Vibration stimulation device

Abstract

To provide a vibration stimulation device that can restore or maintain muscular strength in a lower limb of a seated person.SOLUTION: A vibration stimulation device includes: a seat; and a vibration generation part configured to provide vibration to a seated person on the seat. The vibration generation part includes a first vibrator disposed in a first position of the seat that supports a femoral condyle of a seated person.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vibration stimulation device.

Background Art

[0002] For the purpose of massage and rehabilitation, a seat-type device that applies vibration stimulation to the muscles of a seated person is known (see Patent Document 1). This device is configured to apply vibration to the neck, back, seat, and legs of the seated person.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although the above-described device is configured to apply vibration to the legs, it is not configured to stimulate specific parts of the legs. Therefore, sufficient recovery or maintenance of the muscle strength of the lower limbs of the seated person cannot be achieved.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a vibration stimulation device capable of recovering or maintaining the muscle strength in the lower limbs of a seated person.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vibration stimulation device (1) including a seat (2) and a vibration generation unit (4) configured to apply vibration to a seated person on the seat (2). The vibration generation unit (4) has a first vibrator (41) disposed at a first portion of the seat (2) that supports the greater trochanter of the femur of the seated person.

[0007] With this configuration, the first vibrating body (41) delivers vibrational stimulation to the vicinity of the femoral condyle of the seated person. As a result, muscle spindles in the muscles near the femoral condyle respond to the stimulation, and motor nerves are stimulated via the spinal cord from the sensory nerves. Consequently, muscle contractions occur in the area near the femoral condyle, producing a training effect and restoring or maintaining muscle strength in the lower limbs.

[0008] In one aspect of this disclosure, the vibration generating unit (4) may have a second vibrating body (42) positioned in a second part of the seat (2) that supports the ischial tuberosities of the seated person. With this configuration, the second vibrating body (42) delivers vibrational stimulation to the vicinity of the ischial tuberosities of the seated person. This causes muscle contraction in the muscles near the ischial tuberosities, thereby enhancing the effect of restoring or maintaining muscle strength in the lower limbs.

[0009] In one aspect of this disclosure, the vibration generating unit (4) may have a third vibrator (43) positioned in a third part of the seat (2) between a first part and a second part in the front-rear direction. With this configuration, the third vibrator (43) provides vibration stimulation to the muscle belly of the biceps femoris muscle of the person sitting. This causes the biceps femoris muscle to contract, thereby enhancing the effect of restoring or maintaining muscle strength in the lower limbs.

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure may further include a control unit (5) configured to control a vibration generating unit (4). The vibration generating unit (4) may have a fourth vibrator (44) positioned in a fourth part of the seat (2) adjacent to the seated person's Achilles tendon. The control unit (5) may drive the first vibrator (41), the second vibrator (42), and the fourth vibrator (44) based on a periodic pattern that defines the driving timing for each of the first vibrator (41), the second vibrator (42), and the fourth vibrator (44). With such a configuration, the muscle strength of multiple muscles necessary for walking function is stimulated by a periodic pattern that simulates the movement pattern during walking. As a result, the seated person's walking function is restored or maintained.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include a supporter (3) that covers the lower limbs of a seated person. The vibration generating unit (4) may include a fifth vibrator (45) positioned in a fifth part of the supporter (3) that covers the proximal tendon of the seated person's rectus femoris muscle, a sixth vibrator (46) positioned in a sixth part of the supporter (3) that covers the seated person's patella, and a seventh vibrator (47) positioned in a seventh part of the supporter (3) that covers the seated person's tibialis anterior muscle. The control unit (5) may drive the first vibrator (41), second vibrator (42), fourth vibrator (44), fifth vibrator (45), sixth vibrator (46), and seventh vibrator (47) based on a periodic pattern that defines the driving timing for each of the seventh vibrators. With this configuration, the periodic pattern of stimulation applied to the lower limbs of a seated person can be made closer to the movement pattern during walking. As a result, the effect of restoring or maintaining the walking function of the seated person is promoted.

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, the periodic pattern may include a first periodic pattern applied to the seated person's right lower limb and a second periodic pattern applied to the seated person's left lower limb. The second periodic pattern may have different driving timings for each vibrator compared to the first periodic pattern. With such a configuration, the pattern of stimulation applied to both legs of the seated person can be made to resemble the walking cycle. As a result, the effect of restoring or maintaining the seated person's walking function is promoted.

