Swallowing training device and swallowing training system

Abstract

To make it possible to recover functions of a variety of muscles related to a motion of swallowing a masticatory material in relation to dysphagia.SOLUTION: Beltlike electrodes 2, 2 are provided in a longitudinal direction of a belt 1 inside the belt 1 in contact with the throat of a human body and, at both ends of the belt 1, a male 10 of a hook-and-loop fastener and a female 11 of the hook-and-loop fastener are provided and are wound around the throat. Also, a tongue depressor 12 to be an electrode 21 can depress the tongue. One of output ends of an output part 31 of low-frequency pulse oscillator is electrically connected to the electrodes 2, 2 and the other output end is electrically connected to the electrode 21 of the tongue depressor 12. Thus, electrodes are brought into contact with both the tongue and the throat, and low frequent pulse current can be applied from the tongue to the throat.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a swallowing training device and swallowing training system for training the muscles in the area from the mouth to the pharynx, and in particular for overcoming swallowing disorders through training. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that problems such as swallowing disorders can be caused by diseases such as cerebral infarction and aging. When people have swallowing disorders, saliva, food, gastric juices, etc. can get into the trachea. Saliva can also get into the trachea unknowingly while sleeping. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which is a terrible disease that can be fatal for the elderly.

[0003] The function of the tongue muscles can be restored by exercises such as sticking out the tongue, but the various muscles involved in the act of chewing and swallowing cannot be strengthened unless you actually eat a meal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, because swallowing requires the coordination of many nerves and muscles in the oral cavity, pharynx, and esophagus, it is currently quite difficult to make a person eat when they are unable to eat. The swallowing movement is divided into three stages, and in the second stage in particular, the tongue, oropharynx, and hypopharyngeal muscles work in coordination, and the only way to restore function is to actually move these muscles. In addition to these, various muscles such as the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, anterior belly of the digastric muscle, omohyoid muscle, sternocleidomastoid muscle, clavicular head, masseter muscle, levator scapulae muscle, thyrohyoid muscle, sternothyroid muscle, and scalene muscle also work.

[0005] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to solve such problems and somehow restore the functions of the various muscles involved in the action of swallowing chewed food. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Prior to solving the above problem, the inventor recalled that there was a technology that could restore or strengthen muscle strength by applying low-frequency current from the outside to the throat, even when not eating. However, he thought that applying low-frequency current from the outside to the throat would only affect the surrounding area. Finally, he came up with the idea that applying low-frequency current through the tongue inside the mouth from the tongue muscles to the throat muscles would cause these muscles to contract, restoring or strengthening muscle strength.

[0007] That is, the above object is achieved by providing a low-frequency pulse current generating unit, a tongue conductor for applying the pulse current to the tongue of the human body, and a throat conductor for applying the pulse current to the throat of the human body, the throat conductor and the tongue conductor each having a contact means for the human body. Since a general one may be used for the low-frequency pulse current generating unit, it may be said that the essential part of this invention is the configuration around the conductor for applying the low-frequency pulse current to the throat through the tongue muscles.

[0008] When the low-frequency pulse current generated by the generator is applied between the tongue and throat of the human body via a conductor, the low-frequency pulse current contracts various muscles between the tongue and throat involved in the action of swallowing masticated food, so the muscles are trained and their strength is increased. Therefore, the muscles can be strengthened to swallow food in the same way as when actually eating a meal. The particularly important point here is that the low-frequency pulse current is applied to the tongue inside the mouth. This application of the low-frequency pulse current to the tongue and throat can be done while watching TV or reading, and it also makes it possible to train muscles not only at home but also on the go. This can be called training in the truest sense.

[0009] The conductor of this invention is characterized by having a means for contacting the tongue to pass a pulse current to the tongue muscles and a means for contacting the throat to pass a pulse current to the throat muscles. The conductor is an electrode, preferably made of conductive polyester, which does not give a tingling sensation to the skin. There has never been a training device using low-frequency pulses to train the tongue muscles and throat muscles to overcome swallowing disorders, as in this invention, and there has never been a device that has the function of contacting electrodes to both the tongue and the throat. This is the first invention to train the tongue and throat muscles involved in swallowing.

