JP2008279173A - Body composition scale - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a body composition scale which can provide an appropriate body composition index in place of percent body fat computation and muscle mass computation for a subject not suited for the percent body fat computation and the muscle mass computation by a conventional regression formula. <P>SOLUTION: The body composition scale 10 acquires a biological impedance of a subject and presents indexes not based on a regression formula correlating to the biological impedance as the indexes of the subject's body composition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a body composition meter, and more particularly, to a technique for improving the body composition measurement accuracy of a human body such as body fat percentage and muscle mass.

  Since the increase in visceral fat causes adult diseases, there is a demand for daily checking of body fat percentage and muscle mass from the viewpoint of preventing adult diseases. A body composition meter that simply measures body fat percentage and muscle mass has been attracting attention from the point of responding to such improvement in health care awareness.

  Measurement of body fat percentage and muscle mass with a body composition meter is generally performed as follows by the BIA method (bioelectrical impedance analysis). First, the subject himself / herself inputs personal parameters such as height, sex, and age into the body composition meter, and the body composition meter acquires these personal parameters. Next, the body composition meter measures bioimpedance by bringing an appropriate body part of the subject into contact with a measurement electrode arranged on the surface of the body composition meter. Thereafter, the body composition meter calculates the body fat percentage and the muscle mass using the regression parameters for calculating the body fat percentage and the muscle mass using the individual parameters and the bioelectrical impedance. In this way, body fat percentage and muscle mass can be obtained relatively easily.

In other words, the conventional measurement of body fat percentage and muscle mass was obtained by collecting data by the standard double X-ray absorption method (DXA method) and performing statistical processing by regression analysis with bioimpedance. It is made using regression equations for body fat percentage calculation and muscle mass calculation (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-265427 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-081621

  By the way, since the above regression equation is derived for a general adult group, there exists a subject having a singular body type that is not suitable for the calculation of the body fat percentage and the muscle mass by the regression equation. For example, when the regression formula of the conventional body fat rate is applied to athletes who do not belong to a general adult group, in the extreme case, the value of the body fat rate becomes negative. It should be noted that, in addition to athletes, elderly people, infants, sick people, and the like are assumed as subjects having such singular forms.

  For the above inconveniences, when the subject himself selects the athlete measurement mode, the measurement result such as the body fat percentage is presented to the subject using a regression formula dedicated to the athlete mode, which is different from the normal regression formula. There are conventional products.

  However, in the case of such a conventional product, it is difficult to define the athlete itself, which may cause confusion for the subject. In addition, depending on the selection of the regression equation by the subject, the measurement results of the body fat percentage and muscle mass may be significantly shifted, and meaningful health management may not be performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a body composition meter capable of appropriately determining a subject suitable for body fat percentage calculation and muscle mass calculation by a conventional regression equation and a subject not so The purpose is to provide.

  In addition, the present invention provides a body composition meter capable of presenting an appropriate body composition index to a subject who is not suitable for body fat percentage calculation or muscle mass calculation using conventional regression equations. For the purpose.

The BIA method includes, in 1969, the subject's lean body volume type “height ² ÷ bioimpedance” proposed by Hoffer and the subject's (body whole body) lean body mass formula “height ² ”. ÷ bioimpedance ÷ weight (%) ”is used (for example, see“ Ayumi of Medicine Vol.198 No.13 2001.29. P981 to P985 ”).

  Therefore, the present inventors first scrutinized the athlete's lean body volume and lean body ratio. The lean body volume of the subject is almost equal to the subject's muscle mass (exactly, bone mass is subtracted from the lean body volume), and the lean body ratio of the subject is the muscle percentage of the subject. Is almost equal to Therefore, in the present specification, for convenience, the numerical value obtained by normalization as described below from the “lean volume” and “lean ratio” of an athlete is intuitively understood as “muscle mass index” and “ It shall be called “muscle rate index”.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing “lean volume” and “lean ratio” for each body part of an athlete in comparison with those of a general adult. The athletes here were randomly selected from the athletes belonging to the gym, and the number of samples was about 40. In addition, the right arm, left arm, trunk, right leg, and left leg were selected as the body parts of the subject.

