Cognitive motor function evaluation device

Abstract

To provide a cognitive motor function evaluation device capable of appropriately evaluating a human cognitive motor function by considering a human internal model (prediction error reduction model).SOLUTION: A cognitive motor function evaluation device 20 is provided with an ergometer 21, a monitor 22, and a control unit 23 having physical motor function evaluating means 54 and cognitive function evaluating means 55, and evaluates the cognitive function of a subject by the cognitive function evaluating means 55 after the evaluation of the physical motor function of the subject by the physical motor function evaluating means 54 exceeds a prescribed level. The physical motor function is evaluated based on the difference between a speed of a simulation vehicle by the operation of a pedal part 32 of the ergometer 21 and a target speed, and the cognitive function is evaluated based on the difference between a vehicle locus 41B by the operation of a handle part 33 of the ergometer 21 and a target locus 41A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cognitive motor ability assessment device for assessing the cognitive motor ability of a subject. [Background technology]

[0002] It has long been known that driving a vehicle has the effect of maintaining and improving the cognitive motor functions (cognitive function and physical motor function) of elderly people and others. For this reason, various devices that simulate vehicle driving have been proposed as devices for training and evaluating the cognitive motor functions of elderly people and others. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a simulator that simulates bicycle riding by operating the pedals and handlebars. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a system for maintaining and improving cognitive function that allows aerobic exercise and cognitive function training to be performed simultaneously by performing aerobic exercise by pedaling and a screen touch game linked to the aerobic exercise. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 2589581 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6934826 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, although devices capable of training and evaluating cognitive motor functions have existed for some time, these devices did not consider the evaluation of cognitive function taking into account the internal model of human cognition. As a result, these devices were not always able to accurately evaluate cognitive function. For example, even if there was no significant problem with cognitive function itself, if a person's muscle strength to operate a training device was unstable due to aging (simply because their physical motor function was insufficient), their cognitive function could be evaluated as insufficient.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a cognitive-motor ability assessment device that can appropriately evaluate human cognitive-motor functions by taking into account a human internal model (prediction error reduction model). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following solution: That is, as described in claim 1, a cognitive motor ability assessment device for assessing the cognitive motor ability of a subject comprises: information providing means for providing information to the subject, operation input means by which the subject can input operations in accordance with the information from the information providing means, physical motor function assessment means for assessing the physical motor function of the subject based on the information and the operations performed by the subject, and cognitive function assessment means for assessing the cognitive function of the subject based on the information and the operations performed by the subject, and the cognitive function assessment means assesses the cognitive function of the subject after the assessment of the physical motor function of the subject by the physical motor function assessment means has increased beyond a predetermined level.

[0007] According to the above solution, an evaluation is performed by a cognitive function evaluation means (e.g., cognitive function evaluation means 55) after the evaluation of the subject's physical motor function by a physical motor function evaluation means (e.g., a physical motor function evaluation means) has exceeded a predetermined level. Therefore, for example, even if the cognitive function itself is sufficient, in cases where the physical motor function has simply declined due to aging and the subject is unable to move their body as intended, the evaluation of cognitive function is prevented from being low, and an accurate cognitive function evaluation can be performed.

[0008] A preferred embodiment based on the above-described solution is as set forth in claim 2 and subsequent claims. That is, the operations input to the operation input means are classified into physical motor system operations and cognitive system operations, and the physical motor function evaluation means evaluates the physical motor function of the subject based on the degree of deviation of the physical motor system operations from the information, and the cognitive function evaluation means evaluates the cognitive system function of the subject based on the degree of deviation of the cognitive system operations from the information (corresponding to claim 2). In this case, the physical motor function evaluation means evaluates the physical motor function based on the physical motor system operations, and the cognitive function evaluation means evaluates the cognitive function based on the cognitive system operations, so that it is possible to accurately evaluate each of the physical motor function and the cognitive function.

[0009] The physical motor system operations are operations that the subject performs based on predictions of his / her own physical movements, and the cognitive system operations are operations that the subject performs based on predictions based on perceptions of the external environment (corresponding to claim 3). In this case, the physical motor system operations and the cognitive system operations can be appropriately classified based on a human prediction error reduction model.