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, the frequency of vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit (4) may be 20 Hz or more and 110 Hz or less. The amplitude of the vibrations may be 0.001 mm or more and 1 mm or less. With such a configuration, muscle spindles and receptors can be effectively stimulated by vibration. As a result, the effect of muscle strength recovery or maintenance is promoted.

[0014] The symbols in the parentheses above are merely examples indicating the correspondence with the specific configurations described in the embodiments described later, and this disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations indicated by the symbols in the parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing a vibration stimulation device in an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a schematic plan view of the sheet in the vibration stimulation device shown in Figure 1, and Figure 2B is a schematic plan view of the supporter in the vibration stimulation device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a time chart showing the periodic pattern used by the control unit in the vibration stimulation device shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Embodiments to which this disclosure applies will be described below with reference to the drawings. [1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Structure] The vibration stimulation device 1 shown in Figure 1 is used to maintain or restore the muscle strength and motor skills of the user U's lower limbs. The vibration stimulation device 1 comprises a seat 2, a supporter 3, a vibration generating unit 4, and a control unit 5.

[0017] The vibration stimulation device 1 provides vibration stimulation to user U by the vibration generating unit 4 while the user U is seated on the seat 2. This helps to suppress age-related muscle weakness and muscle mass loss, as well as prevent frailty (i.e., vulnerability).

[0018] Therefore, user U can maintain or recover their lower limb muscle strength without having to perform exercises themselves. This is expected to maintain or improve user U's lower limb balance and walking function.

[0019] <Sheet> The seat 2 has a seating surface 21 that supports the buttocks of the user U, a contact surface 22 that contacts the legs of the user U (specifically, the shins and Achilles tendons, etc.), and a backrest 23.

[0020] In FIG. 1, the backrest 23 of the seat 2 supports the user U so that the user U's back muscles are upright, but the backrest 23 may be reclinable. Also, the contact surface 22 may be reclinable upward so as to support the legs of the user U from below.

[0021] However, when using the walking function improvement program of the vibration stimulation device 1, it is preferable that the user U sits on the seat 2 in a posture where the user U's back muscles are upright and the lower part of the user U's knees extends in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 1.

[0022] A goniometer for measuring the joint angles of the lower limbs of the seated person may be arranged on the seat 2.

[0023] <Supporter> The supporter 3 is a fixture that covers the lower limbs of the user U. The supporter 3 is, for example, worn by being wound around the lower limbs of the user U. The supporter 3 is arranged together with the seat 2 so as to sandwich the lower limbs of the user U in the vertical direction or the front - rear direction. The supporter 3 may be divided into a plurality of parts.

[0024] <Vibration generating part> The vibration generating part 4 is configured to apply vibration to the seated person on the seat 2 (that is, the user U).

[0025] The vibration generating part 4 has a first vibrator 41, a second vibrator 42, a third vibrator 43, a fourth vibrator 44, a fifth vibrator 45, a sixth vibrator 46, a seventh vibrator 47, and an eighth vibrator 48.

[0026] As each vibrating element, a known actuator-type vibrating element can be used. The frequency of the vibration of each vibrating element (i.e., the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit 4) is preferably 20 Hz to 110 Hz. Furthermore, the amplitude of the vibration of each vibrating element is preferably 0.001 mm to 1 mm.

[0027] By using such frequencies and amplitudes, vibrational stimulation can effectively elicit responses from muscle spindles and receptors (e.g., Meissner corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles). As a result, the recovery or maintenance effect of muscle strength is promoted.

[0028] The first vibrating body 41 is positioned in the first part of the seat 2 that supports the femoral condyle of the seated person. The first part of the seat 2 constitutes the front end of the seat surface 21. The first vibrating body 41 applies vibrational stimulation to the first range P1, which includes the medial side of the femoral condyle of the user U, the distal tendons of the semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles, and the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle.

[0029] The second vibrating body 42 is positioned in the second part of the seat 2 that supports the ischial tuberosities of the seated person. The second part of the seat 2 constitutes the area near the backrest of the seat surface 21. The second vibrating body 42 delivers vibrational stimulation to the second range P2 of the user U, which includes the lower part of the ischial tuberosities, the proximal tendons of the hamstrings (i.e., the biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus muscles), the gluteus maximus, and the gluteus medius.

