JP2007268056A - Walk trainer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a walk trainer which can aim at the functional recovery of a feeling receptor regarding a walking ability and the nerve system by applying a vibration stimulation of a special pattern to the footpad. <P>SOLUTION: This walk trainer comprises a foot placing table 100, oscillators 111 to 114 which are respectively arranged in a manner to correspond to the front and the rear of the right and left footpads on the foot placing table, and a controlling section 250 which switches the operations of respective oscillators in order. The controlling section controls the oscillators in such a manner that the oscillations may be switched in the order from either one of the rear oscillator on the right or the left to the front oscillator, and then, from the other rear oscillator to the front oscillator following this. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sensory receptor related to walking ability and a gait training device capable of recovering the function of the nervous system by giving a vibration of a special pattern to the sole.

  2. Description of the Related Art Ultrasonic foot massagers that maintain and improve health by attaching a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators to a foot shape and stimulating the soles of the foot are conventionally known. As an example of such an ultrasonic foot massager, for example, a foot massager described in Patent Document 1 is disclosed.

Such a foot massager described in Patent Document 1 forms an inclined surface with left and right foot molds on the upper surface of the cadaver, and includes ultrasonic transducers on the front and rear sides of the left and right foot molds. In addition, a first switch for simultaneously turning on and off the left foot-shaped ultrasonic transducers on the upper surface of the housing is provided, and a second switch for simultaneously turning on and off the right foot-shaped ultrasonic transducers. And first, second, and third adjustment knobs for adjusting the frequency, amplitude, and number of oscillations. Then, by placing the foot on the ultrasonic transducer attached to the housing and operating the first, second, and third adjustment knobs, the body is subjected to ultrasonic vibration to stimulate the acupressure points on the sole. It has become.
JP 2000-135263 A (page 2, FIG. 1)

  However, a problem that can be solved by the sole massage device described in Patent Document 1 described above, that is, to massage the user's sole and stimulate the acupuncture point, to relax the stiffness of the lower body and other body parts, and to obtain a relaxing effect In recent years, there has been a demand for a solution to a problem different from the above problem. This new problem stems from the recent increase in the number of elderly people who need to be bedridden or need nursing care due to falls during walking. A fall accident of the elderly often occurs during walking, which is thought to be due to a decrease in walking ability due to a decrease in physical function due to aging. Along with this, it is desired to reduce such social problems by improving the walking ability of the elderly.

  By the way, human walking consists of the output of muscles of the lower limbs and feedback of input from sensory receptors such as somatosensory, visual and vestibular systems. It is also known that the central nerve is provided with a movement pattern generator for achieving rhythmical walking, and that a normal walking pattern is induced thereby, and correct walking is performed. Therefore, it is said that a decrease in muscle strength and sensory organ function accompanying aging is a factor that reduces walking ability. FIG. 27 shows changes in physical strength with aging. The figure shows that muscular strength declines with age, and that balance ability declines more rapidly. The balance ability described here refers to taking external information through sensory organs (somatosensory sense, vision, vestibular sensation), integrating information within the central nervous circuit, and finally maintaining the body in an optimal state. Therefore, a series of functions for driving muscles are collectively described. And balance ability is greatly related to walking ability. The cause of the decrease in balance ability is thought to be due to a decrease in somatic sensation that leads to muscle output and a decrease in activity of the neural circuit, more than a decrease in muscle mass.

  The functions of the somatosensory sensation described above can be classified into two types, deep receptors and skin receptors. Among them, pachinko bodies that detect skin receptor pressure contribute greatly to maintaining balance during standing posture. In particular, it is known to maintain the balance by calculating the pressure difference of the sole that occurs when the body tilts forward and backward. These pachinko bodies and the like play an important role in recognizing the pressure distribution at the time of landing of the foot even during walking and making the frequency of stepping during walking appropriate. Information input to the plantar during walking is input to the central nervous circuit through the sensory organ, and the central nerve induces a walking pattern to perform walking. However, it is known that elderly people are less sensitive to the sensitivity of this baroreceptor and the facilitation of the neural circuit that leads to it, and it is impossible to recognize the state of their posture in the state of faintness. It is said that the rhythm of the correct walking pattern cannot be induced because the frequency of stepping is not recognized, leading to a decrease in balance ability and walking ability, and the risk of falls and fractures is said to increase. Yes. In addition, when the user is bedridden or does not walk for a long time, the processing function of the nervous system is reduced as the muscular strength is reduced as described above. As a result, when trying to walk again, there is a problem that long-term rehabilitation is forced.

  Note that the sole massager described in Patent Document 1 described above is a massage device that performs massage by simply applying vibration to the sole, and does not attempt to restore the function of sensory receptors and the nervous system. In addition, this foot massager is a massage device that turns on and off vibration for each left and right foot of the sole, but vibration for each left and right foot causes little change in posture and rhythm of the walking pattern, The effects of functional recovery of the sensory receptors and nervous system and recovery of the function of the central nervous system relating to walking ability cannot be expected as will be described in detail in the section of the embodiment described later.

  On the other hand, in recent years, for the prevention of falls during walking, strength training using training equipment installed in fitness clubs and the like has been actively conducted, but this strength training alone only helps to improve muscle strength. It is difficult to fundamentally solve the problems peculiar to the present invention by activating sensory receptors that control walking ability and the nervous system to realize functional recovery.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gait trainer capable of recovering sensory receptors related to walking ability and function of the nervous system and restoring function of central nerves related to walking ability by applying vibration stimulation of a special pattern to the sole. It is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the walking training device according to the present invention is:
A footrest, a vibrator arranged on the footrest so as to correspond to the front and rear of the right and left soles, and a controller that sequentially switches the operation of each vibrator,
The control unit sequentially switches the vibration of each vibrator in the order of either the left or right rear vibrator to the front vibrator, and then the left or right rear vibrator to the front vibrator. It is characterized by control.

