieces 31 of the chin rest element 3 are respectively rotatably connected to the left and right bent pieces 43. The plate-like portion 41 of the chest support element 4 according to this embodiment is made of metal, but may be made of other materials such as resin.

[0022] The fixing belt 5 is composed of a first portion 50 and a second portion 51, and the base end of the first portion is fixed to one of the extension pieces 42 of the plate-shaped portion 41 of the chest support element 4, and the base end of the second portion 51 is fixed to the other extension piece 42. The surfaces of the first portion 50 and the second portion 51 are provided with hook-and-loop fasteners, and the length of the fixing belt 5 can be adjusted by adjusting the overlapping length of the hook-and-loop fasteners. In the fixing belt 5 according to this embodiment, the first portion 50 is located on the inside, and the second portion 51 overlaps the outside of the first portion 50. A cushion is provided on the inside (the side that touches the neck of the subject) of the first portion 50, a hook-and-loop fastener is provided on the outside, and a hook-and-loop fastener is provided on the outside of the second portion 51. The configuration of the fixing belt whose length is adjustable (having a means for fixing the length after adjustment) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0023] In the fixing belt 5 according to this embodiment, the first portion 50 has a plurality of first indexes 500 formed at a predetermined interval in the length direction, and the tip side of the second portion 51 has a positioning second index 510 formed thereon, and the first portion 50 and the second portion 51 are fixed with a hook-and-loop fastener so that the second index 510 is aligned with the selected first index 500. The plurality of first indexes 500 according to this embodiment are distinguishable from one another by color, but may be distinguishable by numbers or the like. Alternatively, the first index 500 may be a scale.

[0024] A length-adjustable support element 6 is provided between the underside of the plate-shaped portion 30 of the chin rest element 3 and the surface of the plate-shaped portion 40 of the chest rest element 4, and the angle of the chin rest element 3 relative to the chest rest element 4 is determined by the length of the support element 6.

[0025] In this embodiment, the support element 6 includes a first element 60 on the chin rest element 3 side, a second element 61 on the chest rest element 4 side, and an adjustment means and fixing means for adjusting the degree of overlap between the first element 60 and the second element 61. The first element 60 and the second element 61 are long plate-like elements.

[0026] The upper end of the first element 60 is rotatably connected to the lower surface of the plate-like portion 30 of the chin rest element 3, and a shaft portion 600 having a screw formed therein protrudes forward (perpendicular to the surface of the plate-like element) from the lower end of the first element 50. A scale 601 is formed on the front surface of the first element 60. The lower end of the second element 61 is rotatably connected to the plate-like portion 40 of the chest support element 4. The second element 61 is a long plate-like element, and has a long hole 610 formed along its length.

[0027] When the first element 60 and the second element 61 are overlapped, the shaft portion 600 of the first element 60 protrudes from the elongated hole 610 of the second element 61, and the degree of overlap between the first element 60 and the second element 61 is adjustable within the length of the elongated hole 610, that is, the length of the support element 6 is adjustable. At this time, the length of the support element 6, specifically, the degree of overlap between the first element 60 and the second element 61, can be determined by the graduations of the scale 601. More specifically, it can be determined by aligning a predetermined portion of the second element 61 with the graduations of the scale 601.

[0028] A knob 62 is provided on the shaft portion 600. The knob 62 has a female screw portion that is screwed into the screw portion of the shaft portion, and the knob 62 is capable of reciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion 600. The knob 62 is provided with a pressing portion 620, and by rotating the knob 62 in a first direction, the pressing portion 620 approaches the first element 60 and presses the second element 61, thereby fixing the overlapping portion of the first element 60 and the second element 61, and the surface portion of the first element 60 and the surface portion of the second element 61 come into contact with each other, forming a support element 6 that extends in a straight line in a side view.

[0029] By turning the knob 62 in the second direction, the pressing portion 620 moves away from the first element 60, releasing the pressing state of the second element 61, and the fixed state of the overlapping portion of the first element 60 and the second element 61 is released (FIGS. 2 and 3 show the fixed state released), and the first element 60 and the second element 61 become rotatable, so that the degree of overlap between the first element 60 and the second element 61 can be adjusted. Note that the configuration of the support element whose length is adjustable (having a means for fixing the length after adjustment) is not limited to the embodiment shown in the figures.

