Manual muscle testing device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is: to provide a manual muscle strength testing device with which it is possible, by using an inertial sensor and a load exercise measurement device of simple configuration, to capture very small muscle contractions of the fingers while suppressing the compensatory effects of surrounding muscles; and to make it possible to evaluate the state or the degree of recovery of the median, ulnar, and radial nerves by measuring only a load exercise of the index finger.　A manual muscle strength testing device according to the present invention has, inter alia: a finger insertion part 30, comprising an other finger fixation part 28 having a space that is shaped so as to prevent movement, in any direction, of a middle, a ring, or little finger inserted thereinto, and an index finger insertion part 29 having a space that is shaped such that an inserted index finger is able to move towards the pad side or the thumb side, or the fingernail side or the thumb side; a ring 15 that can be fitted onto the fingertip of the index finger; a pressure sensor 32 capable of measuring the size of a load acting on the fingertip and a 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 capable of measuring the movement of the fingertip, fixed to the ring 15; and a load elastic body 31 that applies an adjustable load to the fingertip on which the ring 15 is worn.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a manual muscle testing device that can evaluate the condition and degree of recovery of the median nerve, ulnar nerve, and radial nerve. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the emergence of therapeutic drugs for various central and peripheral nervous system disorders and advances in regenerative medicine, neurological disorders are rapidly changing from an era in which they were "incurable" to an era in which "treatments appropriate for the pathology can be selected and cured." However, because the recovery of damaged nerve fibers is extremely slow, it has become important to evaluate the minute nerve recovery caused by treatment. Currently, there are two main methods of neurological evaluation that are actually used in clinical settings. These are evaluation methods using a grip strength meter (hereinafter referred to as "grip strength test") and manual muscle testing (hereinafter referred to as "MMT"). The former evaluation method using grip strength testing involves measuring the patient's grip strength every day and recording the measurement results to visualize changes in grip strength values and evaluate the patient's nerve condition and degree of recovery. The latter MMT evaluation method involves a doctor touching the affected area of the patient's body and measuring the degree of neurological impairment by assessing the patient's movement while applying stress to the skeleton. The degree of neurological impairment is then subjectively rated by the doctor into the following six levels (MMT 0-5). 0 (Zero): The muscles do not move at all even when the person tries to move them, and there is no strength in them. · 1 (Trace): When force is applied, muscle contraction occurs, but the joint cannot move. 2 (Poor): The joints can be moved with just enough force to move them if gravity is removed (if the body is moved roughly horizontally to the ground). 3 (Fair): A state in which enough force is applied to move the joint even against gravity (even when moving roughly perpendicular to the ground). 4 (Good): The joint can be moved even when a certain amount of resistance is applied. 5 (Normal): A state in which the muscles are strong enough to move the joints to the end even when considerable resistance is applied.

[0003] However, the grip strength test and MMT methods of evaluating nerves each have their own problems, as well as problems that they share in common. First, the problems with grip strength tests include the fact that "grip dynamometers are designed for healthy individuals and cannot measure the slight grip strength of patients," and that "because the values obtained by grip dynamometers are expressed as the sum of the strength of multiple muscles innervated by the median nerve and the ulnar nerve, it is not possible to evaluate the strength of each nerve individually (median, ulnar, radial nerves)." For example, if the median nerve is normal and only the ulnar nerve is impaired, measurements by a grip dynamometer will mainly show the strength of muscles innervated by the normal median nerve, making it impossible to evaluate the condition or recovery of the muscles innervated by the ulnar nerve. Next, problems with MMT include that "measurements are based on an individual subjective classification of the degree of nerve damage, and are subjective, depending on the doctor's level of experience, so the measurement results are not quantitative or objective," and that "because the recovery of damaged nerve fibers is very gradual, it is difficult to assess the minute degree of nerve recovery on a six-point scale."As a result, even though the nerves are in the process of recovery, it is not possible to correctly evaluate the actual improvement in symptoms and report it to the patient using objective indicators, which has led to the problem of treatment being discontinued. Another problem common to both tests is that "because both the grip strength test and MMT measure maximum muscle strength, they are not suitable for clinical settings where emphasis is placed on the condition of each nerve and recovery assessment."

[0004] Patent Document 1 (JP 2014-8324 A) describes a measuring device (10) for evaluating the maximum muscle strength of a finger alone, which includes a fixing base (12) for fixing the arm (2) to reduce the influence of the arm's strength, and a sensor unit (11) for inserting a finger alone to measure muscle strength, and an evaluation system for the thumb and fingers (see especially paragraph 0009 and Figures 1 and 4). Furthermore, Patent Document 2 (JP 2016-83004 A) describes a health monitoring system that includes a motion detection device (1) that detects the movement of a user's fingers and transmits measurement data, and a management device (2) that receives and accumulates the measurement data from the motion detection device (1), analyzes the movement of the fingers based on the measurement data, and monitors the user's health condition (see, in particular, paragraph 0016 and FIG. 1). The motion detection device (1) includes a plurality of motion detection sensors (3) and a communication device (4) that is connected to the motion detection sensors (3) and communicates with the management device (2). The document describes that the output sensor (3) has a base part (5), a pair of arm parts (6), an acceleration sensor (7) that detects the acceleration of the finger, and a tactile sensor (8) that detects the pressure when the finger touches an object, and that the motion detection sensor (3) is attached to at least three fingers (thumb, little finger, index finger or middle finger), and that detection of the movement of the thumb and index finger or middle finger is used to determine whether there is a disorder of the median nerve, detection of the movement of the little finger is used to determine whether there is a disorder of the ulnar nerve, and detection of the movement of the thumb and index finger is used to determine whether there is a disorder of the radial nerve (see, in particular, paragraphs 0017, 0027 and Figures 2 to 4). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-008324 A (Patent No. 5958962 A) [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-083004 A (Patent No. 6546733 A) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, as stated in paragraph 0012, the thumb and finger evaluation system described in Patent Document 1 contributes to the evaluation of muscle strength and motor coordination of the thumb and fingers and to rehabilitation. However, similar to the problems with grip strength tests, it is unable to evaluate the muscle strength of each nerve (median, ulnar, radial nerve), and like grip strength tests and MMT, it measures maximum muscle strength, making it unsuitable for clinical settings where emphasis is placed on the condition and recovery evaluation of each nerve. Furthermore, as described in paragraph 0027, the health monitoring system described in Patent Document 2 is used to determine disorders of the median nerve, ulnar nerve, and radial nerve. However, the motion detection device (1) comprises a plurality of motion detection sensors (3), a management device (2), and a communication device (4). The motion detection sensor (3) has a base portion (5), a pair of arm portions (6), an acceleration sensor (7), and a tactile sensor (8), and must be attached to at least three fingers (thumb, little finger, index finger, or middle finger). This results in a complex and expensive system configuration. Furthermore, since each finger is constantly monitored while being able to move freely, there is a problem that the system is easily affected by the force of the arm or other fingers.