[0010] The driving operation input means is a device simulating a vehicle, and includes a pedal section that moves the vehicle forward when operated by the subject's legs, and a handle section that determines the direction of travel of the vehicle when operated by the subject's hands, and the physical motor function evaluation means evaluates the physical motor function of the subject using the subject's operation of the pedal section as the physical motor system operation, and the cognitive function evaluation means evaluates the subject's cognitive function using the subject's operation of the handle section as the cognitive system operation (corresponding to claim 4).In this case, the physical motor system operation and the cognitive function system operation can be appropriately set in the device simulating a vehicle (e.g., ergometer 21), and the cognitive motor function of the subject can be accurately evaluated.

[0011] The physical motor function evaluation means evaluates the physical motor function of the subject based on the difference between the target speed of the vehicle given to the subject as the information and the speed of the vehicle obtained by the subject's operation of the pedal unit (corresponding to claim 5). In this case, the physical motor function is evaluated based on the operation of the pedal unit (e.g., pedal unit 32), which is closely related to the subject's physical motor function, so that the physical motor function can be accurately evaluated.

[0012] The cognitive function evaluation means evaluates the cognitive function of the subject based on the difference between the target trajectory of the vehicle given to the subject as the information and the trajectory of the vehicle obtained by the subject operating the handle part (corresponding to claim 6). In this case, the cognitive function is evaluated based on the operation of the handle part (e.g., handle part 33), which is closely related to the cognitive function of the subject, so that the cognitive function can be accurately evaluated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the cognitive and motor ability assessment device can appropriately assess cognitive function while excluding the influence of simple decline in physical motor function, and therefore, the training effect using the cognitive and motor ability assessment device can be obtained effectively and quickly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a driver's internal model (prediction error reduction model). [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a cognitive motor ability assessment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a handle portion of the cognitive motor ability assessment device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display content on the monitor screen of the cognitive motor ability assessment device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a cognitive motor ability assessment procedure of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a driver internal model 1 (a model for reducing human prediction errors) that forms the basis of the present invention. This driver internal model 1 models the state of the driver's brain while driving a vehicle by applying the idea of ​​the free energy principle related to human brain function to the brain processing of the driver, particularly while driving a vehicle, and was constructed by the inventor of the present invention. The present invention configures a cognitive motor ability assessment device based on the idea of ​​this driver internal model 1. First, the details of the driver internal model 1 will be described.

[0016] The free energy principle is a theory proposed by Friston that provides a unified explanation of the various functions of the human brain as a system that attempts to minimize free energy. According to the free energy principle, the internal model of the human brain is updated (modified) so as to minimize prediction error.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, the driver internal model 1 includes a motor system internal model 1A and a body system internal model 1B. Here, the motor system internal model 1A models the function in the brain of the driver while driving, which makes inference about the motor system (i.e., predicts the behavior of the vehicle in response to driving operations) and controls the body movement (driving operations) based on this inference. On the other hand, the body system internal model 1B models the function in the brain of the driver while driving, which makes inference about the body system (i.e., predicts the body states of the internal organs, blood vessels, etc. while driving a vehicle), and controls the body states (states of the internal organs, blood vessels, etc.) based on this inference.

[0018] In the brain of a driver while driving a vehicle, two processing loops are carried out: a motor system processing loop 3A (in the figure, a processing loop including motor system internal model 1A → result prediction 11 → driving operation 12 → vehicle behavior 13 → perception and cognition 14 → motor system prediction error 2A) for reducing motor system prediction error 2A centered on motor system internal model 1A, and an internal system processing loop 3B (in the figure, a processing loop including internal system model 1B → internal state prediction 15 → internal state 16 → internal system prediction error 2B) for reducing internal system prediction error 2B centered on internal system internal model 1B.

[0019] Here, the motor system prediction error 2A is recognized by the motor system internal model 1A as the difference between the vehicle behavior predicted by the driver (predicted result 11) and the actual vehicle behavior 13 (realized result). On the other hand, the body system prediction error 2B is recognized by the body system internal model 1B as the difference between the prediction 15 of the driver's body state and the actual body state 16.

