Pelvic floor muscle training assitance system and program

Abstract

Provided is a pelvic floor muscle training assistance system capable of allowing a user to easily perform training of pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscle training assistance system is provided with: a seating aid tool having provided therein a seating surface which can be placed on a plane and on which a user can sit, and having provided an opening in the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction of the seating surface; a sensor unit which can be inserted through the opening; and a lifting / lowering unit configured to lift and lower the sensor unit in the up-down direction. The sensor unit includes: a displacement sensor; and a sensor support part that supports the displacement sensor so as to be able to detect displacement in the up-down direction of an object which is in contact with the displacement sensor. The displacement sensor can, through an operation of the lifting / lowering unit, directly or indirectly abut the anal area of the user when the user is seated on the seating aid tool, and is configured to detect displacement of the anal area that the displacement sensor abuts directly or indirectly.

Description

Pelvic floor muscle training support system and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a program for assisting in training pelvic floor muscles.

[0002] Pelvic floor muscle training is known as a method for improving symptoms of bowel dysfunction, such as fecal incontinence and constipation. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that includes the anal sphincter, and can be trained, for example, by performing a predetermined cycle of exercises that tighten and loosen the anus. It is also believed that by measuring the pressure inside the anus while training, the user (patient) can determine whether the anal sphincter is moving correctly, thereby enabling more effective training.

[0003] As a device for measuring pressure inside the anus, Patent Document 1 discloses a human muscle movement detection device that includes a balloon catheter having a balloon that is inserted into a body cavity of the human body, pressure detection means that is connected to the balloon catheter and detects the pressure inside the balloon, and alarm means that outputs an alarm signal when the pressure detected by the pressure detection means exceeds a set value.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-327936

[0005] However, when training with a balloon inserted inside a body cavity (anus), the user needs to be supervised by a doctor or other specialist at a facility such as a hospital. This makes it difficult for the user to train easily. Furthermore, it is possible that users may experience psychological barriers, such as feelings of embarrassment.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a pelvic floor muscle training support system and program that enable a user to easily train their pelvic floor muscles.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a pelvic floor muscle training support system, which is a sitting aid that can be placed on a flat surface and has a seat on which a user can sit, where a first direction is a direction approximately parallel to the front-to-back direction of the user when seated on the seat, a second direction is a direction approximately parallel to the left-to-right direction of the user, and a third direction is a direction perpendicular to the plane, the sitting aid has an opening provided near the center of the seat in the second direction, a sensor unit that can be inserted through the opening, and a lifting unit configured to raise and lower the sensor unit in the third direction, the sensor unit having a displacement sensor and a sensor support part that supports the displacement sensor so as to be able to detect the displacement in the third direction of an object that comes into contact with the displacement sensor, the displacement sensor can be brought into direct or indirect contact with the anal area of ​​the user from below when the user is seated on the sitting aid by operating the lifting unit, and is configured to detect the displacement of the anal area that the displacement sensor is in direct or indirect contact with.

[0008] The pelvic floor muscle training support system may further comprise an information processing device configured to obtain measured values ​​of displacement of the anal area based on the signal output from the displacement sensor, and to display a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the measured values.

[0009] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the information processing device may have a calibration unit configured to set a state in which the user's body is in contact with the displacement sensor in a predetermined state as an initial state.

[0010] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the lifting unit may be configured to raise and lower the sensor unit by an actuator that operates under electrical control, the displacement sensor may be configured using a strain gauge, and the calibration section may raise and lower the sensor unit by operating the actuator, and stop the operation of the actuator when the amount of deflection of the displacement sensor reaches a predetermined value.

[0011] In the pelvic floor muscle training support system described above, the information processing device may display a graph showing changes in the measurement values ​​over time on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen.

[0012] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the information processing device may further have an operation input unit configured to receive operations performed externally, and a training mode setting unit configured to set a training mode selected from a plurality of training modes in accordance with the operation received by the operation input unit, and the plurality of training modes may include at least one of a first training mode for training instantaneous contraction movements, a second training mode for training sustained contraction movements, and a third training mode for training thrust movements.

[0013] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the training mode setting unit may be configured to display a training menu on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen, including the number of exercises to be performed, the target displacement of the anal part, the duration of the exercise, and the interval, according to the selected training mode.

[0014] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, a groove-shaped recess parallel to the first direction may be formed in the seating surface of the seating aid near the center in the second direction, the opening may be provided in the bottom surface of the groove-shaped recess, and two flat recesses or through holes may be formed in the seating surface on both sides of the groove-shaped recess, the length of which in the second direction is longer than the length of which in the first direction.

[0015] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the displacement sensor may have a rectangular substrate and a strain gauge attached closer to one end of the substrate than the centre in the longitudinal direction, the displacement sensor being fixed to the sensor unit at the one end, and the sensor unit may be positioned so that the one end of the displacement sensor is at the rear of the seat and the strain gauge is closer to the rear than the centre line of the two recesses or through-holes in the first direction.

[0016] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the sensor unit may further have a second displacement sensor, and the sensor support part may support the second displacement sensor closer to the end in the second direction than the displacement sensor and lower than the first sensor so as to be able to detect displacement in a direction perpendicular to an inclined surface that becomes lower from the central part towards the end in the second direction, and the second displacement sensor may be able to come into direct or indirect contact with the gluteal cleft of the user when seated on the seating aid by operating the lifting unit, and may be configured to detect displacement of the gluteal cleft with which the second displacement sensor is in direct or indirect contact.

[0017] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the information processing device may be configured to obtain a first measurement value representing the displacement of the anal area based on the signal output from the displacement sensor, and to obtain a second measurement value representing the displacement of the intergluteal cleft based on the signal output from the second displacement sensor, and to display a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the first and second measurement values.

[0018] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the information processing device may have a calibration unit configured to set a state in which the displacement detected by the displacement sensor and the second displacement detected by the second displacement sensor each reach a predetermined value as an initial state.

[0019] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the information processing device may further have a judgment unit configured to judge the user's exercise state based on the first and second measurement values, and the judgment unit may be configured to, if the first measurement value increases when the anal portion is displaced downward from the initial state, and the second measurement value increases when the intergluteal cleft portion is displaced diagonally downward from the initial state, judge the user to be in a strained state when the first measurement value increases, judge the user to be in a contracted state when the first measurement value decreases, and judge the user to be in an error state when the amount of change in the second measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0020] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the lifting unit may be electrically driven by an actuator, and the information processing device may communicate with the lifting unit and operate the actuator to raise and lower the sensor unit, and may stop operation of the actuator when the first measurement value and the second measurement value each reach the predetermined value.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for a pelvic floor muscle training support system, which is a program to be executed by an information processing device that displays a pelvic floor muscle training support screen. The pelvic floor muscle training support system is a sitting aid that can be placed on a flat surface and is provided with a seat on which a user can sit, and where a direction substantially parallel to the front-to-back direction of the user when seated on the seat is defined as a first direction, a direction substantially parallel to the left-to-right direction of the user when seated on the seat is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the plane is defined as a third direction, the sitting aid has an opening provided near the center of the seat in the second direction, a sensor unit that can be inserted through the opening, and is configured to raise and lower the sensor unit in the third direction. and a lifting unit having a displacement sensor and a sensor support part that supports the displacement sensor so as to be able to detect the displacement of an object in the third direction that comes into contact with the displacement sensor, and the information processing device is caused to execute the steps of: by operating the lifting unit, bringing the displacement sensor into direct or indirect contact with the anal portion of the user from below when the user is seated on the seating aid; detecting the displacement of the anal portion that the displacement sensor is in direct or indirect contact with; obtaining a measurement value of the displacement of the anal portion based on a signal output from the displacement sensor; and displaying a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the measurement value.