  In FIG. 8A, the average value of “lean volume” for each body part of a general adult is set to “100”, and the average value of “lean volume” for each body part of an athlete is normalized. The muscle mass index is displayed as a bar graph A together with the numerical value.

  In FIG. 8B, the average value of “lean ratio” for each body part of a general adult is “100”, and the average value of “lean ratio” for each body part of an athlete is normalized. The “muscle rate index” is displayed in the bar graph A together with the numerical value.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (a), the athlete's “Muscle Mass Index” bar graph A extends for all body parts to exceed the average value for adults of “100” in particular. It can be seen that the degree of increase in “right arm”, “left arm”, and “trunk” is significant.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the bar graph A of the athlete's “muscle rate index” is an average value “100” of a general adult for the athlete's “right arm”, “left arm”, and “trunk”. It turns out that it extends so that it may exceed.

Based on these measurement results, the formula “(body part length) ² ÷ (body part bioimpedance)” for deriving the “muscle mass index” for each body part of the subject and the body part of the subject Using the formula “(body part length) ² ÷ (body part bioimpedance) ÷ body weight” to derive the “muscle rate index”, it is expected that athletes and general adults can be properly distinguished. The

  The present invention has been devised based on such knowledge, and the body composition meter of the present invention obtains the bioimpedance of the body part of the subject and uses a regression equation that correlates with the bioimpedance. A non-dependent index is configured to be presented to the subject as an index of the body composition of the subject.

  Thereby, an appropriate body composition index can be presented to a subject who is difficult to apply to the BIA method using the regression equation.

  In this case, the body composition meter of the present invention comprises impedance measurement means for measuring the bioelectrical impedance, personal parameter acquisition means capable of inputting the personal parameters of the subject to the control means, and control means, The control means may derive the index based on the personal parameter and the bioelectrical impedance.

  The control means may determine whether or not the subject has a singular form based on the index.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to appropriately distinguish between the case where the subject has a specific body type and the case where the subject does not, and as a result, the reliability of the body composition measurement of the body composition meter is improved.

  The control means includes a central processing unit and a storage device, and when the central processing unit determines that the subject has a singular body type, the index includes the body composition of the subject. When presenting to the subject as an index of, and determining that the subject does not have a singular form, read the regression equation for calculating the body composition of the subject stored in advance in the storage device, The body composition of the subject may be derived from the regression equation for body composition calculation based on the personal parameters and bioelectrical impedance.

  In this way, a special measurement mode when the subject has a singular body type can be incorporated into an existing body fat scale or the like.

  This makes it possible to present an appropriate body composition index to a subject who is difficult to apply to the BIA method using a regression equation, and the body composition can be widely evaluated regardless of general adults or singular body owners. Yes.

  The personal parameter may include a height of the subject or a length of a body part.

Thus, the “muscle mass index” can be calculated using the formula “(length of body part) ² ÷ (bioimpedance of body part)”.

  The personal parameter may further include a weight of the subject.

Thus, the “muscle rate index” can be calculated using the formula “(length of body part) ² ÷ (bioimpedance of body part) ÷ weight”.

  Thus, the index may be a “muscle mass index” or a “muscle rate index” of the subject.

  These “muscle mass index” and “muscle rate index” are not affected by empirical correction values such as the conventional regression coefficient for general adults, and are highly accurate body composition indices, which are preferable. It is. For this reason, even in the case of “measurement during exercise”, which has been regarded as ineligible until now, changes in these indices can be regarded as “physiological changes”, and the versatility of the body composition meter is expected to improve. it can.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the body composition meter which can determine appropriately the subject suitable for the body fat percentage calculation and muscle mass calculation by the conventional regression formula, and the subject who is not so is obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a body composition meter capable of presenting an appropriate body composition index in place of these calculations to a subject who is not suitable for body fat percentage calculation or muscle mass calculation by a conventional regression equation. can get.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the body composition meter of the present embodiment, and shows a state in which the main body 11 is compactly stored in the weight measuring unit 13 when not in use.

