WO2022234718A1 - Respiration inducing method and respiration inducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a respiration inducing method that allows a subject to relax by inducing the subject's respiration and that enables the effect to be exerted even with respiratory induction is performed for a short period of time.　This respiration inducing method comprises: a step for acquiring, from a subject, a first waveform which is a temporally fluctuating waveform representing heart rate per prescribed period of time and which sequentially has local maximum values and local minimum values; a step for generating a target respiratory waveform which is a temporally fluctuating waveform representing target depth of respiration and which sequentially has local maximum values each representing a turning point from inhalation to exhalation and local minimum values each representing a turning point from exhalation to inhalation; and a step for prompting the subject to respire along the target respiratory waveform. The difference between the time at which the first waveform reaches a local maximum value and the time at which the target respiratory waveform reaches a local maximum value is set to be within four seconds.

Description

Respiratory induction method and respiratory induction device

The present invention relates to a respiration induction method and a respiration induction device for inducing respiration of a subject to bring the subject into a relaxed state.

The heart beat rhythm (heart rate) is not constant, but fluctuates irregularly, and this fluctuation is called heart rate variability. Heart rate variability is controlled by the interaction of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, two nervous systems of the autonomic nervous system. known to do. Therefore, if the sympathetic nerves and the parasympathetic nerves are balanced, heart rate fluctuations will increase and the body will be in a relaxed state. Maintaining a relaxed state is thought to stabilize emotions, clarify thoughts, improve cognitive functions, and increase work efficiency. However, the balance between the sympathetic nerves and the parasympathetic nerves is easily disturbed by, for example, stress, resulting in irregular heartbeat fluctuations.

Therefore, non-patent document 1 describes a method of training to maintain a relatively large heart rate variability while adjusting breathing to a certain rhythm and observing the interlocking of heart rate variability and respiration on a monitor. It is also described that the subject feels a sense of relaxation when the phases of are matched.

Non-Patent Document 1 describes that sustained heart rate variability appears when respiratory stimulation is rhythmically applied, and that there is a resonance frequency of breathing that gives such sustained heart rate variability. /min to 7 times/min. Then, in Non-Patent Document 1, breathing is performed at a pace of 6 times/minute for 2 minutes, and when the heart rate fluctuation and breathing fluctuation displayed on the computer screen are stabilized, the data are measured, the patient rests, and then 6. A method is disclosed for determining an individual's resonant frequency by testing repeated measurements of 2 minutes each for breathing frequencies of 5 breaths/minute, 5.5 breaths/minute, and so on. However, in the method disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, it takes time to determine the own resonance frequency, and the subject may rather feel stressed.

The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and its object is to provide a method for relaxing a subject by inducing the respiration of the subject. To provide a breathing induction method capable of Another object of the present invention is to provide a respiratory induction device that can relax a subject in a short period of time.

