DE102008038234A1 - Sensor for integrated muscle power display, for measuring muscle strain and muscle power at e.g. biceps, has pressure transducer and adjusting mechanism adjusting initial pressure at muscle - Google Patents

Abstract

The sensor has a pressure transducer (5) e.g. piezoelectric element, which is evaluated electronically, and an adjusting mechanism adjusting initial pressure at muscle. The mechanism has elastic or inelastic compensation elements e.g. springs, for compensating fat layer by exerting force on the transducer. Penetration of the sensor into a fat layer of an external body (2) is stopped by a locking. Dimension of a front surface of the sensor lies between 4 and 0.2 centimeter square, where the body comes in contact with the front surface of the sensor. An independent claim is also included for a method for measuring muscle strain.

Description

The The present invention relates to a sensor for measuring the Muscle tension with compensation function that is capable of Influence of a fatty layer over to compensate for the muscles during the measurement.

at medical-technical treatments of a physiotherapeutic Institute or even a fitness center becomes a patient often instructed to perform special movements on this way to train certain muscles or muscle groups or to suppress.

All physiotherapeutic aids experience the same thing again and again: the Patient moves correctly as long as the therapist is sitting next to it, however, when the therapist leaves his place, the patient moves again in his usual traditional way or changed his Attitude. Modern training therapies call for training the interaction of many different muscle groups in the execution a movement. Here also muscles are to be activated, which are not directly involved in the movement, eg. B. should during pressing In addition, back muscles such as Erector Spinae, Multifidi, abdominal muscles, buttock muscles, Pelvic floor muscles are activated, although these muscle groups are not are directly involved in the movement.

Precise measurements However, the muscle tension is not easy to do, because the above The fat layer lying in the muscles falsifies this measurement.

Of the present invention was the object of a device to disposal to overcome, which overcomes the disadvantages listed above and for monitoring allows patients to effectively measure muscle tension.

The Task is performed by a sensor for measuring muscle tension solved with compensation function according to claim 1, wherein the measurement with a pressure sensor (Manometer) performed is, wherein by an adjustment mechanism of the initial pressure of Sensors on the body can be adjusted.

These pressure sensor are preferably the group of piezo elements, in particular piezocrystals or Piezoceramics, bourdon tube pressure gauges, barometers, ring scales, differential pressure sensors, Strain gauges and pressure compensators removed. Especially preferred Piezo elements are used.

at a preferred embodiment is the sensor for measuring muscle tension from an outer shell and one movable to the outer shell arranged pressure body. Furthermore, there is a counter-pressure body in the outer shell. Of the pressure sensor is so between pressure hull and counter-pressure body arranged that a pressure on the pressure body against the counter-pressure body a Signal in the pressure sensor generated.

in the Following is called pressure sensor only one piezo element is considered, but instead of one Piezo elements and any other pressure sensor used.

Of the Sensor is fixed with holding elements relative to the body positioned. Retaining elements are z. B. ribbons, special textiles, Cuffs or other mounts. The sensor can also on a pad, z. B. a lounger, be firmly mounted and in this position by standing on it, sitting or lying body be charged. The retaining element is thus in this case the pad. In this case, the sensor is fastened with its outer shell to the holding element and touches with his pressure body the human body.

at Such a fixed positioning generates a tension of the Muscles of the body a signal in the pressure sensor dependent on the effective pressure or the pressure change caused by the tension. In the case of the preferred pressure sensor, of the piezoelectric element, this signal is a voltage. This tension depends on the pressure acting on the piezo element and can be measured with voltage measuring devices become.

Of the Pilot head can be arranged both fixed and displaceable in the outer shell, as long as when exposed to an external force on the pressure hull through the counterpressure body a back pressure on the pressure hull exercised can be.