  The vibration by the massage device that turns on and off the vibration for each left and right foot of the sole of the foot hardly changes the posture of the user riding the massage device or induces the rhythm of walking, and sensory receptors and nerves related to walking ability The effect of central nervous system recovery on system and walking ability is not expected.

  This is because the pressure distribution of the sole caused by the load is usually very important in human posture control, and the posture is recognized by the pressure distribution of the sole. Further, in normal walking, pressure is applied to the back side of the sole when landing from the heel, and pressure is applied to the toe side when kicking with the toe. In this way, the difference in pressure between the front and back of the foot is felt, and the walking information is input to the central nerve. Therefore, it is important to create a pressure difference before and after the sole. However, with the vibration for each left and right foot, it is not possible to create a pressure difference between the front and back of the sole, and there is little effect of improving the neural network facilitation and central nervous function recovery related to walking ability.

  In other words, the function of the nervous system is not expected to be restored even if the vibration is switched for each left and right foot of the foot, like a massage device that turns on and off the vibration for each left and right foot of the sole. As a result, vibration stimulation can be applied to the sole as a pseudo load, which greatly contributes to an improvement in the sense of balance.

  Therefore, by using the gait training device as in the present invention, it is possible to give a stimulus to the sole through vibrations in which the stimulus to the front, back, left and right changes in sequence as during actual walking. That is, the stimulation to the back, front, back, left, and right acts in order as a pseudo load corresponding to the actual walking, so that the sensory receptors related to walking ability and the functional recovery of the nervous system leading to the sensory receptors can be achieved. In addition to improving the cognitive ability of the baroreceptors on the soles of the foot and improving the facilitation of the neural circuit that conveys the response, the normal gait pattern is rubbed into the motor pattern generator of the central nervous system to induce normal gait. Will be able to.

  In addition to improving the recognition of the sensory receptors on the soles and improving the facilitation of the neural circuit that conveys the response, the posture of the user constantly changes during the use of the gait trainer. The lower limb muscles can be trained simultaneously with the muscle activity.

Moreover, the walking training device according to claim 2 of the present invention is the walking training device according to claim 1,
The vibrators are arranged so as to correspond to the heels of the left and right soles, the outer soles of the soles, and the toes of the toes, and the vibrators correspond to the heels of either the left or right soles. The vibrator, the vibrator corresponding to the sole of the sole, and the vibrator corresponding to the inner foot of the toe, followed by the vibrator corresponding to the left or right sole of the foot, the sole of the sole of the foot The control unit controls the vibrator so as to vibrate in the order of the vibrator corresponding to the part and the vibrator corresponding to the inner leg part of the nail foot.

  By providing a vibrator at the part corresponding to the actual foot contact position, the pressure received during walking can be more faithfully reproduced as a pseudo load, and the user can recognize a walking pattern that is closer to reality. .

Moreover, the walking training device according to claim 3 of the present invention is
A footrest, a vibrator arranged on the footrest so as to correspond to the front and rear of the right and left soles, and a controller that sequentially switches the operation of each vibrator,
The control unit sequentially switches the vibration of each vibrator in the order of either the left or right front vibrator to the back vibrator, and then the left or right front vibrator to the back vibrator. It is characterized by control.

  By applying the vibration generated by each vibrator to the sole of the user in the reverse order, a pattern of a pseudo load walking backward can be provided. Thereby, when the user is bored with a normal walking pattern, a backward walking pattern can be given to perform walking training without getting tired.

Moreover, the walking training device according to claim 4 of the present invention is the walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Each vibrator is repeatedly vibrated so as to correspond to the continuous walking form of the user in the order of vibration of each vibrator.

  Normal walking does not end with one step or two, but continues. Therefore, by giving a walking pattern repeatedly, it is possible to reproduce walking that is close to normal and effectively perform walking training.

Moreover, the bathtub apparatus of Claim 5 of this invention is the walk training device in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3,
The time for switching the vibration can be changed according to the age and health condition of the user.

  When the toe kicks from the heel-contact to the heel-contact and the heel-contact is one cycle of walking, the rhythm of this walking is changed to prevent acclimatization to the stimulation of the user's central nerve and the neural circuit that leads to it. To do.

  Also, by changing the cycle, it is possible to reproduce the case of fast walking or slow walking, so that it becomes possible to train with various walking patterns, and the user can train without getting tired of this walking training device.

  In addition, since the walking cycle changes according to the walking ability, the walking training can be effectively performed by setting the walking cycle according to the walking ability of the user.

Moreover, the walking training device according to claim 6 of the present invention is the walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
It is characterized in that the intensity or frequency of each vibrator is changed.

  During actual walking, the impact force received from the sole of the foot varies depending on the walking ability and weight of the pedestrian or the state of the ground. Therefore, by changing the preset vibration intensity or frequency, the state of stimulation can be changed by the vibration intensity or frequency, and the impact force received during walking is a pseudo load close to that during actual walking. Can be reproduced during training. Therefore, it can be changed according to the walking ability such as the age and weight of the user, and it can be a convenient walking training device.

Moreover, the walking training device according to claim 7 of the present invention is the walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Anti-vibration means for suppressing vibration of the front vibrator from being transmitted to the rear vibrator and preventing vibration of the rear vibrator from being transmitted to the front vibrator between the front vibrator and the rear vibrator; It is characterized by having prepared.

  By providing such anti-vibration means, vibrations transmitted to the front, back, left and right of the sole are prevented from interfering with each other. To improve the walking ability more efficiently.

Moreover, the walking training device according to claim 8 of the present invention is the walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The walking training device includes a physical information input device, and at least one of vibration switching time or vibration intensity, or vibration frequency according to the age, weight, and sex of the user via the physical information input device. One of the features is that it can be changed.

