JP6363467B2 - Biopotential measurement device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for acquiring biological information.

  It is very useful to acquire and analyze biological information for the discovery and diagnosis of diseases. As an apparatus for measuring existing biological information, a blood pressure measuring apparatus capable of measuring blood pressure appropriately by adjusting the amount of air put into a cylindrical cuff has been devised (Non-Patent Document 1).

  One of biological information is surface myoelectricity. It is known that surface myoelectricity is effective for discrimination of various diseases accompanied by muscle exercise. In order to measure surface myoelectricity, it is necessary to appropriately attach measurement electrodes near the muscle abdomen of the muscle to be measured. Medical doctors and nurses with medical knowledge installed measurement electrodes on the muscle belly and measured surface electromyograms with an electromyograph (EMG). FIG. 3 shows a state of measuring conventional surface myoelectricity.

  During measurement of surface myoelectricity, it is important to keep the measurement electrode installed near the muscle belly of the muscle to be measured. It is known that continuous measurement over a relatively long period of time, such as during sleep, is useful for diagnosis when it is difficult to determine only by short-time measurement such as tremor and myoclonus (Non-Patent Document 2, 3).

Minoru Nakagawa, Kenichi Yamakoshi, “Development of Volume Compensation Cuff Unit for Finger Arterial Pressure Measurement to Reduce Congestion”, Medical Electronics and Bioengineering, Japan Society for Medical and Biological Engineering, December 2000, Vol. 38, Vol. No. 4, p. 283-290 Mikio Osawa, “Clinical Application of Surface Electromyogram”, Journal of Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo Women's Medical University Society, June 1989, Vol. 59, No. 6, p. 499-513 Koji Inami, "A sleep polygraphic study of involuntary movements in the lower limbs in sleep myoclonus syndrome-Comparison between hemiplegic patients with sequelae of cerebrovascular disorders and healthy elderly people", Ehime Medicine, Ehime Medical Society, 1990 March, Vol. 9, No. 1, p. 115-139

  However, there are cases where it is difficult for a person who does not have medical knowledge to find the muscle belly of the muscle to be measured, and there is a problem that the person to be measured cannot install the measurement electrode at an appropriate position. The same problem can be considered when measuring biological information other than surface myoelectricity.

  In addition, the conventional device has a problem that the measurement electrode is detached when turning over because it is weak against a large body movement. When measuring biological information over a long period of time, it is necessary to fix the measurement electrode with a medical tape or the like, and there is a problem that the invasiveness to the measurement subject is high.

  Furthermore, for example, when considering the diversion of the cuff structure of Non-Patent Document 1 for measurement of surface myoelectricity, it may not be suitable for measurement of surface myoelectricity depending on the shape of the apparatus. In particular, when the measurement target is near the joint, it is difficult to install the apparatus. It is also difficult to wear for a long time during sleep or the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to easily perform biological information measurement without medical knowledge.

A biopotential measurement apparatus according to the present invention is a biopotential measurement apparatus that is mounted on a person to be measured and measures the biopotential, a fixing unit that fixes the biopotential measurement apparatus to the person to be measured, and a biopotential. A measuring unit for measuring, and a position adjusting unit formed between the fixing unit and the measuring unit in such a size that the measuring unit is arranged at a desired measurement position when the fixing unit is fixed at a predetermined position; The position adjusting unit has less elasticity in the direction of the fixing unit and the measuring unit than in other directions, and the tightening force of the fixing unit and the measuring unit is more than that of the position adjusting unit. It is also characterized by being strong.

  In the biopotential measuring apparatus, the position adjusting unit includes a striped pattern extending in the direction of the fixed unit and the measuring unit.

  In the bioelectric potential measuring apparatus, the position adjusting unit is a milled knitted fabric.

  In the bioelectric potential measuring apparatus, the measurement unit measures surface myoelectricity of muscles of the lower limbs, and has an analysis unit that detects lower limb myoclonus based on the surface myoelectricity.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily perform biological information measurement without having medical knowledge.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the bioelectric potential measuring apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the surface myoelectric measurement part of the said bioelectric potential measuring apparatus. It is a figure which shows a mode that the conventional surface myoelectricity is measured.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a biopotential measurement apparatus in the present embodiment. In the figure, a bioelectric potential measuring device 1A for measuring the surface myoelectricity of the anterior tibial muscle and a bioelectric potential measuring device 1B for measuring the surface myoelectricity of the long thigh extensor muscle are shown. The bioelectric potential measuring devices 1A and 1B are, for example, a cylindrical device made of cloth that can be worn by a person to be measured such as a supporter, leg warmer, arm cover, or stomach wrap. Unit 12 and position adjustment unit 13. For the device fixing unit 11, the surface electromyography measurement unit 12, and the position adjustment unit 13, cloths and fabrics switched according to their roles are used.