[0007] In order to solve all at once the problems of the grip strength test and MMT actually used in clinical settings as well as the problems of Patent Documents 1 and 2, this invention has as its first object to provide a manual muscle strength testing device that can capture minute muscle contractions of the fingers while suppressing the compensatory action of the surrounding muscles, by using a simply configured load exercise measuring device and a small, lightweight inertial sensor, and as its second object to make it possible to evaluate the state and degree of recovery of the median nerve, ulnar nerve, and radial nerve by measuring only the load exercise of the index finger using this manual muscle strength testing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The manual muscle strength testing device of the invention according to claim 1 comprises: a finger fixing portion capable of fixing the subject's middle finger, ring finger, and little finger; an inertial sensor that can be attached to the fingertip of the subject and that can measure the movement of the fingertip and record or transmit the measurement data; a load applying unit that applies a load to the fingertip on which the inertial sensor is attached; 、 The load applying portion is any one of an elastic body that is fixed to the pad side of the fingertip and contracts when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves toward the pad side, an elastic body that is fixed to the nail side of the fingertip and expands when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves away from the nail side, an elastic body that is fixed to the thumb side of the fingertip and contracts when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves toward the thumb side, an elastic body that is fixed to the other finger fixing portion side of the fingertip and expands when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves away from the other finger fixing portion, an elastic body that is fixed to the nail side of the fingertip and contracts when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves toward the nail side, and an elastic body that is fixed to the pad side of the fingertip and expands when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves away from the pad side. It is characterized by:

[0010] Claim 2 The invention according to claim 1 to In the manual muscle strength testing device described, a pressure sensor that can be attached to the fingertip and that can measure the magnitude of a load applied to any one of the pad side, thumb side, and nail side of the fingertip and record or transmit load measurement data; the inertial sensor and the pressure sensor are fixed to a ring that can be worn on the fingertip, The pressure sensor is fixed to all or any one of the pad side, thumb side, and nail side of the fingertip on the outside of the annular portion of the ring, The load applying section applies a load to a pressure sensor fixed to any one of the pad side, thumb side, and nail side of the fingertip. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the manual muscle strength testing device of the invention according to claim 1, it is possible to provide a manual muscle strength testing device that can capture minute muscle contractions in the subject's fingers while suppressing compensatory actions of the surrounding muscles, by using a load exercise measuring device with a simple configuration and a small, lightweight inertial sensor. Furthermore, the load applying portion is any one of an elastic body that is fixed to the pad side of the fingertip and contracts when subjected to a force in the direction in which the fingertip moves toward the pad side, an elastic body that is fixed to the nail side of the fingertip and expands when subjected to a force in the direction in which the fingertip moves away from the nail side, an elastic body that is fixed to the thumb side of the fingertip and contracts when subjected to a force in the direction in which the fingertip moves toward the thumb, an elastic body that is fixed to the other finger fixing portion side of the fingertip and expands when subjected to a force in the direction in which the fingertip moves away from the other finger fixing portion, an elastic body that is fixed to the nail side of the fingertip and contracts when subjected to a force in the direction in which the fingertip moves toward the nail, and an elastic body that is fixed to the pad side of the fingertip and expands when subjected to a force in the direction in which the fingertip moves away from the pad side. Therefore, a substantially constant load can be applied to the fingertip when it moves toward the pad side, thumb side, or nail side.

[0013] Claim 2 According to the manual muscle strength testing device of the invention, 1 to In addition to the effects of the above-mentioned invention, the present invention is provided with a pressure sensor that can be attached to a fingertip and can measure the magnitude of the load applied to the pad side, thumb side, or nail side of the fingertip and record or transmit the load measurement data. The inertial sensor and the pressure sensor are fixed to a ring that can be worn on the fingertip, The pressure sensor is fixed to one or all of the pad side, thumb side, and nail side of the fingertip on the outside of the ring part of the ring, The load applying unit applies a load to a pressure sensor fixed to either the pad side, thumb side, or nail side of the fingertip, so that the magnitude of the load applied to the fingertip when the index finger is moved can be measured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a side view showing a manual muscle strength testing device according to a first embodiment and a first example of use. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main body of a manual muscle strength testing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a finger ring, a finger pressing portion, an other finger pressing portion, and a finger cot used in Example 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a side view showing the manual muscle strength testing device according to Example 1 and a second usage example. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a side view showing the manual muscle strength testing device according to Example 1 and a third example of use. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the displacement amount and amplitude δ based on the output of the acceleration sensor. [Figure 7] 10 is a graph showing the δa value of the median nerve obtained by the first use example. [Figure 8] 10 is a graph showing the δa value of the ulnar nerve obtained by the second use example. [Figure 9] 10 is a graph showing the δa value of the radial nerve obtained by the third use example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of a manual muscle strength testing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a ring is worn on an index finger in Example 2, and the ring itself. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing first to third examples of use of the manual muscle strength testing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of a finger insertion section in the manual muscle strength testing device according to Example 3. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing first to sixth examples of use of the manual muscle strength testing device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples. [Example]

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view and a side view showing a manual muscle testing apparatus according to a first embodiment and a first usage example, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main body of the manual muscle testing apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1(a), 1(b) and 2, the manual muscle strength testing device according to the first embodiment includes the following components (A) to (I). (A) Palm rest section 1 consisting of a rectangular plate-like body on which the subject's entire palm P can be placed. The plate-like body that constitutes the palm rest section 1 has multiple holes 2 arranged in a matrix, and two holes 2 near the center of the long side are connected by a slit 3. Furthermore, pins 4 are fixed to each of the two rows of seven holes 2 in the center, with the heads of the pins 4 protruding from the underside of the plate-like body. (B) A rectangular side wall portion 5 extending downward from one side of the palm rest portion 1. The side wall 5 has an opening 6 in the center, and legs 7 extending from the underside of the palm rest 1 on both the left and right inner sides. Another leg 7 extends from the underside of another corner of the palm rest 1, and these three legs 7 support the palm rest 1 and the side wall 5. In order to improve workability on the underside of the palm rest portion 1, three legs 7 are provided, but thin legs may be extended from the underside of corners where no legs 7 are provided to increase stability. Conversely, the legs 7 on the inside of the side wall 5 do not have to be provided, and further, instead of providing the legs 7, a rectangular parallelepiped auxiliary member of approximately the same height as the side wall 5 may be placed opposite the side wall 5, and the palm rest 1 may be placed on the auxiliary member. (C) Restraint portion 8 for fixing palm P to the upper surface of palm rest portion 1. The restraint portion 8 has a buckle 10 at one end of a flat belt 9, and the other end of the flat belt 9 is passed through the buckle 10 and then folded back to adjust the length. That is, the other end of the flat belt 9 is passed through the slit 3 on the front side of Figure 1, and then passed through the slit 3 on the back side of Figure 1 from the bottom side, and then set in the buckle 10 on the palm P of the subject as shown in Figure 1(a).By adjusting the length of the flat belt 9, the palm P can be fixed on the upper surface of the palm rest section 1. (D) A three-axis acceleration sensor 11 that measures fingertip movements and transmits measurement data. The three-axis acceleration sensor 11 is attached to at least one fingertip (index finger in FIG. 1(a)) on the palm P of the subject, measures the movement of the attached fingertip, and transmits the measurement data. When the measurement data transmitted from the three-axis acceleration sensor 11 is received, processed, and analyzed by an analysis unit (not shown), the amplitude δ of the acceleration data in the moving direction of the fingertip can be measured. It is also possible to record the measurement data together with the measurement time in memory instead of transmitting it from the triaxial acceleration sensor 11, and then connect the memory to the analysis unit after the measurement is completed to retrieve the data. (E) A load applying unit 12 that applies an adjustable load to the fingertip whose movement is to be measured. The load-applying portion 12 is composed of a cable tie 13 set in a hole 19 of a ring 15 described later, two rubber bands 14, and a pin 4 (with a head onto which the end of the rubber band 14 can be hooked) fixed to the two rows of seven holes 2 described in (A) above.