The present invention is as follows.
[1] A step of acquiring from the subject a first waveform, which is a temporal variation waveform of the heart rate per predetermined time and has consecutive maximum and minimum values, and a target breathing depth time. generating a target respiration waveform which is a typical fluctuation waveform and which continuously has a maximum value indicating a turning point from inspiration to expiration and a minimum value indicating a turning point from expiration to inspiration; and a step of encouraging breathing along the target respiratory waveform, wherein the time at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value and the time at which the target respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value. is within 4 seconds.
[2] The respiratory induction method according to [1], wherein the position at which the target respiratory waveform has a maximum value is within 4 seconds before the position at which the first waveform has a maximum value.
[3] The step of urging the subject to breathe uses at least one of visual urging, auditory urging, and tactile urging for the subject [1] or [2]. method of breathing induction.
[4] The step of urging the subject to breathe is performed visually by the subject, displaying the target respiratory waveform on a screen, measuring the depth of breathing of the subject, and measuring the time. The respiratory guidance method according to [3], wherein a measured respiratory waveform is generated and the obtained measured respiratory waveform is displayed superimposed on the target respiratory waveform.
[5] Based on the difference between the position where the target respiratory waveform is at its maximum value and the position at which the measured respiratory waveform is at its maximum value, evaluate the degree of matching of the respiratory depth of the subject, and provide the evaluation result to the subject. The respiratory induction method according to [4] shown.
[6] The step of urging the subject to breathe is performed visually by the subject, displaying the target respiratory waveform on a screen, and displaying the target respiratory waveform on a screen and progressing in the direction of progress of the target respiratory waveform. The respiration induction method according to any one of [3] to [5], wherein the subject is encouraged to breathe by changing the color of the target respiration waveform according to [3] to [5].
[7] The step of urging the subject to breathe is performed visually by the subject, and the target breathing depth is indicated on the screen by a first graphic, and the first graphic is contracted or The respiratory induction method according to [3], wherein the subject is encouraged to breathe by expanding.
[8] The respiration induction method according to [7], wherein the depth of respiration of the subject is measured, and a second figure indicating the obtained depth of respiration is superimposed on the first figure.
[9] The respiration induction method according to [8], wherein the degree of matching is evaluated based on the difference between the degree of contraction of the first graphic and the degree of contraction of the second graphic, and the evaluation result is presented to the subject.
[10] The step of urging the subject to breathe is performed by the subject through auditory or tactile sense, and the subject is exhaled 250 to 350 milliseconds before the maximum value of the target respiratory waveform. and prompting the subject to inhale 250 to 350 milliseconds before the minimum value of the target respiratory waveform.
[11] The step of urging the subject to breathe is carried out through the auditory sense of the subject. The breathing induction method according to [3] or [10], wherein the subject is encouraged to breathe by generating a sound 2 to 6 times in the process of minimizing.
[12] The breathing induction method according to [11], wherein the sounds are generated at regular intervals.
[13] The breathing induction method according to [11] or [12], wherein the sound is changed for each number of occurrences.
[14] The breathing guidance method according to any one of [11] to [13], wherein the sound is changed in the process from the minimum to the maximum and in the process from the maximum to the minimum.
[15] The breathing induction method according to [13] or [14], wherein the change in sound is at least one of pitch, timbre, volume, or duration.
[16] The step of urging the subject to breathe is performed through the subject's sense of touch, and the subject is stimulated 2 to 6 times in the process from the minimum to the maximum of the target respiratory waveform. The respiration induction method according to [3] or [10], wherein the subject is stimulated 2 to 6 times in the process of going from to minimum to encourage respiration.
[17] The respiratory induction method according to [16], wherein the stimulation is given at regular intervals.
[18] The respiration induction method according to [16] or [17], wherein the stimulus is changed each time the stimulus is applied.
[19] The respiration induction method according to any one of [16] to [18], wherein the stimulus is changed in the process from the minimum to the maximum and in the process from the maximum to the minimum.
[20] The respiratory induction of [18] or [19], wherein the stimulus given to the subject is an electrical signal, and the change in the stimulus is at least one of intensity, interval, or length of the electrical signal. Method.
[21] An acquisition unit that acquires from a subject a first waveform that is a temporal variation waveform of the heart rate per predetermined time and that continuously has a maximum value and a minimum value, and a target breathing depth. a generator for generating a target respiration waveform, which is a temporally fluctuating waveform and which continuously has a maximum value indicating a turning point from inspiration to expiration and a minimum value indicating a turning point from expiration to inspiration; and a respiration promotion unit that encourages the subject to breathe along the target respiration waveform, and the generation unit generates a time at which the first waveform reaches a maximum value and the target respiration 1. A respiratory induction apparatus, characterized in that it generates a target respiratory waveform in which the time difference between positions at which the waveform reaches its maximum value is within 4 seconds.

According to the breathing induction method of the present invention, the temporal fluctuation waveform of the heart rate per predetermined time is obtained from the subject, and the subject is encouraged to breathe along the waveform set based on the obtained fluctuation waveform. Therefore, the time required to induce the subject to relax can be shortened. As a result, the subject is in a relaxed state in a short period of time without feeling any stress. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a respiratory induction device that can relax a subject in a short period of time.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the procedure for measuring the time difference (time difference) between the position where the first waveform has a maximum value and the position of the adjacent maximum value. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the difference (T _i −t _i ) between time T _i and time t _i . FIG. Fig. 2(b) shows a case temporally before the position at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value. A case later in time is shown. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of changing the line type of the desired respiratory waveform to prompt the subject to breathe. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a state in which the first graphic and the second graphic are superimposed. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example in which the subject is urged to breathe through hearing.

A respiratory induction method according to the present invention includes the step of acquiring from a subject a first waveform that is a temporal fluctuation waveform of the heart rate per predetermined time and that has consecutive maximum and minimum values (hereinafter referred to as the first waveform). 1 waveform acquisition step), and the temporal fluctuation waveform of the target breathing depth, which is the maximum value indicating the turning point from inspiration to expiration and the minimum value indicating the turning point from expiration to expiration. A step of generating a continuous target respiratory waveform (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a target respiratory waveform generating step); and a step of encouraging the subject to breathe along the target respiratory waveform ( Hereinafter, it may be referred to as a respiration induction step). The respiration induction method of the present invention performs respiration along a target respiration waveform in which the difference between the time at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value and the time at which the target respiration waveform reaches its maximum value is within 4 seconds. It is characterized in that it induces respiration to the subject so as to do so. A description will be given below in order.