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible for a user to easily train their pelvic floor muscles.

[0023] 1. A perspective view showing the exterior of a pelvic floor muscle training support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1. An exploded perspective view of the pelvic floor muscle training support system shown in FIG. 1. 2. A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the sitting aid shown in FIG. 2. 3. A cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the sitting aid shown in FIG. 2. 4. An exploded perspective view of the device main body shown in FIG. 2. 5. A cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of the device main body shown in FIG. 2. 6. A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 2. 7. A block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device connected to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 2. 8. A schematic diagram illustrating the pelvic floor muscle training support screen displayed on the display unit of FIG. 8. 9. A schematic diagram showing the exercise state of a user during pelvic floor muscle training. 10. A perspective view showing the exterior of a pelvic floor muscle training support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 11. A perspective view showing the exterior of the device main body shown in FIG. 11. 12. An enlarged perspective view showing the interior of the device main body shown in FIG. 13. 13. An enlarged plan view of a displacement sensor. 14. A top view illustrating the positional relationship between the sitting aid and the displacement sensor. 15. A schematic diagram showing deflection of the displacement sensor due to displacement of the anus part. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of the circuit section shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of an information processing device connected to the circuit section shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of a pelvic floor muscle training support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pelvic floor muscle training support screen (main screen). FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a training settings screen. FIG. 19 is a graph for explaining the output timing of a guide. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a training result screen.

[0024] A pelvic floor muscle training support system and program according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0025] The drawings referred to in the following description merely show the shapes, sizes, and positional relationships in a schematic manner to enable the understanding of the contents of the present invention. That is, the present invention is not limited to the shapes, sizes, and positional relationships exemplified in each drawing. Furthermore, there may be parts in which the dimensional relationships and ratios differ between the drawings.

[0026] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pelvic floor muscle training support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pelvic floor muscle training support system shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the pelvic floor muscle training support system 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a seating aid 10 that can be placed on a flat surface, and a device main body 20. The seating aid 10 is used to seat a user undergoing training. The device main body 20 comprises a sensor unit 30 and a lifting unit 40 that raises and lowers the sensor unit 30 in a direction perpendicular to the plane on which the seating aid 10 is placed. The pelvic floor muscle training support system 1 may further comprise an information processing device that can be connected to the sensor unit wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the seating aid 10 taken along the line A-A. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the seating aid 10 taken along the line B-B. Hereinafter, each direction will be defined based on the orientation as seen by the user when seated on the seating aid 10. That is, the direction approximately parallel to the front-to-back direction of the user is referred to as the x-direction (first direction), the direction approximately parallel to the left-to-right direction of the user is referred to as the y-direction (second direction), and the direction approximately parallel to the up-to-down direction of the user (the direction perpendicular to the plane on which the seating aid 10 is placed) is referred to as the z-direction (third direction). Hereinafter, the x-direction may be referred to as the left-to-right direction, the y-direction as the front-to-back direction, and the z-direction as the vertical direction or up-to-down direction. The plane on which the seating aid 10 is placed may also be referred to as the horizontal plane, and the direction parallel to this plane as the horizontal direction. In the first embodiment, the vertical downward direction is considered positive.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the seating aid 10 has an overall shape of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped with no corners. The seating aid 10 is hollow so that it can be placed over the device body 20. The seating aid 10 is made of a material such as hard plastic so that it can maintain its shape even when a user (e.g., an adult) is seated. In the first embodiment, the left side of Figure 4 (the direction in which the lift dial 43 of the lift unit 40, described later, is located) is the front of the user.

[0029] The seating surface 11 of the seating aid 10 is shaped so that the vicinity of the user's anus is located approximately in the center in the y direction when the user is seated. An opening 12 through which the sensor unit 30 can be inserted is provided near the center of the seating surface 11 in the y direction.

[0030] Specifically, the seat surface 11 is formed with a groove-like recess 13 parallel to the y direction. By aligning the left and right ischial bones with this recess 13, the user can comfortably sit on the seating aid 10 and properly maintain the positional relationship between the sensor unit 30 and the user's anus in the x direction. The seat surface 11 also has a groove-like recess 14 parallel to the x direction and deeper than the recess 13. By sitting with the gluteal cleft aligned with the recess 13, the user can properly maintain the positional relationship between the sensor unit 30 and the user's anus in the y direction. Furthermore, because the recess 14 is deeper than the recess 13, the seated user's anus is free, making training easier. Furthermore, the seat surface 11 may be curved concavely as a whole to support the user's buttocks.

[0031] A dial opening 15 is formed on the front side of the seating aid 10 to expose a part of a lifting dial 43 provided on the tip side of the lifting unit 40, which will be described later. In addition, a switch opening 16 is formed on the rear side of the seating aid 10 to expose a switch box 37 arranged on the rear end side of the lifting unit 40.

[0032] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the device main body 20. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device main body 20 taken along the line CC. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the device main body 20 is an integrated unit of the sensor unit 30 and the lifting unit 40 that raises and lowers the sensor unit 30. The lifting unit 40 has an elongated shape with a substantially semicircular tip (on the side of the lifting dial 43) and a substantially rectangular rear end in a plan view. Meanwhile, the sensor unit 30 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and is attached to the top of the lifting unit 40 so as to be movable up and down (in the z direction) relative to the lifting unit 40.

[0033] When the seating aid 10 is placed over the device body 20 , a part of the sensor unit 30 protrudes from the opening 12 of the seating aid 10 , and a part of the lift dial 43 is exposed from the dial opening 15 .

[0034] The sensor unit 30 includes two displacement sensors 31 and 32, a sensor support 33 that supports the displacement sensors 31 and 32, a sensor housing 34 that houses the sensor support 33, a sensor frame 35 that holds the sensor support 33 housed in the sensor housing 34, and a switch box 37. In the first embodiment, the switch box 37 is disposed within a housing 41 of the lifting unit 40. The switch box 37 is provided with a circuit section for driving and controlling the sensor unit 30, and the displacement sensors 31 and 32 are connected to this circuit section via wiring 36. The location of the switch box 37 is not limited thereto, and it may be disposed in the sensor housing 34, for example. The sensor housing 34 also includes a cylindrical support 38 that is connected to a shaft 46 of the lifting unit 40, which will be described later. A female thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the support 38 near its lower end.

[0035] The displacement sensors 31 and 32 can be configured using, for example, strain gauges. A strain gauge is a sensor component whose electrical resistance value changes when it bends due to a force applied to it. By measuring the electrical resistance value of the strain gauge, the amount of bending of the strain gauge, in other words, the displacement of an object when a force is applied to the strain gauge, can be detected.