In a preferred embodiment the adjustment mechanism consists of compensation elements, the arranged in the outer shell are and can exert a force on the counter-pressure member in the direction of the pressure hull. in the Generally, by adjusting these compensation elements the length of the sensor changed, so that it can push into the fat layer. In particularly preferred embodiments of the sensor, these compensation elements are designed elastically. In particular, the compensation elements contain springs, chambers with gels, liquids or Gases or elastic plastics such. As foams or rubber.

at further particularly preferred embodiments are these Compensating elements made of solid materials and are adjustable in length. Preferred compensation elements are screws, chambers with incompressible fluids, Piezo elements, or movable axes. The setting of the compensation elements can manually or automatically, for. B. by electric motor or pumps, respectively.

In a further preferred embodiment contains the sensor is a lock to the through the compensation elements on the counter-pressure body practiced Force, or the position of the counter-pressure body, to a specific Value to set. Such locks are known in the art and preferably consist of articles of the group of threads, Screws, clamps, notches, or gears or rods, or balls and matching wells.

A such embodiment has the particular advantage that the sensor can be adjusted may he have a predetermined pressure on the body surrounding it Exerts fat layer and in this way the falsifying Influence of this layer of fat on the measurement of muscle tension compensated.

Of the Pilot head is in a preferred embodiment a part of the compensation element or the compensation element himself. For example, the lock and adjustment can be off consist of a screw held from above by a thread in the outer shell in the direction of the pressure hull on the counter-pressure body suppressed, wherein the counter-pressure body made of rubber.

The face the sensor with which this touches the skin, preferably the front side the pressure hull, can all kinds Shapes, in particular circles, have three, four and polygons. Prefers There are such forms, which are the skin and the under the sensor lying blood vessels not damage, in particular forms in which corners and edges are rounded are.

The size of the face of a sensor depends on its position on the body. Preferred surface sizes are between 1 dm ² and 1 mm ² , more preferably between 4 cm ² and 0.2 cm ² . A small frontal area has the particular advantage that muscle tension can be measured almost point-by-point. In this case, the use of piezoelectric elements has a particularly advantageous effect, since they can be produced without problems with these very small dimensions.

The Piezo elements are with signal conductors, which are usually normal Cables are connected to a readout unit. This readout unit measures the voltages of the piezo elements, converts them into measured quantities and spend these. As in the case of compensation of the fat layer a additional power through the adjustable elements on the counter pressure body and so that it is also applied to the piezoelectric element is in this case a zero point adjustment of the evaluated measured variable advantageous. For example, this can be done simply by subtracting the measured Measured by itself even when you press a specific button on the reader happen. The use of a piezo element has moreover still the advantage that after a time between 1 s and 20 s one Automatic zero adjustment is done by adding voltage constant pressure drops to zero.

Of the Sensor for measuring the muscle tension is suitable to the tension all from the outside noticeable Muscles of the human body too measure up. In particular, these are the musculature in the head, neck and shoulder area, such. As the pectoralis, arm muscles, such as z. B. biceps and triceps, core muscles, abdominal muscles, buttock muscles, Pelvic floor muscles, thigh muscles, z. B. the hamstrings Musculature or the quadriceps femoris or lower leg muscles, z. B. the Gastrocnemius.

Of the Sensor can be part of a training device. In a preferred embodiment he specifically measures the tension through his special arrangement on the body those muscle groups that are not primary to the strength exercise this training device required are. This has the advantage that important prerequisites for the exercise, such as z. B. the right fit or correct posture, especially during a supervised medical rehabilitation can be.

Of the Sensor for measuring muscle tension with compensation function and its application are shown in the drawings 1 to 4.

In the drawings 1A to 1C the schematic structure of the sensor is shown from several perspectives.

2A to 2C illustrate the schematic structure of a sensor with a screw as a compensation element and locking from several perspectives.

3A and 3B show the measurement of the effort on a biceps.

4 represents the measurement of the abdominal muscles with the sensor.

5A and 5B clarify the Mes the back muscles around the lumbar spine with two sensors.