(First waveform acquisition step)
In the first waveform acquisition step, a temporal variation waveform of the heart rate per predetermined time (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a heart rate variability waveform) is acquired from the subject. The heart rate variability waveform has successive maxima and minima, the maxima indicating points at which the subject's heart rate per predetermined time turns from increasing to decreasing, and the minimal values indicating the subject's heart rate per predetermined time. It shows the point where the numbers turn from decreasing to increasing. The heart rate variability waveform can be calculated from 60/RRI (sec) using the RRI (RR Interval) for each beat, for example, and may be calculated using other methods. The heart rate variability waveform is referred to as the first waveform in the present invention.

The method of acquiring the first waveform from the subject is not particularly limited, and a known heart rate meter can be used.

In the present invention, prior to acquiring the heart rate variability waveform from the subject, the time difference (time difference) between adjacent positions among the positions where the first waveform reaches the maximum value is continuously measured for a plurality of positions, and the time difference is measured. It is preferable to further include the step of urging the subject to take a deep breath until the relative standard deviation of is 15% or less. By urging the subject to take a deep breath and setting the relative standard deviation of the time difference to 15% or less, the heart rate of the subject per predetermined time can be stabilized. The relative standard deviation of the time difference is more preferably 10% or less, more preferably 8% or less.

The number of times the time difference is measured is not particularly limited. For example, it is preferably 2 times or more, more preferably 3 times or more, and the upper limit is preferably 5 times or less, more preferably 4 times or less.

A procedure for measuring the time difference (time difference) between the position where the first waveform has a maximum value and the positions of adjacent maximum values will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, the horizontal axis represents time, the vertical axis represents the depth of respiration, and the solid curve 1 represents the first waveform acquired from the subject. When the time at the position where the first waveform has a maximum value is T _i and the time at the position of the maximum value adjacent to the maximum value is T _{i +1} , the time T _i at the position where the first waveform has a maximum value and the time The difference from T i+ ₁ (T _i+1 −T _i ) is the time difference.

(Target respiration waveform generation step)
In the target respiration waveform generation step, a temporal variation waveform (target respiration waveform) of the target respiration depth of the subject is generated. The target respiratory waveform has successive maxima and minima, the maxima indicating the turning point from inspiration (inhalation) to expiration (exhalation), and the minima from expiration (exhalation) to inspiration (inhalation). It shows the turning point to

(Respiratory induction step)
In the respiration induction step, the subject is encouraged to breathe along the target respiration waveform. The respiration induction method of the present invention provides the subject with a target respiration waveform in which the difference between the time at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value and the time at which the target respiration waveform reaches its maximum value is within 4 seconds. It is important to encourage breathing as if breathing slowly. That is, the times at which the _{first waveform} reaches its maximum value are T ₁ , T ₂ , . . . , T _i , . t ₂ , . _{. .} , _{t i , .} The subject is encouraged to breathe along a certain target breathing waveform. By urging the subject to breathe along such a target respiratory waveform, the position where the first waveform reaches the maximum value and the temporal variation generated by measuring the actual depth of breathing of the subject. The positions where the waveforms (hereinafter sometimes referred to as measured respiration waveforms) have maximum values can be matched, and the subject can be relaxed. Further, according to the breathing induction method of the present invention, it is possible to set the rhythm of breathing to be guided to the subject simply by acquiring the temporal fluctuation waveform of the heart rate per predetermined time from the subject. Subjects can relax in a short period of time without the step of finding a unique individual resonance frequency.

In the present invention, instead of the time at which the first waveform reaches its minimum value and the time at which the target respiratory waveform reaches its minimum value, the time at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value and the target respiratory waveform reach its maximum value. We focus on the time at the position where By guiding the subject to breathe based on the time difference between the maximum values of each waveform, the phase of the subject's heart rate variability waveform and the temporal variation waveform of the subject's actual breathing depth is ensured. can be matched.

