Blood circulation function evaluation device and blood circulation function training device

Abstract

To provide a blood circulation function evaluation device capable of proposing function improvement exercise according to a user's physical ability.SOLUTION: A blood circulation function evaluation device includes: a seat configured so as to passively change the posture of a user between a first posture and a second posture in which the position of the waist of the user is higher than in the first posture; a measuring device configured so as to measure biological information at least including heartbeats of the user; and control equipment configured so as to evaluate a blood circulation function of the user on the basis of the result of the measurement of the biological information at least during an ascending transition of the user from the first posture to the second posture by the seat, and a descending transition of the user from the second posture to the first posture by the seat.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a blood circulation function evaluation device and a blood circulation function training device. [Background technology]

[0002] A rehabilitation support device is known that aims to improve the blood circulation function of patients who have suffered from heart disease (see Patent Document 1). This device adjusts the ratio between voluntary control, which generates a burden according to the patient's will, and autonomous control, which assists the pedaling action. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-120910 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned rehabilitation support device utilizes the pedaling movement of the patient himself, and therefore is difficult to apply to patients with reduced lower limb capacity who are unable to pedal sufficiently (for example, elderly people or hemiplegic patients).

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a blood circulation function evaluation device that can suggest function improvement exercises according to the physical ability of a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a blood circulation function evaluation device (1) comprising: a seat (11) configured to passively change a user's posture between a first posture and a second posture in which the user's lower back is higher than the first posture; a measuring device (12) configured to measure biometric information including at least the user's heart rate; and a control device (13) configured to evaluate the user's blood circulation function based on the measurement results of the biometric information during at least one of an upward transition of the user from the first posture to the second posture by the seat (11) and a downward transition of the user from the second posture to the first posture by the seat (11).

[0007] With this configuration, passive posture transitions caused by the movement of the seat (11) can change the height of the heart while suppressing changes in the user's muscle strain. This allows for accurate evaluation of blood circulation function. Furthermore, by using the evaluation results, appropriate functional improvement exercises can be proposed that are tailored to the user's physical abilities, including blood circulation function, regardless of the user's health condition or age.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device 13 may be configured to evaluate the user's blood circulation function based on the measurement results of the biological information during both the ascending transition and the descending transition, thereby improving the accuracy of the evaluation of the blood circulation function.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device (13) may be configured to operate the seat (11) during an upward or downward transition so that a load is applied to the user in accordance with the user's physical ability. With this configuration, the load can be set as a load that allows detection of changes in biological information in accordance with the user's blood circulation function, muscle activity ability, etc. As a result, the accuracy of the evaluation of blood circulation function can be improved.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device (13) may be configured to adjust the magnitude of the strain on the user by setting the duration for which the seat surface angle of the seat (11) is maintained in an intermediate angle range of 40° to 70° during an upward or downward transition. With this configuration, it is possible to induce changes in the state of biological information suitable for evaluating the blood circulation function in a user with sufficient physical ability, while suppressing the induction of physical activity other than the blood circulation function.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the measuring device (12) may include a blood pressure monitor (121) configured to measure the user's blood pressure. The seat (11) may include a support portion (114) configured to change the height of the blood pressure monitor (121) in accordance with changes in the user's posture. This configuration can suppress fluctuations in the height difference between the blood pressure measurement position and the position of the heart when the user's posture changes. As a result, the accuracy of evaluating blood circulation function can be improved.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device (13) may be configured to adjust the posture of the seat (11) when the user is in the first posture and the deformation trajectory of the seat (11) during the upward transition in accordance with the height or leg length of the user. This configuration can improve the accuracy of the evaluation of blood circulation function.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a blood circulation function training device (1) including: a seat (11) configured to passively change the posture of a user between a first posture and a second posture in which the user's lower back is higher than in the first posture; and a control device (13) configured to operate the seat (11) so that a strain tailored to the user's physical ability is imposed on the user when the seat (11) causes the user to ascend from the first posture to the second posture or when the seat (11) causes the user to descend from the second posture to the first posture.