[0020] In driving a vehicle, an appropriate driving operation 12 is performed by adjusting the driving operation 12 to reduce the motor system prediction error 2A. For example, when changing lanes, if the timing of the lane change is inappropriate and a motor system prediction error 2A occurs, an appropriate driving operation 12 (lane change) can be performed by correcting the timing of the lane change to reduce the motor system prediction error 2A. On the other hand, if the driving operation 12 cannot be adjusted successfully to reduce the motor system prediction error 2A, the state in which the appropriate driving operation 12 cannot be performed will continue.

[0021] In the driver internal model 1, the motor system internal model 1A and the internal motor system internal model 1B are updated in the process of reducing the motor system prediction error 2A and the internal motor system prediction error 2B in the motor system processing loop 3A and the internal motor system processing loop 3B. For example, if the steering timing for changing lanes has been delayed and the lane change has not been smooth until then, when the motor system internal model 1A is updated to reduce the motor system prediction error 2A (a new hypothesis is adopted that steering needs to be performed at an earlier timing in order to change lanes), the steering timing for changing lanes is appropriately advanced, and steering can be performed at the appropriate timing.

[0022] When the motor system processing loop 3A in such a driver internal model 1 is examined in more detail, the motor system prediction error 2A is considered to have two elements: a prediction error that occurs between the prediction based on the driver's perception of the external environment (five senses such as sight) and the result (hereinafter referred to as the "cognitive system prediction error"), and a prediction error that occurs between the driver's prediction of his or her own physical movement and the result (hereinafter referred to as the "physical motor system prediction error").

[0023] Specifically, when driving a vehicle, when a driver perceives the driving scene of the vehicle through perception (sight and hearing) and makes a prediction to respond to the driving scene (for example, predicting when to change lanes), there are cases where this prediction is inaccurate and a prediction error occurs between the prediction and the actual result (corresponding to a cognitive system prediction error), and cases where the driver's perception-based prediction is accurate but the driver is unable to perform physical movements well (is unable to move the body as intended), resulting in a prediction error between the prediction and the actual result (i.e., the driver's prediction of his or her own physical movements is inaccurate, resulting in a physical motor system prediction error).

[0024] Similarly, when a subject drives a simulated vehicle in a cognitive motor ability assessment device, the motor system prediction error 2A is thought to include a cognitive system prediction error and a physical motor system prediction error. In relation to this point, the inventor of the present invention has found that, for example, when the subject of cognitive motor ability assessment is elderly, even if the cognitive system prediction error is relatively good (visual-based prediction is relatively accurate), the subject may not be able to perform the physical movement itself as intended, resulting in a poor assessment result.

[0025] Based on the concept of such a human prediction error reduction model, the present invention enables a more accurate assessment of cognitive and motor ability by separately considering cognitive system prediction error and physical motor system prediction error (cognitive system operations related to cognitive system prediction error and physical motor system operations related to physical motor system prediction error). Specific configuration examples of the cognitive and motor ability assessment device of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0026] 2 shows the overall configuration of a cognitive motor ability assessment device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, cognitive motor ability assessment device 20 includes an ergometer 21, which is a bicycle-type device on which a subject (a user of the device) performs driving operations (operates a simulated vehicle), a monitor 22 placed in front of the subject (in a position that the subject can easily see), and a control unit 23 (see FIG. 5).

[0027] The ergometer 21 comprises a seat 31 on which the subject sits, pedals 32 that the subject rotates with their legs, and a handle 33 that the subject operates with their hands. The pedals 32 are the part of the ergometer 21 that moves the simulated vehicle, and comprise pedals 32A and 32B that the subject places their left and right feet on and operates by pedaling. The rotational input (amount of rotational operation) to the pedals 32 by the subject is transmitted to the control unit 23, and the vehicle speed of the simulated vehicle is obtained in proportion to the rotational operation speed of the pedals 32.

[0028] As shown in detail in FIG. 3, the handle portion 33 includes left and right grip portions 34A and 34B, left and right push buttons 35A and 35B provided at the tips of the grip portions 34A and 34B, respectively, and a pressure-sensitive element (pressure sensor) 36.

[0029] The subject holds grips 34A and 34B in their left and right hands and operates push buttons 35A and 35B with their left and right thumbs. The operation of push buttons 35A and 35B is detected by pressure-sensitive element 36 and transmitted to control unit 23. As a result, the simulated vehicle in cognitive motor ability assessment device 20 is steered in accordance with the subject's operation of push buttons 35A and 35B.

