JP2006034809A - Stretch reflex measuring apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stretch reflex measuring apparatus capable of estimating a neuropathic part and evaluating the degree of affection without depending on the skill and experience of a measuring person. <P>SOLUTION: This stretch reflex measuring apparatus comprises a tendon striker with a built-in force sensor; an analysis device for carrying out analysis processing of data of the force sensor of the tendon striker and an acceleration sensor; and a computer for displaying data processed by the analysis device. The stretch reflex measuring apparatus is constituted to estimate the neuropathic part of a measured person and to evaluate the degree of affection by measuring stretch reflex provoked when stimulating the tendon of the measured person with the tendon striker. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a stretch reflex measurement device that can estimate a nervous system disorder site and evaluate the extent of a disorder by measuring stretch reflex induced by tapping of a tendon.

  With the progress of aging, peripheral neuropathy such as central neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy is increasing. Early diagnosis and early treatment are important for the disease, and improvement of diagnostic techniques is a very important issue.

  For screening diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and central neuropathy, examination techniques represented by stretch reflex are important. The screening diagnosis refers to a medical technique for selecting a person who has an onset of a target disease or a person who is predicted to develop from a group including healthy people.

  Stretch reflex is well known as a diagnostic method for “kake”, but is a reflex that exists not only in the peri-knee muscles but also in the muscles of the whole body. Stretch reflex is a mechanism that sends a signal to a nerve when it senses muscle stretch and contracts the stretched muscle through the spinal cord and brain so that it does not grow too much.

  By measuring the stretch reflex at each site of the whole body, it is possible to estimate the site of damage to the central and peripheral nerves and to evaluate the degree of injury. However, since there is no clear standard for the evaluation, and evaluation is performed using the respective standards obtained by medical personnel through experience, the reliability between the measurers is low.

  As an auxiliary diagnosis, there is an image inspection such as a CT scanner (computer tomography apparatus) or MRI (nuclear magnetic resonance imaging). In the examination, since an image is obtained, it is easy to grasp a morphological abnormality, but it is difficult to evaluate the function of the nervous system. In addition, it takes time and costs to diagnose many persons to be measured. From the viewpoint of reducing medical costs, efforts to limit the adaptation of tests are required.

  By evaluating the stretch reflex of each part of the whole body, it is possible to estimate a neuropathy site, and appropriate medical care can be provided by selecting various image examinations based on the estimation. If the accuracy of stretch reflection is improved, excessive inspection and unnecessary inspection can be reduced, which can contribute to improvement of medical services and reduction of medical costs.

As in the invention described in Patent Document 1, an invention of a motion analysis apparatus and a motion analysis method for analyzing the motion of an animal such as a human using an acceleration sensor is also disclosed.
JP 2000-157516 A

  However, there is no clear standard for the evaluation of stretch reflection, and the judgment varies greatly by the measurer. In addition, since the items and contents of various precision inspections are determined with reference to the above evaluation, if the evaluation lacks accuracy, excessive inspection may be performed or necessary inspection may not be performed. Becomes lower.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a stretch reflection measuring apparatus capable of estimating a nerve damage site and evaluating the degree of damage without depending on the technique and experience of the measurer.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a stroking device 2 having a built-in force sensor 2d, an acceleration sensor 3 attached to the joint 7a of the person to be measured 7, and a force sensor 2d of the tendon device 2. An analysis device 4 that performs analysis processing 10 on the data of the acceleration sensor 3 and a computer 6 that displays the data processed by the analysis device 4, and stimulates the tendon 7 b of the person 7 to be measured by the tendon device 2. By measuring the stretch reflex induced at the time, the configuration of the stretch reflex measurement apparatus 1 is characterized in that it is possible to estimate the disordered part of the subject's nervous system and evaluate the degree of the disorder.

  Since this invention is the above structure, the following effects are acquired. First, by measuring the stretch reflex of each muscle of the whole body such as the knee and elbow of the person to be measured, it is possible to estimate the site of neuropathy and evaluate the degree of failure.

  Second, since it is a combination of small devices, it is easy to carry and low cost.

  Third, by attaching the acceleration sensor to the fixture, the measurer can easily wear the acceleration sensor. Since the acceleration sensor can be installed in the same place every time, it is easy to compare with past data.

  Further, since it is not necessary to attach the skin directly with a tape or the like, it is possible to prevent the skin from being inflamed. However, depending on the measurement content, a sensor may be attached directly to the skin.