[0036] One displacement sensor (first displacement sensor) 31 is supported by a sensor support 33 at its center in the y direction so as to be able to detect the vertical displacement of an object in contact with the displacement sensor 31. More specifically, sensor support bases 33a and 33b are provided at the center in the y direction of the sensor support 33, respectively, to support both ends of the displacement sensor 31 so that the displacement sensor 31 is parallel to a horizontal plane 31a. As shown in FIG. 5 , a positioning through-hole 310 is provided at one end of the displacement sensor 31. The displacement sensor 31 is fixed to one sensor support base 33a through this through-hole 310 with a bolt. The other end of the displacement sensor 31 is placed freely on the other sensor support base 33b. Furthermore, when supported by the sensor support bases 33a and 33b, a cavity is formed below the center of the displacement sensor 31. This allows the displacement sensor 31 to bend in response to a vertical force.

[0037] The other displacement sensor (second displacement sensor) 32 is supported by a sensor support 33 at a position closer to the end in the y direction than the displacement sensor 31 and below the displacement sensor 31 so as to be able to detect displacement in a direction perpendicular to an inclined surface 32a of an object in contact with the displacement sensor 32, the inclined surface 32a decreasing in size from the center toward the end. Specifically, sensor support bases 33c and 33d are provided at positions closer to the end than the center in the y direction of the sensor support 33, respectively, to support both ends of the displacement sensor 32 so that the displacement sensor 32 is slightly inclined. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 , a positioning through-hole 320 is provided at one end of the displacement sensor 32. The displacement sensor 32 is fixed to the sensor support base 33c with a bolt through the through-hole 320. The other end of the displacement sensor 32 is placed freely on the other sensor support base 33d. Furthermore, when supported by the sensor support bases 33c and 33d, a hollow is formed below the center of the displacement sensor 32. This allows the displacement sensor 32 to bend in response to a force in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 32a.

[0038] 1, 2, 5, and 6, the displacement sensors 31 and 32 are exposed, but they may be covered with a cover when using the device main body 20. The cover may be a film made of a flexible material such as rubber, silicone rubber, or elastomer, so that the displacement of an object in contact with the cover is transmitted directly to the displacement sensors 31 and 32.

[0039] The lifting unit 40 has a housing 41 including a bottom 41a and a lid 41b. The housing 41 is provided with a lifting dial 43, a pulley (not shown) connected to the lifting dial 43 and rotating together with the lifting dial 43, a belt 44 stretched across the pulley and transmitting power from the pulley to another pulley 45, a shaft 46 connected to the pulley 45 and rotating together with the pulley 45, and a battery case 47. A male thread is formed near the upper end of the shaft 46, which can be threaded with a female thread formed on the support portion 38 of the sensor housing 34. By rotating the lifting dial 43, the rotation of the lifting dial 43 is transmitted to the shaft 46 via the belt 44 and the pulley 45. As a result, the shaft 46 rotates, and the entire sensor unit 30, including the support portion 38 threadedly engaging with the shaft 46, moves vertically in accordance with the rotation direction of the lifting dial 43.

[0040] Furthermore, wiring is provided within the housing 41 to electrically connect a battery 48 housed in a battery case 47 to a circuit section disposed within the switch box 37 .

[0041] By raising and lowering the sensor unit 30 with such a lifting unit 40, one displacement sensor 31 can be brought into direct or indirect contact (i.e., via a cover) from below with the anus of the user seated on the seating aid 10, and the other displacement sensor 32 can be brought into direct or indirect contact with the intergluteal cleft of the user. This allows the displacement sensor 31 to detect displacement of the anus in the vertical direction, and the displacement sensor 32 to detect displacement of the intergluteal cleft in the direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 32a.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the sensor unit 30. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of an information processing device connected to the sensor unit 30. An information processing device 50 shown in Fig. 8 is connected to the sensor unit 30 wirelessly or via a wire so as to be able to communicate with the sensor unit 30.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the sensor unit 30 includes a control unit 30a connected to two displacement sensors 31 and 32, a memory 30b, a communication unit 30c, a power switch 30d, and a power supply 30e.

[0044] The control unit 30a is realized by, for example, causing a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program. Alternatively, the control unit 30a may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), or a combination of these. When the power switch 30d is turned on, the control unit 30a energizes the displacement sensors 31, 32 with power supplied from the power supply 30e, generates detection signals corresponding to the displacements of the displacement sensors 31, 32 (e.g., the amount of deflection of a strain gauge), and outputs the detection signals to the information processing device 50 via the communication unit 30c.

[0045] The memory 30b is formed of, for example, a ROM or a RAM, and stores programs to be executed by the control unit 30a, parameters used during the execution of the programs, and the like.

[0046] Under the control of the control unit 30a, the communication unit 30c transmits detection signals indicating the displacement of the displacement sensors 31, 32 to the information processing device 50. The communication unit 30c may perform wireless communication with an external device such as the information processing device 50, or may perform wired communication. The communication unit 30c also receives instructions and commands for the control unit 30a from the information processing device 50 and executes a process of inputting the instructions and commands to the control unit 30a.

[0047] The power supply 30e is realized by, for example, a battery 48 shown in Fig. 6. Of course, instead of the battery 48, power may be obtained from an external source via a power cable.

[0048] 8 may be configured as a general-purpose information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, or as a dedicated microcomputer. The information processing device 50 includes a communication interface 51, an operation input unit 52, a display unit 53, a memory 54, and a control unit 55.

[0049] The communication interface 51 is a hardware module that connects the information processing device 50 to other devices (for example, the sensor unit 30) via a communication network or a communication cable, and enables communication with the other devices.

[0050] The operation input unit 52 is an input device configured with input devices such as input buttons, switches, a numeric keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, and receives operations performed from the outside and inputs signals corresponding to the operations to the control unit 55. The display unit 53 is configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0051] The memory 54 is configured using semiconductor memory such as ROM or RAM, or a computer-readable storage medium such as a disk drive. The memory 54 stores an operating system program, a driver program, programs for causing the information processing device 50 to perform predetermined operations, and various data and parameters used during program execution. Specifically, the memory 54 stores a program 54a that connects the information processing device 50 to the sensor unit 30, receives signals detected by the sensor unit 30, and causes the information processing device 50 to perform a series of operations for displaying a pelvic floor muscle training support screen on the display unit 53 based on the signals, as well as measurement data 54b based on signals transmitted from the sensor unit 30.

[0052] The control unit 55 is configured using hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and by reading and executing a program 54a stored in the memory 54, transfers data and issues instructions to each unit of the information processing device 50, and comprehensively controls the operation of the information processing device 50. Functional units realized by the control unit 55 executing the program 54a include a measurement unit 55a, a calibration unit 55b, and a determination unit 55c.

[0053] The measurement unit 55a acquires the amount of displacement detected by one displacement sensor 31 (measurement value) and the amount of displacement detected by the other displacement sensor 32 (second measurement value) based on the signal transmitted from the sensor unit 30. Hereinafter, the amount of displacement detected by the displacement sensor 31 will also be referred to as a top value, and the amount of displacement detected by the displacement sensor 32 will also be referred to as a side value.

[0054] The calibration unit 55b sets a state in which the user's body is in contact with the two displacement sensors 31 and 32 in a predetermined state as an initial state.

[0055] The determination unit 55c determines the user's exercise state based on the top value and the side value. The determination unit 55c may perform a predetermined calculation using the top value and the side value and make a determination based on this calculated value.

[0056] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pelvic floor muscle training support screen (hereinafter also simply referred to as the support screen) displayed on the display unit 53. The support screen 53a shown in Figure 9 is provided with an initial setting button 53b used during calibration, a training start button 53c, and a graph display field 53d in which waveforms representing top and side values ​​are displayed as an indication of the user's exercise status. It is also possible to display a waveform representing a calculated value based on the top and side values ​​in the graph display field 53d. Furthermore, when it is determined that training is not being performed effectively, a warning display 53e may be displayed on the support screen 53a.