  The body composition meter 10 mainly includes a main body part 11 and a weight measurement part 13, and the body weight measurement part 13 is provided with a main body storage part 13 a (see FIG. 2) for storing the main body part 11. The detachable part 11a (see FIG. 2) of the part 11 can be fitted. That is, when the detachable part 11a of the main body part 11 is fitted into the main body storage part 13a of the weight measuring part 13, the body composition meter 10 is in a state as shown in FIG. As described above, the main body 11 can be appropriately detached from the weight measuring unit 13.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the body composition meter when the main body is detached from the body weight measuring unit. When the body composition meter 10 is used, the main body 11 is detached from the body weight measurement unit 13 as described above, and the main body 11 is held with both hands as described later. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration related to signal processing of the body composition analyzer of the present embodiment.

  First, an outline of the hardware configuration of the signal processing system of the body composition analyzer 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hardware configuration of the signal processing system of the body composition meter 10 includes impedance measuring means 22 including electrodes E1 to E8 for measuring bioimpedance and an impedance measuring circuit 21, and an input operation unit 15. A display unit 14, a load cell 20 for weight measurement, an input / output device 23, and a control means 24. The control means 24 has a central processing unit 26 (CPU) constituted by a microprocessor and a storage device 25 comprising an internal memory such as a ROM or a RAM.

  The four leg electrodes (E5, E6, E7, E8) and the load cell 20 are members or parts provided in the weight measuring unit 13. The four hand electrodes (E1, E2, E3, E4), the impedance measurement circuit 21, the input operation unit 15, the display unit 14, the input / output device 23, and the control unit 24 are members or parts provided in the main body unit 11. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 11 and the weight measuring unit 13 are connected by a signal cable 12. The signal cable 12 is a multi-core cable. All transmission / reception of electric signals between the member built in the main body 11 and the member built in the weight measuring unit 13 is performed via the signal cable 12.

  For example, the leg electrodes (E5, E6, E7, E8) and the impedance measurement circuit 21 and the load cell 20 and the input / output device 23 are connected by the signal cable 12.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, transmission of signals and data among the impedance measuring circuit 21, the input operation unit 15, the display unit 14, the load cell 20, and the control unit 24 is performed via the input / output device 23. Is called. Although not shown, various signals and data are digitized and transmitted by an A / D converter (not shown) as necessary.

  Next, the configuration of each part of the body composition meter 10 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The main body 11 has a portable and relatively thin rectangular shape.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 11 includes a display unit 14 and an input operation unit 15.

  The input operation unit 15 is provided with various switches (not shown) such as a power switch and a switch for input by a subject. That is, the input operation unit 15 functions as a personal parameter acquisition unit configured to allow the subject to input personal parameters such as height, sex, and age to the control unit 24.

  The subject may input the length of the body part of the subject, which will be described later, instead of his height. The body composition meter 10 may measure the height of the subject or the length of the body part using an appropriate measurement means (not shown).

  In the display unit 14, in addition to various messages to the subject related to body composition measurement output from the central processing unit 26, individuals such as height, gender and age inputted by the subject through the input operation unit 15 are displayed. Parameters, bioimpedance and body composition described later are output and displayed.

  Further, the main body portion 11 is formed with a left protruding portion 16a and a right protruding portion 16b at the left and right ends thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, both the protruding portions 16 a and 16 b are plate-like portions protruding in the left-right direction. The subject can hold the main body 11 by holding the left protrusion 16a with the left hand (exactly the fingertip of the left hand) and the right protrusion 16b with the right hand (exactly the fingertip of the right hand).

  The load cell 20 is a sensor that is built in the weight measuring unit 13 and can measure the weight of the subject. When the subject is placed on the measurement surface 17 of the weight measuring unit 13 in order to measure his / her body weight, the weight of the subject can be detected by the load cell 20. That is, the load cell 20 functions as a personal parameter acquisition unit configured to be able to input the personal parameter to the control unit 24 by measuring the body weight of the subject as the personal parameter. Instead of such a load cell 20, the subject may input his / her body weight using the input operation unit 15 described above. The personal parameters described above are stored in the storage device 25.

  The weight data of the subject detected by the load cell 20 is A / D converted after being amplified by an amplifier (not shown) in order to maintain detection accuracy, and is converted into a digital signal via the input / output device 23. Are transmitted to the control means 24 and stored in the storage device 25.