  The striking portion of the tendon device requires a material and a form that can be strongly struck and that does not induce pain when the subject is struck. The computer displays the analysis result as a graph or the like, but it is preferable to use a notebook type or a PDA (personal digital assistant) for easy carrying. Further, the measuring device and the computer may be integrated.

  Hereinafter, a stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall view of a stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an example in the case of measuring the stretch reflection of the quadriceps.

  The stretch reflection measuring apparatus 1 includes a stroking device 2 having a built-in force sensor 2d, an acceleration sensor 3 attached to the joint 7a of the person to be measured 7, data of the force sensor 2d and the acceleration sensor 3 of the stroking device 2. The analysis device 4 for analyzing the data 10 and the computer 6 for displaying the data processed by the analysis device 4, and the elongation induced when the tendon 7 b of the measurement subject 7 is stimulated by the tendon device 2. By measuring the reflection, it is possible to estimate the nervous system disordered part of the person to be measured 7 and to evaluate the degree of the disorder.

  The tapping force and speed are important in estimating the site of neuropathy and evaluating the degree of damage. Since the magnitude of the tapping force affects the degree of stretch reflection, the force sensor 2d is used for measurement. In addition, the measurer measures with the acceleration sensor 3 in order to evaluate the stretch reflection with reference to the speed.

  In addition, since the stretch reflex occurs due to the stretching and contraction of the muscle, the electromyograph 14 is connected and the electromyogram data is also analyzed. The electromyogram is a graph in which changes in potentials associated with muscle activity are recorded. However, when viewing the electromyogram, the surface temperature of the skin needs to be 31 ° C. or higher.

  The hammer device 2 is attached with a force sensor 2d in order to measure the tapping force. The hammer device 2 is connected to the analysis device 4 by a cable 8. The cable 8 can be wireless.

  The acceleration sensor 3 is a small sensor that can measure the degree of extension of the foot of the person to be measured 7 with three axes of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, and is attached to the ankle joint 7a of the person 7 to be measured. The acceleration sensor 3 is also connected to the analysis device 4 by the cable 8a.

  The acceleration sensor 3 can be installed on a fixture 5 for fixing the ankle joint 7a of the person 7 to be measured. Further, the cable 8 a can be wireless as in the case of the cable 8.

  The analysis device 4 acquires measurement data of the force sensor 2d and the acceleration sensor 3 and performs an analysis process 10. The analysis device 4 is connected to the computer 6 with a cable 8b in order to display the processing result.

  The computer 6 includes a PDA or the like, and can be integrated with a measuring device such as the force sensor 2d, the acceleration sensor 3, or the analysis device 4.

  The fixture 5 is used for the purpose of improving measurement accuracy by fixing the ankle joint 7a and reducing measurement errors due to variations in sensor installation positions.

  The electromyograph 14 is an instrument that can measure a change in muscle potential and output it as an electromyogram. The electromyograph 14 is connected to the analysis device 4 by the cable 8c.

  The computer 6 acquires the data analyzed by the analysis device 4 and outputs the data to a display, a printer, an electronic medical record, or the like. The computer 6 incorporates software for editing data and expressing it as a graph or a table.

  The person to be measured 7 is a person who is diagnosed by a doctor in order to suspect a nervous system abnormality or to confirm that the nervous system is normal. Is an object to be measured.

  The cable 8 is a conductive wire that connects the hammer device 2 and the analysis device 4, the cable 8 a is a conductive wire that connects the acceleration sensor 3 and the analysis device 4, and the cable 8 c is a connection between the electromyograph 14 and the analysis device 4. It is a conducting wire to be connected.

  The cable 8, the cable 8a, and the cable 8c use coaxial cables. In addition, about the cable 8a, when the side connected to the analyzer 4 is divided into three, the one branched into three is used.

  The cable 8b is a conductor connecting the analysis device 4 and the computer 6, and uses a USB cable or the like. The power necessary for the analysis device 4 is supplied from the computer 6 through the cable 8b.

  Moreover, since the cable 8, the cable 8a, the cable 8b, and the cable 8c may become an obstacle at the time of measurement, it may be considered to be wireless. Note that the wireless technology includes Bluetooth, which is a common specification of technology for performing voice communication and data communication by connecting a plurality of digital devices wirelessly.

  FIG. 2 is a side view of a tendon device of the stretch reflex measuring apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the tendon device of the stretch reflex measuring apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of a stroking device of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a stroking device of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention.