[0014] This configuration allows users with reduced motor function, such as those in the lower limbs, to receive training to improve their blood circulation. Furthermore, by adjusting the load to match the user's physical ability, the muscle load can be increased in line with the improvement of the user's blood circulation. In other words, it is possible to provide functional improvement exercises tailored to the user's physical ability.

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device (13) may be configured to adjust the magnitude of the strain on the user by setting the duration for which the seat surface angle of the seat (11) is maintained in an intermediate angle range of 40° to 70° during an upward or downward transition. With this configuration, the seat (11) can easily adjust the strain to suit the user's physical ability.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include a measuring device (12) configured to measure biological information including at least a heart rate of the user. With this configuration, the user can perform training while checking the improvement of blood circulation function.

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the measuring device (12) may include a blood pressure monitor (121) configured to measure the user's blood pressure. The seat (11) may include a support portion (114) configured to change the height of the blood pressure monitor (121) in accordance with changes in the user's posture. This configuration can reduce fluctuations in the difference in elevation between the blood pressure measurement position and the position of the heart when the user's posture changes. As a result, the accuracy of the evaluation of training effects can be improved.

[0018] Note that the symbols in the parentheses above are examples showing the correspondence with the specific configurations, etc. described in the embodiments described below, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations, etc. shown by the symbols in the parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a blood circulation function improving device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the state in which the seat of the device for improving blood circulation in FIG. 1 is in a second position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a time chart showing the relationship between the deformation of the seat and the seat angle in the blood circulation function evaluation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the seat angle and the thigh muscle load. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flow chart schematically showing the process executed by the control device in the blood circulatory function improving device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the relationship between the deformation of the seat and the seat angle in the blood circulation function training device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1.Configuration] The blood circulatory function improving device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used as a blood circulatory function evaluating device for evaluating the blood circulatory function of a user U.

[0021] The "blood circulation function" refers to the function of the autonomic nervous system to suppress and control circulatory fluctuations in response to changes in heart height caused by changes in posture. The blood circulation function improving device 1 includes a sheet 11, a measuring device 12, and a control device 13.

[0022] <Sheet> The seat 11 is configured to passively change the posture of the user U. Specifically, the seat 11 is deformable between a first position shown in FIG. 1 and a second position shown in FIG.

[0023] 1, the user U can sit on the seat 11. That is, when the seat 11 is in the first position, the user U is in a sitting position. In the first position, the lower back of the user U supported by the seat 11 is at the lowest position. In addition, in the first position, the inclination angle of the seat surface of the seat 11 relative to the horizontal plane (hereinafter also referred to as "seat surface angle A") is 0°.

[0024] In the second position of FIG. 2, the user U cannot sit on the seat 11. In other words, when the seat 11 is in the second position, the user U is in a standing position. In the second position, the user U's lower back is not supported by the seat 11. In the second position, the user U's lower back is at its highest. Also, in the second position, the seat angle A is 90°.

[0025] The seat 11 includes a seat cushion 111 , a seat back 112 , a frame 113 , and a support portion 114 .

[0026] The seat cushion 111 supports the lower back and buttocks of the user U. The seat cushion 111 is attached to a first arm 113B of the frame 113. The first arm 113B allows the position of the seat cushion 111 in the up-down direction and the front-back direction (i.e., the horizontal direction) and the orientation of the seat surface to be continuously changed.

[0027] The seat back 112 supports the back of the user U. The seat back 112 is attached to a second arm 113C of the frame 113. The position of the seat back 112 in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction can be continuously changed by the second arm 113C.

[0028] The frame 113 is configured to support the seat cushion 111 and the seat back 112 and to change the positions and postures of the seat cushion 111 and the seat back 112. The frame 113 has a base 113A, a first arm 113B, and a second arm 113C.

[0029] Base 113A holds first arm 113B and second arm 113C so that they can move up and down. First arm 113B and second arm 113C are operated by, for example, actuators powered by electricity.