[0030] The third vibrator 43 is positioned in the third part of the seat 2, between the first and second parts in the anterior-posterior direction. The third part of the seat 2 constitutes the central part of the seat surface 21. The third vibrator 43 delivers vibrational stimulation to the third range P3, which includes the muscle belly of the biceps femoris muscle of user U. This causes muscle contraction in the front of the thigh as well.

[0031] The fourth vibrator 44 is positioned in the fourth part of the seat 2, which is close to the seated person's Achilles tendon. The fourth part of the seat 2 constitutes the lower part of the contact surface 22. The fourth vibrator 44 delivers vibrational stimulation to the fourth range P4, which includes the user U's Achilles tendon and the distal tendon of the triceps surae muscle at the ankle level.

[0032] The fifth vibrator 45 is positioned in the fifth part of the supporter 3, covering the proximal tendon of the rectus femoris muscle of the seated person. The fifth vibrator 45 delivers vibrational stimulation to the fifth range P5, which includes the proximal tendon of the rectus femoris muscle of user U, the lower part of the anterior inferior ilium, and the iliopsoas muscles (i.e., the psoas major, psoas minor, and iliacus muscles).

[0033] The sixth vibrating element 46 is positioned in the sixth part of the supporter 3 that covers the kneecap of the seated person. The sixth vibrating element 46 delivers vibrational stimulation to the sixth range P6 of the user U, which includes the inferior patellar tendon of the kneecap and the quadriceps femoris muscle.

[0034] The seventh vibrator 47 is positioned in the seventh part of the supporter 3, which covers the tibialis anterior muscle of the seated person. The seventh vibrator 47 delivers vibrational stimulation to the seventh range P7, which includes the tendon of the tibialis anterior muscle of user U and the distal tendon of the dorsiflexor muscle at the ankle level.

[0035] The eighth vibrator 48 is positioned in the eighth region of the sheet 2, between the first and fourth regions in the vertical direction. The eighth region of the sheet 2 constitutes the upper part of the contact surface 22. The eighth vibrator 48 delivers vibrational stimulation to the eighth range P8, which includes the muscle belly of the user U's gastrocnemius muscle. This causes muscle contraction to occur on the front of the shin as well.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, each vibrating body is composed of a pair of vibrating bodies, one on the left and one on the right. That is, the first vibrating body 41 is composed of a right vibrating body 41A and a left vibrating body 41B. The second vibrating body 42 is composed of a right vibrating body 42A and a left vibrating body 42B. The third vibrating body 43 is composed of a right vibrating body 43A and a left vibrating body 43B. The fourth vibrating body 44 is composed of a right vibrating body 44A and a left vibrating body 44B. The eighth vibrating body 48 is composed of a right vibrating body 48A and a left vibrating body 48B.

[0037] The fifth vibrating body 45 is composed of a right-side vibrating body 45A and a left-side vibrating body 45B. The sixth vibrating body 46 is composed of a right-side vibrating body 46A and a left-side vibrating body 46B. The seventh vibrating body 47 is composed of a right-side vibrating body 47A and a left-side vibrating body 47B.

[0038] The right-side vibrators 41A-48A deliver vibrational stimulation to user U's right lower limb (i.e., right leg). The left-side vibrators 41B-48B deliver vibrational stimulation to user U's left lower limb (i.e., left leg). The right-side vibrators 41A-48A and the left-side vibrators 41B-48B can be switched on and off independently of each other.

[0039] <Department Head> The control unit 5 shown in Figure 1 is a computer that includes, for example, a processor, a storage medium such as RAM or ROM, and an input / output unit.

[0040] The control unit 5 is configured to control the vibration generating unit 4 by a program stored on a storage medium. In this embodiment, the control unit 5 is built into or attached to the seat 2. However, the control unit 5 may be located outside the seat 2.

[0041] Specifically, the control unit 5 has a motor nerve stimulation mode that applies vibration to any part of the user U's lower limbs, and a walking function improvement mode that executes a program to improve the user U's walking function. The motor nerve stimulation mode and the walking function improvement mode can be switched between, for example, by the user U or the user U's caregiver.

[0042] In motor nerve stimulation mode, the control unit 5 drives any vibrating element of the vibration generating unit 4 in response to input from the user U or caregiver. The start and stop of the vibrating element's operation are performed by input from the user U or caregiver, or at a preset time.