  What is shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 is an example of a tendon device 2, and the shape is not limited. The hammer device 2 shown in FIG. 5 is another example.

  The hamstring device 2 is obtained by vertically inserting a handle 2b, which is a portion gripped by a hand, into a head 2a, which is a portion for hitting an object, and is substantially T-shaped when viewed from the front as shown in FIG. The hammer device 2 uses a hammer in which a force sensor 2d is incorporated in the head 2a.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the head 2a is mainly cylindrical, and there is a force sensor 2d for detecting the tapping force near the base of the tapping cap 2c at the tip. The tapping cap 2c is made of a material such as silicon that can be tapped with a required strength and that does not hurt when the subject 7 is tapped.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the handle 2 b is mainly cylindrical, and a portion gripped by the lower hand is made slightly thicker and uses a material that does not slip easily. The upper end is connected to the head 2a, while the lower end is provided with a terminal 2e for connecting the cable 8. In addition, about the terminal 2e, it is not limited to the lower end of the handle | pattern 2b, What is necessary is just to provide in the position which does not get in the way.

  The tapping cap 2c is attached to a location to be hit when tapping. As shown in FIG. 3, the shape of the tapping cap 2c is semicircular when viewed from above, and the portion hit when tapping is rounded into a curved shape so that it can be safely tapped.

  The force sensor 2d detects the strength of the force when the tapping cap 2c strikes the person 7 to be measured. Since the tapping cap 2c is rounded, it is easy for the measurer to strike and it is easy to obtain an effective tapping, so that the force sensor 2d can also accurately detect the tapping force.

  The force sensor 2d is a piezoelectric sensor and detects a voltage generated by the piezoelectric effect. The piezoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which, when a force is applied to a crystal such as quartz, electric polarization is generated in proportion to the stress and a voltage is generated. Electrical energy and mechanical energy can be converted by the piezoelectric effect.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the terminal 2 e has a shape in which a BNC connector having a circular connection portion can be fitted, and the signal detected by the force sensor 2 d by connecting with the cable 8 is a terminal. 2e is output to the outside through 2e.

  The BNC connector is a connector attached to the end of the coaxial cable, and when it is coupled, the outer ring is pressed and turned. There is a spring inside, and it can be fixed easily and firmly by using a groove carved in the connector.

  The hammer device 2 shown in FIG. 5 is provided with a head 2a, a handle 2b, a hammering cap 2c, a force sensor 2d, a terminal 2e, and the like, similar to the hammer device 2 shown in FIGS.

  The shape of the head 2a is a disk shape, and the handle 2b extends downward from the center of the head 2a. The perimeter of the side surface of the head 2a is a tapping surface, and a tapping cap 2c is provided. A tapping signal is transmitted to the central force sensor 2d.

  In the case of the tendon device 2 shown in FIG. 5, it is not necessary to care about the hitting direction, but since the hitting surface is 360 °, a force sensor 2d that can be detected from any surface is used, or a biaxial sensor is used. Determine power.

  The force sensor 2d is not limited to detecting force, and a method of calculating force from detected acceleration or velocity using an acceleration sensor or a velocity sensor may be adopted.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the acceleration sensor of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a front view of the acceleration sensor of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the acceleration sensor 3 is provided with a terminal 3b for connecting a cable 8a on one surface of a substantially cubic sensor 3a.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the sensor 3a can detect the acceleration in three dimensions of the X-axis of the horizontal arrow, the Y-axis of the vertical arrow, and the Z-axis from the near side to the back, so that the subtle installation direction on the foot Need to be taken into account, and accurate measurement is possible no matter which direction the foot moves.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the terminal 3 b has a cylindrical shape and is fitted with a BNC connector or the like in the same manner as the hammer device 2. By connecting the cable 8a to the terminal 3b, the signal detected by the sensor 3a is output to the outside.

  As for the acceleration sensor 3, in addition to the measurement of the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis at the same time, three uniaxial ones are prepared, and the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis are respectively measured. It doesn't matter.

  A speed sensor may be used instead of the acceleration sensor 3. In the case of the speed sensor, as in the case of the acceleration sensor 3, the speed of movement of the foot is detected in the three directions of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of an analyzer of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a front view of the analyzer of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention.

  As an example of the analysis device 4, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, there is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body 4a, input terminals 4b, 4c, 4e and an output terminal 4d, and three on the front side of the main body 4a. Assume that there are an input terminal 4b, one input terminal 4c, and one input terminal 4e, and an output terminal 4d on the back side.