[0017] 3(a) to 3(d) are perspective views of the ring 15, the finger pressing portion 20, the other finger pressing portion 23, and the finger cot 26 used in the first embodiment, and each configuration will be described. (F) A ring 15 that is worn on the subject's fingertip to secure the three-axis acceleration sensor 11. As shown in Figure 3(a), the ring 15 consists of a ring portion 16 into which the subject's fingertip (the index finger in Figure 1(a)) can be inserted, a sensor fixing portion 18 provided at a position opposite the slit 17 in the ring portion 16, and through-holes 19 provided on both sides of the sensor fixing portion 18. When making measurements, the binding band 13 is set in the through hole 19 and used. Furthermore, since the ring portion 16 has a slit 17 and is elastic, it is possible to fit the fingertip into the ring portion 16 even if the finger diameter differs by a few millimeters. However, since finger diameter varies greatly from person to person and rings may be worn on the tip of a finger other than the index finger, it is better to prepare multiple types of rings 15 with ring portions 16 of different diameters. It is also preferable that the diameter of the annular portion 16 is small on the front end side and large on the rear end side. (G) A finger pressing unit 20 that presses the finger whose movement is to be measured against the palm rest unit 1 side. The finger pressing unit 20 is used to press the finger (index finger in FIG. 1(a)) whose movement is to be measured, between the second and third joints of the finger on which the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 is attached, against the palm rest 1, while the subject's palm P is fixed on the upper surface of the palm rest 1 with the palm P facing upward or downward. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the finger pressing unit 20 is composed of a U-shaped portion 21 having a height such that its lower end comes into contact with the upper surface of the palm rest 1 when it is placed over and pressed between the second and third joints of the finger to be measured, and a flat finger pressing portion 22 provided above the U-shaped portion 21. As with the ring 15, it is advisable to prepare a plurality of types of finger pressing portions 20 with different widths and heights of the U-shaped portion 21. (H) Other finger pressing unit 23 that presses the fingers adjacent to the finger whose movement is to be measured toward palm rest unit 1. The other finger pressing section 23 is used to press the finger adjacent to the finger wearing the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 toward the palm rest section 1 when the finger (the middle finger in Figure 1(a)) adjacent to the finger whose movement is to be measured is fixed on the upper surface of the palm rest section 1 with the subject's palm P facing upward.As shown in Figure 3(c), it consists of a semicircular ring section 24 that is high enough so that its lower end comes into contact with the upper surface of the palm rest section 1 when placed over the finger to be pressed, and a flat section 25 for pressing the other finger that is provided in the center of the upper side of the semicircular ring section 24. As with the ring 15 and the finger pressing portion 20, it is preferable to prepare a plurality of types of other finger pressing portion 23 with semicircular ring portion 24 having different widths and heights. (I) A finger cot 26 that is placed on the subject's fingertip to stabilize the position of the ring 15. The finger cot 26 is fitted onto the tip of the finger whose movement is to be measured (the index finger in FIG. 1(a)) to stabilize the position of the ring 15 and improve the fit of the ring 15. As shown in FIG. 3(d), the finger cot 26 is made of an elastic material such as rubber and is formed into a dome shape that is closed at the tip and has many protrusions 27 on its surface. As with the rings 15, it is advisable to prepare multiple types of finger cots 26 with different diameters and sizes, and it is also advisable to provide ventilation holes on the sides to prevent stuffiness.

[0018] In the first use example, the manual muscle testing device is used to determine the condition of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle by fixing the palm P of the subject facing upward on the upper surface of the palm rest 1 as shown in Figure 1, and instructing the subject to bend the index finger at the second joint, move the fingertip upward, and then return it to its original position while measuring the fingertip movement.The condition and degree of recovery of the median nerve can then be evaluated by analyzing the measured values. Next, the measurement procedure in the first use example will be described in detail.

[0019] (Step A1) The finger cot 26 is placed on the tip of the subject's index finger. (Step A2) Select a ring 15 that fits the size of the fingertip wearing the finger cot 26, and fix the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 to the sensor fixing portion 18 of the ring 15 with double-sided tape or adhesive. If a ring 15 is selected in which the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is fixed to the sensor fixing portion 18, the fixing work of the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is not necessary. (Step A3) The subject's index finger, wearing a finger cot 26, is inserted into the ring portion 16 of the ring 15 to which the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 is fixed, and the ring portion 16 is tightly attached between the first joint and the fingertip, and the top surface of the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and the ventral side of the fingertip are fixed so that they face the same direction. (Step A4) Once the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 has been fixed, place the subject's palm P facing upward on the top surface of the palm rest 1, pass the other end of the flat belt 9 through one of the slits 3, and then pass it through the other slit 3 from the underside of the palm rest 1, and then set it in the buckle 10 above the center of the subject's palm P, and adjust the length of the flat belt 9 to fix the palm P to the top surface of the palm rest 1. Instead of using the restraint unit 8 for fixing the palm P to the upper surface of the palm rest unit 1, the examiner's hand H may be used to press and fix the back of the subject's hand toward the palm rest unit 1.

[0020] (Step A5) One end of one rubber band 14 is hooked to each of the cable ties 13 set on both sides of the ring 15, and the other end of one rubber band 14 is hooked through the hole 2 in the palm rest portion 1 to one of the pins 4 in one row (the second one from the arm side in Figure 1(b)), and the other end of the other rubber band 14 is similarly hooked through the hole 2 in the palm rest portion 1 to a pin 4 in the corresponding position in the other row. The state in which the two rubber bands 14 are not hung on pins 4 will be called load 0, the state in which the other ends of the two rubber bands 14 are hung on pins 4 located at the position corresponding to the most compressed state (hereinafter referred to as the "shortest position") will be called load 1, the state in which the other ends of the two rubber bands 14 are hung on pins 4 located one arm away from the shortest position will be called load 2, the state in which the other ends of the two rubber bands 14 are hung on pins 4 located two arms away from the shortest position will be called load 3, and the state in which the other ends of the two rubber bands 14 are hung on pins 4 located three arms away from the shortest position will be called load 4. (Step A6) Place the finger pressing part 20 over the area between the second and third joints of the index finger and press it against the palm rest part 1, and place the other finger pressing part 23 over the middle finger and press it against the palm rest part 1. The pressing method can be selected from the following methods: pressing with the examiner's hand, placing a weight on the flat part for pressing the finger 22 and the flat part for pressing other fingers 25, or fixing the finger pressing part 20 and the flat part for pressing other fingers 25 to the upper surface of the palm rest part 1 using an elastic body such as a rubber string or a member that can be inserted into the hole 2. (Step A7) Activate the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and instruct the subject to bend the second joint of the index finger over 3 seconds, hold it at the maximum range of motion for 3 seconds, and return it to its original position over 3 seconds. These instructions are repeated 5 times to measure the fingertip movement, and the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 is stopped after the measurement is completed.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view and a side view showing the manual muscle strength testing device according to the first embodiment and a second usage example. In a second use example, the manual muscle testing device of Example 1 is used, and as shown in Figure 4, the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the subject are fixed on the upper surface of the palm rest 1 with the palm P of the subject turned sideways, and the subject is instructed to open the entire index finger relative to the middle finger, move the fingertip upward, and then return it to its original position while measuring the movement of the fingertip, thereby determining the condition of the dorsal interosseous muscle.The condition and degree of recovery of the ulnar nerve can then be evaluated by analyzing the measured values. Next, the measurement procedure in the second use example will be described in detail.

[0022] (Step B1) A ring 15 that fits the size of the subject's index finger is selected, and the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is fixed to the sensor fixing portion 18 of the ring 15 with double-sided tape or adhesive. If a ring 15 is selected in which the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is fixed to the sensor fixing portion 18, the fixing work of the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is not necessary. Also, as in step A1 above, the finger stall 26 may be placed on the tip of the subject's index finger, and in this case, the ring 15 that fits the size of the fingertip on which the finger stall 26 is placed is selected. (Step B2) The subject inserts his / her index finger into the ring portion 16 of the ring 15 to which the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 is fixed, and the ring portion 16 is tightly attached between the first joint and the fingertip, and fixed so that the top surface of the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and the thumb side of the fingertip are facing the same direction. (Step B3) After the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 has been fixed, the subject places the palm P sideways on the top surface of the palm rest 1, and fixes the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger on the top surface of the palm rest 1. The middle finger, ring finger, and little finger may be fixed by the examiner's hand H as shown in Figure 4(a), or by providing a slit similar to slit 3 at an appropriate position on the palm rest 1, and using the restraint part 8 as in step A4 above, passing the other end of the flat belt 9 through the two slits, and then setting it on the buckle 10 near the ring finger on the palm P of the examinee, and adjusting the length of the flat belt 9.