[0010] The above object is achieved by a swallowing training device comprising a generator for generating two pulse currents with different frequencies, a tongue conductor for applying each pulse current to the tongue of a human body, and a throat conductor for applying each pulse current to the throat of a human body, the tongue conductor and the throat conductor each having a contact means for the human body. A general one may be used as the generator for generating low-frequency pulse currents using interference waves, so it can be said that the essential part of this invention is the configuration around the conductor for applying low-frequency pulse currents to the tongue and throat.

[0011] When a low-frequency pulse current generated from a generator is applied between the tongue and throat of a human body via a conductor, various muscles between the tongue and throat involved in the action of swallowing masticated food are contracted, and the muscles are trained to increase their strength, which is the same as the invention of claim 1 described above. However, the invention of claim 2 aims to apply a pulse current to a deep muscle part of the throat. In other words, two low-frequency pulse oscillators (generators) with different frequencies are prepared, and two low-frequency pulse currents are applied crosswise from two pairs of conductors to the target throat muscle to cause mutual interference, thereby providing a low-frequency stimulation of interference waves to the throat muscle. The same is basically true for the tongue, but the distance between the two pairs of conductors is closer due to the size of the tongue.

[0012] These two pairs of conductors are characterized by having a means for contacting the body as described above. The conductors are electrodes, and should be ones that do not cause a tingling sensation on the skin. A suitable example is one made of conductive polyester. There has never been a training device that uses low-frequency stimulation of interference waves to train the muscles from the tongue to the throat to overcome swallowing disorders, as in this invention, and there has never been one that has the function of contacting two pairs of electrodes with the tongue and throat. This invention is unique in that it allows training of the tongue and throat muscles involved in swallowing.

[0013] In this invention, the means for contacting the throat can be a belt for wrapping around the neck with the conductor positioned at the throat muscle. The belt is wrapped around the neck so that the conductor touches the throat. This allows the conductor to easily and reliably contact the throat. If the conductor is provided so that it can be adjusted to move in the direction around the neck relative to the belt, the position of the conductor can be finely adjusted according to the position of the neck muscles for adults and children. A fastener such as a buckle or hook-and-loop fastener is attached to the belt.

[0014] In addition, in this invention, the means for contacting the throat may be a clip that positions the conductor at the throat muscle area and wraps from the back of the neck to the throat. When the clip (neckband) is hung from the back of the neck toward the front, the conductor provided on the clip comes into contact with the skin of the throat area where the throat muscle is located and is fixed. The clip has the advantage of being easy to attach and remove from the throat.

[0015] In addition, in this invention, the means for contacting the throat can be an adhesive pad that can be attached and detached to the throat by positioning the conductor at the throat. The special structure of the surface of the conductor that comes into contact with the chin, called the adhesive pad, allows it to adhere to the skin of the throat where the throat muscles are located. The adhesive pad can be attached and detached to the skin.

[0016] In addition, in this invention, the means for contacting the throat can be a suction cup that positions the conductor at the throat and can be attached and detached to the throat. The conductor can be attached to the skin of the throat by a special structure of the suction cup, which is the surface that comes into contact with the throat. The suction cup can be attached and detached to the skin.

[0017] In addition, in this invention, the means for contacting the throat can be a bifurcated handle that positions the conductor at the throat, with the conductor attached to the tip, and the conductor can be attached and detached to the throat. The bifurcated handle is held in the hand, and the left and right conductors attached to the left and right tips of the bifurcated handle are pressed against the skin of the throat where the throat muscles are located. The force and the position where the left and right conductors are pressed can be freely adjusted with the hand holding it. If the conductor is configured as a roller, the conductor can be rolled along the throat muscles and contacted, making it feel more like training.