[0030] The first arm 113B holds the seat cushion 111. The first arm 113B changes the height of the seat cushion 111 by moving up and down relative to the base 113A.

[0031] Furthermore, the first arm 113B changes the orientation of the seat surface of the seat cushion 111 by rotating a holding part to which the seat cushion 111 is attached. Furthermore, the first arm 113B moves horizontally relative to the base 113A, thereby changing the position of the seat cushion 111 in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the first arm 113B can push up the lower back of the user U resting on the seat cushion 111 in a forward and upward direction by the seat cushion 111.

[0032] Second arm 113C holds seat back 112 above first arm 113B. Second arm 113C moves in the vertical direction relative to base 113A, thereby changing the height of seat back 112.

[0033] Additionally, the second arm 113C moves horizontally relative to the base 113A, thereby changing the front-to-rear position of the seat back 112. Therefore, the second arm 113C can push the back of the user U leaning against the seat back 112 forward by the seat back 112.

[0034] The first arm 113B and the second arm 113C operate in synchronization with each other based on a command from the control device 13. Specifically, the first arm 113B and the second arm 113C move simultaneously from a position constituting the first position in Fig. 1 to a position constituting the second position in Fig. 2 based on a command from the control device 13.

[0035] The support unit 114 supports the arm of the user U. The support unit 114 is configured to change the height of the arm of the user U (i.e., the height of the blood pressure monitor 121) in accordance with changes in the posture of the user U.

[0036] The support part 114 has a table 114A and a connecting member 114B. The table 114A has a flat upper surface (i.e., a table surface) that supports the arm of the user U. The connecting member 114B connects the table 114A to the second arm 113C.

[0037] The mounting base 114A moves vertically and horizontally in synchronization with the vertical and horizontal movements of the second arm 113C. That is, when the second arm 113C moves forward and upward, the mounting base 114A also moves forward and upward, and when the second arm 113C moves backward and downward, the mounting base 114A moves backward and downward. This suppresses fluctuations in the height difference D between the mounting surface of the mounting base 114A and the heart H of the user U.

[0038] <Measuring instrument> The measuring device 12 is configured to measure biological information of the user U, including at least the heart rate.

[0039] The heart rate of the user U is continuously measured by, for example, a heart rate sensor installed on the seat back 112 of the seat 11. The biological information of the user U measured by the measuring device 12 includes not only the heart rate but also measurements related to the circulatory system capacity such as blood pressure, respiration, electrocardiogram, pulse, and body temperature.

[0040] In this embodiment, the measuring device 12 has a sphygmomanometer 121 that measures the blood pressure of the user U. The sphygmomanometer 121 is attached to the arm or finger of the user U. The sphygmomanometer 121 transmits continuous values of the blood pressure of the user U to the control device 13, for example, by wireless or wired communication.

[0041] As described above, the support portion 114 of the seat 11 suppresses fluctuations in the height difference D between the user U's arm and the heart H when the posture changes, thereby suppressing disturbances (i.e., changes in blood pressure) associated with fluctuations in the height difference between the blood pressure monitor 121 and the heart H.

[0042] <Control equipment> The control device 13 shown in FIG. 1 is a computer including, for example, a processor, a storage medium such as a RAM or a ROM, an input / output unit, and a network communication unit.

[0043] The control device 13 is configured to receive measurement results (i.e., output data) of the user U's biometric information from the measuring device 12 using a program stored in a storage medium, and to evaluate the user U's blood circulation function based on these measurement results.

[0044] Specifically, the control device 13 evaluates the blood circulation function of the user U based on the measurement results of the biological information during both the upward transition T1 of the user U due to the seat 11 and the downward transition T2 of the user U due to the seat 11 shown in Figure 3.

[0045] The upward transition T1 is a movement in which the user U passively changes his / her posture from a first posture to a second posture due to deformation of the seat 11. In the second posture, the positions of the user U's lower back and heart H are higher than in the first posture.