  The device fixing unit 11 is a part that fixes the bioelectric potential measuring devices 1A and 1B to the measurement subject by tightening the measurement subject with a force that does not shift the fixing position of the bioelectric potential measurement devices 1A and 1B. The device fixing portion 11 is made of a highly elastic cloth / fabric such as flat rubber or tack knitted fabric. Alternatively, the device fixing unit 11 may be provided with a magic tape (registered trademark) or a button / hook / snap so as to fix the bioelectric potential measuring devices 1A and 1B to the subject.

  The device fixing portion 11 is attached at a position that can be easily understood by the person to be measured. As a specific example, in the bioelectric potential measuring device 1A, the device fixing portion 11 is attached just below the knee, and in the bioelectric potential measuring device 1B, the device fixing portion 11 is attached to the ankle. The bioelectric potential measuring devices 1A and 1B of FIG. 1 each include two device fixing portions 11. However, if the attachment position of one device fixing portion 11 is determined, the attachment position of the other device fixing portion 11 is naturally determined. By providing the device fixing portions 11 on both sides of the bioelectric potential measuring devices 1A and 1B, the bioelectric potential measuring devices 1A and 1B are firmly fixed to the subject.

  The surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 is a part that includes electrodes and measures the surface myoelectricity of the measurement target muscle. Similarly to the apparatus fixing unit 11, the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 also fixes the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 by tightening the measurement subject with a force that does not shift the measurement position.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12. In the same figure, the surface electromyography measurement part 12 is illustrated in the state which turned the surface which installed the electrode outside, ie, the state at the time of use. As shown in the figure, the surface electromyography measurement unit 12 is an annular part having a measurement unit 122 in a part of the fixing unit 121.

  The fixing unit 121 fixes the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 to a position where the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 measures the surface myoelectricity by tightening the measurement subject with a force that does not shift the fixing position of the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12. For the fixing portion 121, a highly stretchable cloth / fabric such as flat rubber or tack knitted fabric is used. Alternatively, the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 may be fixed to the measurement position by providing the fixing unit 121 with Velcro (registered trademark) or a button / hook / snap.

  The measurement unit 122 includes a set of dish-shaped electrodes 123. The plate-shaped electrodes 123 are installed with an interval of about 1.5 to 2.0 cm. One of the dish-shaped electrodes 123 is used as a ground. A non-stretchable cloth / cloth is used for the measuring unit 122. Since the fixing portion 121 has elasticity, the surface electromyogram measuring portion 12 as a whole has a tightening force and can prevent the dish-shaped electrode 123 from being displaced. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dish-shaped electrode 123 is connected to an analyzer that measures and analyzes surface myoelectricity by wiring extending from the dish-shaped electrode 123. Alternatively, the surface myoelectricity measured by the dish-shaped electrode 123 may be wirelessly transmitted to the analysis device. The analysis device creates a low-cut filter and a low-pass filter based on the average amplitude of the surface myoelectricity measured at the time of maximum dorsiflexion or maximum extension when the muscle to be measured is voluntarily exercised. Perform analysis.

  Alternatively, a conductive fiber composite material in which a fiber material is coated with a conductive polymer may be used as the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 (reference: Kazuhiko Takagawara, four others, “resulting beyond industry boundaries. Wearable sensor-hitoe technology ", NTT Technical Journal, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, May 2014, Vol. 26, No. 5, p.42-p.44).