[0018] Next, in this invention, the contact means of the tongue guide with the human body can be a tongue depressor. A tongue depressor is also called a tongue presser, and is a tool used to hold down the tongue when examining the mouth or throat. Generally, a stainless steel one is used, which is used while being sterilized and disinfected, so this invention may use this or a similar one. Alternatively, a disposable wooden one with a guide may be used. The tongue depressor is suitable as the contact means because it is a tool for holding down the tongue.

[0019] In addition, in this invention, the contact means of the tongue conductor with the human body can be a finger cot for touching the tongue. The conductor is provided on the finger cot and is attached to the fingertip so that the conductor comes into contact with the tip of the tongue.

[0020] In addition, in this invention, the contact means of the tongue guide with the human body can be a suction cup that can be attached and detached to the tongue. The tongue is wet with saliva, so the suction cup can easily adhere to it, and there is no particular difficulty in removing the suction cup. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to this invention, the low-frequency pulse current generated by the generator is passed from a conductor having a means for contacting the tongue to the tongue muscles, and from a conductor having a means for contacting the throat to the throat muscles, so that it is possible to easily recover the function of various muscles involved in the action of swallowing chewed food through training. This is the result of a truly unprecedented function of applying a low-frequency pulse current between the tongue and throat by contacting electrodes to both the tongue and throat. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a developed view of a belt 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the tongue depressor 12 of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a clip 4 according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a finger cot 42 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of adhesive pads 5 to 52 of Example 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a tongue depressor 53 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of suction cups 70, 71 according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a suction cup 72 according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of Example 5. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of Example 6. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of Example 7. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a cross-sectional view of Example 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS EXAMPLES

[0023] This embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In this embodiment, two strip-shaped electrodes 2 as conductors are provided on the inside of a belt 1 that touches the throat of the human body, spaced apart from each other at the top and bottom, in the longitudinal direction of the belt 1, and a male 10 and a female 11 hook-and-loop fastener are provided on both ends of the belt 1. The belt 1 is made of leather, and the electrodes 2, 2 are made of conductive polyester. An electric wire 20 is connected to the electrodes 2, 2 for electrical connection to one output end of an output section 31 of a low-frequency pulse oscillator shown in the block diagram of Figure 3.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows the tongue depressor 12, which is made of stainless steel. In other words, the tongue depressor 12 itself is an electrode 21, and an electric wire 22 is connected to it for electrical connection with the other output end of the output section 31 of the low-frequency pulse oscillator.

[0025] The low-frequency pulse oscillator is composed of a control unit 3 that controls the operation of various electronic components that compose it, an oscillator waveform shaping unit 30 that oscillates a low-frequency pulse and shapes its waveform, an output unit 31 that outputs this to external conductors (electrodes 2, 21), and a power supply unit 30 that supplies power to the control unit 3, etc. Therefore, the low-frequency pulse output from the output unit 31 is passed between the tongue muscles and the throat muscles via the electrodes 20 and 22.

[0026] For this reason, the belt 1 is wrapped around the neck with the electrodes 2, 2, which are one of the conductors, touching the throat, and fastened with the male 10 and female 11 hook-and-loop fasteners, while the tongue depressor 12 is used to press the tongue so that the electrode 21, which is the other conductor, touches the tongue. In this way, a low-frequency pulse is generated between the electrodes 2 and 21 and applied in series between the tongue muscles and the throat muscles, training the throat muscles involved in swallowing. EXAMPLES

[0027] This embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 shows a clip 4 that has electrodes 23, 23 at both ends that touch the throat of the human body as a means for contacting the throat, and is hung from the back of the neck to the front of the throat. This clip 4 is made of a spring, and has throat pads 40, 41 at both ends, so that the electrode 23 inside the throat pad 40 and the electrode 23 inside the throat pad 41 can each be in close contact with the throat. The throat pads 40, 41 are provided so as to be movable on the clip 4 as shown by the arrows, and are configured so that the position of the low-frequency pulse applied to the throat side can be adjusted. An electric wire 24 is connected to the electrode 23 on the throat pad 41 side, and a part of this electric wire 24 passes through the inside of the clip 4 and is wired to the electrode 23 on the throat pad 40 side. This electric wire 24 is electrically connected to an output terminal on one end of an output part of a low-frequency pulse oscillator not shown.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows a rubber finger cot 42, which is provided with a stainless steel electrode 25 for contacting the tongue side, and an electric wire 26 is connected to this for electrical connection with the other output end of the output section of a low-frequency pulse oscillator (not shown).