[0023] (Step B4) One end of one rubber band 14 is hooked to each of the cable ties 13 set on both sides of the ring 15, and the other end of one rubber band 14 is hooked through the hole 2 in the palm rest portion 1 to one of the pins 4 in one row (the second one from the fingertip side in Figure 4(b)), and the other end of the other rubber band 14 is also hooked through the hole 2 in the palm rest portion 1 to a pin 4 in the corresponding position in the other row. The definitions of the loads 0 to 3 are the same as those explained in step A5 above. (Step B5) After the two rubber bands 14 are attached to the pins 4, the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is activated and the subject is instructed to open the entire index finger relative to the middle finger over three seconds, hold the finger at its maximum range of motion for three seconds, and then return it to its original position over three seconds. These instructions are repeated five times to measure the fingertip movement, and the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is stopped after the measurement is completed.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view and a side view showing the manual muscle strength testing device according to the first embodiment and a third usage example. In a third use example, the manual muscle testing device of Example 1 is used, and as shown in Fig. 5, the palm P of the subject is fixed to the upper surface of the palm rest 1 with the palm facing downward and the second joint of the index finger slightly protruding beyond the side wall 5. The subject is instructed to bend the index finger at 90 degrees at the second joint, then extend the fingertip, and then return it to its original position while measuring the fingertip movement, thereby determining the condition of the extensor digitorum communis muscle. The condition and degree of recovery of the radial nerve can then be evaluated by analyzing the measured values. Next, the measurement procedure in the third use example will be described in detail.

[0025] (Step C1) A ring 15 that fits the size of the subject's index finger is selected, and the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is fixed to the sensor fixing portion 18 of the ring 15 with double-sided tape or adhesive. If a ring 15 is selected in which the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is fixed to the sensor fixing portion 18, the fixing work of the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is not necessary. Also, as in step A1 above, the finger stall 26 may be placed on the tip of the subject's index finger, and in this case, the ring 15 that fits the size of the fingertip on which the finger stall 26 is placed is selected. (Step C2) The subject inserts his / her index finger into the ring portion 16 of the ring 15 to which the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 is fixed, and the ring portion 16 is pressed tightly between the first joint and the fingertip, and fixed so that the top surface of the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and the nail side of the fingertip are facing the same direction. (Step C3) After the fixing of the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is completed, the palm P of the subject is placed face down on the upper surface of the palm rest portion 1 and fixed to the upper surface of the palm rest portion 1. The palm P may be fixed by the examiner's hand as in step B3 above, or a slit similar to slit 3 may be provided at an appropriate position on the palm rest 1, and the other end of the flat belt 9 may be passed through the two slits using the restraint 8 as in step A4 above, and then the flat belt 9 may be set in the buckle 10 near the third joint of the examinee's middle finger, and the length of the flat belt 9 may be adjusted.

[0026] (Step C4) One end of one rubber band 14 is hooked to each of the cable ties 13 set on both sides of the ring 15, and the other end of one rubber band 14 is hooked to one of the pins 4 in one row (the fourth one from the fingertip side in Figure 5(b)) through the opening 6 in the side wall portion 5, and the other end of the other rubber band 14 is also hooked to a pin 4 in the corresponding position in the other row through the opening 6 in the side wall portion 5. The definitions of the loads 0 to 3 are the same as those explained in step A5 above. Furthermore, after the rubber band 14 is hung on the pin 4, the finger pressing part 20 may be placed between the second and third joints of the index finger and pressed against the palm rest part 1 in the same manner as in step A6 above. (Step C5) After the two rubber bands 14 are hooked onto the pins 4, the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is activated and the subject is instructed to extend the index finger from a 90-degree bent position at the second joint over three seconds, hold the finger at its maximum range of motion for three seconds, and then return it to its original position over three seconds. These instructions are repeated five times to measure the fingertip movement, and the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is stopped after the measurement is completed.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of displacement based on the output of the acceleration sensor 11 and the amplitude δ. As described above, steps A1 to A7 of the first usage example allow the subject's palm P to be fixed upward on the top surface of the palm rest 1, and the movement of the fingertips can be measured when the index finger is bent and extended at the second joint. Steps B1 to B6 of the second usage example allow the subject's palm P to be turned sideways with the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger fixed on the top surface of the palm rest 1, and the movement of the fingertips can be measured when the entire index finger is opened and closed relative to the middle finger. Steps C1 to C6 of the third usage example allow the subject's palm P to be fixed downward on the top surface of the palm rest 1, and the movement of the fingertips can be measured when the index finger is bent 90 degrees at the second joint and then extended and extended. By analyzing these measured values, the condition and degree of recovery of the median nerve, ulnar nerve, and radial nerve can be evaluated. Although the amplitude differs in each of the first to third usage examples, if the fingertip movement is graphed based on the measurement data transmitted from the acceleration sensor 11, with the horizontal axis representing the time axis and the vertical axis representing the displacement in the Y-axis direction, the graph will have the shape shown in Figure 6. Therefore, in the analysis based on the measurement data obtained from the first to third use examples, the position before moving the fingertip was defined as the initial value y0, and the position after moving the fingertip and holding it at the maximum range of motion for three seconds was defined as the held value y. The difference between the initial value y0 and the held value y (y0-y) was calculated to measure the amplitude δ, and the average value δa of the amplitude δ for a total of five times was calculated to evaluate the condition and degree of recovery of the median nerve, ulnar nerve, and radial nerve.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the δa value of the median nerve obtained by the first use example. Figure 7(a) plots the variance of δa at load 0 and δa at loads 1 to 4 for each subject, with the horizontal axis of the graph representing δa without load and the vertical axis representing δa with load. Note that subjects plotted as circles are those who have been previously evaluated by a doctor as MMT5 (Normal), subjects plotted as squares are those who have also been evaluated as MMT4 (Good), and subjects plotted as triangles are those who have also been evaluated as MMT3 (Fair). FIG. 7(b) is a graph comparing the transition of the approximation line for Δa at loads 0 to 4 for each group of subjects who have been previously evaluated by a doctor as MMT 3 to 5. From these graphs, it can be seen that the MMT5 subject group often had δa exceeding 1 at all loads from 0 to 4, and are plotted in the upper right region of Figure 7(a). The MMT4 subject group had δa values close to 1 at loads from 0 to 4, but Figure 7(a) shows that there was variation between subjects closer to MMT5 and subjects closer to MMT3. The MMT3 subject (one) was able to move his fingertips to some extent at load 1, which indicates that his condition was similar to the MMT3 criterion (a state in which enough force is applied to move the joint even against gravity). Considering the above findings, when the variance of δa for load 0 and δa for loads 1 to 4 is plotted on the graph in Figure 7(a), if it is plotted in the upper right area, it is likely to belong to the MMT5 group, if it is plotted between the upper right area and the lower left area, it is likely to belong to the MMT4 group, and if it is plotted in the lower left area, it is likely to belong to the MMT3 group. Furthermore, the MMT4 group has a large degree of variation, making it difficult even for doctors to distinguish between them. However, by plotting the variance of δa at load 0 and δa at loads 1 to 4 on the graph in Figure 7(a), it is possible to determine whether the condition is closer to the MMT5 group or the MMT3 group, which may enable a more detailed evaluation than the conventional 6-point evaluation.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the δa value of the ulnar nerve obtained by the second use example. Figure 8(a) plots the variance of δa at load 0 and δa at loads 1 to 3 for each subject, with the horizontal axis of the graph representing δa without load and the vertical axis representing δa with load. As in FIG. 7(a), the circle, square, and triangle plots indicate subjects who have been previously evaluated by a doctor as MMT5, MMT4, and MMT3, respectively. FIG. 8(b) is a graph comparing the transition of the approximation line for Δa at loads 0 to 3 for different groups of subjects who have been previously evaluated by a doctor as MMT 3 to 5. From these graphs, it can be seen that the MMT5 subject group often had δa exceeding 0.7 at all loads from 0 to 3, and are plotted in the upper right area of Figure 8(a). The MMT4 subject group often had δa within the range of 0.4 to 0.6 at loads from 0 to 3, but Figure 8(a) shows that there was a large variation from subjects close to MMT5 to subjects close to MMT3. One MMT3 subject was able to move his fingertips to some extent at load 1, which indicates that his condition was similar to the MMT3 criterion (a state in which enough force is applied to move the joint even against gravity). Considering the above findings, when the variance of δa for load 0 and δa for loads 1 to 3 is plotted on the graph in Figure 8(a), if it is plotted in the upper right area, it is likely to belong to the MMT5 group, if it is plotted between the upper right area and the lower left area, it is likely to belong to the MMT4 group, and if it is plotted in the lower left area, it is likely to belong to the MMT3 group. Furthermore, it is clear that the δa values of the MMT4 and MMT3 subject groups decrease with increasing load. Furthermore, the MMT4 group has a large variance, similar to that shown in Figure 7, making it difficult even for doctors to distinguish between them. However, by plotting the variance of δa at load 0 and δa at loads 1 to 3 on the graph in Figure 8(a), it is possible to determine whether the condition is closer to that of the MMT5 group or the MMT3 group, which may enable a more detailed evaluation than the conventional 6-point evaluation.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the δa value of the radial nerve obtained by the third use example. Figure 9(a) plots the variance of δa at load 0 and δa at loads 1 to 2 for each subject, with the horizontal axis of the graph representing δa without load and the vertical axis representing δa with load. As in FIG. 7(a), the circle, square, and triangle plots indicate subjects who have been previously evaluated by a doctor as MMT5, MMT4, and MMT3, respectively. FIG. 9(b) is a graph comparing the transition of the approximation line for δa at loads 0 to 2 for different groups of subjects who have been previously evaluated by a doctor as MMT 3 to 5. From these graphs, it can be seen that for the MMT5 subject group, δa often had a value of around 1.2 at all loads of 0 to 1, and δa often had a value of around 1 at load 2, and is plotted in the upper right area of Figure 9(a). For the MMT4 and MMT3 subject groups, δa was around 1 at load 0, but δa often dropped sharply to around 0.4 to 0.1 at loads 1 to 2. Figure 9(a) shows that δa under load is lower than that of the MMT5 subjects, and it can be seen that for the MMT3 subject group, δa at loads 0 to 2 was lower than the δa of the MMT4 subject group. Considering the above findings, when the variance of δa for load 0 and δa for loads 1 to 3 is plotted on the graph in Figure 9(a), if it is plotted in the upper right area, it is likely to belong to the MMT5 group, if it is plotted in the area from the lower center to the lower right, it is likely to belong to the MMT4 group, and if it is plotted in the lower left area, it is likely to belong to the MMT3 group. Furthermore, when evaluating the degree of recovery of the radial nerve using the third use example, it is thought that a δa value should be obtained by applying a smaller load, and it is clear that the way in which the load is applied is important. [Example]