[0046] In the upward transition T1, the height of the heart H of the user U gradually rises. Also, in the upward transition T1, the seat angle A increases from 0° in the first position toward 90° in the second position.

[0047] The downward transition T2 is a movement in which the user U passively changes his / her posture from the second position to the first position due to deformation of the seat 11. In the downward transition T2, the height of the heart H of the user U gradually decreases. Also, in the downward transition T2, the seat angle A of the seat 11 decreases from 90° in the second position to 0° in the first position.

[0048] The control device 13 evaluates the blood circulation function of the user U by combining the changes in the height of the heart H and the seat angle A during the upward transition T1 and the downward transition T2 with changes in biometric information such as heart rate and blood pressure (i.e., continuous data).

[0049] For example, the control device 13 evaluates the blood circulation function based on the magnitude or change of the decrease in the heart rate and blood pressure during the upward transition T1. For example, the control device 13 evaluates that the smaller the decrease in these amounts, the better the blood circulation function.

[0050] Specifically, the control device 13 calculates the heart rate (HR), heart rate variability, and heart rate interval (RRI) from the heart rate information measured by the measuring device 12, and estimates cardiac age, which is an evaluation value of blood circulation function, using a pre-prepared algorithm. In addition to cardiac age, the control device 13 may also estimate cardiac strain, fatigue state, frailty state, etc. in standing and sitting states.

[0051] Similarly, the control device 13 evaluates the blood circulation function based on the magnitude or change of the increase in the heart rate and blood pressure during the downward transition T2. For example, the control device 13 evaluates that the smaller the increase in these amounts, the better the blood circulation function.

[0052] The control device 13 operates the seat 11 so that the user U is subjected to a strain that matches the physical ability of the user U during the upward transition T1 and the downward transition T2. Here, the "physical ability of the user" is a concept that includes the user's exercise ability such as muscle activity ability in addition to the user's blood circulation function.

[0053] For example, if the user U is a physically able-bodied person, the control device 13 operates the seat 11 in the normal load mode M11 shown in Fig. 3. In the normal load mode M11, after starting the evaluation, the control device 13 first maintains the first posture P1 of the user U, in which the seat angle A is 0°, for five minutes. Thereafter, the control device 13 deforms the seat 11 in two seconds until the seat angle A becomes 60°, in order to place the user U in the second posture P2. This causes the user U to undergo an upward transition T1.

[0054] Furthermore, after maintaining the second posture P2 for two minutes, the control device 13 deforms the seat 11 in two seconds until the seat angle A becomes 0° in order to return the user U to the first posture P1. This causes a downward transition T2 of the user U. The control device 13 again maintains the first posture P1 for five minutes, and then ends the evaluation.

[0055] The control device 13 evaluates the blood circulation function of the user U using the biological information from the start of the evaluation to the end of the evaluation. That is, the control device 13 evaluates the biological information during the upward transition T1 and the downward transition T2, as well as while the first posture P1 and the second posture P2 are maintained (i.e., while the posture is maintained).

[0056] In the second posture P2 of the user U in the normal load mode M11, the seat angle A is set to 60°, and the user U is in a so-called "sitting-standing" state. This state places the greatest strain on the thigh muscles between the sitting and standing postures.

[0057] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the thigh muscle load increases as the seat angle increases from 0° to 60°, and decreases once the seat angle exceeds 60°. In other words, the thigh muscle load reaches its maximum (i.e., peak) when the seat angle is between 40° and 70°.

[0058] Therefore, the control device 13 adjusts the amount of strain imposed on the user U by setting the maintenance time of the intermediate angle region in which the seat surface angle A of the seat 11 is between 40° and 70° during the upward transition T1 and the downward transition T2.

[0059] In the example of the normal strain mode M11, the duration for maintaining the intermediate angle region is set to 2 seconds. This increases the strain on the user U, making it possible to detect changes in biological information suitable for evaluating the blood circulation function of a healthy subject.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, if the user U is an ill person, elderly person, or the like with low physical ability, the control device 13 operates the seat 11 in the low-stress mode M12 shown in Fig. 3. In the low-stress mode M12, after starting the evaluation, the control device 13 first maintains the first posture P1 of the user U, in which the seat angle A is 0°, for five minutes.