[0029] When the clip 4 is hung from the back of the neck to the front, the electrodes 23, 23 provided at both ends of the clip 4 come into contact with the skin of the throat where the throat muscles are located and are fixed in place. The clip 4 (neckband) has the advantage that the electrodes 23, 23 can be easily attached and detached from the throat. The finger cot 42 is placed on a finger such as the index finger, and the electrode 25 is brought into contact with the tongue. In this way, the low-frequency pulse oscillator is turned on, and the device is used so that a low-frequency pulse current is applied in series between the tongue muscles and the throat muscles. EXAMPLES

[0030] This embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. This embodiment comprises two sets of two polyurethane gel adhesive pads 5, 50 and adhesive pads 51, 52, a total of four, which are attached to the throat of the human body. Of these, electrodes 27, 27 made of conductive polyester are attached to the adhesive pads 5, 50. Electrodes 28, 28 made of conductive polyester are attached to the adhesive pads 51, 52. The electrodes 27, 27 are connected to electric wires 29, 29 for electrical connection to one output end of a first output section 61 of a low-frequency pulse oscillator shown in the block diagram of Figure 8, and to electric wires 200, 200 for electrical connection to one output end of a second output section 63.

[0031] 7 shows tongue depressor 53, which is made of insulating plastic and has electrode 201 electrically connected to the other output end of first output section 61 of the low-frequency pulse oscillator via electric wire 203, and electrode 202 electrically connected to the other output end of second output section 63 of the low-frequency pulse oscillator via electric wire 204. Electrode 201 and electrode 202 are provided apart from each other.

[0032] The low-frequency pulse oscillator is composed of a control unit 6 that controls the operation of various electronic components that constitute it, an oscillator waveform shaping unit 60 that oscillates a low-frequency pulse and shapes its waveform, a first output unit 61 for outputting it to an external conductor (electrodes 27, 201), a modulation unit 62 that modulates the output of the oscillator waveform shaping unit 60, a second output unit 63 for outputting it to an external conductor (electrodes 28, 202), and a power supply unit 64 for supplying power to the control unit 6, etc. Therefore, the low-frequency pulse output from the first output unit 61 is passed through the electrode 27 to the throat muscle and through the electrode 201 to the tongue muscle, and the low-frequency pulse output from the second output unit 63 is passed through the electrode 28 to the throat muscle and through the electrode 206 to the tongue muscle, and the two types of low-frequency pulses interfere with each other inside these muscles to generate a new interference wave.

[0033] Each adhesive pad on the throat side is made of polyurethane gel, so it can be attached and detached from the throat. The other conductor, electrodes 201 and 202, are used by holding a tongue depressor 53 in the hand and pressing it against the tongue. A first low-frequency pulse flows between electrodes 27 and 201, and a second low-frequency pulse flows between electrodes 28 and 202. The low-frequency pulses of the two frequencies interfere with each other inside the tongue and throat muscles to become new interference waves, training the tongue and throat muscles involved in swallowing. There has never been anything like this in which low-frequency pulse currents of two frequencies are passed between the tongue and throat. EXAMPLES

[0034] This embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. This embodiment uses two suction cups 70, 71 connected by a knob 7 as means for contacting the throat, and an electrode 205 is attached to the center of suction cup 70, and an electrode 206 is attached to the center of suction cup 71. Electric wires are connected to electrodes 205, 206 for electrical connection to one output end of an output section of a low-frequency pulse oscillator (not shown).

[0035] As a means for contacting the tongue, an electrode 207 at the center of the suction cup 72 is connected to an electric wire for electrically connecting the other output end of the output section of a low-frequency pulse oscillator (not shown).