[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of a manual muscle testing device according to Example 2, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a ring is worn on an index finger in Example 2, and the ring itself, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing first to third usage examples of the manual muscle testing device according to Example 2. The manual muscle strength testing device according to the second embodiment includes the following components (J) to (N) as shown in Figures 10 to 12. Note that some components are common to the first embodiment, so the same numbers are used for the common components and the explanation may be simplified.

[0032] (J) A finger insertion section 30 comprising: an other finger fixing section 28 into which the subject's middle finger, ring finger, and little finger can be inserted and which has a space shaped so that the inserted middle finger, ring finger, and little finger cannot move in either direction; and an index finger insertion section 29 into which the subject's index finger can be inserted and which has a space shaped so that the inserted index finger can move toward the ventral side or the thumb side, or toward the nail side or the thumb side. The other finger fixing portion 28 is a square tube into which the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger can be inserted from both sides, and the index finger inserting portion 29 is a tube with an L-shaped cross section into which the index finger can be inserted from both sides. In addition, since finger sizes vary from person to person, a plurality of finger insertion sections 30 with different lengths and heights of the other finger fixing section 28 are prepared, taking into consideration the width and thickness of the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger when aligned in particular. (K) A detachable load-applying elastic body 31 that can be inserted and fixed into the protruding portion of the index finger insertion portion 29. The load-applying elastic body 31 corresponds to the load-applying portion 12 (particularly the two rubber bands 14) in Example 1, and by using elastic bodies of various softness (sponge in Figure 10), for example, it is possible to apply an adjustable load to the fingertip. In addition, in Figure 10, the cross section of the protruding part of the index finger insertion part 29 is arched, so the load elastic body 31 is also semi-cylindrical, but the cross section of the protruding part of the index finger insertion part 29 may be U-shaped, in which case the load elastic body 31 will be prism-shaped.

[0033] (L) A three-axis acceleration sensor 11 that measures fingertip movements and transmits measurement data. For details of the three-axis acceleration sensor 11, see (D) of the first embodiment. (M) Pressure sensor 32 measures the magnitude of the load on the fingertip and transmits the measurement data. In Figure 11(C), the pressure sensor 32 is fixed to the ventral side of the subject's index finger, so when the tip of the index finger is moved ventrally inside the index finger insertion section 29, as shown in Figure 12(A) described below, the pressure sensor 32 receives a repulsive force from the load elastic body 31. Therefore, when the pressure measurement data measured by the pressure sensor 32 is received, processed, and analyzed by an analysis unit (not shown), the magnitude of the pressure applied to the pad side of the fingertip can be confirmed. In addition, in Example 2, in order to transmit the acceleration measurement data and pressure measurement data measured by the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and the pressure sensor 32, as shown in Figure 11 (A), a data transmission means 33 is attached to the wrist of the subject, and the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and the pressure sensor 32 are connected to the data transmission means 33 by a signal transmission line 34. (N) A ring 35 for fixing the three-axis acceleration sensor 11 and the pressure sensor 32 to the fingertip. As shown in Figure 11 (B), like the ring 15 described in (F) of Example 1, the ring 35 has a ring portion that can be inserted into the tip of the subject's index finger and an upper sensor fixing portion 36 located opposite the slit in the ring portion, and further has a lower sensor fixing portion 37 fixed to one side of the slit in the ring portion (left side of the figure) and a side sensor fixing portion 38 fixed to one side of the ring portion (right side of the figure). In the first and third usage examples described below, the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is fixed to one of the upper sensor fixing portion 36 and the lower sensor fixing portion 37, and the pressure sensor 32 is fixed to the other, to measure the movement of the fingertip and the pressure applied to the palm side of the fingertip in the first usage example and the nail side of the fingertip in the third usage example.In the second usage example described below, the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is fixed to one of the upper sensor fixing portion 36 and the lower sensor fixing portion 37, and the pressure sensor 32 is fixed to the side sensor fixing portion 38, to measure the movement of the fingertip and the pressure applied to the thumb. In order to stabilize the position of the ring 35, the finger cot 26 described in (I) of the first embodiment and shown in FIG. 3(d) may be used.