  Next, a configuration related to the impedance measuring means 22 for measuring the bioelectrical impedance for each body part of the subject will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an electrode E1 is disposed on one end surface of the left projecting portion 16a, and an electrode E2 is disposed on the other end surface of the left projecting portion 16a. An electrode E4 is disposed on one end surface of the right projecting portion 16b, and an electrode E3 is disposed on the other end surface of the right projecting portion 16b.

  The subject holds the left protrusion 16a with the left hand so that the fingertip of the index finger of the left hand contacts the electrode E1 and the fingertip of the thumb of the left hand contacts the electrode E2. In addition, the subject holds the right protruding portion 16b with the right hand so that the fingertip of the index finger of the right hand contacts the electrode E4 and the fingertip of the thumb of the right hand contacts the electrode E3.

  Leg electrodes (E5, E6, E7, E8) are disposed on the measurement surface 17 of the body weight measurement unit 13. When the subject is placed on the measurement surface 17, the back of the subject's leg comes into contact with each leg electrode (E5, E6, E7, E8). More specifically, when the subject is placed on the weight measuring unit 13, the front portion of the arch behind the left leg of the subject (hereinafter, this portion is also referred to as “left leg thumb part”) is an electrode. Contact E5. Further, the heel part on the back of the left leg contacts the electrode E6. In addition, the front part of the back of the right leg (this part is hereinafter also referred to as “right leg thumb part”) contacts the electrode E8. Further, the heel portion on the back of the right leg contacts the electrode E7.

  Next, the measurement of the biological impedance of the subject by the impedance measuring means 22 will be described.

  Of the electrodes E1 to E8, the electrodes (E1, E4, E5, E8) function as current path forming electrodes for forming a current path in the body of the subject. The electrodes (E2, E3, E6, E7) function as voltage measuring electrodes for measuring the voltage between the two electrodes according to the voltage distribution generated in the body of the subject.

  Specifically, the impedance measuring circuit 21 shown in FIG. 3 includes an electrode changeover switch unit, a current source, a voltage measuring unit, and the like (all not shown). The current source of the impedance measurement circuit 21 is connected to any two of the four current path forming electrodes (E1, E4, E5, E8) via the electrode changeover switch unit.

  For example, it is possible to form current paths with the left hand and the left leg of the human body or the right hand and the right leg as terminals through the electrodes E1 and E5 or the electrodes E4 and E8, respectively.

  This current source generates an alternating current. The current source can generate an alternating current having a frequency selected from a plurality of predetermined frequencies.

  The voltage measurement unit of the impedance measurement circuit 21 is connected to any two of the four voltage measurement electrodes (E2, E3, E6, E7) via the electrode changeover switch unit. By sequentially switching the electrode to which the current source is connected and the electrode to which the voltage measuring unit is connected by the electrode changeover switch unit, it is possible to detect a potential difference (voltage) between various body parts of the body. The voltage data detected by the voltage measuring unit is transmitted to the control means 24 via the input / output device 23. Since the current value generated by the current source is a predetermined constant value, the impedance can be calculated by obtaining voltage data from the voltage measurement unit.

  That is, when a weak alternating current having a predetermined frequency is passed between two of the four current path forming electrodes (E1, E4, E5, E8), a voltage distribution is generated in the body of the subject by this current. . In such a state, the voltage between two of the four voltage measuring electrodes (E2, E3, E6, E7) is measured. The bioimpedance can be calculated from the current value of the current flowing through the subject's body and the measured voltage value. This bioimpedance calculation operation is executed by the control means 24.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of bioimpedance arrangement for each body part (both arms, trunk, and legs) of the subject. An example of measuring bioimpedance for each body part of the subject will be described below with reference to FIG.

  The bioimpedance (Z1) described in FIG. 4 is the bioimpedance of the left arm of the subject, the bioimpedance (Z2) is the bioimpedance of the right arm, and the bioimpedance (Z3) is the bioimpedance of the trunk. The bioimpedance (Z4) is the bioimpedance of the left leg, and the bioimpedance (Z5) is the bioimpedance of the right leg.