  The position adjustment unit 13 is located between the device fixing unit 11 and the surface electromyography measurement unit 12, and when the device fixing unit 11 is fixed at a predetermined position, the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 is near the muscle belly of the measurement target muscle. It is the cylindrical part of the magnitude | size arrange | positioned in. The person to be measured fixes the device fixing unit 11 at a predetermined position, and fixes the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 at a position where the position adjustment unit 13 does not bend, so that the surface myoelectric measurement unit is placed at an appropriate position. 12 can be arranged. For example, when the bioelectric potential measuring device 1A of FIG. 1 is worn, the device fixing unit 11 is fixed immediately below the knee, and the surface electromyogram measuring unit 12 is connected to the bioelectric potential measuring device 1A so that there is no deflection. The other device fixing part 11 is fixed. When the bioelectric potential measuring device 1B is worn, the device fixing unit 11 is fixed to the ankle, and the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 and the other device fixing unit 11 are fixed so that the position adjusting unit 13 is not bent. . Note that, unlike the bioelectric potential measurement device 1B, the position adjustment unit 13 may not be provided between the surface electromyography measurement unit 12 and the other device fixing unit 11.

  The position adjustment unit 13 does not have much stretchability in the vertical direction (stretchability in the direction toward the device fixing unit 11 and the surface electromyography measurement unit 12), and is a milling (rib) knitted fabric with stretchability in the lateral direction. Is used. The position adjustment unit 13 weakens the force for tightening the measurement subject as compared with the device fixing unit 11 and the surface electromyography measurement unit 12. Thereby, while preventing the fluctuation | variation of the vertical direction position by expansion / contraction of cloth | dough, the stretchability to a horizontal direction is ensured and the mounting | wearing feeling of bioelectric potential measuring device 1A, 1B can be improved. When a milled (rib) knitted fabric is used for the position adjusting unit 13, it is easy to visually recognize and correct the deviation and twist when the bioelectric potential measuring devices 1A and 1B are mounted due to the vertical stripe pattern of the fabric. As long as the distance between the apparatus fixing unit 11 and the surface electromyography measurement unit 12 can be appropriately maintained, not only the milling (rib) knitted fabric but also other types of cloths and fabrics may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the biopotential measuring devices 1A and 1B are made of cloth, but may take a form according to the measurement part, such as incorporating the biopotential measuring devices 1A and 1B around the sleeves and the trunk of the shirt. . For example, it may be incorporated into a part of a cylindrical shape having a closed portion on one side, such as socks or gloves. Further, when the muscle to be measured is located near a joint such as a knee or an elbow, the bioelectric potential measuring devices 1A and 1B may cover the joint portion. In this case, in order to reduce the influence of the bending and stretching of the joint, only a normal cloth may be used for only the joint portion.

  Next, an example in which the bioelectric potential measurement apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied to detection of lower limb myoclonus during sleep will be described.

  Lower limb myoclonus is characterized by involuntary movements that occur below the knee. Detection of lower limb myoclonus during sleep is essential for diagnosing diseases that cause sleep disorders, such as periodic limb movement disorders. Examples of the main muscles to be measured for detection of lower limb myoclonus include the anterior tibial muscle and the long mother extensor muscle. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the surface myoelectricity of the anterior tibial muscle, which has a wide distribution region and is difficult to grasp the muscle abdominal position for those who do not have medical knowledge, is a measurement target. In addition, the bioelectric potential measuring apparatus 1A of FIG. 1 is used for the measurement of the surface myoelectricity of the anterior tibial muscle.

  In advance, the electromyography at each measurement point of the anterior tibial muscle when the ankle joint is maximally dorsiflexed is measured in advance, and the position of the anterior tibialis muscle is clarified. The placement location of the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 is determined so that the measurement unit 122 of the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12 is positioned on the anterior tibialis muscle, and the measurement subject can easily determine the mounting position of the device fixing unit 11. In this manner, the mounting position of the device fixing portion 11 is determined. In the bioelectric potential measuring apparatus 1A of FIG. The attachment position of the other device fixing unit 11 was set to a position suitable for fixing the device on the opposite side across the surface electromyography measurement unit 12. A position adjustment unit 13 is attached between the device fixing unit 11 and the surface electromyography measurement unit 12. The size of the position adjustment unit 13 varies depending on the physique of the person being measured.

  The surface electromyogram of the anterior tibial muscle is measured by wearing the bioelectric potential measuring device 1A configured according to the measurement subject as described above.

  As described in Non-Patent Document 2, the lower limb myoclonus is determined as a lower limb myoclonus when a short grouping discharge having a duration of 100 msec or less is detected.