[0030] Specifically, when the subject presses the left push button 35A, the vehicle moves to the left, and when the subject presses the right push button 35B, the vehicle moves to the right. In this case, the amount of vehicle movement (amount of steering) can be changed by the number of times the push buttons 35A and 35B are pressed (or the strength with which the push buttons 35A and 35B are pressed).

[0031] For example, if push button 35A is pressed multiple times in succession, the vehicle will move to the left by a distance proportional to the number of times the push button was pressed. If push buttons 35A and 35B are not pressed (or if both push buttons 35A and 35B are pressed with the same force), the vehicle will move straight ahead.

[0032] 4 shows in detail the screen 40 of the monitor 22. As shown in the figure, the screen 40 has a trajectory display section 41 in the center of the screen, a speed display section 42 in the lower right of the screen, a direction display section 43 in the upper center of the screen, a history display section 44 on the left side of the screen, an elapsed time display section 45 in the upper right of the screen, and a score display section 46 in the upper left of the screen.

[0033] The trajectory display section 41 displays a target trajectory 41A set for the subject and a vehicle trajectory 41B (the running trajectory of the simulated vehicle) that is the result of the subject's operation of the ergometer 21. In the figure, the target trajectory 41A is shown by a dashed line and the vehicle trajectory 41B is shown by a solid line, but on an actual screen, the target trajectory 41A and the vehicle trajectory 41B may be displayed in different colors, or in other ways that are easy for the subject to understand.

[0034] The trajectory display section 41 displays a target trajectory 41A for a predetermined driving section from the bottom to the top of the trajectory display section 41. In contrast, the subject's own vehicle trajectory 41B rises from the bottom to the top of the trajectory display section 41 in accordance with the subject's driving operation (the top end of the subject's own vehicle trajectory 41B indicates the current position of the vehicle). When the subject's own vehicle trajectory 41B reaches the top end of the trajectory display section 41, the display on the trajectory display section 41 is updated to the next screen (next page), and the target trajectory 41A continuing from the previous page is displayed.

[0035] In the cognitive motor ability evaluation test (or training), the subject performs driving operations so that the subject's vehicle trajectory 41B traces the target trajectory 41A (so that the subject's vehicle trajectory 41B matches the target trajectory 41A as closely as possible). The subject's cognitive function is evaluated and scored based on the degree of deviation of the subject's vehicle trajectory 41B from the target trajectory 41A (for example, the absolute value of the lateral deviation of the subject's vehicle trajectory 41B from the target trajectory 41A) (for example, the sum of the absolute values ​​of the lateral deviation of the subject's vehicle trajectory 41B from the target trajectory 41A over the entire predetermined driving route is used as the subject's score).

[0036] The history display unit 44 displays the history of the past vehicle trajectory 41B, and includes a plurality of history screens 44A arranged vertically. Each history screen 44A is a reduced display corresponding to each of the past screens (pages) that have been updated in the trajectory display unit 41, and each history screen 44A displays the vehicle trajectory history 44B (reduced display of the past vehicle trajectory 41B).

[0037] The speed display unit 42 displays the vehicle speed or the number of revolutions of the pedal unit 32 according to the pedal operation by the subject (the figure shows the case where the number of revolutions is displayed). The direction display unit 43 displays the direction of the vehicle at that time using an arrow 43. Furthermore, the elapsed time display 45 displays the time elapsed since the start of the test, and the score display unit 46 displays the subject's score in the cognitive motor function evaluation.

[0038] As will be described in detail later, in the cognitive motor function assessment of this embodiment, the subject is first required to increase the rotational operation speed of the pedal unit 31 until the vehicle speed approaches a preset target vehicle speed (for example, a constant speed of 15 km / h), and after the difference between the vehicle speed and the target vehicle speed becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, a test including operation of the steering wheel unit 33 (driving operation according to the target trajectory 41A) is started. Therefore, in the initial screen display on the screen 40 of the monitor 22, instead of displaying the target trajectory 41A on the trajectory display unit 41 (or in addition to the target trajectory 41A of traveling straight), a display may be displayed instructing the subject to operate the pedals until the vehicle speed reaches the predetermined target speed.