In a preferred embodiment ( 1A to 1C ) the sensor ( 1 ) from a spiral spring ( 7 ), which lies in a sleeve, which from the outer body ( 2 ) and the pressure body ( 4 ) is formed. The spring presses over the counterpressure body ( 3 ) on the pressure sensor ( 5 ), preferably a piezoelectric element. By the coil spring, the pressure body of the sensor is pressed under the action of an external force, for. B. by tightening the attachment of the sensor to the body, elastic in the fat layer inside. This serves to compensate the influence of the fat layer on the measurement. The piezo element can be connected via the signal conductor ( 6 ).

In the 2A to 2C A similar sensor is shown in which the pressure on the pressure hull instead of a spring by a screw ( 9 ) can be adjusted. In order to prevent rotation of the pressure body relative to the outer body, these two elements run in a running track ( 8th ). In such an arrangement, it may be advantageous to make the counterpressure body slightly elastic in order to avoid damage to the piezoelectric element.

at a muscle training device such as As the chest press, the muscles are called pectoralis, biceps, triceps be trained. For execution the training exercise needed on the chest press the exerciser (patient) does not use the above Muscle groups (back muscles, Multifidi, gluteal muscle Etc.). To improve this behavior of the exercisers (patients), It must be measured, which muscles are tense with which force and which not, so that the patient by measuring himself can control. The basic idea here is about a Piezo element to increase the pressure of the applied force on the muscle measure to control the therapy. It is also possible, the To measure tension of muscles which are not consciously tense by the body can be. This is particularly advantageous in the therapy of paralyzed persons, because of the visual feedback of the "movement success" a movement of the paralyzed body part can be trained.

• 1) Messung der Armmuskulatur
• 2) Messung der Bauchmuskulatur
• 3) Messung der Rückenmuskulatur um die Wirbelsäule (LWS)
• 4) Integrierte Muskelspannungsanzeige bei einem beliebigen Krafttrainingsgerät

The following examples illustrate the application of the sensor:

• 1) Measurement of the arm musculature
• 2) Measurement of the abdominal muscles
• 3) Measurement of the back muscles around the spine (LWS)
• 4) Integrated muscle tone display on any strength training device

To 1) measurement of the arm muscle ( 3A and 3B ):

As a device for measuring the muscle tension, a sensor according to the 1 or 2 used, with the help of a mechanical spring or a screw, the sinking is compensated in the layer laying over the muscle fat layer. The sensor is connected with a strong band ( 10 ) attached to the arm. This depth is optionally mechanically locked. Thereafter, in muscle tension, a force or pressure is exerted on the piezoelectric element, from which a signal is then received. A display can thus determine the force exerted by the muscle without the disturbing influence of the fat layer. This force measurement of the muscles usually requires only one sensor, but multiple sensors can be used.

To 2) Measurement of the abdominal muscles ( 4 ):

To determine the abdominal muscle tension, several sensors with bands ( 10 ) arranged on the belly. The abdominal muscles have a broad structure of muscles that act differently. Depending on requirements, at least 3 to 5 cylinders are arranged at different locations in order to determine possible different loads and load effects. It is important for the therapist that the abdominal, torso and gluteal muscles are used in such a way that the lumbar spine (LWS) cavity is closed and the pressure of the deep muscles on the sensors at the vertebral joints of the lumbar spine is large enough to control the reflex To generate activation.

3) Measurement of the back muscles around the spine (LWS) ( 5A and 5B ):

The lumbar vertebral column (LWS) hides in its natural state in a concave cavity. In this example, as part of a therapeutic power exercise by muscle insertion from the curved line to create an approximately straight line. In order to measure the muscle tension, it is necessary that 3 or 4 sensors on a pad ( 11 ) are arranged so that the muscle tension can be detected left and right of the spine. See also Figure 4. In addition, the pressure is to be measured, which generates the spine on any surface or any back, when the cavity is an approximate level, because the surrounding muscles were activated. The measuring point is then at the location of the LWS at which, in the natural state of the cavity, it ends in a curvature, that is, at the lowest point of the cavity.