[0036] By pinching the knob 7, which is U-shaped in the depth direction of Fig. 9, with the fingers and pressing the suction cups 70, 71 against the skin of the throat area where the throat muscles are located, the adhesive force of the suction cups 70, 71 acts on the skin and the electrodes 205, 206 come into contact with and are fixed to the skin of the throat area. The suction cups 70, 71 are easy to peel off from the skin, despite their strong adhesive force. The suction cup 72 is also pressed against the tongue with the electrode 207 side facing the surface of the tongue, thereby adsorbing and fixing it.

[0037] When a low-frequency pulse generator (not shown) is turned on in this manner, a low-frequency pulse is generated between the pair of electrodes 205, 206 and electrode 207, and the low-frequency pulse is applied in series between the tongue muscles and throat muscles, thereby training the throat muscles involved in swallowing. EXAMPLES

[0038] This embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 11. The tip of the handle 81 is bifurcated into two branches 82, 83, and throat pads 84, 85 are attached to the tip of each of them facing inward, with an electrode 208 attached to the throat pad 84 and an electrode 209 attached to the throat pad 85. The electrodes 208, 209 on the inside of the throat pads are configured so that they can come into close contact with the throat.

[0039] As the means for contacting the tongue (not shown), the one having the central electrode 207 of the suction cup 72 of the fourth embodiment described above is used.

[0040] The handle 81 is equipped with a low-frequency pulse oscillator 8, and one end of the output is applied to the electrodes 208, 209 through electric wires (not shown) in the branches 82, 83. The other end of the output is applied to the electrode 207 at the center of the suction cup 72. The suction cup 72 (not shown) is pressed against the tongue with the electrode 207 facing the surface of the tongue, and is fixed by suction. The low-frequency pulse oscillator 8 of the handle 81 is grasped, and the electrodes 208, 209 on the cushioned throat pads 84, 85 at the ends of the forked branches 82, 83 are pressed against the skin of the throat where the throat muscles are located. When the switch 80 of the low-frequency pulse oscillator 8 is turned ON, a low-frequency pulse is generated between the pair of electrodes 208, 209 and the electrode 207, and the low-frequency pulse is applied in series between the tongue muscles and the throat muscles. EXAMPLES

[0041] This embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. In this device, rollers 93, 94 are rotatably attached to pivot shafts 91, 92 provided at the ends of left and right forked branches 9, 90 made of elastic plastic, pointing toward the throat, and an electrode 210 is provided on the outer periphery of roller 93, and an electrode 211 is provided on the outer periphery of roller 94. Both pairs of electrodes 210, 211 are electrically connected to one output end of the output section of a low-frequency pulse oscillator (not shown).

[0042] Although not shown, the means for contacting the tongue has the electrode 207 at the center of the suction cup 72 of the above-mentioned fourth embodiment. This electrode 207 is electrically connected to the other output end of the output section of the low-frequency pulse oscillator. The electrodes 210, 211, and 207 are made of conductive polyester.

[0043] The suction cup 72 (not shown) is pressed against the tongue with the electrode 207 facing the surface of the tongue to adhere and fix it in place, and the bifurcated left and right branches 9, 90 are lightly grasped and the left and right rollers 93, 94 are pressed against the skin of the throat area where the throat muscles are and rolled, so that low-frequency pulses are applied in series between the tongue muscles and the throat muscles.

[0044] By adjusting the force with which the left and right rollers 93, 94 are pressed against the throat, the left and right branches 9, 90 open and close slightly, so the burden on the throat is small. Also, the electrodes 210, 211 can be rolled along the throat muscles to make contact, which makes it feel more like training. EXAMPLES

[0045] The tongue conductor of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. The tongue conductor 13 is made of stainless steel, and the tongue conductor 13 itself is an electrode 212, to which an electric wire 214 is connected for electrical connection with one output end of an output section of a low-frequency pulse oscillator (not shown).