  By establishing a walking training program in advance based on the user's physical information, age, weight, sex, etc., training can be carried out according to the user's walking ability and physical condition, and effective walking training can be performed. It becomes like this. For example, even if an elderly person is given a walking pattern of a healthy person suddenly, it is difficult to recognize the pattern because the impact of the pseudo load on the sole is too strong or the tempo of the stimulus is too fast. . For this reason, a walking ability pattern slightly higher than the actual walking ability of the user is given. In the daily walking training, the walking training program is gradually brought closer to a healthy walking pattern. As a result, a healthy walking pattern can be finally recognized.

Moreover, the walking training device according to claim 9 of the present invention is the walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A sole positioning means for positioning the sole of the user at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the footrest is provided.

  Since the foot positioning means is provided, the position of the foot can be determined reliably, and the front vibrator and the rear vibrator can be reliably applied to the front and back of the sole, respectively. As a result, the pressure distribution can be reliably generated before and after the sole, so that walking training can be effectively performed.

Moreover, the walking training device according to claim 10 of the present invention is the walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
It is characterized by comprising position adjusting means for adjusting the vibrator to positions before and after the sole of the user.

  Even when standing on the footrest properly, the position of the vibrator can be adjusted so as to be applied to the front and back of the sole, so that the vibration can be reliably applied to the front and rear of the foot.

  In addition, even with a large or small person, the position of the vibrator can be adjusted to a position that matches the size of the foot, so that any person of any physique can reliably vibrate before and after the sole. be able to.

Moreover, the walking training device according to claim 11 of the present invention is the walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The footrest is provided with direction indicating means for instructing the direction in which the user stands.

  By providing such a direction indicating means for indicating the standing direction, the front vibrator and the rear vibrator can stand in the direction in which the front and rear of the sole come, and vibration is applied to the front and rear of the sole. It becomes possible.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the gait trainer which can aim at the functional receptor of the sensory receptor regarding a walking ability and a nervous system by giving the vibration stimulus of a special pattern to a sole can be provided.

  More specifically, by using a gait training device such as the present invention, stimulating the soles through vibrations that change sequentially as in actual walking, such as during the actual walking. Can do. That is, the stimulation to the back, front, back, left, and right acts in order as a pseudo load corresponding to the actual walking, so that the sensory receptors related to walking ability and the functional recovery of the nervous system leading to the sensory receptors can be achieved. In addition to improving the cognitive ability of the baroreceptors on the soles of the foot and improving the facilitation of the neural circuit that conveys the response, the normal gait pattern is rubbed into the motor pattern generator of the central nervous system to induce normal gait. Will be able to.

  In addition to improving the recognition of the sensory receptors on the soles and improving the facilitation of the neural circuit that conveys the response, the posture of the user constantly changes during the use of the gait trainer. The lower limb muscles can be trained simultaneously with the muscle activity.

  Hereinafter, a walking training device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the walking training device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a housing that is a footrest having a shape equivalent to a health meter (weight scale) used in the home. 100, sole positioning portions 151 and 152 for positioning the left and right foot soles of the user at predetermined positions on the upper surface portion of the housing 100, and front and rear sides of the left and right foot soles of the user positioned on the top surface of the housing The vibration generator 110 includes four vibrators 111 to 114 that are arranged to correspond to each other and vibrate independently. That is, the vibration generating unit 110 is provided corresponding to the left and right sole positioning units 151 and 152, and the front vibration generating unit 110 includes a left foot vibrator 112 and a right foot vibrator 113, and a rear foot. The side vibration generator 110 includes a left foot vibrator 111 and a right foot vibrator 114. The vibrations are directly transmitted from the vibrators 111 to 114 to the front and rear sides of the left and right soles, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the front side of the sole here refers to the sole of the foot, the base of the finger, and the vicinity thereof, and the rear side of the sole refers to the buttocks of the sole and the vicinity thereof. Refers to an area.

  The housing 100 is made of a resin having a strength sufficient to withstand the weight of the user of the gait training device 1, and has recesses 101 to 104 (see FIG. 2) for accommodating the vibrators 111 to 114 on the upper surface thereof. Is formed.

  Further, in the vicinity of the rear vibrators 111 and 114 on the upper surface of the housing, there are provided sole positioning portions 151 and 152 of the walking training device 1 in the tangential direction of the rear end portion. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the sole positioning portions 151 and 152 is formed of a protruding protrusion having a ridge that substantially matches the contour of the user's heel, and is projected from the upper surface of the housing. .

  Moreover, each vibrator | oscillator 111-114 is arrange | positioned before and behind between the user's soles positioned by the sole positioning part 151,152, and each consists of a transducer which generate | occur | produces the frequency of 10 Hz-200 Hz. In addition, it is not limited to using a transducer as the vibrators 111 to 114, and a vibration motor that generates a frequency of 10 Hz to 200 Hz, which is said to react by a human, may be used.

  The transducer referred to here is an electro-mechanical vibration converter. A magnetic gap is formed by a yoke provided with magnetic poles, and a coil wound around a coil frame is disposed in the gap. The structure is supported by a damper in the case. When an electric signal is transmitted to the coil, the yoke and the case cause a relative displacement due to a magnetic interference effect generated between the magnetic force generated in the coil and the magnetic force of the magnetic pole, so that vibration is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a pulse generator 240 that transmits a pulse of a predetermined period to each vibrator 111 to 114 and control for individually controlling the vibration of each vibrator 111 to 114 in a predetermined pattern are provided in the housing. The vibrators 111 to 114 are sequentially vibrated in a predetermined pattern via an external AC power source connected to the pulse generator 240 or a DC power source such as a battery housed inside the housing. It is like that.