[0030] In the jaw muscle strength measuring device according to this embodiment, the attachment position of the muscle strength measuring device on the subject is determined by the length of the support element 6 and the length of the fixing belt 5. In other words, by adjusting the length of the support element 6 and the length of the fixing belt 5, it is possible to attach the muscle strength measuring device in accordance with the subject's unique physique and limb position. At this time, since the length of the support element 6 is determined by the scale 601, and the length of the fixing belt 5 is determined by aligning the first index and the second index, the length of the support element 6 and the length of the fixing belt 5 are reproducible, and therefore reproducible muscle strength measurement is possible.

[0031] The jaw muscle strength measuring device according to this embodiment targets the suprahyoid muscles involved in laryngeal elevation during swallowing, and can measure the muscle strength of the suprahyoid muscles as a numerical value. Furthermore, by providing an adjustment function for the attachment position of the muscle strength measuring device to the subject, it is possible to adjust the pressure setting position optimally for subjects of various physiques and postures, thereby enabling highly reproducible muscle strength measurements without being influenced by the subject's physique and limb position or by disturbance forces such as trunk muscle strength.

[0032] The jaw attachment 1 according to this embodiment can be used for rehabilitation training to improve swallowing muscle strength. For example, it may be used for training in which a rubber ball is placed between the plate-shaped part 30 of the chin rest element 3 and the underside of the jaw and crushed.

[0033] FIG. 6 shows a jaw muscle strength measuring device according to another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, an angle display unit 7 is provided that displays the angle of the chin rest element 3 relative to the chest rest element 4. The angle display unit 7 according to this embodiment is composed of a panel 8 having an angle scale 81, and an indicator 9 that indicates the angle scale. The basic configuration of the muscle strength measuring device is the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, but in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the base end of the first portion 50 and the base end of the second portion 50 of the fixing belt 5 are fixed to the left and right extension pieces 42 of the plate-like portion 41 of the chest rest element 4 via metal fixing pieces 500.

[0034] The face plate 8 is provided on one of the extension pieces 42 of the plate-like portion 41 of the chest support element 4 so as to rise perpendicularly to the extension piece 42. More specifically, the left and right extension pieces 42 are formed with bent pieces (rising pieces) 43 that extend forward, and the left and right extension pieces 31 of the chin rest element 3 are respectively rotatably connected to the left and right bending pieces 43 (see Figs. 1 and 2), and the face plate 8 is attached to one of the bent pieces (rising piece) 43 (hidden by the face plate 8 in Fig. 6).

[0035] The face plate 8 is provided so as to closely face the side of one of the extension pieces 31 of the chin rest element 3, and its upper end forms an arc-shaped edge 80 along which angle graduations 81 are provided. In a side view of the chin attachment 1, the length direction of the extension piece 31 and the radial direction of the arc-shaped edge 80 coincide with each other, and the extension piece 31 is provided with an indicator (arrow) 9 indicating the angle graduations, located above the part facing the face piece 8, and the angle indicated by the indicator 9 is the angle of the chin rest element 3 relative to the chest rest element 4. The attachment position of the muscle strength measuring device with respect to the subject can be adjusted based on the angle of the chin rest element 3 relative to the chest rest element 4.

[0036] [Note] The muscle strength measuring device of the present invention focuses on the numerical measurement of anterior neck muscle strength (the strength of the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles in the anterior neck area) as an area for evaluating swallowing muscle strength, and attempts to capture muscle strength by the force pressing down on the jaw.It is characterized by its ability to quantitatively capture muscle strength involved in swallowing (representatively, the strength of the suprahyoid muscles) as a numerical value by obtaining the force acting on a muscle dynamometer (load measuring unit) when the subject lowers his or her lower jaw, and can be defined as the technical idea below. a chest support element disposed on the subject's chest; a chin rest element extending forward from an upper portion of the chest rest element, having a load measuring portion on an upper surface thereof, and receiving the chin of the subject at the load measuring portion; a support element provided between a lower surface of the chin rest element and a front surface of the chest rest element; a fastening belt whose both ends are connected to the chin rest element and / or the chest rest element and which is provided around the subject's neck; A jaw muscle strength measuring device equipped with the above. The support element fixes the position (angle) of the chin rest element relative to the chest rest element, so that the force acting on the load measuring unit is obtained when a subject wearing the muscle strength measuring device lowers his or her lower jaw (presses the chin against the load measuring unit). The force acting on the load measuring unit when the subject lowers the mandible can be regarded as a value representative of the muscle forces acting during swallowing (mainly the muscle forces of the suprahyoid muscles). The muscle strength measuring device according to the present invention makes it possible to measure only the strength of the anterior neck muscles while minimizing the force due to the movement of the subject's shoulders and the force due to the movement of the trunk (external force). In one embodiment, the load measuring unit is equipped with multiple load sensors arranged at a distance from each other, and is designed to be able to detect force with high accuracy regardless of where the load is applied on the pressure-receiving surface. Even if the chin resting position or contact position is off-center of the pressure-receiving surface, there is no deviation in the measurement value, improving measurement reproducibility. In one embodiment, the chin rest element and the chest rest element are pivotally connected, The support element is length adjustable; The length of the support element determines the angle of the chin rest element relative to the chest rest element. By making the length of the support element adjustable, a common device can be used to suit the subject's physique and limb position. In one embodiment, the support element is provided with an index that indicates the length of the support element when the length is adjusted. In one embodiment, an angle display unit is provided that displays the angle of the chin rest element relative to the chest rest element. By using these indices, the device can be adapted to each subject with good reproducibility, regardless of the subject's gender or physique, enabling highly reproducible measurements. In one embodiment, the fixing belt is adjustable in length. By making the length of the fixing belt adjustable, a common device can be used to suit the subject's physique and limb position. In one embodiment, the fixing belt is provided with an index that indicates the length of the fixing belt when the length is adjusted. By using such indicators, the device can be adapted to each subject with good reproducibility, regardless of the subject's gender or physique, enabling highly reproducible measurements.