To 4) Integrated muscle tension indicator with any strength training device:

Power training devices are usually designed so that they have a specific muscle (eg. Biceps in biceps curl) or a muscle group (eg, rotary machine) work out. For it is important for the therapist to also activate muscles who are not involved in the actual exercise, because the Movement is also to carry out without their use. By means of the sensor can be determined, whether or not the concerned, not at the Movement directly involved muscle groups are strained. For example can be determined whether in the context of therapy during the Exercise in the bicep curl also the abdominal muscles or the gluteal muscles are activated.

The preferred embodiment, in which the pressure is measured by means of a piezo element has through these elements a fast reaction time. It can thereby pressure changes even in the range of microseconds to a few hundred nanoseconds be measured.

In a preferred embodiment, which allows a quick readout, At least one sensor is connected to an analysis unit which has a ensures fast processing of the sensor data. Such analysis units are z. As oscilloscopes or analog / digital converter (ADC), preferably in connection with data processing systems such. B. processor-based computers.

connects to get an oscilloscope with a sensor, which has a cuff on Fibula is attached to a subject, that is through the sensor measured muscle tension during of the test person walking as a curve on the screen of the oscilloscope clearly visible. This allows the sensor to provide accurate, dynamic measurement of muscle tension after integration of the Trace conclusions on allows the energy consumed by the subject.

by virtue of the big Measuring speed of the piezoelectric element are also manifold applications of the sensor in various fields outside of those described above possible. To the Example can especially fast muscle groups in animals, e.g. In hummingbirds, to be explored, with the influence of feather wear on the measurement can be compensated.

Of Further, the sensor can also be completely outside the range of measurements be used on the human or animal body, namely everywhere, where pressure changes be measured in elastically encased materials or structures and the influence of the sheathing should be compensated got to. For example, you can Propagations of sound waves in jacketed heating pipes measured be to damage to recognize the pipes, or vibrations in concrete floors, which with z. B. a carpet are covered.

Claims (13)

A sensor for measuring muscle tension, characterized in that the sensor comprises a pressure sensor and an adjustment mechanism, wherein with the adjustment mechanism, an initial pressure on the muscle can be adjusted. Sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment mechanism elastic or inelastic compensation elements for compensating the fat layer by exerting a force on the pressure sensor, wherein the compensation elements preferably from the group of springs, Chambers with gels, liquids or gases, elastic plastics, screws and axes are selected. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that by a locking the penetration of the sensor into the fatty layer of the body is fixed. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the pressure sensor from the group of piezo elements, Bourdon tube pressure gauges, barometers, Ring scales, differential pressure sensors, strain gauges and pressure compensators selected is and is preferably a piezoelectric element which electronically is evaluated. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimension of the end face of the sensor, with which the latter touches the body, is between 1 dm ² and 1 mm ² and particularly preferably between 4 cm ² and 0.2 cm ² . Method of measuring muscle tension, thereby in that a sensor according to one of the preceding claims in a clearly defined fixed position relative to the body is applied and with its adjustment mechanism a pressure on the body and preferably the Fat layer is pushed down to the muscle. Method according to Claim 6, characterized that an electronic data processing system with the sensor which is preferably an oscilloscope or analog / digital converter is or contains. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a dynamic measurement of Muscle tension occurs over a period of time. Using a sensor to measure muscle tension according to one of the claims 1 to 5 for muscle strength measurement in at least one position, preferably at 1 to 5 positions. Use according to claim 9 for muscular force measurement on biceps, triceps, pectoralis, the trunk muscles, on the abdominal muscles, the gluteal muscles, hamstrings, quadriceps femoris, lower leg muscles, Gastrocnemius, the pelvic floor muscles or on the back muscles around the spine, preferably on Erector Spinae or Multifidi. Using a sensor to measure muscle tension according to one of the claims 1 to 5 for an integrated muscle tone indicator on any strength training device. Use according to one of claims 9 to 11 for muscular force measurement while a strength exercise, characterized in that the tension measured by muscle groups that is not primary at the strength exercise involved. Use of a sensor according to one of claims 1 to 5 for measuring pressure changes in elastically encased materials or structures, preferably for measuring the propagation of sound waves in jacketed heating pipes or measuring vibrations in covered concrete floors.