[0061] Thereafter, the control device 13 deforms the seat 11 in two seconds until the seat angle A becomes 40° to place the user U in the third posture P3. This causes the user U to undergo a first upward transition T1. The third posture P3 is an intermediate posture between the first posture P1 and the second posture P2. In other words, in the third posture P3, the position of the user U's lower back is higher than in the first posture P1 and lower than in the second posture P2.

[0062] After the first upward transition T1, the control device 13 maintains the third position P3 for 30 seconds, and then deforms the seat 11 in 2 seconds until the seat angle A becomes 80° to place the user U in the second position P2, thereby performing the second upward transition T1 for the user U.

[0063] Furthermore, after maintaining the second posture P2 for 30 seconds, the control device 13 deforms the seat 11 in 2 seconds until the seat angle A becomes 0° in order to return the user U to the first posture P1. This causes a downward transition T2 of the user U. The control device 13 again maintains the first posture P1 for 5 minutes, and then ends the evaluation.

[0064] In low burden mode M12, the posture of the user U is not maintained in the above-mentioned intermediate angle region. Therefore, in low burden mode M12, the magnitude of the burden imposed on the user U is reduced compared to normal burden mode M11.

[0065] Furthermore, in the low-burden mode M12, the magnitude of the burden on the user U is also reduced by the fact that the third posture P3 exists as a relay point in the posture transition and the time that the second posture P2 is maintained is shorter than in the normal-burden mode M11. This makes it possible to minimize or stabilize muscle activity, thereby improving the accuracy of the evaluation of blood circulation function.

[0066] In the low-burden mode M12, in order to reduce the burden on the user U, the deformation speed of the seat 11 (that is, the speed at which the posture of the user U changes) may be set slower than in the normal-burden mode M11.

[0067] Based on the evaluated blood circulation function of the user U, the control device 13 may propose an optimal training program for improving the blood circulation function of the user U. For example, based on the blood circulation function, it is possible to determine the ratio between training to improve the blood circulation function and strength training through muscle strain.

[0068] As an initial setting, the control device 13 adjusts the posture of the seat 11 when the user U is in the first posture P1 and the deformation trajectory of the seat 11 during the upward transition, in accordance with the height or leg length of the user U.

[0069] Specifically, the control device 13 adjusts the height of the seat surface of the seat cushion 111 and the seat back 112 of the seat 11 in the first posture P1 to match the height or leg length of the user U, and adjusts the deformation trajectory of the seat 11 from the first position to the second position.

[0070] <Processing of control devices> An example of the evaluation process executed by the control device 13 will be described below with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

[0071] In this process, the control device 13 receives an input for setting the magnitude of the load to be applied to the user U by the seat 11 (step S110). After the load is set, the control device 13 starts acquiring biometric information while deforming the seat 11 on which the user U is seated in accordance with a seat operation program based on the set load (step S120).

[0072] After the seat operation program ends, the control device 13 ends the acquisition of biological information (step S130). Thereafter, the control device 13 evaluates the blood circulation function of the user U based on the acquired biological information (step S140).

[0073] [1-2.Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) Passive posture transitions caused by the movement of the seat 11 can change the height of the heart H while suppressing changes in the muscle strain of the user U. This allows for accurate evaluation of blood circulation function. Furthermore, by using the evaluation results, it is possible to propose appropriate functional improvement exercises according to the user U's physical abilities, including blood circulation function, regardless of the user U's health condition or age.

[0074] (1b) By using the measurement results of biological information during both the ascending transition and the descending transition to evaluate blood circulation function, the accuracy of the evaluation of blood circulation function can be improved.

[0075] (1c) The sheet 11 operates to apply a load to the user U that is suited to the user U's physical ability, so that the load can be set as a detectable load that reflects changes in biological information, in accordance with the user U's blood circulation function, muscle activity capacity, etc. As a result, the accuracy of the evaluation of blood circulation function can be improved.