  Alternatively, as described in Non-Patent Document 3, the duration is 0.5 to 5 seconds, and the amplitude is optionally ½ or more of the muscle discharge when the ankle joint is maximally dorsiflexed when awake, It is determined as myoclonus when a muscle discharge is detected in which the interval between each muscle discharge satisfies the condition of 5 to 120 seconds. If this myoclonus appears 40 times or more in the left or right leg during overnight sleep, it can be determined that there is a risk of periodic limb movement disorder.

  Further, as described in Non-Patent Document 3, in addition to the measurement of the surface myoelectricity of the anterior tibial muscle, the surface myoelectricity of the long thigh extensor muscle in which the muscle abdomen is located just above the ankle. Measurement is also performed at the same time, and it is determined as myoclonus when a single synchronous discharge is detected in the anterior tibialis anterior muscle and the long thigh extensor muscle. The bioelectric potential measuring device 1B shown in FIG. 1 is used for measuring the surface myoelectricity of the long mother extensor muscle.

  In the above description, measurement of surface myoelectricity has been described. However, by making each part suitable, the present invention can be similarly applied to measurement of biological information such as electrocardiogram, gastric potential, and intestinal potential. . Intestinal potential can be measured over a long period of time in normal life, and diagnostic reference information such as irritable bowel syndrome can be obtained (reference: Shinya Okahisa, “Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome” And development of noninvasive large intestine motility function evaluation system for optimal treatment ", Scientific Research Fund Grant (Scientific Research Fund Subsidy) Research Results Report, May 20, 2012).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the bioelectric potential measuring devices 1A and 1B fix the bioelectric potential measuring devices 1A and 1B to the person to be measured, and the surface muscle that measures surface myoelectricity. A position adjustment unit 13 is provided between the electric measurement unit 12 and the device fixing unit 11 and the surface myoelectric measurement unit 12. The position adjustment unit 13 measures the surface electromyogram when the device fixing unit 11 is attached to the measurement subject. The position adjustment unit 13 has a size that makes the unit 12 an appropriate position, and the position adjustment unit 13 uses a cloth / fabric that has low elasticity in the direction of the device fixing unit 11 and the surface electromyography measurement unit 12 to obtain medical knowledge. Even if it does not have, it becomes possible to install the surface electromyography measurement part 12 in an appropriate position.

  According to the present embodiment, by using a milling (rib) knitted fabric for the position adjusting unit 13, a deviation or twist when the bioelectric potential measuring devices 1A and 1B are mounted is visually recognized by the striped pattern of the milling (rib) knitted fabric.・ It becomes easy to correct.

  According to the present embodiment, the bioelectric potential measurement devices 1A and 1B are connected to the device fixing unit 11, the surface electromyogram measurement unit 12, and the position adjustment unit 13 using cloth / fabric switched according to their roles. The body to be measured can be worn by the person to be measured, and the tightening force of the device fixing unit 11 and the surface electromyogram measuring unit 12 is larger than the tightening force of the position adjusting unit 13, so that the body can be easily mounted. The displacement of the measurement position due to movement can be prevented, and surface myoelectric measurement over a long period of time such as during sleep can be performed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A, 1B ... Bioelectric potential measuring device 11 ... Device fixing | fixed part 12 ... Surface electromyogram measuring part 121 ... Fixed part 122 ... Measuring part 123 ... Dish-shaped electrode 13 ... Position adjustment part

Claims (4)

A biopotential measuring device that is mounted on a measurement subject and measures a biopotential,
A fixing unit for fixing the bioelectric potential measuring device to the person to be measured;
A measurement unit for measuring biopotentials;
A position adjusting unit formed between the fixing unit and the measuring unit in a size such that the measuring unit is arranged at a desired measurement position when the fixing unit is fixed at a predetermined position;
The position adjustment unit has less elasticity in the direction of the fixed part and the measurement unit than in other directions ,
The bioelectric potential measuring apparatus characterized in that the fastening force between the fixing part and the measuring part is stronger than that of the position adjusting part.   The bioelectric potential measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position adjusting unit includes a stripe pattern extending in a direction of the fixing unit and the measuring unit.   The bioelectric potential measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position adjusting unit is a milled knitted fabric. The measuring unit measures the surface myoelectricity of the muscles of the lower limbs,
The bioelectric potential measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising an analysis unit that detects lower limb myoclonus based on the surface myoelectricity.

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