  FIG. 4 is used to illustrate how the bioimpedance of a predetermined body part of a subject is measured. For example, when a current is passed between the electrode E1 and the electrode E5, a current path with the finger of the left hand and the back of the left leg as ends is formed in the human body. The current path at this time is formed by the bioimpedance (Z1, Z3, Z4) in the figure.

  When the voltage between the electrode E3 and the electrode E7 is measured when such a current path is formed, the current from the current source does not flow through the bioelectrical impedance (Z2) and the bioelectrical impedance (Z5). Since a voltage drop due to the impedance (Z2, Z5) does not occur, the biological impedance (Z3) of the trunk can be derived by dividing this measured voltage by a known current value.

  Further, when a current is passed between the electrode E1 and the electrode E5 and the voltage between the electrode E2 and the electrode E3 is measured, the current from the current source does not flow into the bioimpedance (Z2), and the bioimpedance (Z2). Since the resulting voltage drop does not occur, the bioimpedance (Z1) of the left arm can be derived by dividing this measured voltage by a known current value.

  As will be understood from these examples, by appropriately selecting the current path forming electrodes (E1, E4, E5, E8) and the voltage measuring electrodes (E2, E3, E6, E7), Bioimpedance for each body part, that is, bioimpedance (Z1) of the left arm of the subject, bioimpedance (Z2) of the right arm, bioimpedance (Z3) of the trunk, bioimpedance (Z4) of the left leg, right leg The bioimpedance (Z5) can be measured appropriately.

  Next, an example of the operation of measuring the body composition of the subject by the body composition meter 10 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main operations in the body composition measurement mode by the body composition meter of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen example of the display unit that changes in accordance with the progress of the body composition measurement operation of the body composition meter of the present embodiment.

  When the subject presses the power switch of the input operation unit 15 of the body composition meter 10, a plurality of measurement menus are displayed on the display unit 14, and the body composition measurement mode is started by an operation using the input operation unit 15. Can do.

  In executing the measurement mode as follows, instructions for various input procedures performed by the subject are displayed on the display unit 14 as messages. Here, when the subject selects the body composition measurement mode, the body composition deriving program stored in advance in the storage device 25 is read into the central processing unit 26, and this program performs the following processing. Execute while controlling each device.

  First, a data input request of the subject's personal parameters is made from the central processing unit 26 of the body composition analyzer 10 via the input / output device 23 on the display unit 14, and the subject then sets these personal parameters according to this request, Input is performed using the input operation unit 15. On the other hand, the central processing unit 26 acquires these personal parameters (step S1) and stores the personal parameters in the storage device 25. Then, the personal parameters of the subject are displayed on the screen of the display unit 14 of the body composition meter 10 as illustrated in FIG. Here, the height (172.0 cm), gender (male), and age (32 years) of the subject are displayed.

  The input items in the personal parameters of the subject include at least the age and sex of the subject, but may include the height and waist size of the subject in addition to these.

  In addition, in order to obtain the “muscle mass index” and “muscle rate index” for each body part of the subject described later, the length (cm) for each body part of the subject, that is, the length of both arms, The length of both legs and the trunk length are required. Therefore, the subject may input these lengths via the input operation unit 15, but the central processing unit 26 determines the length of each body part based on the subject's height. An estimated value may be calculated.

  In addition, since the central treatment apparatus 26 can acquire the weight of the subject by the load cell 20 in step S2 described later, the subject does not need to input the weight, but instead of the step S2, the subject However, the operation of the body composition meter 10 may be modified so that the user's own weight is input via the input operation unit 15.

  Next, when the input of the personal parameters is completed by the subject, the central processing unit 26 displays a request for prompting measurement of the subject's weight on the screen of the display unit 14 via the input / output device 23.

  When the subject puts both legs on the bioimpedance measurement leg electrodes E5 to E8 arranged on the measurement surface 17 of the body composition meter 10, the body composition meter 10 can measure the weight of the subject. Become. When the weight measurement start switch of the input operation unit 15 is pressed, the central processing unit 26 acquires a measured value of the weight (step S2) and stores the weight in the storage device 25. Then, the personal parameters of the subject are displayed on the screen of the display unit 14 of the body composition meter 10 as illustrated in FIG. 6B. Here, the weight (65.0 Kg) of the subject and the waist size (75 cm) are displayed.