[0034] FIG. 12(A) is a diagram showing a first example of use of the manual muscle strength testing device according to the second embodiment. In the first use example of Example 2, a load-applying elastic body 31 of appropriate softness is inserted and fixed into the protruding portion of the index finger insertion portion 29, and then the subject's palm P is turned upward and the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are inserted into the other finger fixing portion 28, and the index finger is inserted into the index finger insertion portion 29. The condition of the flexor digitorum superficialis can be determined by measuring the fingertip movement and the pressure on the ventral side of the fingertip while instructing the subject to bend the index finger at the second joint and move the fingertip upward (in the direction of the arrow) and then return it to its original position. Furthermore, by analyzing these measurements, the condition and degree of recovery of the median nerve can be evaluated in the same way as in Example 1. Regarding the procedures corresponding to measurement procedures A1 to A4 in the first use example of Example 1, in the case of the first use example of Example 2, the procedure can be completed simply by putting ring 35, to which 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and pressure sensor 32 are fixed, on the subject's index finger, inserting the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger into other finger fixing portion 28, and inserting the index finger into index finger inserting portion 29, which is simpler than Example 1. Furthermore, with regard to the procedure corresponding to measurement procedure A5 in the first usage example of Example 1, in the case of the first usage example of Example 2, the state in which the load elastic body 31 is not inserted is load 0, the state in which the softest load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 1, the state in which the second softest load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 2, the state in which the third softest load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 3, and the state in which the fourth softest (hardest) load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 4. Furthermore, with regard to the procedures corresponding to measurement procedures A6 and A7 in the first use example of Example 1, in the case of the first use example of Example 2, procedure A6 can be omitted, and the subject is instructed to start the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and pressure sensor 32, bend the second joint of the index finger over 3 seconds, hold it at the maximum range of motion for 3 seconds, and return it to its original position over 3 seconds. These instructions are repeated five times to measure the movement of the fingertip, and the pressure on the ventral side of the fingertip is measured. After the measurement is completed, the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and pressure sensor 32 are stopped, which is almost the same as procedure A7 in Example 1.

[0035] FIG. 12(B) is a diagram showing a second example of use of the manual muscle strength testing device according to the second embodiment. In the second usage example of the second embodiment, a load-applying elastic body 31 of appropriate softness is inserted and fixed into the protruding portion of the index finger insertion portion 29, and then, with the palm P of the subject turned sideways, the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are inserted into the other finger fixing portion 28, and the index finger is inserted into the index finger insertion portion 29. The index finger is then moved upward (in the direction of the arrow) with the entire index finger open relative to the middle finger, and then the fingertip is returned to its original position while measuring the fingertip movement and the pressure on the thumb side of the fingertip, thereby determining the condition of the dorsal interosseous muscle. Furthermore, by analyzing these measurements, the condition and degree of recovery of the ulnar nerve can be evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. Regarding the procedures corresponding to the measurement procedures B1 to B3 in the second use example of Example 1, in the case of the second use example of Example 2, the procedure can be completed simply by putting ring 35, to which 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and pressure sensor 32 are fixed, on the subject's index finger, inserting the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger into other finger fixing portion 28, and inserting the index finger into index finger inserting portion 29, which is simpler than Example 1. Furthermore, with regard to the procedure corresponding to measurement procedure B4 in the second usage example of Example 1, in the case of the second usage example of Example 2, as in the case of the first usage example of Example 2, the state in which the load elastic body 31 is not inserted is load 0, the state in which the softest load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 1, the state in which the second softest load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 2, the state in which the third softest load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 3, and the state in which the fourth softest (hardest) load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 4. Furthermore, with regard to the procedure corresponding to measurement procedure B5 in the second use example of Example 1, in the case of the second use example of Example 2, the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and pressure sensor 32 are activated, and the subject is instructed to open the entire index finger toward the middle finger over 3 seconds, hold it at the maximum range of motion for 3 seconds, and return it to its original position over 3 seconds. These instructions are repeated five times to measure the movement of the fingertip, and the pressure on the thumb side of the fingertip is measured. After the measurement is completed, the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and pressure sensor 32 are stopped, which is almost the same as procedure B5 in Example 1.

[0036] FIG. 12(C) is a diagram showing a third example of use of the manual muscle strength testing device according to the second embodiment. In the third use example of Example 2, a load-applying elastic body 31 of appropriate softness is inserted and fixed into the protruding portion of the index finger insertion section 29, and then, with the subject's palm P facing downward, the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are inserted into the other finger fixing section 28, and the index finger is inserted into the index finger insertion section 29. The condition of the extensor digitorum communis muscle can be determined by measuring the fingertip movement and the pressure on the nail side of the fingertip while instructing the subject to bend the index finger 90 degrees at the second joint, extend the fingertip in the direction of the arrow, and then return it to its original position. Furthermore, by analyzing these measurements, the condition and degree of recovery of the radial nerve can be evaluated in the same way as in Example 1. Regarding the procedures corresponding to the measurement procedures C1 to C3 in the third use example of Example 1, in the case of the third use example of Example 2, the procedure can be completed simply by putting ring 35, to which 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and pressure sensor 32 are fixed, on the index finger of the subject, inserting the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger into other finger fixing portion 28, and inserting the index finger into index finger inserting portion 29, which is simpler than Example 1. Furthermore, with regard to the procedure corresponding to measurement procedure C4 in the third usage example of Example 1, in the third usage example of Example 2, as in the first usage example of Example 2, the state in which the load elastic body 31 is not inserted is load 0, the state in which the softest load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 1, the state in which the second softest load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 2, the state in which the third softest load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 3, and the state in which the fourth softest (hardest) load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed is load 4. Furthermore, with regard to the procedure corresponding to measurement procedure C5 in the third use example of Example 1, in the case of the third use example of Example 2, the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and pressure sensor 32 are activated, and the subject is instructed to extend the index finger from a position where it is bent 90 degrees at the second joint over 3 seconds, hold it at the maximum range of motion for 3 seconds, and return it to its original position over 3 seconds.These instructions are repeated five times to measure the movement of the fingertip, and after the measurement is completed, the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and pressure sensor 32 are stopped, which is almost the same as procedure C5 in Example 1. [Example]

[0037] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the structure of the manual muscle testing device according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing first to sixth examples of use of the manual muscle testing device according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the manual muscle strength testing device according to Example 3 includes the following components (O) to (S). Note that some components are common to Examples 1 and 2, and therefore the same reference numerals are used for the common components, and the explanation may be simplified. In addition, the three-axis acceleration sensor 11, pressure sensor 32, and ring 35 for fixing these shown in Figure 11 are the same as those used in Example 2, and therefore the explanation will be omitted (see (L) to (N) of Example 2).

[0038] (O) A finger insertion section 40 consisting of an other finger fixing section 28 into which the subject's middle finger, ring finger, and little finger can be inserted and which has a space shaped so that the inserted middle finger, ring finger, and little finger cannot move in any direction, and an index finger insertion section 39 into which the subject's index finger can be inserted and which has a space shaped so that the inserted index finger can move to the ventral side, thumb side, or nail side. The other finger fixing portion 28 has the same configuration as in the second embodiment, and the index finger inserting portion 39 has a cylindrical shape with a T-shaped cross section, so that the index finger can be inserted from both sides, as shown in FIG. 13(A). Furthermore, since finger sizes vary from person to person, similar to the finger insertion section 30 of the second embodiment, a plurality of finger insertion sections 40 with different lengths and heights of the other finger fixing section 28 are prepared. (P) Removable load elastic body 31 that can be inserted and fixed to the protruding portion of index finger insertion section 39 except for the portion adjacent to other finger fixing section 28. For details, see (K) of Example 2. Also, Figure 13(B) is a diagram showing the state in which load elastic body 31 is inserted and fixed to all protruding portions. (Q) A ring-shaped elastic load body 41, one end of which can be fixed to the end of the protruding portion of the index finger insertion portion 39 excluding the portion adjacent to the other finger fixing portion 28, and the other end of which can be hooked onto and fixed to the pressure sensor 32. FIG. 13(C) is a diagram showing the overall shape and fixed state of the ring-shaped load elastic body 41. (R) A pouch-shaped other finger fixing portion 42 (see Figure 14(E)) into which the subject's middle finger, ring finger, and little finger can be inserted and which has a space shaped so that the inserted middle finger, ring finger, and little finger cannot move in either direction. (S) A load strap-like elastic body 43 (see Figure 14(E)) whose one end can be fixed to the outside of the little finger insertion portion of the bag-shaped other finger fixing portion 42 and whose other end can be hooked onto and fixed to the pressure sensor 32.