[0039] The control unit 23 is a calculation device constituted by, for example, a microcomputer. Fig. 5 shows an example of a control system of the cognitive motor ability assessment device 1 including the control unit 23. As shown in the figure, the control unit 23 includes a presentation information setting means 51, a physical motor system operation detection and processing means 52, a cognitive system operation detection and processing means 53, a physical motor function evaluation means 54, a cognitive function evaluation means 55, and a vehicle trajectory calculation means 56. These means are provided as programs within the control unit 23.

[0040] The presentation information setting means 51 is a means for determining the content to be displayed on the screen 40 of the monitor 22 and controlling the display based on the subject information (e.g., the subject's age, health condition, past test (evaluation) history, etc.) from the subject information input means 24 and the vehicle trajectory 41B calculated by the vehicle trajectory calculation means 56. The presentation information setting means 51 and the monitor 22 correspond to the "information providing means" in the claims.

[0041] The physical exercise system operation detection / processing means 52 is a means for detecting and processing (performing various calculations based on the detection results) physical exercise system operations from the subject's operation of the ergometer 2. The cognitive system operation detection / processing means 53 is a means for detecting and processing (performing various calculations based on the detection results) cognitive system operations from the subject's operation of the ergometer 2.

[0042] Here, cognitive operations are operations that the subject performs based on a prediction made by perceiving (visually in this embodiment) the external environment (in this embodiment, the display on the screen 40 of the monitor 22) through perception (in this embodiment, visually). The prediction error in cognitive operations (the difference between the prediction and the result) corresponds to the cognitive prediction error in a human prediction error model.

[0043] In this embodiment, the operation of the handle 33 of the ergometer 21 (operation of the push buttons 35A, 35B) is considered to be a cognitive system operation. That is, the subject operates the handle 33 in accordance with a prediction based on visual perception of the target trajectory 41A on the monitor 22. Furthermore, the operation of the handle 33 is performed by the subject with the hand (fingertip), and does not require relatively much muscle strength, and therefore has little aspect as a physical movement system operation, which will be described later. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation of the handle 33 is treated as a cognitive system operation and is used to evaluate the subject's cognitive function.

[0044] On the other hand, body-motor control is a control that the subject performs based on their own prediction of their own body movements, rather than on a prediction based on perception. The prediction error in body-motor control (the difference between the prediction (intention) of body movements and the result) corresponds to the body-motor prediction error in the human prediction error model.

[0045] In this embodiment, the rotation of the pedals 32 of the ergometer 21 is considered to be a physical movement system operation. That is, the rotation of the pedals 32 is an operation of pedaling the pedals 32 to obtain a required speed, and is largely a physical movement (a musculoskeletal operation) and less an operation based on predictions based on perceptions (visual confirmation of the target trajectory 41A). In particular, in this embodiment, before cognitive motor function evaluation using the target trajectory 41A is performed, the subject is first required to rotate the pedals 32 only until the vehicle reaches a predetermined target speed (e.g., a constant speed of 15 km / h). Therefore, the operation of the pedals 32 during this period has little relevance to predictions based on perceptions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation of the pedals 32 is considered to be a physical movement system operation and is used to evaluate the subject's physical movement function.

[0046] The physical movement system operation detection and processing means 52 and the cognitive system operation detection and processing means 53 constitute part of the vehicle trajectory calculation means 56, and the vehicle trajectory is calculated based on the operations of the pedal section 32 and the handle section 33 detected by the physical movement system operation detection and processing means 52 and the cognitive system operation detection and processing means 53.

[0047] The physical motor function evaluation means 54 is a means for evaluating the physical motor function of the subject based on the measurement results of the physical motor system operation. Specifically, the smaller the degree of deviation between the vehicle speed due to the subject's operation of the pedal unit 32 and the target vehicle speed (corresponding to the physical motor system prediction error), the higher the physical motor function of the subject is evaluated.

