Vibration training device and vibration application method

Abstract

To provide a vibration training device in which loading can be measured in a non-vibration state and a vibration state.SOLUTION: A vibration training device 1 includes: a vibration plate 20 on which a user M puts his or her feet; a vibration generating unit 100 for providing vibration; a support base 10 which is arranged on the lower side of the vibration plate 20; an elastic member 30 which is arranged between the support base 10 and the vibration plate 20 and which energizes the vibration plate 20 upward; a displacement meter 40 which, on the lower side of the vibration plate 20, is arranged in a region avoiding the arrangement region of the elastic member 30 and the vibration generating unit 100; and an arithmetic part 51 which performs arithmetic processing for a displacement magnitude L detected by the displacement meter 40. The displacement meter 40 can detect the displacement magnitude L in a vertical direction of the vibration plate 20 by making a height H with the vibration plate 20 in a non-vibration state as a first position P1. The arithmetic part 51, on the basis of the displacement magnitude L from the first position P1, can calculate loading W on the vibration plate 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration training device and a vibration application method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the gap between healthy life expectancy and average life expectancy has widened due to changes in disease patterns, including the rise in lifestyle-related diseases, and the aging population. Even as average life expectancy has increased, the number of elderly people who are unable to live independently and healthily due to heart disease, cerebral infarction, bedriddenness due to falls and fractures, dementia, and other factors has increased. Therefore, extending healthy life expectancy by narrowing the gap between average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy has become a national priority, and the establishment of more effective rehabilitation methods is essential. To address these issues, a dynamic exercise therapy device applies vibration to the muscles of users (e.g., those requiring care). Vibration stimulation alone can improve muscle strength, metabolic function, bone mass, and associated motor function more simply and effectively than conventional rehabilitation. This device utilizes the principle of applying acceleration to the body through vibration stimulation, thereby eliciting various physiological responses, even without movement, such as amplifying the effects of muscle training, improving balance by stimulating the sensory organs, and increasing bone mass. Therefore, compared to regular exercise, it is attracting attention as being extremely safe and capable of providing safe rehabilitation for disabled people and frail elderly people (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2009-502319 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2008-517679 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The dynamic therapeutic exercise device described in Patent Document 1 is designed to stimulate the patient's muscles by having the patient stand on a platform (corresponding to a vibration plate) and applying vibrations to the platform. In addition, in the case of a patient who has difficulty standing, the dynamic therapeutic exercise device is designed to stimulate the patient's muscles by having the patient sit on a seat provided on the platform and applying vibrations to the platform.

[0005] The dynamic therapeutic exercise device described in Patent Document 1 measures the patient's weight in advance using a scale or the like, and sets the measured weight as the apparent weight. The therapeutic exercise device also measures the load on the vibration plate as a deviation value based on the apparent weight using an accelerometer (corresponding to a processing device). The obtained deviation value is converted into a corresponding transmissibility of mechanical vibration energy based on a look-up table (comparison table).

[0006] However, the dynamic therapeutic exercise device described in Patent Document 1 uses an accelerometer to obtain the load on the vibration plate as a deviation value based on the apparent body weight, and therefore cannot directly measure the load on the vibration plate. Furthermore, the dynamic therapeutic exercise device uses the state in which the patient is completely on the vibration plate (the state in which the patient's entire weight is on the vibration plate) as a reference (apparent body weight) and measures the deviation value from this reference. Therefore, when the vibration plate is in a non-vibrating state and the patient is on the dynamic therapeutic exercise device, the patient's actual weight and apparent weight are approximately the same, so no acceleration occurs. Therefore, there is a problem in that the load (the patient's actual body weight) cannot be measured when the vibration plate is in a non-vibrating state. Healthy people train voluntarily, so they adjust the load they place on their bodies themselves. On the other hand, training for elderly people and patients who are accompanied by a trainer is not voluntary, but is carried out using methods based on medically proven protocols. When performing this treatment on elderly people or postoperative patients, it is important for the user to measure the lower limb load while maintaining an appropriate sitting posture, and for the accompanying trainer to recognize the level of load.It is also important to then check the amount of load change when the posture is changed and perform training accordingly, but there is a problem in that this cannot be achieved with conventional technologies such as the dynamic therapeutic exercise device described in Patent Document 1.

[0007] Furthermore, the dynamic therapeutic exercise device described in Patent Document 1 calculates the deviation value based on apparent body weight, as described above, rather than actual body weight, which is prone to measurement errors. This makes it difficult to accurately apply vibration (accelerated motion) to a patient. Furthermore, the dynamic therapeutic exercise device converts the deviation value into the transmissibility of mechanical vibration energy indirectly using a lookup table, which makes it difficult to increase the sampling frequency and increases the likelihood of measurement errors. Furthermore, because the dynamic therapeutic exercise device uses apparent body weight as a reference, when a user places only a part of their body (e.g., their feet) on the vibration plate, it is difficult to apply vibrations to the user's feet with an appropriate load. As described above, the dynamic therapeutic exercise device requires the apparent body weight to be measured separately using a scale. However, for example, for individuals who have difficulty standing on a scale, such as those requiring care, it is necessary to measure the weight in advance and calculate the deviation value using a lookup table, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, the calculated values ​​vary greatly depending on posture and the state of tension in the lower limb muscles (for example, even in the same sitting posture, the load on the lower limbs varies greatly depending on the degree of tension in the quadriceps, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscles), so even people of the same height and weight will have different loads, and a lookup table alone cannot adequately handle this.

[0008] Furthermore, the vibration stimulation device (a device that stimulates the human body by vibration) described in Patent Document 2 cannot measure the load on the vibration plate (diaphragm), and therefore has the same problem as Patent Document 1.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vibration training device and a vibration application method that can measure load in both a non-vibration state and a vibration state, and a vibration training device and a vibration application method that can display load changes in both a non-vibration state and a vibration state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) The vibration training device of the present invention, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises a vibration plate on which a user places their feet, a vibration generating unit that imparts vibrations to the vibration plate, a support base arranged below the vibration plate, an elastic member arranged between the support base and the vibration plate and supporting the vibration plate from the underside while urging the vibration plate upward, a displacement meter arranged on the underside of the vibration plate in an area avoiding the area where the elastic member and the vibration generating unit are arranged, and a calculation unit that processes the displacement amount detected by the displacement meter, wherein the displacement meter is capable of detecting the amount of displacement of the vibration plate in the vertical direction, with the height when the vibration plate is in a non-vibrating state being defined as a first position, and the calculation unit is capable of calculating the load applied to the vibration plate based on the displacement amount from the first position.