[0076] (1d) By adjusting the amount of strain imposed on user U by setting the maintenance time for the intermediate angle region, it is possible to induce changes in the state of biometric information suitable for evaluating blood circulation function for users U with sufficient physical ability, while suppressing the induction of physical activity other than blood circulation function.

[0077] (1e) The support unit 114, which changes the height of the sphygmomanometer 121 in accordance with changes in the posture of the user U, can suppress fluctuations in the difference in height between the blood pressure measurement position and the position of the heart when the posture of the user U changes. As a result, the accuracy of evaluation of blood circulation function can be improved.

[0078] [2. Second Embodiment] [2-1.Configuration] The blood circulation function improving device 1 shown in FIG. 1 can also be used as a blood circulation function training device for improving the blood circulation function of a user U.

[0079] In the blood circulatory function improving device 1 used as a blood circulatory function training device, the control device 13 operates the seat 11 based on a training program so that a load suited to the physical ability of the user U is applied to the user U. The training program is created, for example, based on the evaluation obtained by the blood circulatory function evaluation device of the first embodiment.

[0080] If both the muscle strength and cardiac function of the user U are extremely low, the control device 13 operates the seat 11 in the first load mode M21 shown in Fig. 6. In the first load mode M21, the control device 13 maintains the first posture P1 of the user U, in which the seat angle A is 0°, for two minutes after starting the program. Thereafter, the control device 13 deforms the seat 11 over ten seconds until the seat angle A becomes 20°, in order to place the user U in the second posture P2. This causes the user U to ascend.

[0081] After maintaining the second position P2 for one minute, the control device 13 deforms the seat 11 over 10 seconds until the seat angle A becomes 0° in order to return the user U to the first position P1. This causes the user U to descend. The control device 13 operates the seat 11 for a certain period of time or a certain number of times so that the user U repeatedly transitions between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0082] The first burden mode M21 can improve the cardiac function of the user U while reducing the burden on the muscles of the user U. For the user U whose cardiac function has been improved, the control device 13 operates the seat 11 in the second burden mode M22.

[0083] In the second load mode M22, the control device 13 maintains the first posture P1 of the user U, in which the seat angle A is 0°, for one minute after the program starts. Thereafter, the control device 13 deforms the seat 11 in five seconds (i.e., a shorter time than in the first load mode M21) until the seat angle A becomes 20°, in order to place the user U in the third posture P3.

[0084] After maintaining the third position P3 for one minute, the control device 13 deforms the seat 11 over five seconds until the seat angle A becomes 0° in order to return the user U to the first position P1. Alternatively, after maintaining the third position P3 for one minute, the control device 13 deforms the seat 11 over five seconds until the seat angle A becomes 40° in order to place the user U in the second position P2. After maintaining the second position P2 for one minute, the control device 13 deforms the seat 11 over five seconds until the seat angle A becomes 20° in order to return the user U to the third position P3.

[0085] In the second burden mode M22, the control device 13 operates the seat 11 for a certain period of time or a certain number of times so that the user U repeatedly transitions between the first position P1 and the third position P3, or between the third position P3 and the second position P2.

[0086] The second burden mode M22 can increase the burden on the cardiac function of the user U while strengthening the muscles of the user U. For the user U whose muscle strength has improved, the control device 13 operates the seat 11 in the third burden mode M23.

[0087] The third burden mode M23 is the second burden mode M22 in which the seat angle A for putting the user U into the third posture P3 is changed to 40°, and the seat angle A for putting the user U into the second posture P2 is changed to 80°.

[0088] The third strain mode M23 can further improve the cardiac function of the user U. For the user U whose cardiac function has been further improved, the control device 13 operates the seat 11 in the fourth strain mode M24.

[0089] The fourth burden mode M24 is the third burden mode M23 in which the seat angle A for placing the user U in the third posture P3 is set to 50°, and further, the transition time between the first posture P1 and the third posture P3 and the transition time between the third posture P3 and the second posture P2 of the user U are each set to 3 seconds.