[0048] In the cognitive motor ability evaluation of this embodiment, the subject operates the pedal unit 32 prior to the evaluation of cognitive function, and after the degree of deviation between the vehicle speed and a predetermined target vehicle speed (the difference between the vehicle speed and the target vehicle speed) becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value (i.e., after the physical system prediction error becomes sufficiently small and the evaluation of the physical motor function increases beyond a predetermined level), the subject's cognitive function is tested and evaluated using the target trajectory 41A. Therefore, the evaluation of the subject's cognitive function is performed after it is guaranteed that the subject's physical motor function is sufficiently high (or has increased to a level that does not adversely affect the evaluation of cognitive function), so that if the subject's physical motor function is insufficient, this can be appropriately prevented from affecting the evaluation of cognitive function and resulting in an inaccurate evaluation of cognitive function.

[0049] The target vehicle speed is set to an appropriate value (for example, 15 km / h) for each subject based on criteria such as the subject's age and physical ability, and the heart rate at that vehicle speed.

[0050] The cognitive function evaluation means 55 is a means for evaluating the subject's physical motor function based on the measurement results of the cognitive system operation. Specifically, the smaller the degree of deviation (corresponding to the cognitive system prediction error) of the vehicle trajectory 41B from the target trajectory 41A due to the subject's operation of the handlebars 33 (push buttons 35A, 35B), the higher the subject's cognitive function is evaluated. Note that although the vehicle trajectory 41 is formed by the operation of both the pedals 32 and the handlebars 33, in this embodiment, the cognitive function is evaluated after the deviation between the vehicle speed and the target speed becomes small (after the physical motor system prediction error becomes sufficiently small). Therefore, the degree of deviation of the vehicle trajectory 41B from the target trajectory 41A is mainly due to the subject's operation of the handlebars 33 and can be evaluated as corresponding to the cognitive system prediction error.

[0051] The cognitive motor function evaluations by the physical motor function evaluation means 54 and the cognitive function evaluation means 55 are converted into scores, which are displayed on the score display section 46 on the screen 40 of the monitor 22 and are also saved as evaluation history.

[0052] Next, the overall flow of cognitive motor ability evaluation in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In cognitive motor ability evaluation, first, in step S1, a target speed is calculated based on past data (for example, data on the subject's age and motor ability (subject information)), etc. In the following step S2, the target speed is displayed on screen 40 of monitor 22.

[0053] In step S3, the number of rotations of the pedal section 32 by the test subject (i.e., the vehicle speed of the simulated vehicle) is detected. In the following step S4, it is determined whether the vehicle speed has reached the target speed (whether the difference between the vehicle speed and the target speed is equal to or less than a predetermined value), and if the target speed has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0054] In step S5, it is determined whether a predetermined set time (for example, about 5 or 10 minutes) has elapsed, and if the set time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S3 and the detection of the vehicle speed and the comparison with the target speed (processing of steps S3 and S4) are repeated.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the set time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S12, where a cognitive motor function evaluation is performed, and the series of processes ends. In this case, since the subject was unable to increase the vehicle speed to the target speed even after the predetermined set time has elapsed, the subject's physical motor function is evaluated as insufficient.

[0056] If it is determined in step S3 that the vehicle speed has reached the target speed, the process proceeds to cognitive function evaluation processing from step S6 onwards. In step S6, a target trajectory 41A is calculated based on past data, etc. (history data on the subject, etc.). In the following step S7, the target trajectory 41A and the current position of the simulated vehicle (subject's trajectory 41B) are displayed on the monitor screen.

[0057] In step S8, the pedal and steering operation of the subject is detected. In step S9, the current position of the simulated vehicle (subject vehicle trajectory 41B) is calculated based on the pedal and steering operation of the subject. In the following step S10, the prediction error (for example, the absolute value of the difference in the left-right direction between the target trajectory 41A and the subject vehicle trajectory 41B) is calculated and stored.

[0058] In step S11, it is determined whether or not the entire predetermined travel route has been traveled. If the entire route has not been traveled, the process returns to step S6, and the cognitive function assessment process of steps S6 to S10 is repeated.

[0059] If it is determined in step S11 that the driving route is complete, the process proceeds to step S12, where cognitive motor function is evaluated, the sum of the prediction error (the difference between the target trajectory 41A and the vehicle trajectory 41B) is calculated, a score representing cognitive function is calculated based on the value of this sum, and the series of processes is terminated.