[0011] The vibration training device described above can detect the vertical displacement of the vibration plate using a displacement meter, with the height of the vibration plate in a non-vibrating state being defined as a first position. That is, the vibration training device described above can detect the vertical displacement of the vibration plate in a non-vibrating state. Therefore, the vibration training device described above can calculate the load acting on the vibration plate based on the detected displacement. This allows the vibration training device described above to measure loads (e.g., the user's weight or the weight of a part of the body) even in a non-vibrating state, which was previously impossible to measure. Therefore, there is no need to measure the user's weight (apparent weight) in advance, meaning that, for example, elderly people or those requiring care do not need to take the trouble of measuring their weight separately on a scale. This is expected to reduce the burden on the user and the caregiver. Note that various types of displacement meters, such as contact and non-contact types, can be used as the displacement meter.

[0012] Furthermore, the vibration training device described above can calculate the load applied to the vibration plate based on the amount of displacement from the first position, so that even when vibration is applied to the vibration plate, the load applied to the vibration plate can be calculated based on the first position. Furthermore, the vibration training device described above can calculate the load without using a look-up table (comparison table), allowing the trainer to visually confirm. Furthermore, the vibration training device described above can improve the accuracy of load measurement.

[0013] (2) The vibration training device of the present invention described above may be provided with a display device that directly or indirectly displays either or both of the load and the displacement.

[0014] By being configured in this way, the vibration training device described above can visually provide a user (e.g., an elderly person or a person requiring care) with a target value (guideline) when applying vibration. Therefore, the vibration training device described above can apply vibration to the user based on an accurate load and displacement amount, and can obtain an appropriate training effect (effect due to muscle stimulation). Furthermore, the vibration training device described above can be expected to improve convenience for caregivers (e.g., physical therapists and trainers) who assist users in training, for example.

[0015] (3) In the vibration training device of the present invention described above, the calculation unit can calculate a reference load based on the amount of displacement from the first position to the second position, where the state in which the user places his / her foot on the vibration plate in a non-vibrating state is defined as a second position, and the display device can directly or indirectly display the load change relative to the reference load when the vibration plate is in a non-vibrating state and a vibrating state.

[0016] The above-described vibration training device, with such a configuration, can calculate a reference load in the calculation unit in a non-vibration state. Here, the reference load is the user's body weight when the user applies their entire body weight, and when the user applies a load by placing only their feet on the vibration plate, it is the load (load from the feet). The reference load changes depending on the seat position, the position of the soles of the feet, and the state of lower limb muscle strength, but this can be measured (the seat position changes depending on the horizontal and vertical distances from the soles of the feet, and also varies depending on the user's physical condition and training purpose). Therefore, when the vibration training device switches the vibration plate from a non-vibration state to a vibration state, it can display the load change in the vibration state on the display device based on the reference load (load amount) in the non-vibration state. The vibration training device's effects on the body vary depending on the load amount. For example, a low load amount can improve balance function through sensory stimulation, while an increase in the load amount can increase muscle strength. In other words, by appropriately managing the load amount, the vibration training device described above can appropriately apply vibration to the user based on accurate load changes, resulting in appropriate training effects (muscle stimulation effects, balance improvement effects, blood flow improvement effects, etc.). Furthermore, caregivers (e.g., physical therapists or trainers) assisting the user in their training can objectively communicate the effects of the vibration training device to the user. Furthermore, since many users, such as frail elderly people, have difficulty increasing the load on their own, changes in the load amount themselves are useful for assessing the effectiveness of vibration training. Objective observation of the load amount makes it possible to establish training protocols for each user, which may also lead to the establishment of evidence for developing effective rehabilitation methods.

[0017] (4) In the vibration training device of the present invention described above, the displacement meter may be disposed below the center of gravity of the vibration plate.

[0018] By configuring the above-described vibration training device in this way, it is possible to detect displacement using a displacement meter at a position where the influence of vibration is small (for example, by placing a displacement meter on a plate that damps vibration). In other words, the center of gravity of the vibration plate does not vibrate in any direction other than up and down when the vibration plate vibrates, so the amount of displacement in the up and down direction can be detected with high accuracy. This makes it possible to calculate the load with high accuracy. Furthermore, it is preferable that the center of gravity of the vibration plate coincides with, for example, the horizontal center of the area in which each elastic member is arranged. This suppresses vibration in any direction other than up and down when the vibration plate vibrates.

[0019] (5) In the vibration training device of the present invention described above, the calculation unit may calculate the load by processing data relating to a plurality of the displacement amounts detected over a predetermined period of time using a moving average method.

[0020] With this configuration, the vibration training device described above can calculate a highly accurate load by averaging using, for example, the moving average method, without increasing the number of samples more than necessary, thereby reducing the load on the calculation unit.

[0021] (6) In the vibration training device of the present invention described above, the displacement meter may be a non-contact displacement meter.

[0022] The vibration training device described above has such a configuration, which allows for a greater degree of freedom in the position where the displacement meter is disposed. Here, for example, a laser displacement meter can be used as the non-contact displacement meter.

[0023] (7) The vibration imparting method of the present invention, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, uses a vibration training device that includes a vibration plate on which a user places their feet, a vibration generating unit that imparts vibration to the vibration plate, a displacement meter that measures the amount of displacement of the vibration plate in the up and down direction, a calculation unit that calculates a load by calculating the amount of displacement, and a display device that directly or indirectly displays either or both of the load and the amount of displacement, and includes a first position setting step of setting the height of the vibration plate as a first position in a non-vibration state before vibration is generated by the vibration generating unit, and a vibration imparting method of the present invention, which uses a vibration training device that includes a vibration plate on which a user places their feet, a vibration generating unit that imparts vibration to the vibration plate, a displacement meter that measures the amount of displacement in the up and down direction of the vibration plate, a calculation unit that calculates a load by calculating the amount of displacement, and a display device that directly or indirectly displays either or both of the load and the amount of displacement, in a non-vibration state before vibration is generated by the vibration generating unit, and The vibration generating unit is characterized by carrying out the following steps: a second position measuring step of measuring a position displaced from the first position when the foot is placed on the vibration plate as a second position; a reference load calculating step of calculating a reference load based on the amount of displacement from the first position to the second position; a vibration generating step of applying vibration to the vibration plate by the vibration generating unit to create a vibration state; a vibration state load calculating step of calculating a load in the vibration state; and a display step of directly or indirectly displaying either or both of the load in the non-vibration state and the vibration state and the load change relative to the reference load.