[0057] Next, we will explain a training method using pelvic floor muscle training support system 1. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pelvic floor muscle training support screen displayed on display unit 53. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the user's exercise state during pelvic floor muscle training.

[0058] First, the user sits in the seating aid 10 (see FIG. 1) placed over the device main body 20, with their left and right ischial bones fitting into the recesses 13 of the seating aid 10. The user can remain fully clothed during this procedure. The user then turns on the power switch 30d and starts the pelvic floor muscle training support program in the information processing device 50. This causes the support screen 53a shown in FIG. 9 to be displayed on the display unit 53, and the top and side values ​​detected by the displacement sensors 31 and 32 are displayed in the graph display field 53d.

[0059] Next, the user rotates the elevation dial 43 while relaxing the buttocks 2 to raise the sensor unit 30. When the displacement sensors 31 and 32 contact the user's body (through clothing; the same applies below), they output signals corresponding to their respective displacement amounts. The information processing device 50 receives these signals and displays waveforms representing the top and side values ​​in the graph display field 53d. While viewing the support screen 53a, the user adjusts the height of the sensor unit 30 so that the center displacement sensor 31 contacts the anus with a certain amount of pressure and the side displacement sensor 32 contacts the intergluteal cleft with a certain amount of pressure. Then, when the top and side values ​​reach their respective predetermined values, the user taps the initial setting button 53b. This causes the displacement amounts of the displacement sensors 31 and 32 at this time to be calibrated as initial values ​​(zero points). The user then taps the training start button 53c.

[0060] In the following, the calibrated state (initial state) is used as a reference, and when the displacement sensor 31 is displaced downward from the initial state, it is stated that the top value increases, and when it is displaced upward, it is stated that the top value decreases. On the other hand, when the displacement sensor 32 is displaced diagonally downward from the initial state, it is stated that the side value increases, and when it is displaced diagonally upward, it is stated that the side value decreases.

[0061] Point A in Fig. 10 indicates the position of the anus that is in contact with the displacement sensor 31 located in the center, and point B indicates the position of the intergluteal cleft that is in contact with the displacement sensor 32 located on the side. Fig. 10(a) shows the user's body (buttocks 2) when the top value and side value indicate their initial values. Hereinafter, this state will also be referred to as the neutral state.

[0062] Training is performed by repeating a predetermined cycle of a neutral state, training, and anal contraction. This allows for training of the pelvic floor muscles, such as the anal sphincter. However, users who are not accustomed to consciously controlling the anal sphincter may end up performing unintended exercises, such as contracting their gluteal muscles instead of contracting their anus. In such cases, the anal sphincter is not exercised enough, and the pelvic floor muscles cannot be effectively trained. Therefore, it is important to make the user aware of anal contraction.

[0063] (b) of Figure 10 shows the user's body in a scolding state. In a scolding state, the vertical position of the anus (point A) is lower than in the neutral state. On the other hand, there is no significant change in the position of the intergluteal cleft (point B). Therefore, when the top value increases from the neutral state and the change in the side value is within a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the user is in a scolding state. Alternatively, an increase in the top value can be used to determine that the user is in a scolding state.

[0064] (c) of Figure 10 shows the user's body in an anal contraction state. In an anal contraction state, the vertical position of the anus (point A) rises from the neutral state. Meanwhile, there is no significant change in the position of the intergluteal cleft (point B). Therefore, when the top value decreases from the neutral state and the change in the side value is within a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the user is in an anal contraction state. Alternatively, the anal contraction state may be determined based on a decrease in the top value.

[0065] FIG. 10(d) shows the user's body in a gluteal muscle contraction state. When the gluteal muscle contraction state occurs, the vertical position of the anus (point A) rises from that in the neutral state. Meanwhile, the position of the gluteal cleft (point B) undergoes a relatively large displacement accompanying the movement of the anus position. Therefore, when the top value decreases from the neutral state and the change in the side value exceeds a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the user is in a gluteal muscle contraction state. Alternatively, an error state can be determined when the change in the side value exceeds a predetermined threshold. For reference, the dashed line in FIG. 10(d) indicates the shape of the user's body in the neutral state.

[0066] The information processing device 50 may display waveforms representing the sensor values ​​and side values, or waveforms representing calculated values ​​based on these values, on the support screen 53a. Alternatively, the information processing device 50 may display each measurement value and calculated value as a number on the support screen 53a. Alternatively, the information processing device 50 may display the user's state determination result (neutral, strain, anal contraction, gluteal muscle contraction) as text or an icon on the support screen 53a. Furthermore, when a gluteal muscle withdrawal state (error state) is determined, a warning display 53e may be displayed.

[0067] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the support screen 53a is displayed based on measurements obtained from the signals output from the two displacement sensors 31, 32, allowing the user to objectively monitor their own exercise status using the support screen 53a, thereby enabling the user to train their pelvic floor muscles easily and effectively.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the height of the sensor unit 30 is adjustable relative to the seating aid 10, so that an initial state can be set for each user. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine the user's exercise state based on the signals output from the two displacement sensors 31 and 32.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the user's exercise state is determined using the top value and the side value, but the user's exercise state may also be determined using a calculated value calculated from the top value and the side value.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the sensor unit 30 is manually raised and lowered using a lift dial, but the lift unit may be electrically driven by an actuator. In this case, the information processing device 50 may perform calibration by communicating with the lift unit and operating the actuator to raise and lower the sensor unit 30, and stopping the actuator when the top value and side value reach predetermined values.

[0071] Second Embodiment Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pelvic floor muscle training support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 11, a pelvic floor muscle training support system 3 according to the second embodiment comprises a seating aid 60 that can be placed on a flat surface, and a device main body 70. The pelvic floor muscle training support system 3 may further comprise an information processing device that can be connected to the device main body 70 wirelessly or via a cable.

[0072] The seating aid 10 is designed to allow a user to sit down while training, and is configured to be placeable on a flat surface and detachable from the device body 70. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the seating aid shown in Fig. 11. Note that, hereinafter, each direction will be defined based on the orientation seen from the user when seated on the seating aid 60. That is, the front-to-back direction as seen from the user is defined as the x-direction (first direction), the left-to-right direction as the y-direction (second direction), and the up-to-down direction as the z-direction (third direction).

[0073] As shown in Figure 12, the seating aid 60 has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape with no corners overall. The seating aid 60 is hollow so that it can be placed over the device main body 70. The seating aid 60 is made of a material such as hard plastic so that it can maintain its shape even when a user (e.g., an adult) is seated. In the second embodiment, the positive x direction is defined as the front of the user.

[0074] The seating surface 61 of the seating aid 60 has an inclined shape that slopes downward from the left and right toward the center so that the area near the user's anus is positioned approximately in the center in the y direction when the user is seated. The seating surface 61 may also be curved to make it easier for the user to sit.

[0075] A groove-shaped recess 62 parallel to the x direction is formed near the center of the seat surface 61 in the y direction. The depth of the recess 62 is not particularly limited, but can be approximately 10-10 mm to several tens of mm, preferably approximately 15 mm to 50 mm, and more preferably approximately 18 mm to 40 mm. An opening 63 through which the sensor unit 80 can be inserted is provided in the bottom surface 62a of this recess 62. The opening 63 is positioned near the center of the seat surface 61 in the y direction so as to be parallel to the x direction (i.e., parallel to the direction of the user's gluteal cleft).