[0046] The tongue depressor 13 is also provided with an adhesion recess 213, which functions like the above-mentioned suction cup. In other words, when the tongue depressor 13 is placed against the tongue T with the surface of the adhesion recess 213 facing the tongue T, it is adhered to the tongue T and fixed there. Therefore, the tongue depressor 13 can be released from the hand. It is also easy to remove the tongue depressor 13 from the tongue T. The tongue depressor may be provided with multiple adhesion recesses. [Industrial Applicability]

[0047] This invention contributes to the industry in that it allows the function of various muscles involved in the action of swallowing chewed food between the tongue and throat to be easily restored through training by passing a low-frequency pulse current from a conductor having a means for contacting the tongue to the tongue muscles and from a conductor having a means for contacting the throat to the throat muscles. This invention can also be configured for use with pets. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 Belt 10 Male hook-and-loop fastener 11 Female hook-and-loop fastener 12 Tongue depressor 13 Tongue depressor 2 electrodes 20 wires 21 electrodes 22 wires 23 Electrode 24 Wire 25 Electrode 26 Wire 27 electrode 28 electrode 29 wire 200 wire 201 electrode 202 electrode 203 wire 204 wire 205 electrode 206 electrode 207 electrode 208 electrode 209 electrode 210 electrode 211 electrode 212 electrode 213 Adsorption recess 214 Electric wire 3 Control section 30 Oscillator waveform shaping section 31 Output section 32 Power supply section 4 Clip 40 Throat guard 41 Throat guard 42 Finger cot 5 Adhesive pad 50 Adhesive pad 51 Adhesive pad 52 Adhesive pad 53 Tongue depressor 6 Control section 60 Oscillator waveform shaping section 61 First output section 62 Modulation section 63 Second output section 64 Power supply section 7 Pick 70 Suction cup 71 Suction cup 72 Suction cup 8 Low frequency pulse oscillator 80 Switch 81 Handle 82 Branch 83 Branch 84 Throat guard 85 Throat guard 9 Branch 90 Branch 91 Rotation shaft 92 Rotation shaft 93 Colo 94 Colo N Neck T Tongue

Claims

1. a tongue electrode having a first tongue electrode and a second tongue electrode; a throat electrode having a pair of first throat electrodes and a pair of second throat electrodes; a first output section for applying a first low-frequency pulse current between the tongue and the throat through the first tongue electrode and the pair of first throat electrodes when the tongue conductor is in contact with the tongue of a human body and the throat conductor is in contact with the throat of the human body; and a second output section for applying a second low-frequency pulse current having a different frequency from the first low-frequency pulse current between the tongue and the throat through the second tongue electrode and the pair of second throat electrodes in a state in which the tongue conductor is in contact with the tongue of the human body and the throat conductor is in contact with the throat of the human body. Swallowing training device.

2. 2. The swallowing training device according to claim 1, The throat guide includes a belt that is wrapped around the neck of the human body. Swallowing training device.

3. 2. The swallowing training device according to claim 1, The throat guide includes a clip that is rotated from the back of the neck of the human body to the throat side. Swallowing training device.

4. 2. The swallowing training device according to claim 1, The throat guide is provided with an adhesive pad that can be attached and detached to the throat portion. Swallowing training device.

5. 2. The swallowing training device according to claim 1, The throat guide is provided with a suction cup that can be attached and detached to the throat portion. Swallowing training device.

6. 2. The swallowing training device according to claim 1, The throat guide has a bifurcated handle, and the throat guide is provided at the tip of the handle. Swallowing training device.

7. 2. The swallowing training device according to claim 1, The tongue guide is a tongue depressor for bringing the tongue guide into contact with the tongue portion. Swallowing training device.

8. 2. The swallowing training device according to claim 1, The tongue guide is a finger cot for bringing the tongue guide into contact with the tongue. Swallowing training device.

9. 2. The swallowing training device according to claim 1, The tongue guide is provided with a suction cup for adsorbing the tongue guide to the tongue portion. Swallowing training device.

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