Magnetic stimulator

Abstract

To provide a device which is worn on a body to improve a body balance function, is excellent in portability, and does not hinder an action in a worn state.SOLUTION: A magnetic stimulation tool 1 includes an ear hook part 10 having a curved part 11 having a substantially inverted U-shape and hooked on an auricle 90 from above and a rear extension part 12 extending from the curved part 11 along a rear part of the auricle 90 in a state where the curved part 11 is hooked on the auricle 90, and a permanent magnet 20 attached to the rear extension part 12, and does not include a configuration for transmitting vibration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic stimulation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Body balance is maintained by the brain integrating the senses of balance receptors in the inner ear, vision, and the skin and muscles of the limbs. Abnormalities in these sensory organs can cause body balance disorders such as dizziness, unsteadiness, lightheadedness, oscillating vision (nystagmus), and changes in head position.

[0003] Conditions that cause abnormalities in the balance receptors of the inner ear include Meniere's disease, autoimmune inner ear disorders, meningitis, and idiopathic bilateral peripheral vestibular hypofunction, and aging can also cause abnormalities. The inner ear contains semicircular canals that sense rotational acceleration of the head, and the vestibule that senses linear acceleration of the head and head tilt relative to gravity. The semicircular canals are filled with lymphatic fluid and contain feather cells. When the lymphatic fluid rotates due to head rotation, this movement causes the feather cells to flutter, which then move in a circular motion that is converted into a nerve signal and transmitted to the brain. The vestibule contains otolithic organs, and nerves detect the misalignment of the otoliths relative to the otolithic membrane, transmitting a nerve signal to the brain.

[0004] Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) has been used to improve balance disorders primarily caused by dysfunction of the vestibular system, and it has also been proposed to use a device worn on the body for this purpose (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Galvanic vestibular stimulation stimulates the peripheral vestibular system by applying a transcutaneous current to the area behind the ear. It has been reported that this treatment improves the orthostatic cardiovascular response in patients with autonomic failure, the motor function in patients with spinocerebellar degeneration, and the autonomic function in patients with Parkinson's disease.

[0005] However, GVS requires electrodes to be attached to the skin to deliver electricity transcutaneously. This necessitates the installation of an electrical cord to run electricity from the power source to the electrodes, which creates the problem of restricting the wearer's freedom of movement while the electrodes are attached. Furthermore, in order to use the GVS device continuously for extended periods while it is attached to the body, it is necessary to carry a battery (secondary battery) or dry cell battery as a power source instead of a commercial power source, which reduces portability.

[0006] Therefore, there has been a demand for a device that can be worn on the body to improve equilibrium function, which is highly portable and does not restrict movement when worn. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-131920 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned situation, the present invention aims to provide an apparatus that can be worn on the body to improve balance function, which is highly portable and does not restrict movement when worn. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the magnetic stimulation device according to the present invention comprises: "It is a device worn on the body to improve balance function, an ear hooking portion having a curved portion that is approximately inverted U-shaped and that is hooked onto the auricle from above, and a rearward extending portion that extends from the curved portion along the rear of the auricle when the curved portion is hooked onto the auricle; a permanent magnet attached to the rearward extension, It does not have any structure for transmitting vibrations.

[0010] Attaching a magnetic stimulation device of this configuration to the auricle improves the body's balance function, as will be described in detail later. While the mechanism is unclear, when the magnetic stimulation device is attached to the auricle, the permanent magnet attached to the rearward extension of the ear hook is positioned behind the ear. Therefore, the balance receptors of the inner ear are positioned within the magnetic field surrounding the permanent magnet. This is thought to be because the balance receptors of the inner ear are stimulated by the magnetic field, causing the brain to mistakenly recognize a larger change in posture than actually occurred, resulting in a greater response to restore posture than would be possible without the magnetic field.