  The controller 250 switches the vibrations of the vibrators 111 to 114 in a predetermined pattern (order). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the sole side of the user, the vibrations generated by the vibrators 111 to 114 are arranged in the order of the left or right rear vibrator (vibration in this embodiment). 4 in the child 111 (refer to B in FIG. 4 with the vibrator 112 in the present embodiment), followed by either the left or right rear vibrator (this embodiment). Then, the vibration is sequentially switched in the order of the vibrator 114 (see C in FIG. 4) to the front vibrator (in this embodiment, see vibrator D in the vibrator 113 in FIG. 4). The control unit 250 sequentially vibrates the vibrators 111 to 114 so as to correspond to the user's continuous walking form in order.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 on the upper surface or side surface of the housing 100, the power switch for operating the gait training device 1 and the period and magnitude of vibrations sequentially generated by the vibrators 111 to 114 are illustrated. There is an adjustment knob to adjust the height. In addition, instead of providing such a power switch and adjustment knob on the housing itself, it is possible to operate the walking training device in a standing position via an operation remote control that can be operated while the user holds it in his hand. Anyway.

  Then, the actual usage method and effect | action of the walking training device 1 which has such a structure are demonstrated. The user first rides on the walking training device 1 while applying a heel of the foot to the sole positioning portions 151 and 152. At this time, the left and right front vibrators 112 and 113 are made to coincide with the front sides of the left and right soles simply by applying the left and right footpads to the sole positioning portions 151 and 152 shown in FIG. , 114 can be matched to the rear side of the right and left soles.

  Next, the walking training device 1 is turned on to start walking training. As a result, the pulse generated by the pulse generator 240 (see FIG. 3) is transmitted to each transducer 111 to 114 by the controller 250.

  Under the control of the control unit 250, the vibrations generated in each of the vibrators 111 to 114 are changed from the vibrator 111 on the left foot rear side to the vibrator 112 on the left foot front side, and subsequently on the vibrator 114 on the right foot rear side. The control unit 250 sequentially vibrates the vibrators 111 to 114 so that the vibrations are sequentially switched in the order of the vibrator 113 on the right front foot side. Thereafter, the vibrators are repeatedly vibrated so as to correspond to the continuous walking form of the user in the order of vibration of the vibrators.

  Normal walking does not end with one step or two, but continues. Therefore, by giving a walking pattern repeatedly, it is possible to reproduce walking that is close to normal and effectively perform walking training.

  The timing chart of FIG. 4 shows the magnitude of vibration that hits the user's left and right soles from the start of training. As can be seen from this figure, by using the walking training device 1 according to the present embodiment, from one side, that is, the rear side of the left foot (the buttocks and region A in FIG. 4) to the front side of the left foot (toe side). Region B), and the other transducers 111, respectively, in the order from the other side, that is, the rear side of the right foot (the heel portion and C in FIG. 4) to the front side of the right foot (the toe side and D in FIG. 4). It can be seen that the vibrators 111 to 114 are oscillated in order from the 112, 114, 113 to the front and rear regions A to D of the left and right soles at regular intervals.

  Subsequently, the reason why the walking training device 1 according to the present invention improves the walking ability by receiving stimulation in the walking pattern around the sole of the user's foot will be described in more detail.

  During actual walking, pressure distribution is generated on the sole when the sole touches down, and the heel strikes, the center of gravity moves slightly outside, and pressure is applied such as kicking with a toe. The pressure distribution generated in this movement plays an important role in timing the walking. In the case of a young person, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 28, a pressure distribution is generated so that the heel contacts the ground first and an impact force is applied, and an impact is applied to the toe (front foot) later. On the other hand, in the case of an elderly person, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 28, the person walks like a pedestal, so that the ground contacts the heel and toes almost simultaneously, and a clear pressure distribution hardly appears. In addition, the grounding time is long and rhythmic walking is not possible. Thus, elderly people with reduced walking ability do not have pressure distribution during walking and cannot walk. Furthermore, it is considered that the motion pattern generator for realizing rhythmical walking is not functioning well.

  As described above, there is a risk of a small step or a fall on a flat ground due to a decrease in walking ability or a function of sensory receptors on the soles. Therefore, in the present invention, the vibration pattern mentioned above is positively applied to the sole. In other words, vibration stimulation is alternately applied before and after the sole so that the skin distribution on the sole that senses the pressure distribution important for walking ability can be recognized, and the sensory reception that governs the recognition power of the pressure distribution. By aiming to restore the function of the container and activating its neural circuit (feedback circuit), and giving vibrations to the front and back of the foot to people who do not have pressure distribution during walking, such as elderly people, with a healthy walking pattern The motion pattern generator is made to recognize a healthy walking pattern and induce normal walking.

  Therefore, by generating such a vibration pattern, a pseudo load equivalent to the actual load that an adult receives on the sole during walking can be given to the sole of the user who is an elderly person as a vibration stimulus. Even if you are not actually walking, you can reinvigorate the user's central nervous system and the neurotransmission circuit that leads to it as if it were an adult, and bring the actual walking pattern closer to the adult walking pattern. Can be performed.

  In addition, in the vibration by the massage device that turns on and off the vibration for each left and right foot of the sole, there is almost no change in the posture of the user riding on the massage device, and the function of the sensory receptors and the nervous system related to walking ability is restored. The effect is not expected. However, by using a gait training device such as the present invention, the cognitive performance of the baroreceptor on the sole and the facilitation of the neural circuit that conveys the response are improved, and a healthy gait pattern is exercised in the central nervous system. Rubbing into the pattern generator to induce normal walking.

  In addition to improving the recognition of the sensory receptors on the soles and improving the facilitation of the neural circuit that conveys the response, the posture of the user constantly changes during the use of the gait trainer. The lower limb muscles can also be trained by muscle activity at the same time.