[0076] Flat recesses 64, each longer in the y direction than in the x direction, are formed on both sides of the recess 62 in the seat 61. The recesses 64 are provided to accommodate the left and right ischial tuberosities of the user when the user sits on the seat 61. By having the user sit on the seat 61 so that the left and right ischial tuberosities are accommodated in the two recesses 64, respectively, the positional relationship between the opening 63 and the position of the user's anus can be appropriately determined.

[0077] Furthermore, by sitting with the ischial tuberosities housed in the recess 64, the buttocks are slightly spread apart on both sides around the intergluteal cleft. This exposes the anal area under clothing in the recess 62, making it easier to bring the upper surface of the sensor unit 80 into contact with the anal area (through the clothing, of course). Note that, although the recess 64 is a recess with a bottom in the second embodiment, it may also be a bottomless through-hole.

[0078] The size of each recess 64 can be set appropriately depending on the body shape and gender, but generally, the length in the x direction (front-back direction) can be approximately 35 mm to 40 mm, and the length in the y direction (left-right direction) can be approximately 65 mm to 75 mm. The center pitch between two recesses 64 can also be set appropriately depending on the body shape and gender, but generally, it can be approximately 140 mm to 160 mm. The planar shape of each recess 64 may be an oval shape or a rectangle, in addition to the oval shape shown in FIG. 12.

[0079] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the exterior of device main body 70. Fig. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing the interior of the device main body shown in Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 13, device main body 70 has a housing 71 including a bottom 72 and a lid 73. Also, as shown in Fig. 14, in addition to sensor unit 80, housing 71 is also provided with an elevating unit 90 that elevates sensor unit 80 and a circuit section 75.

[0080] An opening 74 is provided on the top surface 73a of the lid 73, through which the sensor unit 80 can be inserted, and the sensor unit 80 can be raised and lowered through this opening 74 relative to the housing 71. The housing 71 is positioned below the recess 62 of the seating aid 60 so that the upper surface of the sensor unit 80 passes through the opening 74 of the lid 73 and the opening 63 of the seating aid 60 and protrudes into the recess 62 of the seating aid 60.

[0081] The sensor unit 80 has one displacement sensor 81 and a sensor support part 82 that supports the displacement sensor 81. The displacement sensor 81 can be configured using, for example, a strain gauge. The sensor support part 82 is supported so as to be able to move up and down by a pin 85 that is fixed to the bottom surface of the bottom part 72 so as to face vertically upward.

[0082] The displacement sensor 81 is supported by a sensor support portion 82 so as to be able to detect displacement in the vertical direction (z direction, third direction) of an object that comes into contact with the displacement sensor 81. More specifically, the sensor support portion 82 is provided with sensor support bases 83a and 83b that support both ends of the displacement sensor 81. Furthermore, a positioning through-hole 810 is formed at one end of the displacement sensor 81. The displacement sensor 81 is fixed to one sensor support base 83a through this through-hole 810 with a bolt. The other end of the displacement sensor 81 is placed freely on the other sensor support base 83b. Furthermore, a cavity is formed below the area of ​​the displacement sensor 81 excluding both ends. This allows the displacement sensor 81 to bend in response to a force in the vertical direction.

[0083] 14, the displacement sensor 81 is exposed, but when the device main body 70 is in use, the displacement sensor 81 may be covered with a cover 86 as shown in Fig. 13. The cover 86 may be formed of a film made of a flexible material such as rubber, silicone rubber, or elastomer so that the displacement of an object in contact with the cover 86 is transmitted directly to the displacement sensor 81.

[0084] Such a displacement sensor 81 can be brought into contact with the user's anal area from below, directly or indirectly (i.e., via clothing and cover 86) when the user is seated on the seating aid, by operating the lifting unit 90, and is configured to detect the displacement of the anal area that the displacement sensor 81 is in direct or indirect contact with.

[0085] 14, the lifting unit 90 includes an actuator 91 that is rotationally driven under electrical control, and a cam 92 that is connected to the actuator 91 via a gear and converts the rotational motion generated by the actuator 91 into linear motion in the vertical direction. The cam 92 is connected to the sensor support portion 82 of the sensor unit 80. By controlling the rotation of the actuator 91, the lifting unit 90 can raise and lower the sensor unit 80 by any desired amount.

[0086] Fig. 15 is an enlarged plan view of the displacement sensor 81, showing the bottom surface. Fig. 16 is a top view for explaining the positional relationship between the seating aid 60 and the displacement sensor 81. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the deflection of the displacement sensor due to the displacement of the anus area.

[0087] 15, the displacement sensor 81 can be configured by a rectangular substrate 811 made of a highly elastic thin plate and a strain gauge 812 attached to it. The longitudinal length of the substrate 811 is not limited, but considering the amount of displacement of the anus due to strain and contraction, it is preferably about 50 mm to 70 mm, and more preferably about 55 mm to 65 mm. The substrate 811 can be made of a metal or alloy such as stainless steel.

[0088] The strain gauge 812 is attached closer to the through-hole 810 than the center C in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 811. In other words, the strain gauge 812 is arranged so as to be closer to the base end side (fixed side) when the displacement sensor 81 is attached to the sensor support base 83 a.

[0089] 16, the sensor unit 80 is positioned so that the longitudinal center C of the substrate 811 is approximately aligned with the front-to-rear center (x direction) of the recess 64 for accommodating the ischial tuberosities. As a result, the center of the strain gauge 812 is positioned slightly behind the line connecting the ischial tuberosities of a seated user.

[0090] Anatomically, the human anus is generally said to be located approximately 10 mm posterior to the line connecting the left and right ischial tuberosities. However, anal position varies from person to person, and the relative position of the anus and ischial tuberosities changes depending on the sitting posture. However, if the user intentionally sits so that the ischial tuberosities fit into the recesses 64 of the seating aid 60, the pelvis can be positioned neutrally or slightly tilted forward. In this case, the anus is located on the line connecting the left and right ischial tuberosities or slightly forward of that line (see region 4 in Figure 14 ). Therefore, in the second embodiment, the longitudinal center C of the substrate 811 is aligned with the center in the anterior-posterior direction (x direction) of the recesses 64 for accommodating the ischial tuberosities. This allows the anus to abut at a position closer to the center of the substrate 811 and slightly forward, even if there is some error in the anus position. This allows the displacement of the anus to be efficiently transmitted to the substrate 811.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17B , if the center of the substrate 811 and the center of the strain gauge 812 were to be substantially aligned, even if the substrate 811 were to bend due to pressure from the object 5 (e.g., the anus), the strain gauge 812 would only bend slightly. This would reduce the sensitivity to detect anal displacement. In contrast, in the second embodiment, as described above, the strain gauge 812 is attached closer to the through-hole 810 than the longitudinal center C of the substrate 811. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17A , when the substrate 811 is bent due to pressure from the object 5, the strain gauge 812 also bends significantly, resulting in a large signal being output from the strain gauge 812. This means that the sensitivity to detect anal displacement can be improved.