A procedure for measuring the difference (T _i −t _i ) between time T _i and time t _i will be described with reference to the drawings. In (a) and (b) of FIG. 2, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the depth of respiration. The time at the position where one waveform has a maximum value is T _i , and the time at the position where the adjacent maximum value is at T _i+1 . On the other hand, curve 2 indicated by a dotted line indicates the target respiratory waveform, and the time at which the target respiratory waveform has a maximum value is t _i , and the time at the adjacent maximum value position is t _i+1 . The difference between the time T _{i at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value and the time t i at} which the desired respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is expressed as T _i −t _i . As shown in FIG. 2A, the position at which the first waveform has a maximum value and the position at which the target respiratory waveform has a maximum value are the positions at which the target respiratory waveform has a maximum value. may be temporally before the position at which the maximum value of the target respiratory waveform is reached, or as shown in FIG. may be later in time.

The position at which the target respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value may be within 4 seconds after the position at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value, may be within 4 seconds before, or may be within 4 seconds before. is preferred. By being within 4 seconds before, the position of the maximal value in the measured respiratory waveform of the subject and the position of the maximal value of the first waveform are more likely to match, and the subject can be relaxed.

In the step of urging the subject to breathe, methods of urging the subject to breathe include, for example, visual urging, auditory urging, and tactile urging, and at least one of these may be used. It is preferable to use Encouraging visually means that the subject is made to recognize the timing to start exhalation and the timing to start inhalation by displaying at least the timing to start exhalation and the timing to start inhalation on the screen of a smartphone or the like, and to encourage breathing. means Prompting through hearing means using sound to make the subject recognize at least the timing to start exhalation and the timing to start inhalation, and to encourage breathing. Encouraging through a sense of touch means giving physical stimulation to the subject to make the subject recognize at least the timing to start exhalation and the timing to start inhalation, thereby urging the subject to breathe.

When the step of urging the subject to breathe is visually performed on the subject, for example, the target respiratory waveform is displayed on a screen, and the actual depth of breathing of the subject is measured and temporally It is preferable to generate a measured respiration waveform and display the obtained measured respiration waveform superimposed on the target respiration waveform. By displaying the measured respiration waveform superimposed on the target respiration waveform, the subject can easily recognize the difference between the actual respiration depth and the target respiration depth.

When generating the measured respiratory waveform, the degree of matching of the respiratory depth of the subject is evaluated based on the difference between the position where the target respiratory waveform is at the maximum value and the position at which the measured respiratory waveform is at the maximum value, It is preferable to show the evaluation result to the subject. By showing the evaluation result to the subject, it becomes easier for the subject to recognize the difference between the actual depth of respiration and the target depth of respiration. Moreover, if the subject can recognize the high degree of matching, the subject can obtain a sense of satisfaction. The degree of matching of the respiratory depths is evaluated as matching when, for example, the difference between the position at which the target respiratory waveform has a maximum value and the position at which the measured respiratory waveform has a maximum value is within 4 seconds. is preferred. The difference from the position where the measured respiration waveform has the maximum value is preferably within 2 seconds, more preferably within 1 second.

When the step of prompting the subject to breathe is visually performed on the subject, only the target respiratory waveform may be displayed on the screen. It is preferable to encourage the subject to breathe by changing the color, line type, and line thickness of the target respiratory waveform over time in the advancing direction of the respiratory waveform.

By changing the color, line type, and line thickness of the target respiratory waveform, it becomes easier for the subject to recognize the timing of switching from inhalation to exhalation and vice versa. At least one of hue, saturation, and brightness may be changed for the color of the target respiration waveform.

Fig. 3 shows an example of changing the line type of the target respiratory waveform to encourage the subject to breathe. In FIG. 3, the dotted line 11 indicates the desired respiratory waveform obtained in the desired respiratory waveform generation step. can show the progress of

When the step of urging the subject to breathe is visually performed on the subject, for example, by showing the target breathing depth on the screen with a first graphic and contracting or expanding the first graphic, It is also a preferred embodiment to encourage the subject to breathe. By displaying the first graphic on the screen and contracting or expanding the first graphic, the subject can intuitively recognize the depth of breathing and easily recognize the timing of inspiration and expiration.

The shape of the first graphic is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, circular, elliptical, rectangular, polygonal, heart-shaped, spade-shaped, clover-shaped, diamond-shaped, or a combination thereof. Also, the first figure is not limited to a plane figure, and may be a three-dimensional figure.

Screens include mobile terminal screens such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and notebook computers, television screens, personal computer screens, and liquid crystal displays.