[0024] The vibration imparting method described above can set the height of the vibration plate in a non-vibration state as the first position in the first position setting step. That is, the unloaded state of the vibration plate is set as the first position. The first position can be set manually or automatically. The vibration imparting method described above can measure, as the second position, a position displaced from the first position when the user places their foot on the vibration plate in the second position in the second position measurement step. The vibration imparting method described above can calculate a reference load based on the amount of displacement from the first position to the second position in the reference load calculation step. That is, the load (reference load) applied by the user to the vibration plate in a non-vibration state can be measured. This makes it possible to measure a load (e.g., the user's weight or the weight of a part of the body) even in a non-vibration state, which was previously impossible to measure. Therefore, there is no need to measure the user's weight (apparent weight) in advance. For example, elderly people or people requiring care do not need to take the trouble of stepping on a separate scale to measure their weight. This is expected to reduce the burden on the user and the caregiver. The displacement at each step may be detected using, for example, a non-contact displacement meter. It is also possible to measure the load in a vibrating state in a posture during training without calculating the reference load based on the amount of displacement from the first position to the second position.

[0025] Furthermore, the above-described vibration imparting method can impart vibration to the vibration plate by the vibration generating step. As a result, the above-described vibration imparting method can impart vibration to the user while a reference load is applied to the vibration plate. Furthermore, the above-described vibration imparting method can calculate a load in a vibration state by the vibration state load calculating step. Furthermore, the above-described vibration imparting method can directly or indirectly display a load change relative to the reference load in a non-vibration state and a vibration state by the displaying step. As a result, the above-described vibration imparting method can appropriately impart vibration to the user based on accurate load changes, thereby achieving appropriate training effects (such as muscle stimulation effects, balance improvement effects, and blood flow improvement effects). Furthermore, the above-described vibration imparting method can be expected to improve convenience for caregivers (e.g., physical therapists and trainers) assisting users in training, for example. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vibration training device and a vibration application method that can measure load in both a non-vibration state and a vibration state, and also to provide a vibration training device and a vibration application method that can display load changes in both a non-vibration state and a vibration state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an embodiment of a vibration training device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1(a) is a plan view showing the vibration training device of the present invention with the vibration plate removed, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view showing the vibration training device of the present invention with the vibration plate and vibration generating unit removed. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of a vibration generating unit in the vibration training device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the vibration training device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage pattern of the vibration training device of FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a chart showing the displacement of the vibration plate in the vibration training device of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of the gentle muscle training mode. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram of the intense muscle training mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a balance improvement mode. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a stretch mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a fatigue blood flow improvement mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] An embodiment of a vibration training device 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, the vibration training device 1 has an outer shape formed by a plurality of wheels 2, a main body cover 3 supported on the wheels 2, a support 4, a handle 5, an operation panel 6, a vibration plate 20, etc. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 2(b), the vibration training device 1 also includes a support base 10, a vibration generating unit 100, an elastic member 30, a displacement meter 40, a control unit 50, etc.

[0030] The main body cover 3 is divided into an upper cover 3a and a lower cover 3b. A vibration plate 20 is disposed on the upper surface of the upper cover 3a. The lower cover 3b is supported by wheels 2 and is movable horizontally together with the wheels 2.

[0031] The support base 10 is disposed below the vibration plate 20 and horizontally disposed above and spaced from the bottom surface of the lower cover 3b. The support base 10 is formed in a square shape with four chamfered corners (see FIG. 3). The support base 10 is supported via rubber 11 fixed to the lower cover 3b. The rubber 11 prevents vibrations from being transmitted to the floor surface. The support base 10 supports a vibration generating unit 100 and an elastic member 30, which will be described later. The vibration generating unit 100 and the elastic member 30 are supported on the upper side of the support base 10. The support base 10 also has an opening 12 formed in its center, through which a displacement meter 40, which will be described later, is disposed.

[0032] The vibration generating unit 100 is supported near the center of the support base 10 and is located below the center of the vibration plate 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the vibration generating unit 100 uses a motor 101 as a drive source and converts the rotation of the motor 101 into vertical vibration. Various types of motors, such as an inverter motor, a servo motor, or a stepping motor, can be used as the motor 101. In this embodiment, a DC brushless motor is used, for example. The vibration generating unit 100 includes fixed plates 102, 102 that are spaced apart from each other (the fixed plate 102 on the near side is not shown), a bottom plate 108, the motor 101 supported by the fixed plate 102, a propeller shaft 103 connected to the motor shaft of the motor 101, and two rotating shafts 104, 104. The rotating shafts 104, 104 are arranged on both sides in the width direction (left and right direction in the figure) via the propeller shaft 103. The rotating shafts 104 are rotatably supported between the fixed plates 102. The upper ends of the fixed plates 102 are fixed to the lower surface of the vibration plate 20. The bottom plate 108 is fixed onto the support base 10.

[0033] The vibration generating unit 100 includes a drive pulley 110 fixed to the propeller shaft 103 so as to rotate integrally therewith, and driven pulleys 111, 111 fixed to the respective rotating shafts 104 so as to rotate integrally therewith. The drive pulley 110 can rotate in synchronization with the rotation of the motor 101. A timing belt 112 having teeth formed on both sides is wound around the drive pulley 110 and the driven pulleys 111, 111. The timing belt 112 can transmit the rotation of the drive pulley 110 to the driven pulleys 111, 111. In this embodiment, the timing belt 112 is wound around the drive pulley 110 so that the driven pulleys 111, 111 rotate in synchronous with each other in opposite directions as the drive pulley 110 rotates. Therefore, the rotating shafts 104, 104 rotate in synchronous with each other in opposite directions as the driven pulleys 111, 111 rotate. In this embodiment, the two rotating shafts 104, 104 are configured to rotate synchronously in opposite directions by one motor 101, but two motors 101 may be used to rotate the two rotating shafts 104, 104 synchronously in opposite directions. In such a case, the two motors may be configured to rotate the rotating shafts 104, 104 synchronously in opposite directions by using an inverter or the like.

[0034] The above-described rotating shafts 104, 104 are provided symmetrically, and therefore only one side will be described below. A first weight 105 is fixed to the tip end of the rotating shaft 104 so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft 104. A second weight 106 is fixed to the base end (the driven pulley 111 side) of the rotating shaft 104 so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft 104. A third weight 107 is supported at the middle of the rotating shaft 104 so as to be rotatable relative to the rotating shaft 104. The first weight 105 and the second weight 106 are made of, for example, iron. The third weight 107 is made of, for example, aluminum. The first weight 105, the second weight 106, and the third weight 107 can be made of various materials depending on the vibration to be applied.