  As a modified example of the above-described sole positioning portions 151 and 152, as in the walking training device 1A shown in FIG. 5, the foot side positioning protrusions 321 and 322 corresponding to both sides of the left sole are made to vibrate on the left front side. The foot side positioning protrusions 323 and 324 corresponding to both sides of the right foot sole are provided between the child 112 and the left rear vibrator 111 and the right front vibrator 113 and the right rear vibrator 114. It is good also as the sole positioning part 320 of the form provided between.

  By providing such a sole positioning unit 320, the position and orientation of the user's sole can be positioned in an optimal state with respect to each of the vibrators 111 to 114. The vibration can be transmitted in the order of the walking pattern before and after the sole of the person.

  Further, as a further modification of the sole positioning unit, as shown in FIG. 6, a sole positioning in which raised portions 331 and 332 are provided at positions corresponding to the arches of the left and right feet on the upper surface of the housing as in the walking training device 1 </ b> B. It is good also as a form of the part 330. FIG. By providing such a sole positioning portion 330, the arch is pressed by the raised portions 331 and 332 simultaneously with the positioning of the sole, and in addition to improving the walking ability, which is the main purpose of the present invention, the massage effect is given to the user. Can be given.

  Further, as still another modification example of the sole positioning portion, as shown in a walking training device 1C shown in FIG. 7, foot-shaped recessed portions 341 and 342 corresponding to the left and right sole shapes of the user are provided on the upper surface of the housing. It is good also as the sole positioning part 340 of the provided form. By forming the sole positioning part 340 with such recesses 341 and 342, it is possible to easily position the sole in a proper position of the walking training device even if the user is a visually impaired person, for example. It becomes like this. Instead of providing such dents 341 and 342, a seal corresponding to the user's foot shape may be applied to the upper surface of the housing to form the sole positioning part.

  Then, the walk training device concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. The walking training device 2 according to the second embodiment includes, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 when the walking training device is viewed from above, each of the user's right foot heel, foot side portion, thumb base, and thumb. The regions are A, B, C, D, the left heel of the user, the side of the foot, the base of the thumb, and the thumb regions are E, F, G, H, respectively. 511 to 514 and 515 to 518 are provided at appropriate positions on a sole positioning portion 540 (see FIG. 8) including sole-shaped recessed portions 541 and 542 formed on the upper surface of the housing. Since the other components shown in FIG. 8 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, the corresponding reference numerals are assigned and detailed description is omitted.

  In this walking training device 2, the pulses generated by the pulse generator 240 vibrate the transducers 511 to 514 and 515 to 518 in order under the control of the control unit 250, and stimulation from the transducers received by the soles is received. As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 9, each region changes from A to H in order.

  More specifically, in the case of this modification, as shown in FIG. 9, the right foot heel (A in FIG. 9), the outer side (B in FIG. 9), the base of the thumb (C in FIG. 9). , The vibrators 511 to 514 vibrate in the order of the thumb (D in FIG. 9), then the left foot heel (E in FIG. 9), the outer side (F in FIG. 9), and the base of the thumb (in FIG. 9). G) and thumb (H in FIG. 9) in the order of the vibrators 515 to 518 to vibrate the soles in this order, and thereafter the user's continuous walking pattern in the order of the vibrations of the vibrators. Each vibrator is repeatedly vibrated so as to correspond to the above.

  Normal walking does not end with one step or two, but continues. Therefore, by giving a walking pattern repeatedly, it is possible to reproduce walking that is close to normal and effectively perform walking training.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a region of the sole that is stimulated by the walking training device 2, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state where a user actually gets on the walking training device 2.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the walking training device according to the second embodiment has a center of pressure on the sole of the foot while walking, a movement passing slightly outside the sole after the heel has landed, a so-called tilt, A movement that uses the sole of the foot from the heel to the toe in order, that is, a simulated load approximated to the actual walking pattern of an adult with so-called rolling can be applied to the sole of the user, such as the neurotransmission circuit and the central It is possible to train an adult's gait pattern into the nerve during training and to be closer to the adult's gait pattern during actual walking.

  In addition, while using the walking training devices 1 and 2 according to the first and second embodiments, the user operates the operation unit to use the walking training device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the period of the vibration time of each of the vibrators 111 to 114 may be appropriately changed from t1 corresponding to the normal speed walking pattern to t2 corresponding to the fast walking walking pattern.

  As described above, by changing the cycle of the walking pattern, the normal walking mode and the fast walking walking mode can be appropriately selected according to the age, sex, and body state of the user. Moreover, the acclimatization which a user gets used to a vibration stimulus can be prevented by changing a period during walking training.

  Moreover, the gait trainers 1 and 2 may be able to appropriately change the vibration level (vibration amplitude) of each of the vibrators 111 to 114. By making the amplitude of the walking pattern changeable in this way, it is possible to change the pattern to a powerful way of walking when the user is fine according to the physical condition of the body. Also in this case, it is possible to prevent the user from becoming accustomed to the vibration stimulus by changing the vibration level during the walking training.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, it is good also as changeable so that the frequency which is one of the intensity | strengths of a vibration may be raised gradually from training start. This prevents a strong stimulus from being transmitted to the sole at the same time as the start of the training, thereby preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the walking training devices 1 and 2 may appropriately change the vibration level of each of the vibrators 111 to 114 to a climbing program in which the heel contact is small and the toe kick is large. As a result, for example, when participating in middle-aged trekking, which has been popular recently, the body can be habituated in advance. In this case, the strength of the vibration that the kite is subjected to, that is, the pseudo load, so that the kite contact gradually decreases and the toe kick increases gradually as the slope of the mountain road becomes steep during actual climbing. Compared with the degree of increase, the strength of vibration received by the toes, that is, the degree of increase in the pseudo load may be increased.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the walking training devices 1 and 2 may appropriately change the vibration level of each of the vibrators 111 to 114 to a downhill walking program in which the heel contact is large and the toe kick is small. This makes it possible to safely walk downhill with a risk of falling during walking. In this case, the strength of the vibration received by the toe, that is, the pseudo load is increased so as to correspond to gradually increasing the toe contact and gradually decreasing the toe kick as the down slope becomes tight on the actual downhill. Compared with the degree, the strength of the vibration that the heel is subjected to, that is, the increase degree of the pseudo load may be increased.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the gait trainers 1 and 2 gradually increase the vibration frequency of each of the vibrators 111 to 114 to reach a peak, and then form a gradually lowered mountain shape. Also good. As a result, the user during training can perform comfortable training without suddenly receiving strong stimulation on the soles of the front, rear, left and right. It also helps prevent acclimatization.