When the target breathing depth is indicated on the screen by the first graphic, the actual breathing depth of the subject is measured, and the obtained second graphic showing the actual breathing depth is superimposed on the first graphic. It is preferable to indicate Examples of the shape of the second figure include those exemplified as the shape of the first figure. The shape of the second graphic may be different from the shape of the first graphic, but preferably the same. The same makes it easier for the subject to perceive the difference between the target breathing depth and the subject's actual breathing depth.

An example of the state in which the first graphic and the second graphic are superimposed is shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, a solid line 12 indicates the first graphic, and by contracting or expanding in the radial direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4, the target breathing depth can be visually indicated to the subject.

For example, the depth of respiration indicated by the target respiration waveform shown in FIG. can be displayed as the state in which the first graphic is most contracted in the radial direction. For example, the solid line 12 shown in FIG. 4 may be displayed as the maximum value of the depth of respiration indicated by the target respiration waveform, and the solid line 12a may be displayed as the minimum value of the depth of respiration indicated by the target respiration waveform. On the other hand, dotted line 13 indicates a second figure, which contracts or expands in the radial direction indicated by the arrows, and the width of contraction or expansion indicates the actual depth of breathing of the subject. As shown in FIG. 4, when the maximum value of the depth of respiration indicated by the target respiration waveform is indicated by a solid line 12 and the minimum value of the depth of respiration indicated by the target respiration waveform is indicated by a solid line 12a on the screen, the subject can Breathing should be repeated so that the contraction width of 13 falls within the width of the solid lines 12 and 12a.

When the second figure is superimposed on the first figure, the size of the first figure and the size of the second figure match based on the difference between the degree of contraction of the first figure and the degree of contraction of the second figure. It is preferable to evaluate the degree of coincidence of the time taken and show the evaluation result to the subject. By showing the evaluation result to the subject, it becomes easier for the subject to recognize the difference between the actual depth of respiration and the target depth of respiration. Moreover, if the subject can recognize the high degree of matching, the subject can obtain a sense of satisfaction.

The subject's response speed to stimuli is usually slower to respond to stimuli received through auditory and tactile sensations than to stimuli received through sight. Therefore, when the step of urging the subject to breathe is performed on the subject through auditory or tactile sense, it is preferable to urge the subject to breathe taking into account the delay in response. That is, when the step of urging the subject to breathe is performed by the subject through auditory or tactile sensation, the subject may be urged to breathe along the target respiratory waveform. It is preferable to encourage the subject to exhale 250 to 350 milliseconds before reaching the maximum value of the target respiratory waveform, and to encourage the subject to inhale 250 to 350 milliseconds before reaching the minimum value of the target respiratory waveform. The position where the target respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is the turning point from inspiration to expiration. The depth becomes easier to match the target respiration waveform. On the other hand, the position at which the target respiratory waveform reaches its minimum value is the turning point from expiration to inspiration. The respiration depth of is more likely to match the target respiration waveform. The timing at which the subject is urged to exhale is more preferably 280 to 330 milliseconds before the time of the maximum value of the target respiratory waveform, and more preferably 290 to 310 milliseconds before. The timing at which the subject is encouraged to inhale is more preferably 280 to 330 milliseconds before the time of the minimum value of the target respiratory waveform, and more preferably 290 to 310 milliseconds before.

When the subject is instructed to breathe through auditory or tactile sensation, when prompting the subject to exhale multiple times in the process of moving from the maximum to the minimum of the target respiratory waveform, the first It is preferable that the timing of inhalation is set a predetermined time before the time at which the target respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value. It is preferable that the timing at which the subject is prompted to exhale for the first time is a predetermined time before the time at which the target respiratory waveform becomes the minimum value.

When the step of prompting the subject to breathe is performed through the auditory sense of the subject, the timing at which the subject starts exhaling and the timing at which the subject starts exhaling by sounding a sound at the timing The subject can be made to recognize the timing to start inspiration.

The sound should be played at the timing to make the subject start exhaling and the timing to make the subject start inhaling, respectively. It is preferable to generate the sound multiple times in the process of heading. By generating the sound multiple times in the process from minimum to maximum or from maximum to minimum, the subject can inhale and exhale in time with the sound. The number of sounds generated in the process from minimum to maximum or from maximum to minimum is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2 to 6 times, for example. The number of sounds generated in the process from minimum to maximum and the number of sounds generated in the process from maximum to minimum may be the same or different, and are preferably the same. By making the number of sounds generated the same, the subjects feel a sense of security and are more likely to relax.