[0092] 18 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the circuit unit 75. The circuit unit 75 is communicably connected to an information processing device such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, either wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0093] 18, the circuit section 75 has a control section 75a, a memory 75b, a communication section 75c, a power switch 75d, and a power supply 75e. The basic configurations and functions of these sections are similar to the configurations and functions of the control section 30a, memory 30b, communication section 30c, power switch 30d, and power supply 30e provided in the sensor unit 30 (see FIG. 7) in the first embodiment, respectively.

[0094] When the power switch 75d is turned on, the control unit 75a energizes the displacement sensor 81 with power supplied from the power supply 75e, generates a detection signal corresponding to the deflection of the displacement sensor 81, and outputs the detection signal to the information processing device via the communication unit 75c. Furthermore, the control unit 75a raises and lowers the sensor unit 80 by supplying power to the actuator 91 based on a control signal received from the information processing device.

[0095] Figure 19 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device connected to circuit unit 75. The information processing device 50A shown in Figure 19 can be configured as, for example, a general-purpose information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), notebook PC, tablet terminal, or smartphone, or a dedicated microcomputer. The information processing device 50A receives the signal output from the displacement sensor 81 via circuit unit 75 and displays a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the measured value of anal displacement obtained from this signal, and also controls the operation of pelvic floor muscle training support system 3 by, for example, outputting a control signal for operating actuator 91.

[0096] The information processing device 50A includes a communication interface 51, an operation input unit 52, a display unit 53, an audio output unit 56, a memory 57, and a control unit 58. Of these, the basic configurations and functions of the communication interface 51, the operation input unit 52, and the display unit 53 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The audio output unit 56 includes, for example, a speaker and an audio decoder, and outputs audio under the control of the control unit 58.

[0097] The memory 57 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium such as a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or a RAM, a disk drive, etc. The memory 57 stores various programs 57a for causing the information processing device 50A to execute predetermined operations, measurement data 57b based on signals transmitted from the sensor unit 80, various setting information (e.g., a training menu according to a training mode) and parameters used during program execution, etc.

[0098] The control unit 58 is configured using hardware such as a CPU, a GPU, etc. Functional units realized by the control unit 58 executing a program 57a stored in the memory 57 include a measurement unit 58a, a calibration unit 58b, a determination unit 58c, and a training mode setting unit 58d.

[0099] The measuring unit 58 a acquires the amount of displacement (measurement value) of the anus detected by the displacement sensor 81 based on the signal transmitted from the circuit unit 75 .

[0100] The calibration unit 58b performs calibration by sending a control signal for operating the lifting unit 90 to the circuit unit 75 to lift and lower the sensor unit 80 and set as an initial state a state in which the user's body (anus) is in predetermined contact with the displacement sensor 81. As an example, the calibration unit 58b sets as the initial state a state in which the central portion of the substrate 811 is deflected by a specified value (for example, 1 mm to several mm) (see the solid line in FIG. 17(a)) relative to a state in which the substrate 811 is not receiving a load (see the dashed line in FIG. 17(a)).

[0101] When performing calibration, the calibration unit 58b may appropriately adjust the lifting speed of the sensor unit 80 by the lifting unit 90. Specifically, while the output value from the displacement sensor 81 is zero (i.e., while the displacement sensor 81 is not in contact with the user's body), the calibration unit 58b sets the rotation command value (speed) output to the actuator 91 to, for example, approximately 2000 to 3000 PPS. Thereafter, from the moment the output value from the displacement sensor 81 changes (i.e., the moment the displacement sensor 81 comes into contact with the vicinity of the anus), the calibration unit 58b reduces the lifting speed of the sensor unit 80 by reducing the rotation output value to, for example, approximately 500 to 1000 PPS. The calibration unit 58b then stops the actuator 91 when the output value from the displacement sensor 81 reaches a calibration specified value. Alternatively, the actuator 91 may be temporarily stopped, slightly lowered, and then raised again at an even slower speed, finally stopping the actuator 91. This control can reduce measurement errors relative to the calibration specified value.

[0102] The determination unit 58c calculates statistical values ​​such as the maximum and average values ​​of the measurement values ​​and a score for evaluating the training based on the measurement values ​​acquired by the measurement unit 58a. The determination unit 58c may also determine the exercise status of the user based on these statistical values ​​and scores.

[0103] The training mode setting unit 58d selects a training mode from among a plurality of training modes prepared in advance, in response to an operation received by the operation input unit 52. Then, the training mode setting unit 58d sets a training menu according to the selected training mode, and sets the measurement values, scores, judgment criteria, etc. used for judgment by the judgment unit 58c. The training mode setting unit 58d may also change the content of the training menu in response to an operation received by the operation input unit 52.

[0104] 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the pelvic floor muscle training support system 3. First, when the application for the pelvic floor muscle training support system is launched (step S100), the information-processing device 50A connects to the circuit section 75 of the device main body 70 via the communications network (step S101).

[0105] Next, information processing device 50A displays a pelvic floor muscle training support screen (hereinafter also simply referred to as the support screen) (step S102).

[0106] Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a support screen. As shown in Fig. 21, the support screen has multiple tabs a11, a12, and a13 for switching between multiple screens. Support screens include a main screen, a training setting screen, and a training result screen, and the user can display the desired screen by selecting tabs a11 to a13. Note that Fig. 21 shows the main screen of tab a13.

[0107] The main screen A1 shown in FIG. 21 has a zero point button a15 for performing calibration, a training start button a16, a display field a17 for the selected training mode, an audio output on / off button a18, and a graph display field a19 in which the measured value of the displacement of the anal area during training is displayed in real time.

[0108] When the information processing device 50A (calibration unit 58b) detects an operation on the zero point button a15 on the main screen A1 (for example, a tap on the screen) (step S103: Yes), it moves the lifting unit 90 to the lowest point for calibration (step S105). On the other hand, when the information processing device 50A does not detect an operation on the zero point button a15 (step S103: No), it may output a voice or text guide such as "Please press the zero point button" (step S104).

[0109] Based on the signal output from the displacement sensor 81, the information processing device 50A obtains the amount of deflection of the displacement sensor 81 (step S106), and outputs a control signal to the actuator 91 to raise the lifting unit 90 (step S107). This operation continues until the amount of deflection reaches a predetermined value (step S108: No, step S106). When the amount of deflection reaches the predetermined value (step S108: Yes), the information processing device 50A stops the actuator 91 and sets the amount of deflection of the displacement sensor 81 at that time to zero (step S109).

[0110] When the training mode is selected on the support screen (step S110: Yes), the information processing device 50A displays a training menu (hereinafter also simply referred to as a menu) for the selected training mode (step S111).

[0111] Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a training setting screen. The training setting screen A2 shown in Fig. 22 is provided with training mode selection buttons a21, a22, and a23, and a training menu display field a24 for the currently selected training mode.

[0112] In the second embodiment, the training modes provided are a first training mode (hereinafter also referred to as "quick contraction") for training instantaneous contraction force, a second training mode (hereinafter also referred to as "long contraction") for training sustained contraction force, and a third training mode (hereinafter also referred to as "quick contraction") for training strain force. Of course, other training modes may be provided, or only one or two of these training modes may be provided. Figure 22 shows the state in which the quick contraction training mode is selected by the selection button a21.