  Next, the central processing unit 26 displays on the screen of the display unit 14 a request for prompting measurement of the bioelectrical impedance of the subject via the input / output device 23. And if there exists a measurement start instruction | indication on the screen of the display part 14, a subject will grasp the hand electrodes E1-E4 for bioimpedance measurement arrange | positioned in the main-body part 11 of the body composition meter 10 with a fingertip. The bioelectrical impedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) for each body part of the subject is measured using a weak alternating current having at least one frequency. On the screen of the display unit 14 of the body composition meter 10, as shown in FIG. 6C, a hyphen “---” indicating that bioimpedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) is being measured. The symbol is displayed. When determining whether or not the subject is an athlete, the frequency of the alternating current used for measuring the bioimpedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) A high frequency of about 100 KHz is preferable so that moisture (that is, muscle) can be properly grasped.

  After the measurement of the bioimpedances (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) is completed, the central processing unit 26 acquires the measured values of these bioimpedances (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) (step S3). The bioelectrical impedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) is stored in the storage device 25.

Next, the central processing unit 26 uses the length for each body part in step S1 and the bioelectrical impedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) for each body part of the subject in step S3. The “muscle mass index” is calculated using the formula “(length of body part) ² ÷ (bioimpedance of body part)” (step S4). Further, the central processing unit 26 calculates the length for each body part in step S1, the weight in step S2, and the bioelectrical impedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) for each body part of the subject in step S3. Then, the “muscle rate index” is calculated using the formula “(length of body part) ² ÷ (bioimpedance of body part) ÷ weight” (step S4). These arithmetic expressions are stored in the storage device 25 in advance.

  Here, the central processing unit 26 determines whether or not the “muscle mass index” or “muscle rate index” in step S4 exceeds a predetermined boundary value (step S5).

  This boundary value is a numerical value serving as a reference for determining whether or not the subject has a singular body type, and is stored in the storage device 25 in advance. For example, when it is determined whether or not the subject is an athlete, as shown in FIG. 8, the “muscle mass index” and “muscle rate index” of the athlete's body part (for example, both arms) An appropriate boundary value can be set by paying attention to the fact that the value is higher than a certain level as compared with those of general adults.

  When the “muscle mass index” or “muscle rate index” in step S4 exceeds the boundary value described above (in the case of “YES” in step S4), the subject has a singular body type (for example, an athlete). Probability is high. In this case, the central processing unit 26 does not use the regression formula for calculating the body fat percentage or the regression formula for calculating the muscle mass, and calculates the “muscle mass index” and “muscle percentage index” that are not based on the regression formula. This is presented to the subject as an index of the person's body composition (step S6). Thereby, an appropriate body composition index can be presented to a subject who is difficult to apply to the BIA method using the regression equation. In other words, the above-mentioned “muscle mass index” and “muscle rate index” are not affected by empirical correction values such as conventional regression coefficients for general adults, and are highly accurate body composition indices. It is preferable.

  In addition, in FIG.6 (d), the example of presentation to the subject of "muscle mass index" and "muscle rate index" is shown. In the upper part of FIG. 6D, a hyphen “---” symbol indicating that the “muscle mass (Kg)” derived when the BIA method using the regression equation is applied is not displayed. Below, there is a comment stating that “I determined to be an athlete”. The lower part of FIG. 6D shows the numerical value (here, “135”) of the “muscle mass index” of the whole body of the subject. ”,“ Standard ”,“ Slightly high ”, and“ High ”can be displayed in a graph.

  FIG. 6D illustrates the “muscle mass index” of the whole body of the subject, but the “muscle mass index” for each body part of the subject is displayed on the display unit of the body composition form 10. You may display on 14 screens. Further, the “muscle rate index” for the whole body and / or body part of the subject may be displayed on the screen of the display unit 14.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of presentation of “muscle mass index” and “muscle rate index” to the subject. FIG. 7 (a) and FIG. 7 (b) show a bar graph A (standard value) representing the average values of the “muscle mass index” and “muscle rate index” for the athletes described above (FIG. 8). A bar graph B (standard value) of “muscle mass index” and “muscle rate index” for each body part of FIG. In addition, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 7, an appropriate comment about the measurement result of the body composition of the subject may be described.