[0035] A drive pin (not shown) is provided on the surface of the rotary shaft 104. The drive pin protrudes in the radial direction of the rotary shaft 104 and can engage with the third weight 107. The third weight 107 can rotate integrally with the rotary shaft 104 by engaging with the drive pin.

[0036] Here, when the rotating shaft 104 rotates in one direction (direction a in FIG. 4), the third weight 107 is held by a drive pin (not shown) at a position 180 degrees opposite to the first weight 105 and the second weight 106, and the centrifugal force of the first weight 105 and the second weight 106 is reduced, thereby weakening the vertical vibration. On the other hand, when the rotating shaft 104 rotates in the opposite direction (direction b in FIG. 4), the third weight 107 is held by a drive pin at a position facing the same direction as the first weight 105 and the second weight 106, and the centrifugal force of the first weight 105 and the second weight 106 is increased, thereby strengthening the vertical vibration. The vibration generated by the vibration generating unit 100 is transmitted to the vibration plate 20.

[0037] 1, the support column 4 is erected on the front end side of the upper cover 3a, and is provided with a handle 5 and an operation panel 6 on the upper end side of the support column 4.

[0038] The handle 5 is formed in a straight line along the width direction at the front side and protrudes backward at both ends in the width direction, forming an overall U-shape. By gripping the handle 5 in the appropriate position, the user M (see Figure 6) can adopt a posture suitable for training. The handle 5 can be formed in various shapes according to the manner of use, and can also be made movable if necessary.

[0039] The operation panel 6 is formed of, for example, a touch panel. In this embodiment, the operation panel 6 includes a display device 60 and an input unit 61. The display device 60 can display, for example, operation buttons serving as the input unit 61 and various setting screens for the vibration training device 1. The display device 60 can also display various information such as the amount of displacement of the vibration plate 20 and the load W applied to the vibration plate 20, which will be described later. Specific details of the displays on the display device 60 will be described later.

[0040] The input unit 61 is, for example, operation buttons displayed on a touch panel. The operation buttons include various buttons such as a start button for starting training (generation of vibration), a button for stopping training (generation of vibration), a setting button for setting vibration conditions (frequency, amplitude, etc.) of vibration applied in training, and a setting button for changing training time. Furthermore, the input unit 61 is not limited to operation buttons displayed on the touch panel; it can also be arranged in a location other than the touch panel as various buttons such as an emergency stop button.

[0041] Here, the amplitude can be adjusted in two stages, high or low, and the frequency can be adjusted in three stages, for example, 20 Hz, 30 Hz, or 50 Hz. The amplitude can be adjusted by the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 104 as described above, and the frequency can be adjusted by the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 104.

[0042] A rubber mat 21 is laid on the upper surface of the vibration plate 20, on which a user M (see FIG. 6) places his or her feet. Marks (lines in this embodiment) are provided on the rubber mat 21 at predetermined positions (positions where the user M places his or her feet). The marks on the rubber mat 21 are provided symmetrically with respect to the center of gravity of the vibration plate 20. A fixing plate 102 (see FIG. 4) of the vibration generating unit 100 is fixed near the center of the underside of the vibration plate 20. Therefore, vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 100 are transmitted to the vibration plate 20, causing the vibration plate 20 to vibrate. As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the vibration plate 20 is supported by an elastic member 30.

[0043] 3(a) and 3(b), four elastic members 30 are arranged so as to be positioned at the four chamfered portions of the support base 10. The elastic members 30 are arranged so as to be aligned along the chamfering direction of the chamfered portions.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2(a), in this embodiment, the elastic member 30 is a rubber member formed in a hexagonal ring shape. The elastic member 30 is disposed between the support base 10 and the vibration plate 20, and supports the vibration plate 20 from below with its upper surface. The lower surface of the elastic member 30 is supported by the upper surface of the support base 10. As a result, the elastic member 30 supports the vibration plate 20 from below and urges the vibration plate 20 upward. The four elastic members 30 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center (center of gravity) of the vibration plate 20. In other words, the vibration plate 20 is evenly supported by the four elastic members 30 and maintained in a nearly horizontal state. As will be described in detail later, the elastic members 30 have an elastic force in the up-down (vertical) direction according to a predetermined elastic coefficient, and are capable of elastically deforming with a predetermined elastic force when a load is applied to the vibration plate 20.

[0045] In this embodiment, the displacement meter 40 is a non-contact displacement meter (e.g., a laser displacement meter). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3(b), the displacement meter 40 is disposed between the support base 10 and the vibration plate 20 in an area that avoids the areas where the elastic member 30 and the vibration generating unit 100 are disposed. Specifically, the displacement meter 40 is attached via a bracket (not shown) to the lower cover 3b below the center of gravity of the vibration plate 20. As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), an opening 12 in the support base 10 is positioned above the displacement meter 40 so as not to interfere with the measurement by the displacement meter 40. A reflecting member 41 is provided above the opening 12 so as to face the displacement meter 40. The reflecting member 41 is fixed to the bottom plate 108 of the vibration generating unit 100. The reflecting member 41 can reflect laser light emitted from the displacement meter 40. The displacement meter 40 can measure the distance from the reflecting member 41 based on the light reflected by the reflecting member 41. The measurement of the displacement amount L by the displacement meter 40 will be described in detail later.

[0046] Here, the center of gravity of the vibration plate 20 is positioned to coincide with the horizontal center of the area in which the four elastic members 30 are arranged. Therefore, the displacement meter 40 can detect displacement at a position that is less affected by vibration. In other words, the center of gravity of the vibration plate 20 moves little in directions other than up and down when the vibration plate 20 vibrates, so the amount of displacement L in the up and down direction can be detected with high accuracy. Furthermore, as described above, if a non-contact displacement meter is used as the displacement meter 40, the degree of freedom in the position where the displacement meter 40 is arranged can be increased. Note that the displacement meter 40 can be not only a non-contact type but also a contact type, depending on the layout to be arranged.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 5, the control unit 50 is provided on the rear side of the lower cover 3b (below the support column 4). The control unit 50 is configured, for example, by a computer, and as shown in FIG. 5, includes a calculation unit 51, a storage unit 52, etc. The control unit 50 is also connected to the displacement meter 40, a display device 60, an input unit 61, a motor driver 113, etc. The control unit 50 can control the overall operation of the vibration training apparatus 1. The control unit 50 can generate vibrations according to the conditions set by the input unit 61.

[0048] The motor 101 is connected to the motor driver 113. The motor driver 113 can control the driving of the motor 101 in response to a command from the control unit 50.