[0113] The training menu display field a24 displays the initial settings for the number of exercises (contractions or scolding), the target value for anal displacement, the duration of the exercise, and the rest period (interval) between exercises as a training menu to be performed by the user. The contents of the menu (the values ​​in each field) can also be changed by the user using the operation input unit 52. FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a training menu (initial settings) for quick contractions: "Initial settings: Number of exercises = 3, Target value = 1.0 mm, Duration = 3 seconds, Rest period = 10 seconds." This menu involves holding the anal contraction state for 3 seconds, repeated three times with a 10-second rest period. The goal is for the anus position to rise by 1.0 mm or more during the contraction. The number of exercises, target time, duration, and rest period are similarly set for the long contraction and quick scolding training modes.

[0114] On the other hand, if a specific training mode is not selected (step S110: No), the information processing device 50A may display a training menu for a default training mode (for example, quick contraction) (step S112).

[0115] The information processing device 50A determines whether a change operation has been performed on the displayed menu (step S113). If a change operation has been performed (step S113: Yes), the information processing device 50A displays the changed menu (step S114). If a change operation has not been performed (step S113: No), the information processing device 50A displays the initial setting value as it is.

[0116] When the information processing device 50A detects an operation of the training start button a16 (see FIG. 21 ) (step S115: Yes), it acquires a measurement value of the displacement of the anal area based on the signal output from the displacement sensor 81 and starts displaying the measurement value (step S116). The measurement value is displayed in the graph display field a19 of the main screen A1. Note that the signs of the measurement values ​​are opposite between the contraction exercise and the strain exercise, but the absolute values ​​of the measurement values ​​may be displayed in the graph display field a19.

[0117] Next, the information processing device 50A outputs guidance based on the training menu (step S117). The guidance is output as audio when the audio output on / off button a18 is turned on. Note that when the on / off button a18 is turned off, the guidance may be output as text.

[0118] 23 is a graph for explaining the timing of outputting the guidance. The guidance is output at the start and end of the holding time in accordance with the training menu. As a specific example, after the start of training, the first audio guidance "put in the effort" is output, and then, after the holding time T (for example, 3 seconds in the case of quick contractions), the audio guidance "relax" is output. Then, after the rest time T int After 10 seconds (same as above), the voice guidance "apply force" is output for the second time.

[0119] The information processing device 50A repeats outputting such guidance until the training menu ends (step S118: No, step S117).

[0120] When the training menu ends (step S118: Yes), the information processing device 50A stops acquiring measurement values ​​(step S119) and calculates and records various statistical values ​​and scores based on the measurement values ​​acquired during this training session (step S120).

[0121] Here, as shown in FIG. 23, the information processing device 50A calculates the initial predetermined period T of the period T from the exercise start guide ("put in effort") to the exercise end guide ("relax") out The period excluding this is the actual exercise period T det and the exercise period T det It is preferable to calculate statistics and scores based on measurements in the following order, since there is a gap between the time when the user perceives the guide and when they actually move their muscles.

[0122] Specifically, the information processing device 50A calculates the time period T detThe maximum value (mm) among the maximum values ​​Max(1), Max(2), ..., Max(N) of the measured values ​​in this training is obtained as the maximum value for this training, where N is a natural number indicating the number of times the exercise is performed, and N=3 in the training menu shown in FIG.

[0123] In addition, the information processing device 50A calculates the time period T det The average value of the measured values ​​Ave(1), Ave(2), ..., Ave(N) in this training is obtained as {Ave(1)+Ave(2)+, ..., +Ave(n)} / N as the average value for this training.

[0124] The score when the training mode is the quick contraction or quick strain can be calculated as follows, for example: det In this example, if a displacement that reaches the target value is observed even once, a score of 100 is given, and if a displacement that reaches the target value is not observed, a score of 0 is given. The average of the scores for these exercise periods is obtained as the total score (%) for this training. For example, if, out of three exercise periods, the target value is exceeded two times but not once, the total score is 67 (%), which is calculated by rounding 200 / 3.

[0125] The score when the training mode is long contraction can be calculated, for example, as follows: det The number of samples of the measured values ​​in the exercise period T det The number of samples that exceed the target value in ok The score SC for each exercise period is calculated as SC = (n ok / n) × 100 (%). The average of the scores for these exercise periods is obtained as the total score for this training. For example, if, during three exercise periods, the score for the first is 80%, the score for the second is 85%, and the score for the third is 87%, the total score will be 84%.

[0126] Furthermore, the information processing device 50A displays the training results including the calculated statistical values ​​and scores (step S121). Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a training result screen. The training result screen A3 shown in Fig. 24 includes a display field a31 for the selected training mode, a table a32 showing the training results, a graph display field a33, and buttons a34, a35, and a36 for selecting values ​​to be displayed in the graph display field a33.

[0127] Table a32 displays maximum values, average values, and scores in chronological order as training results from the past to the present. A graph display area a33 displays a graph showing the transition of the values ​​displayed in table a32. In Figure 24, the maximum value selection button a34 is selected, and a graph showing the transition of the maximum value over 12 training sessions is displayed in graph display area a33.

[0128] As described above, according to the second embodiment, a sensor unit 80 that can be raised and lowered is provided on the seating aid 60, and a displacement sensor 81 is brought into direct or indirect contact with the user's anal area to detect displacement of the user's anal area, so that the user can sit on the seating aid 60 while still wearing their clothes and easily train their pelvic floor muscles.

[0129] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the seating aid 60 is provided with a flat recess 64, which makes it easy to determine the positional relationship between the anus position of a user seated on the seating aid 60 and the displacement sensor 81 located in the opening 63. Furthermore, the strain gauge 812 is located behind the center of the substrate 811 in the displacement sensor 81, improving the sensitivity of the displacement sensor 81. Furthermore, since the displacement sensor 81 is located so that its center is aligned with the flat recess 64 (see FIG. 16 ), it is possible to suppress a decrease in sensitivity due to differences in the user's physique, specifically, variations in the positional relationship between the ischial tuberosities and the anus. For example, it becomes possible to detect deflection of the substrate 811 (i.e., displacement of the anus) with high sensitivity within a range of approximately 10 mm (plus or minus) in the front-to-back direction from the longitudinal center C of the substrate 811.

[0130] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the displacement of the anus is displayed on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the signal output from the displacement sensor 81, allowing the user to objectively monitor their own exercise status by referring to the screen, thereby enabling the user to train their pelvic floor muscles effectively.

[0131] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, a guide instructing the user on how to exercise is output, so that the user can train effectively by exercising according to the guide.

[0132] According to the second embodiment, a score according to the training mode is calculated and displayed based on the measurement value representing the displacement of the anal part, so that the user can easily understand whether the training is being performed effectively. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the training results from the past to the present are visualized on the support screen, so that the user can easily understand the results of his or her own training.

[0133] According to the second embodiment, the predetermined period T out The actual exercise period T excluding det Since statistics and scores are calculated based on the measured values ​​in the above, training results that correspond to the actual exercise of the user can be displayed.

[0134] The present invention described above is not limited to the first and second embodiments and modifications, and various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the first and second embodiments and modifications. For example, some components may be excluded from all the components shown in the first and second embodiments and modifications, or the components shown in the first and second embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined.