[0037] In one embodiment, a monitor device is provided that acquires and displays the force acting on the load measuring section (plurality of load sensors) when the subject lowers his or her lower jaw. The force acting on the load measuring unit (plurality of load sensors) when the subject lowers the lower jaw can be regarded as a value representative of the muscle forces acting during swallowing (mainly the muscle forces of the suprahyoid muscles). In one aspect, the jaw strength measuring device according to the present embodiment can be used as a training support device for the jaw strength of a subject. In a specific embodiment, (1) Using the muscle strength measuring device according to this embodiment, measure the muscle strength of the subject (100% strength) to obtain the maximum muscle strength value; (2) setting a training threshold according to the maximum muscle strength value; (3) Repeated training (lowering the mandible and applying pressure to the load measuring part) is performed with the above threshold as the target. (4) To evaluate the training, the measurements in (1) are taken and the effects of the training on strengthening muscles are confirmed. The measured values ​​of (1), (3), and (4) and the threshold value of (2) are displayed on the monitor display (typically as a graph), and the subject performs the training while checking the numerical values ​​and graphs on the display. Quantitative and reproducible measurement of the force acting on the load measuring unit (multiple load sensors) when the subject lowers his / her mandible is important for effective training of the head flexion muscle strength in the front of the neck. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1 Jaw attachment 2. Muscle strength tester 20 Load measurement section 3 Chin rest element 4 Chestplate elements 5 Fixation belt 6 Supporting elements 7 Angle display section

Claims

1. A chin rest element having a dynamometer on its upper surface and supporting the chin of the subject on the dynamometer; a chest support element disposed on the subject's chest; a fixing belt whose both ends are connected to the chin rest element and / or the chest rest element and which is fixed around the neck of the subject in a length-adjustable manner; Equipped with The chin rest element and the chest rest element are pivotally connected, and a length-adjustable support element is provided between a lower surface of the chin rest element and a front surface of the chest rest element, and an angle of the chin rest element relative to the chest rest element is determined by the length of the support element; The length of the support element and the length of the fixing belt determine the attachment position relative to the subject. Jaw muscle strength measuring device.

2. The support element is provided with an index indicating the length of the support element when adjusting the length. The jaw muscle strength measuring device according to claim 1.

3. The fixing belt is provided with an index that indicates the length of the fixing belt when adjusting the length. The jaw muscle strength measuring device according to claim 2.

4. The muscle strength meter is attachable to and detachable from the upper surface of the chin rest element. The jaw muscle strength measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An angle display unit is provided which displays the angle of the chin rest element relative to the chest rest element. The muscle strength measuring device according to claim 1 .

6. a chin rest element for receiving the subject's chin; a chest support element disposed on the subject's chest; a fixing belt whose both ends are connected to the chin rest element and / or the chest rest element and which is fixed around the neck of the subject in a length-adjustable manner; Equipped with The chin rest element and the chest rest element are pivotally connected, and a length-adjustable support element is provided between a lower surface of the chin rest element and a front surface of the chest rest element, and an angle of the chin rest element relative to the chest rest element is determined by the length of the support element; The length of the support element and the length of the fixing belt determine the attachment position relative to the subject. Jaw attachment.

7. 7. The chin attachment according to claim 6, wherein said chin rest element is provided with a fixing means for removably fixing a measuring tool or a training tool.

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