[0049] The calculation unit 51 can perform calculation processing on the amount of displacement measured by the displacement meter 40. Specifically, the calculation unit 51 can calculate the load acting on the vibration plate 20 based on the amount of displacement in the up and down direction of the vibration plate 20 measured by the displacement meter 40. Details of the calculation of the load by the calculation unit 51 will be described later. In addition to calculating the load, the calculation unit 51 can perform various calculation processing and control operations in the vibration training apparatus 1.

[0050] The storage unit 52 is configured with a storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 52 can store various information (gender, age, weight, etc.) of the user M (patient M), training conditions, etc. The storage unit 52 can also call up the stored information as needed and display it on the display device 60, or set training conditions in the input unit 61.

[0051] The above is the configuration of the vibration training device 1 according to the present invention. Next, the vibration application method using the vibration training device 1 and the calculation of the load in the calculation unit 51 will be described in detail.

[0052] 6, a case will be described in which a user M places only his / her feet (body parts to which vibration is to be applied) on the vibration plate 20. First, before the vibration training device 1 applies vibration, the vibration conditions for the vibration are set in advance via the operation panel 6.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a chart showing the vertical displacement of the vibration plate 20 measured by the displacement meter 40. Before the user M places his / her foot on the vibration plate 20, the vibration plate 20 is positioned at a first height position P1 (not shown). That is, the displacement meter 40 indicates a displacement of 0 (zero). The control unit 50 (calculation unit 51) then sets the height at this time (height in a non-vibrating state) as the first position P1 (first position setting step). In other words, the unloaded state of the vibration plate 20 is set as the first position P1. The first position P1 may be set manually or automatically.

[0054] Next, in a state before vibration is applied to the vibration plate 20 (also referred to as a non-vibration state), the user M sits on a separately prepared chair 7 and places his / her feet on a predetermined position (for example, a marked position) on the vibration plate 20 (see FIG. 6). That is, in this embodiment, the entire weight of the user M is not applied to the vibration plate 20, but only the weight of the user M's feet is applied. In addition, the user M grips a predetermined position on the handle 5 so as to assume a predetermined posture (see FIG. 6). At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, a load is applied to the vibration plate 20, and the height of the vibration plate 20 is measured as a second position P2 by the displacement meter 40 (second position measurement step). Specifically, the displacement meter 40 measures a displacement amount L1 (also referred to as an initial displacement amount L1) from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0055] Here, the load W can be calculated based on the elastic coefficient K of the elastic member 30. The elastic coefficient K can be determined in advance from the relationship between the amount of contraction (measured with a compression meter or the like) of the elastic member 30 in response to the load. If a spring is used as the elastic member 30, the spring coefficient can be used. For example, if a spring that changes linearly is used as the elastic member 30, the load W can be calculated using the following (Equation 1). If an elastic member 30 that does not change linearly is used, (Equation 1) can be modified in accordance with the elastic deformation of the elastic member 30.

[0056] Load W = 4 (number of springs) x K (spring coefficient) x L (displacement) (Equation 1)

[0057] Therefore, when the above-mentioned initial displacement amount L1 is measured, the calculation unit 51 calculates the reference load W1 (load amount W1) based on the initial displacement amount L1 (reference load calculation step). Here, the reference load W1 can be calculated by (Equation 2) based on (Equation 1).

[0058] Reference load W1 = 4 (number of springs) × K (spring coefficient) × L1 (initial displacement) (Equation 2)

[0059] As described above, the vibration training device 1 and vibration application method of the present invention can measure the load (reference load) applied by the user M to the vibration plate in a non-vibration state through the reference load calculation step. This allows the vibration training device 1 and vibration application method of the present invention to measure the load W (e.g., the user M's body weight or the weight of a part of the body) even in a non-vibration state, which was previously impossible. Therefore, there is no need to measure the user M's weight (apparent weight) in advance. For example, elderly people and those requiring care do not need to take the trouble of measuring their weight separately on a scale. This is expected to reduce the burden on the user and their caregiver. Furthermore, since many users, such as frail elderly people, find it difficult to increase the load, changes in the load amount themselves are useful for assessing the effectiveness of vibration training. Objective observation of the weight allows the establishment of a training protocol for each user, which may also lead to the establishment of evidence for developing effective rehabilitation methods.

[0060] In the reference load calculation step, once the reference load W1 is calculated, the user M places his / her feet on the vibration plate 20, and vibration is applied to the vibration plate 20 to create a vibration state (vibration generation step). In the vibration generation step, the control unit 50 performs control to generate vibrations in accordance with predetermined vibration conditions. The application of vibrations can be started by the user M, a physical therapist, a caregiver, or the like operating an operation button (input unit 61) displayed on the display device 60.

[0061] In the vibration generating step, as shown in FIG. 7, vibration is applied at a predetermined frequency (50 Hz in this embodiment). In the vibration generating step, the height of the vibrating plate 20 is displaced at a predetermined amplitude around the second position P2 (in a state where the reference load is applied). That is, the height of the vibrating plate 20 is displaced with one period of 0.02 seconds. Here, in this embodiment, the sampling interval of the displacement meter 40 is set to, for example, 0.002 seconds. Therefore, 10 samplings are performed per period, and data related to the displacement amount L (displacement from the first position P1) is sampled. In this embodiment, the displacement (height H) from the first position P1 is displaced sequentially in the order of a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, and j for each sampling.

[0062] The calculation unit 51 calculates the displacement amount L by performing a moving average of the height H detected by sampling at a predetermined time based on the following (Equation 3).

[0063] Displacement L = (H1 + H2 + Hn) / n (Equation 3)

[0064] In this embodiment, the specific displacement amount L can be calculated based on the following (Equation 4).

[0065] Displacement L=(a+b+c+d+e+f+g+h+i+j) / 10 (Equation 4)

[0066] The calculation unit 51 calculates the load W based on the displacement L in the vibration state (vibration state load calculation step). That is, the load W applied to the vibration plate 20 by the foot of the user M (load W excluding the influence of fluctuations due to amplitude) is calculated. In this way, in this embodiment, the displacement L is calculated using the moving average method. Therefore, the load W can be calculated with high accuracy without increasing the number of samples more than necessary. As a result, the vibration training device 1 and vibration application method of the present invention can reduce the load on the calculation unit 51. Furthermore, the vibration training device 1 and vibration application method of the present invention can apply vibration to the user M with a reference load W1 applied to the vibration plate 20.