[0011] Furthermore, there is an inner ear in each of the left and right ears. When a difference occurs in the stimuli received by the left and right inner ears, a compensatory action occurs to restore the imbalance. Therefore, by attaching the magnetic stimulation device of this configuration to only one of the left and right auricles and intentionally creating a difference in the stimuli received by the left and right inner ears, it was thought that the action to maintain body balance could be made to be greater than in the absence of a magnetic field.

[0012] Some earphones and bone conduction speakers use permanent magnets and have an ear hook that hooks onto the auricle. Therefore, if a permanent magnet is attached to part of the ear hook, it may include conventional earphones and bone conduction speakers. However, the magnetic stimulation device of this configuration differs from conventional earphones and bone conduction speakers in that it is a device worn on the body to improve equilibrium function. In addition, the magnetic stimulation device of this configuration is clearly different in configuration in that it does not have a "structure for transmitting vibrations" that is always included in earphones and bone conduction speakers.

[0013] Unlike the GVS device described above, the magnetic stimulation device of this configuration does not require a power source or an electrical cord, making it highly portable and allowing for easy movement while wearing it. This means that the magnetic stimulation device can be worn for long periods of time while going about one's daily life, allowing treatment to improve balance disorders to be carried out over a long period of time in the course of daily life.

[0014] Furthermore, with GVS devices, the position where the electrodes are attached must be decided each time they are used, and it is not easy to determine the appropriate position.In contrast, with the magnetic stimulation device of this configuration, if the attachment position of the permanent magnet relative to the rearward extension of the ear hook is set appropriately, the permanent magnet can be positioned in the same place every time simply by hooking the hook part onto the auricle, making positioning easy.

[0015] Furthermore, while it is conceivable to attach a permanent magnet to the skin behind the ear with adhesive tape, in that case, it is difficult to use the permanent magnet repeatedly. In contrast, the magnetic stimulation device of the present configuration can be used repeatedly. Furthermore, when attaching a permanent magnet to the skin with adhesive tape, positioning is difficult, as with attaching electrodes, whereas the magnetic stimulation device of the present configuration is easy to position, as described above. In addition, when attaching a permanent magnet to the skin with adhesive tape, there is a risk of skin irritation due to the application and removal of the adhesive tape, but the magnetic stimulation device of the present configuration eliminates any risk of skin irritation.

[0016] In addition to the above configuration, the magnetic stimulation device according to the present invention has: The magnetic flux density of the permanent magnet may be 0.2 to 0.5 tesla.

[0017] By setting the magnetic flux density of the permanent magnet in the range of 0.2 Tesla to 0.5 Tesla, as will be described in detail later, it is possible to provide a magnetic stimulation device that uses a permanent magnet that is easy to obtain, including in terms of cost, and that has a sufficient effect of improving the body's balance function.

[0018] In addition to the above configuration, the magnetic stimulation device according to the present invention has: The permanent magnet may be attached at a position that is changeable relative to the rearward extending portion.

[0019] By using a magnetic stimulation device that is configured so that the attachment position of the permanent magnet relative to the rear extension portion can be changed, the permanent magnet can be positioned in an appropriate location regardless of individual differences in the shape and size of the wearer's head. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus that is worn on the body to improve bodily balance function, which is highly portable and does not restrict movement when worn. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of a magnetic stimulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing the magnetic stimulation device in use. [Figure 2] (a) is the result of a center of gravity stabilization test when a control device with zero magnetic flux density was attached to the auricle, (b) is the result of a center of gravity stabilization test when a magnetic stimulation device with a permanent magnet with a magnetic flux density of 0.4 T was attached to the auricle, and (c) is the result of a center of gravity stabilization test when a control device was attached to the auricle again after the test in (b). [Figure 3] The results of a center of gravity sway test for eight subjects were compiled when a control device with zero magnetic flux density was attached to the auricle, and when a magnetic stimulation device with a permanent magnet with a magnetic flux density of 0.4 T was attached to the auricle. (a) is a graph showing the average measurement results of the trajectory length per unit time, and (b) is a graph showing the average measurement results of the peripheral area. [Figure 4] The changes in blood pressure when standing up from a lying position were compared between (a) a control device with zero magnetic flux density attached to the auricle, and (b) a magnetic stimulation device with a permanent magnet with a magnetic flux density of 0.4 T attached to the auricle. [Figure 5]10 is a graph summarizing the results of a stabilometry test on a plurality of subjects when magnetic stimulation devices with permanent magnets having different magnetic flux densities were attached to the auricles. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a magnetic stimulation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a magnetic stimulation device according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] A magnetic stimulation device 1 that is a specific embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. The magnetic stimulation device 1 includes an ear hook 10 that is hooked onto an auricle 90, and a permanent magnet 20 attached to the ear hook 10.