[0090] In the third load mode M23 and the fourth load mode M24, the third posture P3 is set in the intermediate angle range where the seat angle A is between 40° and 70°, inclusive. This increases the load on the user U, thereby enhancing the muscle strength improvement effect.

[0091] In other words, the control device 13 adjusts the amount of strain imposed on the user U by setting the duration for which the seat surface angle A of the seat 11 is maintained in the intermediate angle range between 40° and 70° during the upward transition and the downward transition.

[0092] Furthermore, the control device 13 acquires the user U's biological information (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) during the upward transition and the downward transition from the measuring device 12, and compares it with the user's own stored past biological information and with reference values. The user U can confirm the improvement effect of the blood circulation function based on the comparison results.

[0093] As described above, support portion 114 of sheet 11 suppresses fluctuations in the height difference D between blood pressure monitor 121 of measuring device 12 and heart H. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the influence of height fluctuations of heart H during training can be confirmed.

[0094] [2-2. Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained. (2a) Training to improve blood circulation can be provided to users U with reduced motor function, such as lower limb strength. In addition, by adjusting the load according to their physical abilities, muscle load can be increased in line with the improvement of blood circulation. In other words, functional improvement exercises can be provided that are suited to the physical abilities of the users U.

[0095] (2b) The amount of strain imposed on the user U can be adjusted by setting the duration for which the intermediate angle region is maintained, and the seat 11 can easily adjust the strain to suit the user's physical ability.

[0096] (2c) By measuring biological information using the measuring device 12, training can be carried out while checking the effect of improving blood circulation function.

[0097] (2d) The support unit 114, which changes the height of the blood pressure monitor 121 in accordance with changes in the posture of the user U, can suppress fluctuations in the difference in height between the blood pressure measurement position and the position of the heart when the posture of the user U changes. As a result, the accuracy of the evaluation of the training effect can be improved.

[0098] 3. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

[0099] (3a) In the blood circulatory function evaluation device of the above embodiment, the control device does not necessarily evaluate the blood circulatory function based on the measurement results of the biological information during both the ascending transition and the descending transition. For example, the control device may evaluate the blood circulatory function based on the measurement results of the biological information only during the ascending transition or the measurement results of the biological information only during the descending transition.

[0100] (3b) In the blood circulation function evaluation device and blood circulation function training device of the above embodiments, the control device does not necessarily have to adjust the amount of strain on the user by utilizing the intermediate angle range in which the seat angle of the seat is between 40° and 70°.

[0101] (3c) In the blood circulation function evaluation device and blood circulation function training device of the above embodiments, the seat does not necessarily have to have a support portion that changes the height of the sphygmomanometer in accordance with changes in the user's posture.

[0102] (3d) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. All aspects included in the technical idea identified by the wording of the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1...blood circulation function improvement device, 11...sheet, 12...measuring instrument, 13...control device, 111...seat cushion, 112...seat back, 113...frame, 113A...base, 113B...first arm, 113C...second arm, 114...support portion, 114A...mounting base, 114B...connecting member, 121...sphygmomanometer.

Claims

1. a seat configured to passively change the posture of the user between a first posture and a second posture in which the user's lower back is higher than the first posture; a measuring device configured to measure biological information including at least a heart rate of the user; a control device configured to evaluate the blood circulation function of the user based on continuous data of changes in the height of the user's heart and the seat surface angle of the seat and changes in the biological information during at least one of an upward transition of the user from the first position to the second position by the seat and a downward transition of the user from the second position to the first position by the seat; A blood circulation function evaluation device comprising:

2. a seat configured to passively change the posture of the user between a first posture and a second posture in which the user's lower back is higher than the first posture; a measuring device configured to measure biological information including at least a heart rate of the user; a control device configured to evaluate a blood circulation function of the user based on measurement results of the biological information during at least one of an upward transition of the user from the first position to the second position by the seat and a downward transition of the user from the second position to the first position by the seat; and Equipped with The control device is configured to operate the seat so that the user is subjected to a strain tailored to the user's physical ability by setting a maintenance time for an intermediate angle range in which the seat surface angle of the seat is between 40° and 70° during the upward transition or the downward transition.