  On the other hand, when the “muscle mass index” or “muscle rate index” in step S4 does not exceed the above-described boundary value (in the case of “No” in step S4), the subject is a specific body type (for example, an athlete). Is less likely to have In this case, the central processing unit 26 calculates the “body fat percentage” and “muscle mass” of the subject from the regression formula for calculating the body fat percentage and the regression formula for calculating the muscle mass, and supplies these to the subject. Present (step S7). Since the calculation method of “body fat percentage” and “muscle mass” in step S7 is well known, detailed description of the processing in step S7 is omitted.

  In this way, the central processing unit 26 ends the series of body composition measurement mode operations of the subject.

  As described above, the body composition meter 10 according to the present embodiment includes the impedance measuring unit 22 that measures the bioimpedance of the body part of the subject and the control unit 24. The control means 24 determines whether the subject has a singularity type (for example, an athlete) based on a “muscle mass index” or “muscle rate index” that is not based on a regression equation that correlates with the biological impedance of the subject. It is comprised so that determination can be made.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to appropriately distinguish between a case where the subject has a specific body type and a case where it does not, and as a result, the reliability of the body composition measurement of the body composition meter 10 is improved.

  The body composition meter 10 of the present embodiment further includes an input operation unit 15 and a load cell 20 that can input personal parameters of the subject to the control means 24. The central processing unit 26 of the control means 24 derives a “muscle mass index” and a “muscle rate index” that do not depend on the regression equation based on the individual parameters and the above-described bioelectrical impedance. When the central processing unit 26 subsequently determines that the subject has a singular body type based on the “muscle mass index” or “muscle rate index”, the “muscle mass index” or “muscle rate index” described above. To the subject as an index of the body composition of the subject, and when it is determined that the subject does not have a singular body type, the body fat percentage calculation of the subject stored in advance in the storage device 25 A regression equation and a regression equation for calculating muscle mass are read out, and based on the individual parameters and bioelectrical impedance, the body fat percentage and muscle mass of the subject can be directly calculated from these regression equations.

  In this way, a special measurement mode when the subject has a singular body type can be incorporated into an existing body fat scale or the like.

This makes it possible to present an appropriate body composition index to a subject who is difficult to apply to the BIA method using a regression equation, and the body composition can be widely evaluated regardless of general adults or singular body owners. Yes. In addition, these “muscle mass index” and “muscle rate index” are not affected by empirical correction values such as conventional regression coefficients for general adults, and are highly accurate body composition indices. It is preferable. For this reason, even in the case of “measurement during exercise”, which has been regarded as ineligible until now, changes in these indices can be regarded as “physiological changes”, and the versatility of the body composition meter is expected to improve. it can.
(Modification 1)
In the present embodiment, "(the length of the body part) ² ÷ (body bioimpedance sites)" (length of the body part) where "muscle mass index" with or "a ² ÷ (bioimpedance of a body part An example in which the “muscle rate index” using the formula “) ÷ weight” is presented to a singular subject is described. These indices are numerical values that include the “body part length” of the subject and the like and correlate with the bioelectrical impedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) for each body part of the subject. Instead of such “muscle mass index” and “muscle rate index”, the body composition meter uses the bioimpedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) for each body part of the subject itself. It may be presented to the subject as an index of body composition. For example, the amount of change in the bioimpedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) every certain period (eg, every morning or every week), or the bioimpedance before and after exercise (eg, muscle training) (Z1, Z2) , Z3, Z4, Z5) may be indexed by an appropriate method and presented to the subject.