[0135] 1 and 3... Pelvic floor muscle training support system, 2... Buttocks, 4... Area, 5... Object, 10 and 60... Sitting aid, 11 and 61... Seat, 12 and 63... Opening, 13, 14, 62, 64... Recess, 15... Dial port, 16... Switch port, 20 and 70... Device main body, 30 and 80... Sensor unit, 30a and 75a... Control unit, 30b and 75b... Memory, 30c and 75c... Communication unit, 30d and 75d... Power switch, 30e and 75e...power supply, 31, 32, 81...displacement sensor, 31a...horizontal surface, 32a...inclined surface, 33, 82...sensor support portion, 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 83a, 83b...sensor support base, 34...sensor housing, 35...sensor frame body, 36...wiring, 37...switch box, 38...support portion, 40, 90...lifting unit, 41, 71...housing, 41a, 72...bottom portion, 41b, 73...lid portion, 43...lifting dial, 44... Belt, 45...pulley, 46...shaft, 47...battery case, 48...battery, 50 / 50A...information processing device, 51...communication interface, 52...operation input unit, 53...display unit, 53a...pelvic floor muscle training support screen (support screen), 53b...initial setting button, 53c...training start button, 53d...graph display field, 53e...warning display, 54 / 57...memory, 54a / 57a...program, 54b 57b...measurement data, 55 and 58...control unit, 55a and 58a...measurement unit, 55b and 58b...calibration unit, 55c and 58c...determination unit, 58d...training mode setting unit, 56...audio output unit, 62a...bottom surface, 73a...top surface, 74...opening, 75...circuit unit, 85...pin, 86...cover, 91...actuator, 92...cam, 310, 320, and 810...through hole, 811...substrate, 812...strain gauge,

Claims

1. A sitting aid that can be placed on a flat surface and has a seat on which a user can sit, wherein a first direction is a direction approximately parallel to the front-to-back direction of the user when seated on the seat, a second direction is a direction approximately parallel to the left-to-right direction of the user, and a third direction is a direction perpendicular to the plane, the sitting aid having an opening provided near the center of the seat in the second direction; a sensor unit that can be inserted through the opening; and a lifting unit configured to raise and lower the sensor unit in the third direction, wherein the sensor unit has a displacement sensor and a sensor support part that supports the displacement sensor so as to be able to detect the displacement in the third direction of an object in contact with the displacement sensor, the displacement sensor being capable of coming into direct or indirect contact with the anal portion of the user from below when the user is seated on the sitting aid by operating the lifting unit, and is configured to detect the displacement of the anal portion that the displacement sensor is in direct or indirect contact with.

2. A pelvic floor muscle training support system as described in claim 1, further comprising an information processing device configured to obtain a measurement value of the displacement of the anal portion based on the signal output from the displacement sensor, and to display a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the measurement value.

3. A pelvic floor muscle training support system as described in claim 2, wherein the information processing device has a calibration unit configured to set a state in which the user's body is in contact with the displacement sensor in a predetermined state as an initial state.

4. A pelvic floor muscle training support system as described in claim 3, wherein the lifting unit is configured to raise and lower the sensor unit by an actuator operating under electrical control, the displacement sensor is configured using a strain gauge, and the calibration unit raises and lowers the sensor unit by operating the actuator, and stops the operation of the actuator when the amount of deflection of the displacement sensor reaches a predetermined value.

5. A pelvic floor muscle training support system as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the information processing device displays a graph showing the temporal progression of the measurement value on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen.

6. The pelvic floor muscle training support system of claim 5, wherein the information processing device further has an operation input unit configured to receive operations performed from outside, and a training mode setting unit configured to set a training mode selected from a plurality of training modes in accordance with the operation received by the operation input unit, and the plurality of training modes include at least one of a first training mode for training instantaneous contraction movements, a second training mode for training sustained contraction movements, and a third training mode for training strain movements.

7. A pelvic floor muscle training support system as described in claim 6, wherein the training mode setting unit is configured to display a training menu including the number of times an exercise is to be performed, a target value for the displacement of the anal part, a time for which the exercise is to be performed, and intervals on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen according to the selected training mode.

8. A pelvic floor muscle training support system as described in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a groove-shaped recess parallel to the first direction is formed in the seating surface of the seating aid near the center in the second direction, the opening is provided in the bottom surface of the groove-shaped recess, and two flat recesses or through holes whose length in the second direction is longer than its length in the first direction are formed in the seating surface on both sides of the recess.

9. A pelvic floor muscle training support system as described in claim 8, wherein the displacement sensor comprises a rectangular substrate and a strain gauge attached to one end of the substrate rather than the longitudinal center, the displacement sensor being fixed to the sensor unit at the one end, and the sensor unit is positioned such that the one end of the displacement sensor is at the rear of the seat and the strain gauge is rather rearward of the center line of the two recesses or through holes in the first direction.

10. The pelvic floor muscle training support system of claim 2, wherein the sensor unit further has a second displacement sensor, and the sensor support part supports the second displacement sensor at a position closer to the end in the second direction than the displacement sensor and lower than the first sensor so as to be able to detect displacement in a direction perpendicular to an inclined surface which becomes lower from the central part towards the end in the second direction, and the second displacement sensor is capable of directly or indirectly contacting the gluteal cleft of the user when seated on the seating aid by operating the lifting unit, and is configured to detect displacement of the gluteal cleft with which the second displacement sensor is in direct or indirect contact.

11. A pelvic floor muscle training support system as described in claim 10, wherein the information processing device is configured to obtain a first measurement value representing the displacement of the anal portion based on the signal output from the displacement sensor, and to obtain a second measurement value representing the displacement of the intergluteal cleft portion based on the signal output from the second displacement sensor, and to display a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the first and second measurement values.

12. A pelvic floor muscle training support system as described in claim 11, wherein the information processing device has a calibration unit configured to set a state in which the displacement detected by the displacement sensor and the second displacement detected by the second displacement sensor each become a predetermined value as an initial state.

13. The pelvic floor muscle training support system of claim 12, wherein the information processing device further has a judgment unit configured to judge the user's movement state based on the first and second measurement values, and the judgment unit is configured to: if the first measurement value increases when the anal portion is displaced downward with respect to the initial state, and the second measurement value increases when the intergluteal portion is displaced diagonally downward with respect to the initial state, judge that the user is in an agonizing state when the first measurement value increases, judge that the user is in a contracted state when the first measurement value decreases, and judge that the user is in an error state when the amount of change in the second measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

14. A pelvic floor muscle training support system as described in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the lifting unit is electrically driven by an actuator, and the information processing device communicates with the lifting unit and operates the actuator to raise and lower the sensor unit, and stops the operation of the actuator when the first measurement value and the second measurement value each reach the predetermined value.

15. A program for a pelvic floor muscle training support system, the program being executed by an information processing device that displays a pelvic floor muscle training support screen, the pelvic floor muscle training support system comprising: a seating aid that can be placed on a flat surface and has a seat on which a user can sit, the seating aid having an opening provided near the center of the seat in the second direction, where a first direction is a direction approximately parallel to the front-to-back direction of the user when seated on the seat, a second direction is a direction approximately parallel to the left-to-right direction of the user, and a third direction is a direction perpendicular to the plane; a sensor unit that can pass through the opening; and a lifting unit configured to lift and lower the sensor unit in the third direction, the sensor unit having: a displacement sensor; and a sensor support section that supports the displacement sensor so as to be able to detect the displacement in the third direction of an object in contact with the displacement sensor, the information processing device comprising: A program which executes the steps of: bringing the displacement sensor directly or indirectly into contact from below with the user's anal portion when the user is seated on the seating aid by operating the lifting unit; detecting the displacement of the anal portion against which the displacement sensor is directly or indirectly in contact; obtaining a measurement value of the displacement of the anal portion based on a signal output from the displacement sensor; and displaying a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the measurement value.

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