  In addition, the peak of impact due to heel contact and toe kick does not occur clearly, and elderly people whose walking ability has declined considerably can stimulate the healthy walking pattern of young people whose impact peak is clearly generated by heel contact and toe kick. Although it is not effective even if it is given suddenly, by setting the control routine set in advance as a control routine in which the intensity or frequency of vibration changes, the level is gradually improved so as to approach the impact of young people. Program can be organized. In addition, a program that changes the intensity or frequency of vibration that mimics walking when going uphill or downhill is used to prevent tiredness from training or walking training that mimics walking in various environments. You can also do it. Furthermore, acclimatization to stimulation can be prevented by actively changing the state of stimulation.

  Then, the walk training device 3 concerning 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated. This gait training device 3 is provided with the above-described gait training device 1 with a handrail that a user holds for training, and the handrail is provided with an operation unit for operating the device. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the walking training device 3 is made of a steel pipe or an aluminum pipe, and is folded into a U-shape when viewed from the front and is folded into an L-shape when viewed from the side. Is equipped. Note that the handrail 650 has both lower ends fixed to both side surfaces of the housing 100, and includes a reinforcing connecting portion 655 in the vicinity of the front portion of the housing 100.

  Note that grip portions 665 that can be gripped by the user during training are provided at both upper ends of the handrail 650. An operation unit 660 including a display unit 661 and operation buttons 662 is attached between the two clip units 665.

  The user can select the operation mode according to the first embodiment and the various modifications thereof by the operation button 662 of the operation unit 660 according to the preference of the user. The elapsed time from the start of use of the apparatus can be always confirmed via the display unit 661 during use of the apparatus.

  Since the user's physical information and age can be obtained by operating the operation unit 660, a walking training program based on age, weight, gender, etc. can be established in advance so that the user's walking ability and physical condition can be improved. It is possible to carry out appropriate training, and effective walking training is possible.

  Specifically, for example, even if a sudden pattern of a healthy person is given to an 85-year-old man, the impact is too strong or the tempo is too fast, and the pattern is engraved in the central nerve and the neural circuit leading to it. It is difficult to make it recognized. Therefore, it is preferable to give a walking ability pattern slightly higher than the ability of the user.

  The timing chart showing the intensity of vibration shown in FIG. 16 shows the case of an 85-year-old male model (weight 70 kg) at the initial stage of training, and since the period is not familiar with the training itself at the initial stage of training, the period is a longer period t = 1. The frequency was gradually increased to prevent acclimatization. By controlling the vibration pattern as described above, the pattern of the stimulus received from each vibrator can be impressed and recognized in the central nerve and the neural circuit leading to it, and acclimatization to the stimulus can be prevented.

  In addition, the timing chart showing the intensity of vibration shown in FIG. 17 shows the case of a 70-year-old female model (35 kg body weight) in the middle period of training. The period t was set to 0.8 s, and the frequency was gradually increased to prevent acclimatization. By controlling the vibration pattern as described above, the pattern of the stimulus received from each vibrator can be impressed and recognized in the central nerve and the neural circuit leading to it, and acclimatization to the stimulus can be prevented.

  The walking training program as described above is gradually brought closer to a healthy walking pattern during daily walking training. As a result, a healthy gait pattern can finally be recognized by carving into the central nerve and the neural circuit leading to it.

  In addition, it is good to make it distinguish the program prepared beforehand according to the stage of each age, weight, sex, and walking training based on the walking pattern of an actual elderly person, for example.

  In addition, by preparing the walking training device 3 having the handrail 650 with the operation unit as described above, for example, even an elderly person can use the walking training device 3 while holding it on the handrail, which is a burden on the body. It will be possible to train to improve walking ability without putting on. Moreover, time, intensity | strength, and frequency can be changed according to a user's ability and physical condition, and a safe and effective walking training can be performed now.

  In addition, the handrail 650 and the operation unit 660 serve as direction instruction means for instructing the direction in which the user should stand on the walking training device, and the presence of the handrail 650 allows the user to stand on the walking training device. Can be clearly indicated. That is, by providing such a direction indicating means for instructing the user's standing direction, the front vibrator and the rear vibrator can stand in the direction in which the front and back of the sole comes, and the sole It becomes possible to give a vibration to the front and back correctly. In addition, instead of the handrail 650 and the operation unit 660, a direction indicating means for clearly indicating the front and rear on the upper surface of the footrest or putting an arrow may be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation unit 660 is provided on the handrail 650. Instead, the operation unit may be provided on the footrest.

  Then, the walk training device 4 concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In addition, about the structure equivalent to the walk training devices 1 and 1A-1C concerning 1st Embodiment mentioned above and its modification, and the walk training devices 2 and 3 concerning 2nd and 3rd embodiment, it respond | corresponds. Reference numerals are assigned and detailed description is omitted.

In the walking training device 4 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the housing 100 corresponding to the walking training device 1 described above is divided into a front housing 100F and a rear housing 100R. The front housing 100F and the rear housing 100R are connected by a vibration isolation member 710. This anti-vibration member 710 is made of anti-vibration rubber such as silicon or NBR,
Made of gel material such as Alpha Gel (registered trademark) and cushion material such as urethane.

  FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a state where the user is on the walking training device 4 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, the vibration-proof member 710 is slightly higher than the height of the front housing 100F and the rear housing 100R. By providing the vibration isolating member 710 slightly raised from the upper surface of the housing so as to come into contact with the sole in this manner at a position corresponding to the center of the front and back of the walking training device 3, the front vibrator 112 is interposed via the foot. , 113 and the vibrations transmitted from the rear vibrators 111, 114 to the front vibrators 112, 113 can be cut off (edge cut). In this case, by attaching a vibration isolating member made of such a material to the entire bottom surface of the walking training device 4, vibration from the front vibrators 112 and 113 is transmitted to the rear housing 100R through the floor. It is also possible to prevent the vibration from the rear vibrators 111 and 114 from being transmitted to the front casing 100F through the floor.

  Further, instead of connecting the front housing 100F and the rear housing 100R via such a vibration isolating member 710, as shown in FIG. 21, the front housing 100F and the rear housing 100R are separated by a predetermined distance. The front housing 100F and the rear housing 100R may be connected to each other by a connection pipe 720 after being separated from each other. In this case, electric wires for electrically connecting the left and right front vibrators 112 and 113 provided in the front housing 100F and the left and right rear vibrators 111 and 114 provided in the rear housing 100R inside the connection pipe 720. Can be inserted.

  In this case as well, the vibrations of the front vibrators 112 and 113 are not transmitted to the rear casing 100R through the floor, and the vibrations of the rear vibrators 111 and 114 are not transmitted to the front casing 100F through the floor. In addition, it is preferable to cover the installation surfaces of the front casing 100F and the rear casing 100R on the floor with the above-described vibration isolating members.

  Further, in the walking training device 1 according to the first embodiment, instead of dividing the housing of the walking training device into the front housing and the rear housing and connecting with the vibration isolating member as described above, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the vibrators 111 to 114 are supported by the vibrator mounting recesses 101 to 104 of the casing 100 via annular vibration isolating members 731 to 734 made of the above-described materials. May be. By using such anti-vibration members 731 to 734, it is not necessary to transmit vibrations generated by the respective vibrators 111 to 114 to other vibrators with a simple configuration, and the operation of each of the above-described embodiments is ensured. You will be able to demonstrate it.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 23, for example, a sole-type recess 541 of the housing 500 is provided via a disc-shaped vibration isolating member made of the above-described material (only the cross-sectional portions 521 to 523 are shown in the drawing). You may make it support each vibrator | oscillator 511-518 with which 542 was equipped. By using such an anti-vibration member, it is not necessary to transmit the vibration generated by each of the vibrators 511 to 518 to other vibrators with a simple configuration, so that the above-described operation can be surely exhibited. become.

  Further, the walking training device according to each of the embodiments described above and the modifications thereof may be provided with a size adjusting means as shown below.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24, the size adjusting unit divides the casing 100 into the front casing 100F and the rear casing 100R as described above, and the front casing 100F and the rear casing. The body 100R has the form of a gait trainer connected by a connecting shaft 810. A size adjusting screw (not shown) is formed at the front housing side end of the connecting shaft 810, and the front housing 100F and the rear housing 100R are connected via the screw portion of the connecting shaft 810. Further, a driver insertion port 811 is formed in the rear end surface of the rear housing 100R. For example, a flathead screwdriver is inserted into the driver insertion port 811 and the end thereof is formed in an adjustment slit (not shown) formed at the end of the connecting shaft. By engaging and rotating by an appropriate number of times, the degree of screwing between the size adjusting screw of the connecting shaft 810 and the front case 100F is changed, thereby changing the distance between the front case 100F and the rear case 100R. It is like that. Instead of using a tool such as a screwdriver, the distance between the front housing 100F and the rear housing 100R may be adjusted by rotating the connecting shaft 810 using a special crank.

  Thus, the distance between the front vibrators 112 and 113 and the rear vibrators 111 and 114 can be adjusted so as to match the size of the foot according to the sex, age, and physique of the user.

  In this way, by allowing the distance between the front vibrators 112 and 113 and the rear vibrators 111 and 114 to be adjusted according to the size of the user's foot, one gait trainer can be adjusted according to age, sex, and physique. It can be shared and used according to the size of the foot. For example, any family member can share a single walking training device in the home.

  Note that FIG. 25 shows a state where the user is on a walking training device further provided with a vibration isolating member 710 between the front housing 100F and the rear housing 100R of the walking training device provided with the size adjusting means described above. Is shown. FIG. 26 shows a state in which the size of the walking exerciser has been adjusted, and the walking exerciser shown in FIG. 26 (a) has the front vibrators 112 and 113 and the rear vibrators 111 and 114. 26 is adjusted so that the interval between the front transducers 112 and 113 and the rear transducers 111 and 114 is widened.

  As explained above, the vibration of the left and right one foot by the massage device that turns on and off the vibration for each left and right foot of the conventional sole hardly changes the posture of the user riding the massage device, and the sensory receptor And the effect of functional recovery of nervous system could not be expected. However, by using a gait training device such as the present invention, it is possible to give a stimulus caused by vibrations that change in sequence from the front to the back and from the left and right as a pseudo load received on the sole during walking, It becomes possible to recover the function of the nervous system leading to this.

  In addition, by changing the timing of the switching time, such as gradually increasing or decreasing the vibration switching time, or suddenly changing it, the sensory receptors and the nervous system related to the user's walking ability can Can be prevented.

  Unlike the above-described embodiment and its modification, the control unit has a transducer behind the left or right front transducer, followed by a transducer behind the left or right front transducer. The control unit 250 sequentially vibrates each of the vibrators 111 to 114 so as to correspond to the user's backward-facing continuous walking mode in the order of the vibration of each vibrator. You may control to.

  By giving vibrations in the reverse order, you can give a pattern of walking backwards. As a result, when the user is bored with a normal walking pattern, a backward-facing pattern can be given to perform walking training without getting tired.