[0023] The ear hooking part 10 has a generally inverted U-shape and includes a curved part 11 that is hooked onto the auricle 90 from above, a rearward extending part 12 that extends from the curved part 11 along the rear of the auricle 90 when the curved part 11 is hooked onto the auricle 90, and a forward extending part 13 that extends from the curved part 11 along the front of the auricle 90. The permanent magnet 20 is attached to the rearward extending part 12 of the ear hooking part 10.

[0024] When using the magnetic stimulation device 1, it is worn with the ear hook portion 10 hooked onto the auricle 90 and the permanent magnet 20 positioned behind the ear. More specifically, the magnetic stimulation device 1 is worn on the wearer's head so that the permanent magnet 20 is close to or abutting a portion of the wearer's head slightly below the mastoid process that protrudes from the temporal bone behind the auricle 90. When the permanent magnet 20 is positioned in this portion, there is no bone between the permanent magnet 20 and the inner ear.

[0025] When the magnetic stimulation device 1 is worn in this manner, the wearer's inner ear is positioned in the magnetic field that exists around the permanent magnet 20, and the equilibrium receptors in the inner ear receive magnetic stimulation.

[0026] Figure 2 shows the results of a center of gravity sway test conducted while wearing the magnetic stimulation device of this embodiment, which uses a permanent magnet with a magnetic flux density of 0.4 T (tesla), and a control device with a dummy that is the same size and shape as a permanent magnet but is not a magnet, i.e., a dummy with a magnetic flux density of 0 T, attached to the ear loop. Figure 2 shows the center of gravity sway in a stationary standing position, as shown by the trajectory of the center of gravity.

[0027] When standing still, even healthy people experience slight sway in their center of gravity, but a reflex action that tries to return the body to its original position controls the body's posture. If the body's equilibrium function, which controls the body's posture, declines, the center of gravity sway becomes greater.

[0028] The stabilometry test was performed under both eyes-closed and rubber-loaded conditions. Under the eyes-closed condition, visual information cannot be used to maintain posture. Rubber loading involves placing soft rubber on the measurement platform on which the subject stands upright in the stabilometer, disrupting the skin sensation on the soles of the feet. Therefore, under the eyes-closed and rubber-loaded conditions, the body balance function, which is primarily controlled by the balance receptors in the inner ear, can be examined. The center of gravity measured by the stabilometer is the "center of pressure," which is the center of force applied to the measurement platform. In a static standing posture, the center of pressure coincides with the body's center of gravity.

[0029] Figure 2(a) shows the trajectory of the center of gravity for the same subject when a control device was attached to the left auricle, and Figure 2(b) shows the trajectory of the center of gravity when a magnetic stimulation device with a permanent magnet with a magnetic flux density of 0.4 [T] was attached to the left auricle. In both cases, the measurement time and the number of measurements of the center of gravity position per unit time were the same. Furthermore, the test was conducted without the subjects knowing whether they were wearing the magnetic stimulation device or the control device. Comparing Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b) shows that wearing the magnetic stimulation device reduced center of gravity sway.