[0039] FIG. 14(A) is a diagram showing a first example of use of the manual muscle strength testing device according to the third embodiment. In the first use example of Example 3, a load-applying elastic body 31 of appropriate softness is inserted and fixed into the protruding portion of the index finger insertion portion 39, and then the subject's palm P is turned upward and the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are inserted into the other finger fixing portion 28, and the index finger is inserted into the index finger insertion portion 39. The subsequent movement of the index finger, determination of the state of the flexor digitorum superficialis, evaluation of the state and degree of recovery of the median nerve through analysis of the measured values, and correspondence and comparison with measurement steps A1 to A7 in the first use example of Example 1 are exactly the same as those in the first use example of Example 2.

[0040] FIG. 14(B) is a diagram showing a second example of use of the manual muscle strength testing device according to the third embodiment. In the second usage example of the third embodiment, a load-applying elastic body 31 of appropriate softness is inserted and fixed into the protruding portion of the index finger insertion portion 39, and then, with the palm P of the subject turned sideways, the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are inserted into the other finger fixing portion 28, and the index finger is inserted into the index finger insertion portion 39. The subsequent movement of the index finger, the determination of the state of the dorsal interosseous muscle, the evaluation of the state and degree of recovery of the ulnar nerve by analyzing the measured values, and the correspondence and comparison with the measurement procedures B1 to B5 in the second use example of Example 1 are exactly the same as those in the second use example of Example 2.

[0041] FIG. 14(C) is a diagram showing a third example of use of the manual muscle strength testing device according to the third embodiment. In the third usage example of the third embodiment, a load-applying elastic body 31 of appropriate softness is inserted and fixed into the protruding portion of the index finger insertion portion 39, and then, with the subject's palm P facing downward, the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are inserted into the other finger fixing portion 28, and the index finger is inserted into the index finger insertion portion 39. The subsequent movement of the index finger, the assessment of the state of the extensor digitorum communis muscle, the evaluation of the state and degree of recovery of the radial nerve through analysis of the measured values, and the correspondence and comparison with the measurement procedures C1 to C5 in the third use example of Example 1 are exactly the same as those in the third use example of Example 2.

[0042] FIG. 14(D) is a diagram showing a fourth example of use of the manual muscle strength testing device according to the third embodiment. The fourth use example of Example 3 is common to the first use example of the manual muscle testing device according to Examples 2 and 3 in that it can determine the state of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle and evaluate the state and degree of recovery of the median nerve by analyzing the measured values. In both first use examples, a load elastic body 31 of appropriate softness is inserted and fixed to the protruding portion of the index finger insertion section 29 or 39, and then the subject's fingers other than the thumb are inserted into the finger insertion section 30 or 40, and the index finger is moved while the load elastic body 31 is contracted to measure the movement of the fingertip, whereas in the fourth use example of Example 3, one end of a load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is fixed to the end of the protruding portion of the index finger insertion section 39, and the other end is hooked onto the pressure sensor 32, and then the subject's fingers other than the thumb are inserted into the finger insertion section 40, and the index finger is moved while the load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is stretched to measure the movement of the fingertip. Furthermore, the manner in which the index finger is moved after a finger other than the thumb is inserted into the finger insertion portion 40, the state of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle is determined, the state of the median nerve and the degree of recovery are evaluated by analyzing the measured values, and the correspondence and comparison with the measurement procedures A1 to A7 in the first use example of the first embodiment are almost the same as those in the first use example of the second embodiment. However, with regard to the procedure corresponding to procedure A5, in the case of the fourth use example of the third embodiment, the state in which the other end of the ring-shaped elastic load body 41 is not hooked on the pressure sensor 32 is the load of 0, the softest state. The state in which one end of the heavy load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is fixed and the other end is hooked to the pressure sensor 32 is load 1, the state in which one end of the second softest load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is fixed and the other end is hooked to the pressure sensor 32 is load 2, the state in which one end of the third softest load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is fixed and the other end is hooked to the pressure sensor 32 is load 3, and the state in which one end of the fourth softest (hardest) load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is fixed and the other end is hooked to the pressure sensor 32 is load 4.

[0043] FIG. 14(E) is a diagram showing a fifth example of use of the manual muscle strength testing device according to the third embodiment. The fifth use example of Example 3 is common to the second use example of the manual muscle testing device according to Examples 2 and 3 in that it can determine the state of the dorsal interosseous muscle and evaluate the state and degree of recovery of the ulnar nerve by analyzing the measured values. In both second use examples, a load elastic body 31 of appropriate softness is inserted and fixed into the protruding portion of the index finger insertion section 29 or 39, and the subject's fingers other than the thumb are inserted into the finger insertion section 30 or 40, and the index finger is moved while the load elastic body 31 is contracted to measure the movement of the fingertip, whereas in the fifth use example of Example 3, the subject's middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are inserted into the bag-shaped other finger fixing section 42 to which one end of a load strap-like elastic body 43 is fixed, and the other end of the load strap-like elastic body 43 is hooked onto the pressure sensor 32, and the index finger is moved while the load strap-like elastic body 43 is stretched to measure the movement of the fingertip. In addition, the manner of moving the index finger, the determination of the state of the dorsal interosseous muscle, the evaluation of the state and degree of recovery of the ulnar nerve by analyzing the measured values, and the correspondence and comparison with measurement procedures B1 to B5 in the second use example of Example 1 are almost the same as those in the second use example of Example 2, but with regard to the procedure corresponding to procedure B4, in the case of the fifth use example of Example 3, the state in which the other end of the load strap-like elastic body 43 is not hooked onto the pressure sensor 32 is load 0, the state in which the other end of the softest load strap-like elastic body 43 is hooked onto the pressure sensor 32 is load 1, the state in which the other end of the second softest load strap-like elastic body 43 is hooked onto the pressure sensor 32 is load 2, the state in which the other end of the third softest load strap-like elastic body 43 is hooked onto the pressure sensor 32 is load 3, and the state in which the other end of the fourth softest (hardest) load strap-like elastic body 43 is hooked onto the pressure sensor 32 is load 4.

[0044] FIG. 14(F) is a diagram showing a sixth example of use of the manual muscle strength testing device according to the third embodiment. The sixth use example of Example 3 is common to the third use example of the manual muscle testing device according to Examples 2 and 3 in that it can determine the state of the extensor digitorum communis muscle and evaluate the state and degree of recovery of the radial nerve by analyzing the measured values. In both third use examples, a load elastic body 31 of appropriate softness is inserted and fixed to the protruding portion of the index finger insertion section 29 or 39, and then the subject's finger other than the thumb is inserted into the finger insertion section 30 or 40, and the index finger is moved while the load elastic body 31 is contracted to measure the movement of the fingertip, whereas in the sixth use example of Example 3, one end of a load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is fixed to the end of the protruding portion of the index finger insertion section 39, and the other end is hooked onto the pressure sensor 32, and then the subject's finger other than the thumb is inserted into the finger insertion section 40, and the index finger is moved while the load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is stretched to measure the movement of the fingertip. Furthermore, the manner in which the index finger is moved after a finger other than the thumb is inserted into the finger insertion portion 40, the state of the extensor digitorum communis muscle is determined, the state of the radial nerve and the degree of recovery are evaluated by analyzing the measured values, and the correspondence and comparison with the measurement procedures C1 to C5 in the third use example of the first embodiment are almost the same as those in the third use example of the second embodiment. However, with regard to the procedure corresponding to procedure C4, in the case of the sixth use example of the third embodiment, the state in which the other end of the load-applying annular elastic body 41 is not hooked on the pressure sensor 32 is the load of 0, the softest state. The state in which one end of the heavy load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is fixed and the other end is hooked to the pressure sensor 32 is load 1, the state in which one end of the second softest load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is fixed and the other end is hooked to the pressure sensor 32 is load 2, the state in which one end of the third softest load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is fixed and the other end is hooked to the pressure sensor 32 is load 3, and the state in which one end of the fourth softest (hardest) load ring-shaped elastic body 41 is fixed and the other end is hooked to the pressure sensor 32 is load 4.