[0043] In the walking function improvement mode, the control unit 5 drives the first vibrator 41, second vibrator 42, fourth vibrator 44, fifth vibrator 45, sixth vibrator 46, and seventh vibrator 47, respectively, based on a periodic pattern that defines the driving timing for each of the vibrators.

[0044] The driving timing refers to the timing of the on and off states of vibration in each vibrating element. Figure 3 shows an example of a periodic pattern used in the walking function improvement mode. The horizontal axis in Figure 3 represents time. Time T1 indicates the timing of heel contact, and time T2 indicates the timing of toe push-off.

[0045] The gait cycle for one step in the right or left lower limb is defined as the time from when the heel touches the ground (T1 on the left side of Figure 3) to when the toes push off and the heel touches the ground again (T1 on the right side of Figure 3).

[0046] The control unit 5 first turns on the vibration of the fifth vibrator 45 at time T1 (i.e., the start of the gait cycle) to stimulate the gluteal flexor muscles. Immediately after the vibration of the fifth vibrator 45 begins, the control unit 5 turns on the vibration of the sixth vibrator 46 to stimulate the knee flexor muscles as well.

[0047] Furthermore, after the vibration of the sixth vibrator 46 begins, the control unit 5 turns on the vibration of the fourth vibrator 44, stimulating the extensor muscles of the sole of the foot. This provides the user U with a stimulus that simulates the movement of lifting the heel.

[0048] Subsequently, as time T2 approaches, the control unit 5 turns off the vibration of the fourth vibrator 44. At the same time, the control unit 5 turns on the vibration of the seventh vibrator 47, stimulating the flexor muscles on the back of the ankle.

[0049] Furthermore, at time T2, the control unit 5 turns off the vibration of the fifth vibrator 45 and the sixth vibrator 46, while turning on the vibration of the second vibrator 42 and the first vibrator 41. As a result, the extensor muscles of the buttocks and knees are stimulated, and a stimulus simulating the movement of kicking the toes is given to the user U.

[0050] Subsequently, the control unit 5 turns off the vibrations of the seventh vibrator 47, the first vibrator 41, and the second vibrator 42 in that order. Simultaneously with turning off the vibration of the first vibrator 41, it turns on the vibration of the sixth vibrator 46. This provides the user U with a stimulus that simulates the movement of pushing off with the toes and landing on the heel.

[0051] From the second time point T1 onward, the aforementioned periodic pattern is repeated until the end of the walking function improvement program. The periodic pattern includes a first periodic pattern applied to the seated person's right lower limb and a second periodic pattern applied to the seated person's left lower limb.

[0052] The second periodic pattern differs from the first periodic pattern in that the driving timing of each vibrating element is different. Specifically, the second periodic pattern is obtained by shifting the vibration timing (i.e., phase) of the first periodic pattern by half a period.

[0053] The control unit 5 stimulates the right lower limb with the right-side vibrators 41A-48A based on a first periodic pattern, while stimulating the left lower limb with the left-side vibrators 41B-48B based on a second periodic pattern.

[0054] [1-2. Effects] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) The first vibrating body 41 delivers vibrational stimulation to the vicinity of the femoral condyle of the seated person. As a result, the muscle spindles of the muscles near the femoral condyle respond to the stimulation, and motor nerves are stimulated via the spinal cord from the sensory nerves. Consequently, muscle contractions occur in the area near the femoral condyle, producing a training effect and restoring or maintaining muscle strength in the lower limbs.

[0055] (1b) The second vibrating body 42 delivers vibrational stimulation to the vicinity of the ischial tuberosity of the seated person. This causes muscle contraction in the muscles near the ischial tuberosity, thereby enhancing the recovery or maintenance effect of muscle strength in the lower limbs.

[0056] (1c) The third vibrating body 43 delivers vibrational stimulation to the muscle belly of the biceps femoris of the seated person. This causes the biceps femoris to contract, thereby enhancing the recovery or maintenance effect of muscle strength in the lower limbs.

[0057] (1d) The control unit 5 drives each vibrating body based on a periodic pattern, so that the muscle strength of multiple muscles necessary for walking function is stimulated by a periodic pattern that simulates the movement pattern during walking. As a result, the walking function of the seated person is restored or maintained.