[0060] As described above, the cognitive motor ability assessment device 20 of this embodiment evaluates the cognitive function of the subject while excluding the influence of simple decline in physical motor function, so that the cognitive motor function of the subject can be appropriately evaluated. Therefore, the training effect of training using the cognitive motor ability assessment device 20 can be obtained effectively and quickly.

[0061] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. For example, in the above embodiment, cognitive motor function evaluation was performed by operating the pedal unit 32 of the ergometer 21 as a physical motor system operation and operating the handle unit 33 (push buttons 35A, 35B) as a cognitive system operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Which operations in the cognitive motor function evaluation are considered to be physical motor system operations and which are considered to be cognitive system operations can be determined in various ways depending on the specific configuration of the cognitive motor function evaluation device, the characteristics of the subject, the purpose of the evaluation, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present invention can be used to assess the cognitive and motor skills of a subject. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Driver internal model 1A Internal model of the motor system 1B Internal model of the body system 2A Motor system prediction error 2B Prediction error of the body system 3A Motor System Processing Loop 3B Internal body processing loop 20. Cognitive and motor ability assessment device 21 Ergometer 22 monitors 23 Control Unit 24 Subject information input means 31 Seat 32 Pedal section Pedals in the 32A and 32B pedal sections 33 Handle 34A, 34B Grip of handle 35A, 35B Push button on the handle 36 Pressure-sensitive element in the handle 40 monitor screen 41 Trajectory display section 41A Target trajectory 41B Vehicle trajectory 42 Speed ​​display section 43 Direction display 43A Arrow 44 History display section 44A History Screen 44B Vehicle trajectory history 45 Elapsed time display 46 Score display 51 Presentation information setting means 52 Physical movement system operation detection and processing means 53 Cognitive system operation detection and processing means 54 Physical Function Assessment Instrument 55 Cognitive Assessment Instruments 56 Vehicle trajectory calculation means

Claims

1. A cognitive motor ability assessment device for assessing the cognitive motor ability of a subject, an information providing means for providing information to the subject; an operation input means by which the subject can input an operation in response to information from the information providing means; a physical motor function evaluation means for evaluating the physical motor function of the subject based on the information and the operation performed by the subject; cognitive function evaluation means for evaluating the cognitive function of the subject based on the information and the operation performed by the subject; Equipped with The cognitive function evaluation means is a cognitive motor ability evaluation device that evaluates the cognitive function of the subject after the evaluation of the subject's physical motor function by the physical motor function evaluation means has increased beyond a predetermined level.

2. 2. The cognitive motor ability assessment device according to claim 1, The operations input to the operation input means are classified into physical movement system operations and cognitive system operations, the physical motor function evaluation means evaluates the physical motor function of the subject based on the degree of deviation of the physical motor system operation from the information; The cognitive function evaluation means is a cognitive motor ability evaluation device that evaluates the cognitive function of the subject based on the degree of deviation of the cognitive system operation from the information.

3. 2. The cognitive motor ability assessment device according to claim 1, the body movement system operation is an operation that the subject performs in accordance with a prediction of his or her own body movement, The cognitive and motor ability assessment device, wherein the cognitive system operation is an operation that the subject performs in accordance with a prediction based on perception of the external environment.

4. 3. The cognitive motor ability assessment device according to claim 2, the driving operation input means is a device simulating a vehicle, and includes a pedal unit that is operated by the subject's legs to move the vehicle forward, and a handle unit that is operated by the subject's hands to determine the traveling direction of the vehicle; the physical motor function evaluation means evaluates the physical motor function of the subject by using the operation of the pedal unit by the subject as the physical motor system operation; The cognitive function evaluation means is a cognitive motor ability evaluation device that evaluates the cognitive function of the subject by using the subject's operation of the handle portion as the cognitive system operation.

5. 5. The cognitive motor ability assessment device according to claim 4, The physical motor function evaluation means is a cognitive motor ability evaluation device that evaluates the physical motor function of the subject based on the difference between the target speed of the vehicle given to the subject as the information and the speed of the vehicle obtained by the subject operating the pedal section.

6. 5. The cognitive motor ability assessment device according to claim 4, The cognitive function assessment means is a cognitive motor ability assessment device that evaluates the cognitive function of the subject based on the difference between the target trajectory of the vehicle given to the subject as the information and the trajectory of the vehicle obtained by the subject operating the steering wheel portion.

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