[0045] (Modifications of Examples 1 to 3) Modifications of the manual muscle strength testing devices according to the first to third embodiments will be listed below. (1) In Example 1, the side wall portion 5 has one opening 6 in the center. However, similar to the palm rest portion 1, it may have multiple holes through which rubber bands can be passed, so that the ends of the rubber bands 14 can be hooked onto the heads of the pins 4 protruding from the underside of the plate-like body that constitutes the palm rest portion 1. (2) In Example 1, the restraining portion 8 has a buckle 10 at one end of a flat belt 9, but it may also be an elastic belt that can be attached and detached to the top surface of the palm resting portion 1 or a palm pressing portion of various sizes. (3) In the first embodiment, a three-axis acceleration sensor 11 is used. However, when measuring the displacement amount in one axis direction with respect to the movement of the fingertip (for example, the displacement amount in the Y-axis direction as shown in FIG. 6), a one-axis acceleration sensor or a two-axis acceleration sensor may be used. When measuring the displacement amount in two axis directions with respect to the movement of the fingertip, a two-axis acceleration sensor may be used. Furthermore, tilt sensors and gyro sensors may also be used, and in the claims, these are collectively referred to as "inertial sensors."

[0046] (4) In Example 1, the load-applying portion 12 is composed of a cable tie 13, two rubber bands 14, and pins 4 fixed to two rows of seven holes 2. However, the load-applying portion 12 may be composed of an adjustable load-applying mechanism made of an elastic member, a solenoid, or the like, which is installed on the palm-resting portion 1 or the side wall portion 5 and can apply an adjustable load to either the fingertip, the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11, or the ring 15 that measures the movement of the fingertip. Furthermore, weights of different weights may be attached to or detached from the three-axis acceleration sensor 11 or the ring 15 to provide an adjustable load applying mechanism. When such an adjustable load applying mechanism is used as the load applying section, the hole 2 provided in the palm rest section 1 or the opening 6 provided in the side wall section 5 may not be necessary. (5) In Example 1, the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 is fixed to the sensor fixing portion 18 of the ring 15 using double-sided tape or adhesive. However, if the sensor fixing portion 18 is structured so that the triaxial acceleration sensor 11 can be fixed detachably, it will be easier to use. (6) In the first to third use examples of Examples 1 to 3 and the fourth to sixth use examples of Example 3, the states of the flexor digitorum superficialis, the dorsal interosseus, and the extensor digitorum communis were assessed to evaluate the state and degree of recovery of the median nerve, ulnar nerve, and radial nerve, respectively. However, the state of the median nerve may be assessed to evaluate the state of the opponens pollicis (muscle that presses the thumb and index finger together) or the abductor pollicis brevis (muscle that spreads the thumb apart), the state of the ulnar nerve may be assessed to evaluate the state of the opponens digiti minimi (muscle that presses the thumb and little finger together) or the flexor digitorum profundus (muscle that bends the little finger and ring finger), and the state of the radial nerve may be assessed to evaluate the state of the wrist extensor (muscle that lifts the entire back of the hand).

[0047] (7) In Example 2, the positions at which the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and the pressure sensor 32 are fixed in the first and third use examples are different from the positions at which the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 and the pressure sensor 32 are fixed in the second use example. However, by providing an acceleration sensor fixing portion opposite the side sensor fixing portion 38 of the ring 35, and fixing the 3-axis acceleration sensor 11 to the acceleration sensor fixing portion in either use example and fixing the pressure sensor 32 to all of the upper sensor fixing portion 36, the lower sensor fixing portion 37, and the side sensor fixing portion 38, measurements in the first to third use examples can be performed while the ring 35 is initially worn on the fingertip. Furthermore, in Example 3, once the ring 35 is worn on the fingertip, all measurements in the first to sixth usage examples can be performed. In particular, in the first to third usage examples, as shown in Figures 14(A) to (C), the relationship between the subject's palm P and the finger insertion section 40 is the same in all cases, and only the orientation of the palm P and the direction in which the index finger is moved are different. After the subject's fingers other than the thumb are inserted into the finger insertion section 40, the tests in the first to third usage examples can be performed consecutively, thereby significantly shortening the test time. (8) In Examples 2 and 3, the pressure sensor 32 was fixed to the ring 35 to measure the magnitude of the load on the fingertip. However, if the magnitude of the load received by the fingertip from the load elastic body 31, the load ring-shaped elastic body 41, and the load strap-shaped elastic body 43 is measured in advance and the magnitude is determined depending on the softness of the elastic body, the pressure sensor 32 does not need to be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 palm rest 2 hole 3 slit 4 pin 5 side wall 6 opening 7 leg 8 restraint 9 flat belt 10 buckle 11 3-axis acceleration sensor 12 Load application part 13 Rubber band attachment part 14 rubber band 15 ring 16 loop 17 cut 18 Sensor fixing portion 19 Through hole 20 Finger pressing portion 21 U-shaped portion 22 Flat portion for finger pressing 23 Other finger pressing portion 24 Semicircular ring portion 25 Flat part for pressing other fingers 26 Finger cot 27 Protrusion 28 Other finger fixing part 29 Index finger insertion part 30 Finger insertion part 31 elastic load body 32 pressure sensor 33 data transmission means 34 signal transmission line 35 ring 36 upper sensor fixing part 37 Bottom sensor fixing part 38 Side sensor fixing part 39 index finger insertion portion 40 finger insertion portion 41 ring-shaped elastic body for load application 42 Bag-shaped other finger fixing part 43 Load strap-shaped elastic body H Tester's hand P Palm δ Amplitude δa Average value of amplitude δ

Claims

1. a finger fixing portion capable of fixing the subject's middle finger, ring finger, and little finger; an inertial sensor that can be worn on the tip of the subject's index finger and that can measure the movement of the fingertip and record or transmit the movement measurement data; a load applying unit that applies a load to the fingertip on which the inertial sensor is attached, The load applying portion is any one of an elastic body that is fixed to the pad side of the fingertip and contracts when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves toward the pad side, an elastic body that is fixed to the nail side of the fingertip and expands when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves away from the nail side, an elastic body that is fixed to the thumb side of the fingertip and contracts when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves toward the thumb side, an elastic body that is fixed to the other finger fixing portion side of the fingertip and expands when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves away from the other finger fixing portion, an elastic body that is fixed to the nail side of the fingertip and contracts when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves toward the nail side, and an elastic body that is fixed to the pad side of the fingertip and expands when it receives a force in a direction in which the fingertip moves away from the pad side. A manual muscle strength testing device characterized by:

2. a pressure sensor that can be attached to the fingertip and that can measure the magnitude of a load applied to any one of the pad side, thumb side, and nail side of the fingertip and record or transmit load measurement data; the inertial sensor and the pressure sensor are fixed to a ring that can be worn on the fingertip, the pressure sensor is fixed to all or any one of the pad side, thumb side, and nail side of the fingertip on the outside of the annular portion of the ring, The load applying unit applies a load to a pressure sensor fixed to any one of the pad side, thumb side, and nail side of the fingertip.

2. The manual muscle strength testing device according to claim 1.

3. (delete)

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