3. a seat configured to passively change the posture of the user between a first posture and a second posture in which the user's lower back is higher than the first posture; a measuring device configured to measure biological information including at least a heart rate of the user; a control device configured to evaluate a blood circulation function of the user based on measurement results of the biological information during at least one of an upward transition of the user from the first position to the second position by the seat and a downward transition of the user from the second position to the first position by the seat; and Equipped with the measuring device includes a blood pressure monitor configured to measure the user's blood pressure; The sheet has a support portion configured to change the height of the blood pressure monitor in accordance with changes in the user's posture.

4. The blood circulation function evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control device is configured to evaluate the user's blood circulation function based on the measurement results of the biological information during both the ascending transition and the descending transition.

5. The blood circulation function evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control device is configured to operate the seat so that a burden is imposed on the user during the upward transition or the downward transition, in accordance with the user's physical ability.

6. The blood circulation function evaluation device according to claim 5, The control device is configured to adjust the amount of strain placed on the user by setting the maintenance time for an intermediate angle range in which the seat surface angle of the seat is between 40° and 70° during the upward transition or the downward transition.

7. The blood circulation function evaluation device according to claim 1, the measuring device includes a blood pressure monitor configured to measure the user's blood pressure; The sheet has a support portion configured to change the height of the blood pressure monitor in accordance with changes in the user's posture.

8. The blood circulation function evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The control device is configured to adjust the posture of the seat when the user is in the first posture and the deformation trajectory of the seat during the upward transition to match the user's height or leg length.

9. a seat configured to passively change the posture of the user between a first posture and a second posture in which the user's lower back is higher than the first posture; a measuring device configured to measure biological information including at least a heart rate of the user; a control device configured to operate the seat so that a load suited to the physical ability of the user is applied to the user based on continuous data of changes in the height of the user's heart and the seat surface angle of the seat and changes in the biological information when the seat causes the user to ascend from the first position to the second position or when the seat causes the user to descend from the second position to the first position; A blood circulation function training device comprising:

10. a seat configured to passively change the posture of the user between a first posture and a second posture in which the user's lower back is higher than the first posture; a control device configured to operate the seat so that a strain suited to the physical ability of the user is generated on the user when the seat causes the user to ascend from the first position to the second position or when the seat causes the user to descend from the second position to the first position; and Equipped with The control device is configured to adjust the amount of strain imposed on the user by setting the duration for which the seat angle of the seat is maintained in an intermediate angle range of 40° or more and 70° or less during the upward transition or the downward transition.

11. a seat configured to passively change the posture of the user between a first posture and a second posture in which the user's lower back is higher than the first posture; a control device configured to operate the seat so that a strain suited to the physical ability of the user is generated on the user when the seat causes the user to ascend from the first position to the second position or when the seat causes the user to descend from the second position to the first position; and a measuring device configured to measure biological information including at least a heart rate of the user; Equipped with the measuring device includes a blood pressure monitor configured to measure the user's blood pressure; The seat has a support portion configured to change the height of the blood pressure monitor in accordance with changes in the user's posture.

12. 12. The blood circulation function training device according to claim 9, The control device is configured to adjust the amount of strain imposed on the user by setting the duration for which the seat angle of the seat is maintained in an intermediate angle range of 40° or more and 70° or less during the upward transition or the downward transition.

13. The blood circulation function training device according to claim 9 or 10, The blood circulation function training apparatus further comprises a measuring device configured to measure biological information including at least a heart rate of the user.

14. 14. The blood circulation function training device according to claim 13, the measuring device includes a blood pressure monitor configured to measure the user's blood pressure; The seat has a support portion configured to change the height of the blood pressure monitor in accordance with changes in the user's posture.

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