It is a top view which shows the walk training device concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the walking training device shown in FIG. It is a whole block diagram of the walking training device shown in FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the operation state of each vibrator of the walking training device shown in Drawing 1 along the elapsed time from the start of training. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the sole positioning part of the walk training device shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the sole positioning part different from FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the sole positioning part different from FIG.5 and FIG.6. It is a perspective view which shows the walk training device concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the operation state of each vibrator of the walking training device shown in FIG. 8 along the elapsed time from the start of training. It is a figure which shows the area | region of the sole stimulated by the walk training device concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the user got on the walking training device shown in FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the operation state of each vibrator concerning the modification of the walk training device shown in Drawing 8 along the elapsed time from the training start. It is a timing chart which shows the operation state of each vibrator concerning the further modification of the walking training device shown in Drawing 8 along with the elapsed time from the training start. It is a timing chart which shows the operation state of each vibrator concerning still another modification of the walking training device shown in FIG. 8 along the elapsed time from the start of training. It is a timing chart which shows the operation state of each vibrator concerning still another modification of the walking training device shown in FIG. 8 along the elapsed time from the start of training. It is a timing chart which shows the operation state of each vibrator concerning one form of another modification of the walking training device shown in Drawing 8 along with the elapsed time from the training start. It is a timing chart which shows the operation state of each vibrator concerning another form of another modification of the walking training device shown in Drawing 8 along with the elapsed time from the training start. It is a perspective view which shows the walk training device concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the walk training device concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the user got on the walking training device shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the walk training device provided with the vibration isolating member different from FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the walking training device provided with the vibration isolating member different from FIG.19 and FIG.21. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the walking training device provided with the vibration isolating member different from FIG.19, FIG21 and FIG22. It is a perspective view of the walk training device with a size adjustment means in this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the user got on the walk training device with a size adjustment means shown in FIG. FIG. 25 is a perspective view (FIG. 26 (a)) showing a state in which the interval between the front vibrator and the rear vibrator is narrowed, and the front vibrator and the rear vibrator in the variation of the walking exerciser with size adjusting means shown in FIG. It is a perspective view (Drawing 26 (b)) of the state where the interval of was widened. It is a figure which shows the change accompanying aging of a muscular strength and balance power. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the impact force and time which a forefoot part receives at the time of walking of an elderly person and an adult, the relationship between the impact and time which a buttocks receives, and the relationship between the impact force and time which the whole sole receives. It is a figure explaining the factor of a balance feeling. It is a figure explaining posture control by baroreceptor stimulation. It is explanatory drawing of the gravity center fluctuation in a person's standing posture, The figure (FIG. 31 (a)) explaining the force which acts on a frontal surface, a sagittal surface, and a horizontal surface of a standing person, and the figure explaining a gravity center fluctuation range ( FIG. 31 (b)).

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4 Walking trainer 100 Housing 100F Front housing 100R Rear housing 101-104 Recessed portion 110 Vibration generating portions 111, 114 (rear side) vibrators 112, 113 ( Front side vibrator 151, 152 Foot positioning part 162 Operation button 240 Pulse generator 250 Control part 320 Foot positioning part 321, 322, 323, 324 Foot side positioning protrusion 330 Foot positioning part 331, 332 Raised part 340 Foot positioning part 341, 342 Recessed part 500 Housing 511-514, 515-518 Vibrator 521-523 Anti-vibration member 540 Foot positioning part 650 Handrail 655 Connection part 660 Operation part 661 Display part 662 Operation button 665 Grip part 710 Anti-vibration member 720 Connection pipe 731-734 Anti-vibration member 8 0 connecting shaft 811 driver spigot

Claims (11)

A footrest, a vibrator arranged on the footrest so as to correspond to the front and rear of the right and left soles, and a controller that sequentially switches the operation of each vibrator,
The control unit sequentially switches the vibration of each vibrator in the order of either the left or right rear vibrator to the front vibrator, and then the left or right rear vibrator to the front vibrator. A gait trainer characterized by control.   The vibrators are arranged so as to correspond to the heels of the left and right soles, the outer soles of the soles, and the toes of the toes, and the vibrators correspond to the heels of either the left or right soles. The vibrator, the vibrator corresponding to the sole of the sole, and the vibrator corresponding to the inner foot of the toe, followed by the vibrator corresponding to the left or right sole of the foot, the sole of the sole of the foot The gait training device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the vibrator to vibrate in the order of a vibrator corresponding to the part and a vibrator corresponding to the inner leg part of the nail foot. A footrest, a vibrator arranged on the footrest so as to correspond to the front and rear of the right and left soles, and a controller that sequentially switches the operation of each vibrator,
The control unit sequentially switches the vibration of each vibrator in the order of either the left or right front vibrator to the back vibrator, and then the left or right front vibrator to the back vibrator. A gait trainer characterized by control.   The walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each vibrator is repeatedly vibrated so as to correspond to a user's continuous walking form in the order of vibration of each vibrator.   The walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibration switching time can be changed according to the age and health of the user.   The walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibration intensity or frequency of each vibrator changes.   Anti-vibration means for suppressing vibration of the front vibrator from being transmitted to the rear vibrator and preventing vibration of the rear vibrator from being transmitted to the front vibrator between the front vibrator and the rear vibrator. The gait training device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gait training device is provided.   The gait training device includes a physical information input device, and at least one of vibration switching time or vibration intensity, or vibration frequency according to the age, weight, and gender of the user via the physical information input device. The gait training device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that can be changed.   The walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a sole positioning unit that positions the sole of the user at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the footrest.   The walking training device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising position adjusting means for adjusting the vibrator to positions before and after the sole of the user. The gait training device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the footrest is provided with direction indicating means for indicating a direction in which a user stands.

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