[0058] (1e) By driving the first vibrator 41, the second vibrator 42, the fourth vibrator 44, the fifth vibrator 45, the sixth vibrator 46, and the seventh vibrator 47, the periodic pattern of stimulation applied to the lower limbs of a seated person can be made to resemble the movement pattern during walking. As a result, the effect of restoring or maintaining the walking function of the seated person is promoted.

[0059] (1f) By including a first periodic pattern applied to the seated person's right lower limb and a second periodic pattern applied to the seated person's left lower limb, the pattern of stimulation applied to both legs of the seated person can be made to resemble the walking cycle. Therefore, the effect of restoring or maintaining the seated person's walking function is promoted.

[0060] [2. Other Embodiments] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can take various forms.

[0061] (2a) In the vibration stimulation device of the above embodiment, the vibration generating unit does not necessarily have to have all of the above-mentioned vibrating bodies. For example, the vibration generating unit does not have to have the vibrating body provided on the supporter.

[0062] (2b) In the vibration stimulation device of the above embodiment, the control unit does not necessarily have to drive the vibrating body based on a periodic pattern. In other words, the control unit does not necessarily have to have a walking function improvement mode.

[0063] (2c) The functions of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to, substituted for, or otherwise replaced with the configuration of other above embodiments. Any aspect of the technical concept specified by the wording of the claims is an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1...Vibration stimulator, 2...Sheet, 3...Supporter, 4...Vibration generating unit, 5...Control unit, 21...Seat surface, 22...Contact surface, 23...Backrest 41...first vibrating body, 41A...right vibrating body, 41B...left vibrating body, 42...Second vibrating body, 42A...Right side vibrating body, 42B...Left side vibrating body, 43...Third vibrating body, 43A...Right side vibrating body, 43B...Left side vibrating body, 44...Fourth vibrating body, 44A...Right side vibrating body, 44B...Left side vibrating body, 45...5th vibrating body, 45A...right vibrating body, 45B...left vibrating body, 46...6th vibrating body, 46A...right vibrating body, 46B...left vibrating body, 47...7th vibrating body, 47A...right vibrating body, 47B...left vibrating body, 48...8th vibrating body, 48A...right vibrating body, 48B...left vibrating body.

Claims

1. A seat having a seat surface that supports the seated person's buttocks, a contact surface that contacts the seated person's legs, and a backrest, A first vibrating body is positioned at a first portion of the front end of the seat surface that supports the femoral condyle of the seated person, and is configured to impart vibration to the seated person. A second vibrating body is positioned in a second part that constitutes the area near the backrest of the seat surface and is configured to impart vibration to the seated person, A third vibrating body is positioned in the third part that constitutes the central part of the seat surface and is configured to impart vibration to the person sitting on it, A fourth vibrating body is positioned in the fourth portion of the seat that constitutes the lower part of the contact surface, and is configured to impart vibration to the seated person. A supporter that covers the lower limbs of the seated person, The supporter includes a fifth vibrating body positioned at a fifth location corresponding to the proximal tendon of the rectus femoris muscle of the seated person, and configured to deliver vibrations to the seated person. Among the aforementioned supporters, the sixth vibrating body is positioned at the sixth location corresponding to the kneecap of the seated person and is configured to deliver vibrations to the seated person, Of the aforementioned supporter, the seventh vibrating body is positioned in the seventh area corresponding to the tibialis anterior muscle of the seated person and is configured to deliver vibrations to the seated person, The system comprises at least the second vibrator, the fourth vibrator, the fifth vibrator, and the seventh vibrator, and a control unit capable of controlling them in a walking function improvement mode. When the timing of heel contact is defined as time T1 and the timing of toe-off is defined as time T2, in the walking function improvement mode, the control unit starts driving the fifth vibrator at time T1, then starts driving the fourth vibrator, and then, as time T2 approaches, the control unit stops the fourth vibrator and simultaneously starts driving the seventh vibrator. Furthermore, the control unit stops the fifth vibrator and starts driving the second vibrator at time T2, and then stops the seventh vibrator and the second vibrator in that order, in a vibration stimulation device.

2. A vibration stimulation device according to claim 1, A vibration stimulation device in which the frequencies of vibrations generated by each of the first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh vibrators are between 20 Hz and 110 Hz, and the amplitude of the vibrations is between 0.001 mm and 1 mm.

Images