[0067] Either or both of the load W and the load change relative to the reference load W1 measured in the non-vibration state and the vibration state are directly or indirectly displayed on the display device 60 (display step). Here, examples of what is directly displayed on the display device 60 include numerical representations of the actual load W and the reference load W1. Examples of what is indirectly displayed on the display device 60 include visual graph displays and indicators that display positive or negative changes relative to the reference load W1.

[0068] In this way, the display device 60 can directly or indirectly display either or both of the load W and the displacement L. Therefore, the vibration training device 1 and vibration imparting method of the present invention can visually provide the user M (e.g., an elderly person or a person requiring care) with a target value (guideline) when imparting vibration. As a result, the vibration training device 1 and vibration imparting method of the present invention can impart vibration to the user M based on an accurate load W and displacement L, thereby achieving an appropriate training effect (effect due to muscle stimulation). Furthermore, the vibration training device 1 and vibration imparting method of the present invention can improve convenience for caregivers (e.g., physical therapists and trainers) who assist the user M in training, for example.

[0069] Furthermore, the vibration training apparatus 1 of the present invention can detect the vertical displacement L of the vibration plate 20 using the displacement meter 40, with the height H of the vibration plate 20 in a non-vibrating state being the first position P1. That is, the vibration training apparatus 1 can detect the vertical displacement L of the vibration plate 20 in a non-vibrating state. Therefore, the vibration training apparatus 1 can calculate the load W acting on the vibration plate 20 based on the detected displacement L. This allows the vibration training apparatus 1 to measure the load W (e.g., the weight of the user M or the weight of a part of the body) even in a non-vibrating state, which was previously impossible to measure. Therefore, there is no need to measure the weight (apparent weight) of the user M in advance, and therefore, for example, elderly people and those requiring care do not need to take the trouble of stepping on a separate scale to measure their weight. Furthermore, this is expected to have the effect of reducing the burden on the user M and their caregivers.

[0070] Furthermore, the vibration training apparatus 1 of the present invention can calculate the load applied to the vibration plate 20 based on the displacement L from the first position P1, and can therefore calculate the load W applied to the vibration plate 20 based on the first position P1 even when vibration is applied to the vibration plate 20. Furthermore, the vibration training apparatus 1 can calculate the load W without using a look-up table (comparison table). Therefore, the vibration training apparatus 1 can improve the measurement accuracy of the load W.

[0071] As described above, in the vibration training device 1 of the present invention, the calculation unit 51 is capable of calculating the reference load W1 based on the displacement L1 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, where the state in which the user M places his / her foot on the vibration plate 20 in a non-vibrating state is defined as the second position P2, and the display device 60 is capable of directly or indirectly displaying the load change relative to the reference load W1 when the vibration plate 20 is in a non-vibrating state and a vibrating state.

[0072] Here, the reference load W1 is the weight of the user M when the user M applies his / her entire body weight, and is the load (load from the feet) when the user M applies a load W, for example, by placing only his / her feet on the vibration plate 20. Therefore, when the vibration training device 1 of the present invention switches the vibration plate 20 from a non-vibration state to a vibration state, the vibration training device 1 can display the load change in the vibration state on the display device 60 based on the reference load W1 (load amount) in the non-vibration state. This allows the vibration training device 1 of the present invention to appropriately apply vibration to the user M based on the accurate load change, thereby achieving appropriate training effects (muscle stimulation effect, balance improvement effect, blood flow improvement effect, etc.).

[0073] Next, methods for implementing training according to different purposes using the vibration training device 1 of the present invention will be described below.

[0074] <About training methods> The main purposes of training are to improve muscle strength, balance, blood vessel dilation, and flexibility. Therefore, the vibration training device 1 is provided with modes (menus) for different purposes. For example, modes aimed at improving muscle strength include a "gentle muscle training mode" and a "hard muscle training mode." When improving muscle strength, it is easier to achieve results by adopting a forward-leaning posture and placing your weight firmly on the soles of your feet. Therefore, the vibration training device 1 of the present invention visualizes that your weight is firmly placed on the soles of your feet, for example, by using an indicator (load meter) displayed on the display device 60.

[0075] For example, a mode aimed at improving balance includes a "balance improvement mode," a mode aimed at improving flexibility includes a "stretch mode," and a mode aimed at expanding blood vessels includes a "fatigue blood flow improvement mode." Each mode will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12.

[0076] <Gentle muscle training mode> As shown in FIG. 8(a1), first, the user M sits on a separately prepared chair 7 (preferably one that can be raised and lowered), and places his / her feet in a wide stance with his / her feet positioned on the vibration plate 20. In this state, vibration is applied to the vibration plate 20. The vibration conditions in the "gentle muscle training mode" are a frequency of 30 Hz and an amplitude of 1.5 mm. The training conditions are that vibration under the above vibration conditions is applied for 30 seconds, followed by a 60-second break, and this is performed three times. The training is performed while checking the indicators displayed on the display device 60. The training is performed with the assistance of a physical therapist or the like, as appropriate.

[0077] Next, as shown in Fig. 8(a2), the user M's feet are placed in a normal position, and the height of the chair 7 is lowered so that the user M is in an intermediate squat position. In this state, training is performed under the same training conditions as those in Fig. 8(a1).

[0078] Next, as shown in Figure 8(a3), the height of the chair 7 is further lowered so that the user M is in a deep squat position. In this state, training is performed under the same training conditions as those in Figure 8(a1).

[0079] Next, as shown in Fig. 8(a4), the user M takes a wide stance and raises the height of the chair 7 so that the user M's toes come into contact with the vibration plate 20. In this state, training is performed under the same conditions as those in Fig. 8(a1).

[0080] Next, as shown in Fig. 8(a5), the user M's feet are placed in a normal position, and the height of the chair 7 is lowered so that the user M is in an intermediate squat position with the user M's toes in contact with the vibration plate 20. In this state, training is performed under the same training conditions as those in Fig. 8(a1).

[0081] Next, as shown in FIG. 8(a6), the height of the chair 7 is further lowered so that the user M assumes a deep squat position with his or her toes in contact with the vibration plate 20. In this state, training is performed under the same training conditions as those in FIG. 8(a1). In this way, by using the vibration training device 1 of the present invention, accurate training can be performed while visually checking the load state. The above is the details of the "gentle muscle training mode," and next, the details of the "intense muscle training mode" will be explained below with reference to FIG. 9.