[0030] Furthermore, Figure 2(c) shows the trajectory of the center of gravity when the same subject underwent a stabilometry test after the measurement shown in Figure 2(b) with a control device attached to the left auricle. Generally, when physical function is tested, the body adapts to the test, and the results often suggest that physical function improves with each test. However, in this test, the center of gravity sway was clearly greater in Figure 2(c) than in Figure 2(b). In other words, removing the magnetic stimulation device and replacing it with a control device without a permanent magnet increased the center of gravity sway again. The results shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(c) suggest that attaching a magnetic stimulation device with a permanent magnet with a magnetic flux density of 0.4 T to the auricle improves equilibrium function.

[0031] A similar center of gravity stabilometry test was performed on multiple subjects, with a control device attached to the left auricle and a magnetic stimulation device with a permanent magnet magnetic flux density of 0.4 T attached to the left auricle. The subjects consisted of eight men and women ranging in age from their 20s to 60s. Figure 3(a) shows the average trajectory length per unit time for the eight subjects, and Figure 3(b) shows the average circumferential area for the eight subjects. These figures clearly demonstrate that both the trajectory length per unit time and the circumferential area were significantly reduced by switching from the control device with a magnetic flux density of 0 T to the magnetic stimulation device with a permanent magnet magnetic flux density of 0.4 T. These results suggest that wearing a magnetic stimulation device on the auricle can improve balance function, regardless of age or gender.

[0032] Next, Figure 4 shows the change in arterial blood pressure measured for the same subject when standing up from a supine lying position. Figure 4(a) shows the measurement results when a control device was attached to the left auricle, and Figure 4(b) shows the measurement results when a magnetic stimulation device with a permanent magnet with a magnetic flux density of 0.4 T was attached to the left auricle. When standing up, gravity causes blood to move downward, lowering blood pressure. This reduces blood pumping from the heart, reducing blood flow to the brain and causing dizziness. To prevent this, blood pressure is typically regulated by constricting blood vessels to increase blood pressure. Comparing Figures 4(a) and 4(b) reveals that when the control device was attached, there was no significant change in blood pressure before and after standing up, but when the magnetic stimulation device with a permanent magnet with a magnetic flux density of 0.4 T was attached, blood pressure rose immediately after standing up. In other words, attaching a magnetic stimulation device to the auricle significantly increases the effect of constricting blood vessels and increasing blood pressure when standing up. This was thought to be due to the improved ability to detect changes in posture by attaching the magnetic stimulation device to the auricle.

[0033] Furthermore, the results of center of gravity stabilometry tests were performed with several types of magnetic stimulation devices with different permanent magnet flux densities attached to the left auricle. Five types of permanent magnets with magnetic flux densities of 0.1 T, 0.2 T, 0.3 T, 0.4 T, and 0.5 T were used. Three subjects (Subjects A, B, and C) of different ages were tested. The tests were conducted without the subjects knowing the magnetic flux density of the permanent magnets attached to the magnetic stimulation devices. The measurement time and the number of center of gravity measurements per unit time were the same for all tests. Furthermore, as with the tests shown in Figures 2 and 3, center of gravity stabilometry tests were performed with eyes closed and rubber load applied. Figure 5 shows the total trajectory length calculated from the center of gravity trajectory. Figure 5 also shows the test results for the same three subjects when the above control device with a magnetic flux density of 0 T was attached to the left auricle.

[0034] Figure 5 shows that for all subjects, the total trajectory length of the center of gravity was shorter when wearing a magnetic stimulation device equipped with a permanent magnet with a magnetic flux density of 0.1 T to 0.5 T than when wearing a control device with a magnetic flux density of 0 T. In particular, for all subjects, the total trajectory length of the center of gravity was smallest when wearing a magnetic stimulation device with a permanent magnet with a magnetic flux density of 0.3 T, indicating that the effect of improving body balance function was greatest when the permanent magnet's magnetic flux density was 0.3 T. Furthermore, although there were individual differences between subjects, the total trajectory length did not decrease when the magnetic flux density of the permanent magnet was greater than 0.3 T, indicating that a higher magnetic flux density does not necessarily result in a greater effect. Permanent magnets become more expensive as their magnetic flux density increases, and permanent magnets with a magnetic flux density greater than 0.5 T are difficult to obtain. Therefore, based on the results shown in FIG. 5, considering the effect of improving the body equilibrium function and the availability of permanent magnets, including cost, the permanent magnet used in the magnetic stimulation device of this embodiment can have a magnetic flux density of 0.1 [T] to 0.5 [T], and more preferably 0.2 [T] to 0.5 [T].