Using a drawing, a specific explanation will be given of the case where the step of encouraging the subject to breathe is performed through the auditory sense of the subject.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the timing at which sounds are generated based on the desired respiratory waveform obtained in the desired respiratory waveform generating step. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the depth of breathing. A curve 11 indicates the target respiratory waveform obtained in the target respiratory waveform generation step, and indicates the times t ₁ , t ₂ , . In FIG. 5, u ₁ , u ₂ , . A black circle (●) shown on the target respiration waveform indicates an example of the timing at which the sound is produced.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sound is divided into time u ₁ (indicated by the black circle a0 in FIG. 5) at which the target respiratory waveform is at its minimum value and time t ₂ (indicated by black circle a0 in FIG. 5) at which the target respiratory waveform is at its maximum value. 5, indicated by a black circle b0). A black circle a0 shown in FIG. 5 indicates the timing at which the subject starts inhaling, and a black circle b0 in FIG. 5 indicates the timing at which the subject starts exhaling.

In FIG. 5, the sound is played four times (indicated by black circles a1 to a4 in FIG. 5) in the process of going from the minimum to the maximum, so that the subject can be encouraged to inhale. Also, in FIG. 5, four sounds (indicated by black circles b1 to b4 in FIG. 5) are generated in the process from the maximum to the minimum, thereby prompting the subject to exhale.

In _FIG . 5, as the sound a4, it is preferable to sound a sound prompting exhalation instead of a sound prompting inhalation. It is preferred to ring 250-350 milliseconds in advance. In FIG. 5, as the sound b4, it is preferable to sound an inspiration-promoting sound instead of an exhalation _- promoting sound. It is preferred to ring 250-350 milliseconds in advance. The sound a4 for prompting expiration is more preferably sounded ₂₈₀ to 330 milliseconds before the time t2 of the maximum value of the target respiratory waveform, and more preferably 290 to 310 milliseconds before. The timing of sounding the sound b4 for encouraging inspiration is more preferably ₂₈₀ to 330 milliseconds before the time u2 of the minimum value of the target respiratory waveform, and more preferably 290 to 310 milliseconds before.

When multiple sounds are generated in the process from the minimum to the maximum of the target respiration waveform and the process from the maximum to the minimum, respectively, the sounds may be generated at irregular intervals, or may be generated at equal intervals. However, it is preferable to generate them at regular intervals. By generating them at regular intervals, the subject feels a sense of security and is more likely to relax.

The sound generated at the timing when the subject starts exhaling and the timing when the subject starts breathing may be the same, but it is preferable to change them. On the other hand, if sounds are generated in the process from minimum to maximum and from maximum to minimum of the target respiratory waveform, respectively, the same kind of sound is generated in the process from minimum to maximum and in the process from maximum to minimum. may be generated, or the sound may be changed, but it is preferable to change the sound. By changing the sound, it becomes easier for the subject to recognize whether to exhale or to inhale.

When the sound is generated multiple times in the process from the minimum to the maximum of the target respiratory waveform and the process from the maximum to the minimum, the same type of sound may be generated each time, or the sound may be changed for each generation. However, it is preferable to change the sound for each occurrence. By changing the sound, it becomes easier for the subject to recognize the end point of the breathing period and the end point of the breathing period.

The change in sound is preferably at least one of pitch, timbre, volume, or length, for example.

When the step of urging the subject to breathe is executed through the sense of touch, the timing of starting exhalation by stimulating the subject at the timing of starting exhalation and the timing of inhaling the subject. The subject can be made to recognize the timing to start inspiration. The stimulus may be given once each at the timing at which the subject starts exhaling and the timing at which the subject starts inhaling. It is preferable to apply the stimulus multiple times in the process toward the minimum. By applying multiple stimulations in the process from minimum to maximum or from maximum to minimum, the subject can inhale and exhale in response to the stimulation.

The number of stimulations given to the subject in the process from minimum to maximum or from maximum to minimum is not particularly limited, but preferably 2 to 6 times, for example. The number of stimulations given to the subject in the process from minimum to maximum and the number of stimulations given to the subject in the process from maximum to minimum may be the same or different, but are preferably the same. . By giving the subject the same number of stimuli, the subject can easily feel a sense of security and relax.

When the step of prompting the subject to breathe is executed through the sense of touch of the subject, the timing of stimulating the subject based on the target respiratory waveform obtained in the target respiratory waveform generating step is as shown in FIG. You can set it in the same way. That is, in FIG. 5, the subject may be stimulated at the position of the black circle (●) shown on the target respiratory waveform. Even when stimulating the subject, the timing of the black circle a4 indicating the stimulation is preferably 250 to 350 milliseconds before the time t ₂ of the maximum value of the target respiratory waveform, and the timing of b4 indicating the stimulation. is preferably 250 to 350 milliseconds before the time u ₂ of the minimum value of the desired respiratory waveform.