[0082] <Intense muscle training mode> As shown in FIG. 9(b1), first, the user M sits on the lowered chair 7 and assumes a squat position. The user M places his / her feet at a normal stance and places them in a predetermined position on the vibration plate 20. In this state, vibration is applied to the vibration plate 20. The vibration conditions in the "intense muscle training mode" are a frequency of 40 Hz and an amplitude of 2 mm. The training conditions are such that one set is vibration applied under the above vibration conditions for 30 seconds, followed by a 60-second break, and this is performed three times. The training is performed while checking the indicators displayed on the display device 60. The training is performed with the assistance of a physical therapist or the like as needed.

[0083] Next, as shown in FIG. 9(b2), the user M places one foot on the vibration plate 20, and training is performed under the same training conditions as those in FIG. 9(b1).

[0084] Next, as shown in Figure 9(b3), the height of the chair 7 is further lowered so that one leg of the user M is in a deep squat position. In this state, training is performed under the same training conditions as those in Figure 9(b1).

[0085] Next, as shown in Fig. 9(b4), the chair 7 is raised to a height such that the toes of both feet of the user M are in contact with the vibration plate 20 and the user M is in a squat position. In this state, training is performed under the same conditions as those in Fig. 9(b1).

[0086] Next, as shown in Figure 9(b5), the user M assumes a squat position with the toes of one foot in contact with the vibration plate 20. In this state, training is performed under the same training conditions as those in Figure 9(b1).

[0087] Next, as shown in FIG. 8(a6), the chair 7 is lowered so that the toes of one foot of the user M are in contact with the vibration plate 20 and the user M is in a deep squat position. In this state, training is performed under the same training conditions as those in FIG. 9(b1). In this way, by using the vibration training device 1 of the present invention, accurate training can be performed while visually checking the load state. The above is the details of the "intense muscle training mode," and next, the details of the "balance improvement mode" will be explained below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0088] Balance Improvement Mode The "balance improvement mode" is intended to improve the sense of balance of the body. As shown in FIG. 10(c1), first, the user M sits on the lowered chair 7 and assumes a squat position. The user M also places his / her feet at a normal stance and places them in a predetermined position on the vibration plate 20. In this state, vibration is applied to the vibration plate 20. The vibration conditions in the "balance improvement mode" are a frequency of 40 Hz and an amplitude of 2 mm. The training conditions are that vibration under the above vibration conditions is applied for 30 seconds, followed by a 60-second break, and this is performed three times. The training is performed while checking the indicators displayed on the display device 60. The training is performed with the assistance of a physical therapist or the like as needed.

[0089] Next, as shown in Fig. 10(c2), the height of the chair 7 is lowered so that the user M assumes a deep squat position. With one foot placed on the vibration plate 20, training is performed under the same training conditions as those in Fig. 10(c1).

[0090] Next, as shown in FIG. 10(c3), the height of the chair 7 is raised so that the user M is in a light squat position with his or her eyes closed. In this state, training is carried out under the same training conditions as those in FIG. 10(c1). In this way, by using the vibration training device 1 of the present invention, accurate balance improvement training can be carried out while visually checking the load state. The above is the details of the "balance improvement mode," and next, the details of the "stretch mode" will be explained below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0091] <Stretch mode> The "stretch mode" is intended for training aimed at improving body flexibility. As shown in FIG. 11(d1), first, the support plate 8 is placed at an angle at the front end of the vibration plate 20 so that the calves of the user M are stretched. The user M sits on the chair 7 with the soles of his / her feet in contact with the support plate 8.

[0092] Next, as shown in FIG. 11(d2), the auxiliary plate 8 is removed, so that the heel of the user M is placed on the vibration plate 20 with the calf stretched. In this state, vibration is applied to the vibration plate 20. The vibration conditions in the "stretch mode" are a frequency of 30 Hz and an amplitude of 2 mm. The training conditions are as follows: with the calf of the user M stretched, vibration is applied under the above vibration conditions for 10 seconds, followed by vibration under the above vibration conditions for 5 seconds in a stretched state, with this set being performed four times. In other words, the vibration application time for one training set is one minute in total. During the training, the user can check the indicators displayed on the display device 60. The training can be performed with the assistance of a physical therapist or the like, as needed.

[0093] Next, as shown in FIG. 11(d3), the user M bends his / her legs so that the user's feet are placed on the front side of the vibration plate 20 (stretching state). In this state, vibrations are performed under the above vibration conditions for 5 seconds. In this way, by using the vibration training device 1 of the present invention, it is possible to accurately perform stretching training while visually checking the load state. The above is the details of the "stretching mode," and next, the details of the "fatigue blood flow improvement mode" will be explained below with reference to FIG. 12.

[0094] The "fatigue blood flow improvement mode" is intended to improve blood flow and relieve fatigue by expanding blood vessels. As shown in Figures 12(e1) to 12(e3), the "fatigue blood flow improvement mode" involves training similar to that in the "stretch mode" described above.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 12(e4), the height of the chair 7 and the height of the vibration plate 20 are adjusted relative to each other so that the height of the seat of the chair 7 and the height of the vibration plate 20 are the same. Here, the user M sits on the chair 7 in a relaxed position with his or her legs stretched out. This places the user M's extended legs on the vibration plate 20. That is, the user M's calves to heels are in contact with the vibration plate 20. In this state, vibrations are applied under the same vibration conditions as those shown in FIG. 12(d1). Here, the training conditions are such that vibrations under the above vibration conditions are applied for 60 seconds, followed by a 10-second break, and this is repeated three times. In this way, by using the vibration training device 1 of the present invention, it is possible to accurately perform training that improves fatigue and blood flow while visually checking the load status. The above is a detailed description of the "fatigue and blood flow improvement mode."

[0096] As described above, the "balance improvement mode," "stretch mode," and "blood flow improvement mode" are performed in a normal posture, not a forward-leaning posture. Therefore, in a normal posture, weight is not placed as heavily on the soles of the feet as in a forward-leaning posture, and the load meter reading is lower than in a forward-leaning posture. Furthermore, the vibration training device 1 of the present invention converts vibrations (pressure fluctuation information) applied to the soles of the feet into spatial position information. By continuing this process, the central nervous system can detect the vibrations and improve the sense of balance. The vibration training device 1 of the present invention also has the advantage of being easy to use not only for training healthy individuals but also for patients requiring assistance. For example, a caregiver can visually check the indicator in real time while the elderly or patient is training, thereby encouraging the elderly or patient to adopt an appropriate posture. It is also recommended to optimize the frequency, amplitude, training time, and other factors for each training purpose. The chair 7 can be provided as needed, and can be incorporated into the vibration training device 1. Chairs 7 of multiple heights are also acceptable.

[0097] The vibration training device and vibration application method according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modifications can be made.