[0035] A magnetic flux density of 0.2 T to 0.5 T is high for a permanent magnet. For example, there are commercially available products with permanent magnets attached to adhesive stickers that are attached to the skin to promote blood circulation and relieve muscle stiffness such as stiff shoulders, but the magnetic flux density of the permanent magnets in these products is low at 0.08 T.

[0036] In the above, the magnetic stimulation device 1 in which the permanent magnet 20 is fixed to the ear hooking portion 10 has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a magnetic stimulation device configured so that the attachment position of the permanent magnet 20 relative to the ear hooking portion 10 can be changed is also possible. For example, the rearward extending portion 12 of the ear hooking portion 10 may be made linear, and a groove 15 extending in the axial direction may be provided in this portion, with a slider 25 that slides along the groove 15 being provided on the permanent magnet 20 (see FIG. 6 ). This figure shows a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the rearward extending portion 12. In this example, the groove 15 has a pair of lip pieces 12r along the opening edge, and the distance between the pair of lip pieces 12r is smaller than the internal width of the groove 15. The slider 25 of the permanent magnet 20 is positioned inside the groove 15 with a size that does not allow it to pass between the pair of lip pieces 12r, and is supported on the permanent magnet 20 by a connecting portion 26 that is sized to fit between the pair of lip pieces 12r. The permanent magnet 20 slides relative to the rear extension portion 12 as the slider 25 moves within the internal space of the groove 15, and the position of the permanent magnet 20 relative to the rear extension portion 12 is maintained by the frictional force between the pair of lip pieces 12r and the connecting portion 26.

[0037] Alternatively, a magnetic stimulation device 1C can be configured in which a plurality of holes 18 are provided in the rearward extending portion 12 of the ear hooking portion 10, and the permanent magnet 20 has protrusions 28 that are detachably fitted into the holes 18 (see FIG. 7). The position of the permanent magnet 20 relative to the rearward extending portion 12 can be changed depending on which of the plurality of holes 18 the protrusions 28 of the permanent magnet 20 are fitted into.

[0038] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, by using a magnetic stimulation device configured so that the attachment position of the permanent magnet 20 relative to the ear hook portion 10 can be changed, the permanent magnet 20 can be positioned in an appropriate position (slightly below the mastoid process protruding from the temporal bone) regardless of individual differences in the shape and size of the wearer's head.

[0039] The present invention has been described above by citing preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and design changes are possible as described below, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0040] For example, in the above description, the magnetic stimulation device 1 is illustrated as being configured such that the permanent magnet 20 comes close to or abuts the skin behind the left ear when the ear hook portion 10 is hooked onto the left auricle. If a symmetrical configuration is used, it is possible to create a magnetic stimulation device in which the permanent magnet comes close to or abuts the skin behind the right ear when the ear hook portion is hooked onto the right auricle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1,1C Magnetic Stimulator 10 Ear hook 11 Curved section 12 Rear extension 20 Permanent Magnets 90 Auricle

Claims

1. It is a device worn on the body to improve balance function. an ear hooking part having a curved part that is approximately inverted U-shaped and that is hooked onto the auricle from above, and a rearward extending part that extends from the curved part along the rear of the auricle when the curved part is hooked onto the auricle; a permanent magnet attached to the rearward extension, No structure for transmitting vibrations A magnetic stimulation device characterized by:

2. The magnetic flux density of the permanent magnet is 0.2 to 0.5 tesla.

2. The magnetic stimulation device according to claim 1.

3. The mounting position of the permanent magnet relative to the rear extension portion is changeable.

3. The magnetic stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2.

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