When the subject is given multiple stimuli each in the process from the minimum to the maximum of the target respiratory waveform and the process from the maximum to the minimum, the stimuli may be given at irregular intervals, or the stimuli may be given at equal intervals. However, it is preferable to give stimuli at equal intervals. By giving stimuli at regular intervals, the subject can easily feel a sense of security and relax.

When stimulating the subject respectively in the process from the minimum to the maximum and the process from the maximum to the minimum of the target respiratory waveform, the same kind of stimulus is applied in the process from the minimum to the maximum and the process from the maximum to the minimum. The stimulus may be applied or the stimulus may be varied, but preferably the stimulus is varied. By changing the given stimulus, it becomes easier for the subject to recognize whether to exhale or to inhale.

When stimulating the subject multiple times in the process from the minimum to the maximum of the target respiratory waveform and in the process from the maximum to the minimum, the same type of stimulus may be given each time, or the same type of stimulus may be given each time. may be changed, and preferably the stimulus is changed each time the stimulus is applied. By changing the stimulus, it becomes easier for the subject to recognize the end point of the inhalation period and the end point of the exhalation period.

The type of stimulus given to the subject is not particularly limited, and examples include electrical signals and pressure. When the stimulus given to the subject is an electrical signal, it is preferred that the change in the stimulus is at least one of the intensity, interval, or length of the electrical signal.

By inducing the respiration of the subject using the respiration induction method according to the present invention, the subject can be relaxed in a short time. It can be suitably used when you want to solve it in time. Situations where you want to relieve the subject's tension in a short time include, for example, before a presentation in front of an audience, before an interview, before dealing with a customer, before training, before an examination (before an exam), before falling asleep, before creative activities, and before appreciation. , before recitals, before concerts, before physical training, before competitions, during competitions, before rehabilitation, during control of consumption of luxury goods (e.g., smoking cessation, control of alcohol consumption, control of sweets intake, etc.), concentration before gambling control Moderate, curbing gambling, etc. Examples of sports include athletic competitions, and specific examples include golf, baseball, soccer, shooting, tennis, yoga, Zen, martial arts, and e-sports. The breathing induction method according to the present invention can be suitably used for relieving stress caused by human relationships, mental self-care, meditation, health tourism, and the like.

The present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires from a subject a first waveform that is a temporal variation waveform of the heart rate per predetermined time and that continuously has a maximum value and a minimum value; a generation unit for generating a target respiration waveform, which is a temporal variation waveform of depth and which continuously has a maximum value indicating a turning point from inspiration to expiration and a minimum value indicating a turning point from expiration to inspiration; , and a respiration promotion unit that encourages the subject to breathe along the target respiration waveform, and the generation unit includes a position where the first waveform reaches a maximum value. A respiratory induction device is included that generates a second wave in which the time difference between the time and the position at which the target respiratory waveform has a maximum value is within 4 seconds.

A known heart rate monitor may be used as the acquisition unit.

As the generation unit, a storage unit (e.g., memory) that stores the first waveform acquired from the subject by the acquisition unit, and a calculation unit (e.g., , central processing unit (CPU), etc.).

The respiration promoting unit may be a device that encourages the subject to breathe visually, aurally, or tactilely, and at least one of these may be provided.

The device that visually prompts the subject to breathe should have at least a display screen, the device that prompts the subject through hearing should have at least a speaker, and the device that prompts breathing through the sense of touch includes at least an electric signal generator or the like. , a pressurizing and decompressing device such as a compressor.

By using the respiratory induction device according to the present invention, the subject can be relaxed in a short period of time. can be used. The situation in which the subject's tension is desired to be relieved in a short time is as described above. In addition, the respiratory induction device according to the present invention can be suitably used for relieving stress caused by human relationships, mental self-care, meditation, health tourism, and the like.

This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-79330 filed on May 7, 2021. The entire contents of the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-79330 are incorporated herein by reference.