Thereby, the daily transition of the bioelectrical impedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) that can be reflected more sensitively about the body component and body shape of the subject, and such bioelectrical impedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, The effect of exercise based on the change in Z5) can be known.
(Modification 2)
In the present embodiment, the athlete is exemplified as the owner of the idiosyncratic type, but this is only an example until tired. Examples of singular body owners include athletes, infants, sick people, and elderly people. In this case, it is considered necessary to set the frequency of the alternating current in accordance with the specificity of each subject.
(Modification 3)
In the present embodiment, an example in which the control unit 24 is provided in the main body 11 has been described. However, as a modification, a commercially available personal computer may be used instead of the control unit 24. That is, the body composition derivation program and various arithmetic expressions are stored in the storage device of the personal computer, and the bioimpedance (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) is separately measured by a known appropriate measuring means. If data is input to the personal computer, the “muscle mass index”, “muscle percentage index”, “body fat percentage”, “muscle mass”, and the like can be derived on the personal computer.
(Modification 4)
In the present embodiment, the right arm, left arm, trunk, right leg, and left leg are selected as the body part of the subject, but the “body part” in the present specification is not limited to this. For example, a local part in “leg”, “arm”, or “trunk” may be selected as the “body part” of the subject, and the bioimpedance may be measured by applying an electrode to the part. By measuring the bioimpedance of such a local part of the body, the blood circulation state, stiffness, swelling, etc. of the part can be evaluated.

  In this case, rather than measuring the bioimpedance using an alternating current of a single frequency, the bioimpedance is determined using each of the alternating current of a low frequency (eg, 5 KHz) and a high frequency (eg, 250 KHz). By measuring and taking the ratio between the two, there may be a case where the blood circulation state of the above-mentioned local portion can be more appropriately evaluated.

  According to the body composition meter of the present invention, the measurement accuracy of body composition can be improved. For this reason, this body composition meter is useful, for example, as a home-related health-related device.

It is the perspective view which showed the external appearance of the body composition meter of embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the external appearance of the body composition meter of embodiment of this invention when the main-body part was made to detach | leave from a body weight measurement part. It is the block diagram which showed the hardware constitutions regarding the signal processing of the body composition meter of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the example of arrangement | positioning of the bioimpedance in every body part (arm part, trunk, and leg part) of a subject. It is the flowchart which showed the main operation | movement of the body composition measurement mode by the body composition meter of this embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of a screen of the display part which changes according to progress of the body composition measurement operation | movement of the body composition meter of embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the other example of presentation to the subject of "muscle mass index" or "muscle rate index". It is the figure which showed the "lean body volume" and the "lean body ratio" for every body part of an athlete compared with those of a general adult.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Body composition meter 11 Main-body part 12 Signal cable 11a Desorption part 13 Weight measurement part 14 Display part 15 Input operation part (Personal parameter acquisition means)
16a Left protrusion 16b Right protrusion 17 Measurement surface 20 Load cell (personal parameter acquisition means)
21 Impedance measurement circuit 22 Impedance measurement means 24 Control means 26 Central processing unit 25 Storage devices E1 to E4 Hand electrodes E5 to E8 Leg electrodes Z1 to Z5 Bioimpedance

Claims (7)

  A body composition meter that acquires bioimpedance of a body part of a subject and presents to the subject an index not based on a regression equation that correlates with the bioimpedance as an index of the body composition of the subject. Impedance measurement means for measuring the bioelectrical impedance, personal parameter acquisition means capable of inputting the personal parameters of the subject to the control means, and control means,
The body composition meter according to claim 1, wherein the control means derives the index based on the personal parameter and the bioelectrical impedance.   The body composition meter according to claim 2, wherein the control means determines whether or not the subject has a singular form based on the index. The control means includes a central processing unit and a storage device,
When the central processing unit determines that the subject has a singular body type, the index is presented to the subject as an index of the body composition of the subject,
When it is determined that the subject does not have a singular body type, the body composition calculation regression equation stored in advance in the storage device is read, and the body is based on the personal parameters and bioimpedance. The body composition meter according to claim 3, wherein the body composition of the subject is derived from a regression equation for composition calculation.   The body composition meter according to claim 4, wherein the personal parameter includes a height or a body part length of the subject.   The body composition meter according to claim 5, wherein the personal parameter further includes a weight of the subject.   The body composition meter according to claim 6, wherein the index is a muscle mass index or a muscle rate index of the subject.

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