[0098] The vibration training device 1 used in this embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the vibration generating unit 100 may have various structures. For example, the vibration magnitude may be changeable in one stage or two or more stages. Furthermore, the vibration training device 1 may have various shapes and sizes, not just the shape and size of this embodiment.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chair 7 is prepared separately from the vibration training apparatus 1, but the chair 7 may be mounted on the vibration training apparatus 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a structure in which the support base 10 is supported on the lower cover 3b via the rubber 11 is illustrated, but the support base 10 may be formed as the lower cover 3b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elastic member 30 is formed of a hexagonal, ring-shaped rubber member, but this is not limited thereto, and various elastically deformable members can be used for the elastic member 30. For example, the elastic member 30 may be a spring such as a coil spring. Furthermore, various numbers of elastic members 30, such as a single member or two or more, may be arranged. In such a case, it is preferable that the elastic members 30 are arranged symmetrically in the horizontal direction with respect to the center of gravity of the vibration plate 20.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a non-contact displacement meter is used as the displacement meter 40, but a contact-type displacement meter 40 can also be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the displacement meter 40 indirectly detects the displacement of the vibration plate 20 via the vibration generating unit 100. However, the displacement meter 40 may directly detect the displacement of the vibration plate 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the displacement meter 40 is disposed below the vibration plate 20 in an area that avoids the areas where the elastic member 30 and the vibration generating unit 100 are disposed. However, the displacement meter 40 can be disposed in various positions as long as it can detect the appropriate vertical displacement of the vibration plate 20. In such cases, it is desirable to dispose the displacement meter near the center of gravity of the vibration plate 20, where it is less affected by vibration. When a single elastic member 30 is used, it is preferable to dispose the displacement meter 40 near the center of the elastic member 30, within a range that does not interfere with the elastic member 30.

[0101] In this embodiment, the displacement amount L and the load W are calculated by the calculation unit 51 provided in the control unit 50. However, the calculation unit 51 need not necessarily be provided in the control unit 50. For example, the calculation unit 51 may be provided in the displacement meter 40 itself. The sampling interval of the displacement meter 40 is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various other sampling intervals can be adopted. The vibration conditions are not limited to those described in the embodiment, and various other conditions can be adopted. The calculation of the displacement amount L and the load W can be performed using various arithmetic means other than the moving average method. While this embodiment illustrates a calculation method that does not use a lookup table (comparison table), calculations using a lookup table are also possible. While this embodiment illustrates a method that does not use a separate weight measurement and therefore does not use apparent weight, it is also possible to measure weight separately and use apparent weight. For example, vibrations may be applied to the entire body or a part of the body of the user M, taking apparent weight into consideration. While this embodiment applies vibrations only to the feet, the vibration training device 1 of the present invention can also apply vibrations to the entire body or other parts of the body, such as the hands.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the calculation unit 51 defines the state in which the user M places his / her foot on the vibration plate 20 in a non-vibrating state as the second position P2, and calculates the reference load W1 based on the amount of displacement from the first position P1 to the second position P2, but the first position P1 and the second position P2 can be set based on various positions.

[0103] Furthermore, the display device 60 is not limited to a device used in combination with a touch panel, and various display devices, indicator lamps, etc. In this embodiment, the display device 60 displays the load change relative to the reference load W1 when the vibrating plate 20 is in a non-vibrating state and a vibrating state, but various display modes of the loads W, W1 and the displacements L, L1 by the display device 60 can be adopted.

[0104] The above are various embodiments and modifications of the vibration training device and vibration application method according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, and it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the claims and the teachings and spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0105] The vibration training device and vibration imparting method of the present invention can be used in various facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, sports gyms, etc., or at home, etc. Furthermore, the vibration training device and vibration imparting method of the present invention can be used by various users such as the elderly, people requiring care, injured or ill patients, athletes, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1: Vibration training device 5: Handle 10: Support base 20: Vibration plate 30: Elastic member 40: Displacement meter 41: Reflective material 50: Control unit 51: Arithmetic section 60:Display device 61: Input section 100: Vibration generating unit L: Displacement W1: Reference load

Claims

1. a vibration plate on which the user places their feet; a vibration generating unit that applies vibration to the vibration plate; a support base disposed below the vibration plate; an elastic member disposed between the support base and the vibration plate, supporting the vibration plate from below and biasing the vibration plate upward; a displacement meter disposed below the vibration plate in an area avoiding areas where the elastic member and the vibration generating unit are disposed; a calculation unit that calculates the displacement amount detected by the displacement meter, The displacement meter is The height of the vibration plate when it is in a non-vibrating state is set as a first position, and the amount of displacement of the vibration plate in the up and down direction can be detected, The vibration training device is characterized in that the calculation unit is capable of calculating a load acting on the vibration plate based on the amount of displacement from the first position.

2. 2. The vibration training device according to claim 1, further comprising a display device that directly or indirectly displays either or both of the load and the displacement.

3. the calculation unit is capable of calculating a reference load based on a displacement amount from the first position to the second position, where a state in which the user places his / her foot on the vibration plate in a non-vibrating state is defined as a second position, 3. The vibration training device according to claim 2, wherein the display device is capable of directly or indirectly displaying a change in load relative to the reference load when the vibration plate is in a non-vibrating state and a vibrating state.

4. 4. The vibration training device according to claim 1, wherein the displacement meter is disposed below the center of gravity of the vibration plate.

5. 5. The vibration training device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the load by performing a calculation process using a moving average method on data relating to a plurality of the displacement amounts detected over a predetermined period of time.

6. 6. The vibration training device according to claim 1, wherein the displacement meter is a non-contact displacement meter.

7. A vibration training device is used, which includes a vibration plate on which a user places their feet, a vibration generating unit that applies vibration to the vibration plate, a displacement meter that measures the amount of displacement of the vibration plate in the up and down direction, a calculation unit that calculates a load by calculating the amount of displacement, and a display device that directly or indirectly displays either or both of the load and the amount of displacement, a first position setting step of setting a height of the vibration plate as a first position in a non-vibration state before vibration is generated by the vibration generating unit; a second position measuring step of measuring, in the non-vibration state, a position displaced from the first position in a state in which the user places his / her foot on the vibration plate, as a second position; a reference load calculation step of calculating a reference load based on a displacement amount from the first position to the second position; a vibration generating step of applying vibration to the vibration plate by the vibration generating unit to put the vibration plate into a vibrating state; a vibration state load calculation step of calculating a load in a vibration state; a display step of directly or indirectly displaying either or both of the load in the non-vibration state and the vibration state and the load change relative to the reference load.

Images