1 first waveform 2 target respiratory waveform 11, 11a target respiratory waveform 12 first graphic 12a minimum value of breathing depth indicated by the target respiratory waveform 13 second graphic

Claims (21)

1. obtaining from the subject a first waveform that is a temporal fluctuation waveform of the heart rate per predetermined time and that has consecutive maximum and minimum values;
   A target respiration waveform that is a temporal variation waveform of the target respiration depth and that continuously has a maximum value indicating a turning point from inspiration to expiration and a minimum value indicating a turning point from expiration to inspiration. a step of generating;
   prompting the subject to breathe along the target respiratory waveform;
   and
   A respiratory induction method, wherein the difference between the time at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value and the time at which the target respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is within 4 seconds.
2. 　The respiratory induction method according to claim 1, wherein the position at which the target respiratory waveform has a maximum value is within 4 seconds before the position at which the first waveform has a maximum value.
3. The breathing induction method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of urging the subject to breathe uses at least one or more of visual urging, auditory urging, and tactile urging for the subject.
4. The step of urging the subject to breathe is performed visually by the subject, displaying the target respiratory waveform on a screen, and measuring the depth of breathing of the subject to measure time. 4. The respiratory induction method according to claim 3, wherein a respiratory waveform is generated and the obtained measured respiratory waveform is superimposed on the target respiratory waveform.
5. 3. A degree of matching of the respiratory depth of the subject is evaluated based on a difference between a position at which the target respiratory waveform has a maximum value and a position at which the measured respiratory waveform has a maximum value, and an evaluation result is shown to the subject. 5. The respiratory induction method according to 4.
6. The step of urging the subject to breathe is performed visually by the subject, displaying the target respiratory waveform on a screen, and following the progress of the target respiratory waveform over time. The breathing induction method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the subject is encouraged to breathe by changing the color of the waveform.
7. The step of urging the subject to breathe is performed visually by the subject, and the target breathing depth is indicated on the screen by a first graphic, and the first graphic is contracted or expanded. 4. The breathing induction method according to claim 3, wherein the subject is encouraged to breathe by.
8. The breathing guidance method according to claim 7, wherein the depth of respiration of the subject is measured, and a second figure indicating the obtained depth of respiration is superimposed on the first figure.
9. The respiration induction method according to claim 8, wherein the degree of matching is evaluated based on the difference between the degree of contraction of the first graphic and the degree of contraction of the second graphic, and the evaluation result is presented to the subject.
10. The step of urging the subject to breathe is performed by the subject through auditory or tactile sense, and urging the subject to exhale 250 to 350 milliseconds before the maximum value of the target respiratory waveform, 4. The breathing guidance method according to claim 3, wherein the subject is encouraged to take inspiration 250 to 350 milliseconds before the minimum value of the target respiratory waveform.
11. The step of urging the subject to breathe is performed through the auditory sense of the subject, and the sound is generated 2 to 6 times in the process of going from the minimum to the maximum of the target respiratory waveform, and going from the maximum to the minimum. 11. The method of inducing respiration according to claim 3 or 10, wherein the subject is prompted to breathe by generating 2-6 sounds during the process.
12. The breathing induction method according to claim 11, wherein the sounds are generated at regular intervals.
13. The breathing induction method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the sound is changed for each number of occurrences.
14. The breathing guidance method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the sound is changed in the process from the minimum to the maximum and in the process from the maximum to the minimum.
15. The breathing induction method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the change in sound is at least one of pitch, timbre, volume, or duration.
16. The step of urging the subject to breathe is performed through the subject's sense of touch, and the subject is stimulated 2 to 6 times in the process from the minimum to the maximum of the target respiratory waveform, and the target breathing waveform moves from the maximum to the minimum. 11. The method of inducing respiration according to claim 3 or 10, wherein the subject is stimulated 2 to 6 times in the course of heading to prompt the subject to breathe.
17. The respiration induction method according to claim 16, wherein the stimuli are given at regular intervals.
18. The respiration induction method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the stimulus is changed each time the stimulus is applied.
19. The respiration induction method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the stimulus is changed in the process from the minimum to the maximum and in the process from the maximum to the minimum.
20. The respiratory induction method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the stimulus given to the subject is an electrical signal, and the change in the stimulus is at least one of intensity, interval, or length of the electrical signal.
21. an acquiring unit that acquires from the subject a first waveform, which is a temporal variation waveform of the heart rate per predetermined time and has consecutive maximum and minimum values;
    A target respiration waveform that is a temporal variation waveform of the target respiration depth and that continuously has a maximum value indicating a turning point from inspiration to expiration and a minimum value indicating a turning point from expiration to inspiration. a generator that generates;
    a respiration promotion unit that encourages the subject to breathe along the target respiration waveform;
    and
    The generator generates the desired respiratory waveform in which the difference between the time at which the first waveform reaches its maximum value and the time at which the desired respiratory waveform reaches its maximum value is within 4 seconds. Respiratory induction device.

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