  The main body 4a has a program for analysis processing 10 inside. The configuration of the main body 4a will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The analysis process 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The input terminal 4 b is for connecting the cable 8 a and receiving a signal from the acceleration sensor 3. In order to acquire acceleration information in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, the input terminal 4b is divided into three.

  The input terminal 4c is for connecting the cable 8 and receiving a signal from the force sensor 2d. In order to acquire the strength of the force of hitting the person 7 to be measured with the tendon device 2, one input terminal 4c is required.

  The input terminal 4e is for connecting a cable 8c and receiving a signal from the electromyograph 14. In order to acquire electromyogram data of the person to be measured 7 from the electromyograph 14, one input terminal 4e is required.

  The output terminal 4d is for connecting the cable 8b and sending information to the computer 6. Since it suffices if it can be connected to the computer 6 to exchange information, it is preferably a commonly used interface.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the input terminal 4 b and the input terminal 4 c are fitted with a BNC connector in the same manner as the terminal 2 e of the tendon device 2 and the terminal 3 b of the acceleration sensor 3.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fixture of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 shows a state where the fixture of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus of the present invention is attached to a foot and an acceleration sensor is installed. FIG.

  The fixture 5 is formed according to the shape of the heel of the foot, and includes a backing 5a, a rear backing 5b, and a curved portion 5c. A band 5d and a band for fixing the fixture 5 to the foot. 5e and a band 5f are also provided. The ankle joint 7a is fixed by the fixing tool 5 so as not to move at a constant angle.

  The backing pad 5a is a part applied to the sole of the foot, and the backing pad 5b is a part applied to the rear side of the foot. The curved portion 5c is curved along the heel at a location where the curved portion 5c is applied to the heel of the foot, and is connected to the backing 5a and the rear backing 5b.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the backing 5a, the back backing 5b, and the curved portion 5c are applied from the calf to the sole of the foot, and are made of a material such as hard plastic so that the motion of the foot is not hindered. Only lighter.

  A band 5d, a band 5e, and a band 5f are attached to the fixture 5 at positions corresponding to the calf, the heel, and the sole of the foot.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the band 5d fixes the back pad 5b at the calf, the band 5e fixes the curved part 5c at the heel, and the band 5f fixes the backing 5a at the sole of the foot.

  When the fixture 5 is actually attached to the foot of the person to be measured 7, the result is as shown in FIG. 11, and the acceleration sensor 3 is attached around the ankle. However, the mounting position of the acceleration sensor 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is below the knee.

  By attaching the acceleration sensor 3 to the fixture 5, there is no measurement error due to sensor position shift caused by the movement of the skin, and variations in measurement data are also reduced.

  FIG. 12 is a view showing a case in which the subject's knee of the stretch reflex measuring apparatus according to the present invention is hit with a stroking device, and FIG. 13 is a view of the subject's knee of the stretch reflex measuring apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the state extended | stretched by expansion | extension reflection.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the tendon device 2, the acceleration sensor 3, the analysis device 4, and the computer 6 are connected by a cable 8, a cable 8 a, and a cable 8 b. The sensor 3 is installed.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the tapping stimulus 9 is applied to the tendon 7b on the knee of the person to be measured 7 by hitting the tendon device 2, if the nervous system is normal, as shown in FIG. Normal stretching reflection 9a occurs, and the leg extends forward.

  It is necessary to strike the taut device 2 so that the center portion of the tip of the tapping cap 2c is perpendicular to the knee. This is because the force sensor 2d detects only the force horizontal to the head 2a of the tendon device 2 as effective data.

  If the knee swings up, down, left, or right during the stretch reflection 9a, a sensor that detects the movement of the knee is attached to the knee and the detection data of the acceleration sensor 3 is taken into account, thereby eliminating the error. it can.

  By measuring various data of the person to be measured 7, it can be determined whether the nervous system is normal or abnormal. By measuring the tendons 7b such as elbows other than the knee in the same manner, it is possible to estimate a region where the nervous system is abnormal.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram relating to the configuration of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the analysis processing performed by the analyzer of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the configuration of the stretch reflex measurement device 1 includes a stroking device 2, an acceleration sensor 3, an electromyograph 14, an analysis device 4, and a computer 6. For the hammer device 2, a force sensor 2 d is incorporated, and detection data can be output.

  The analysis device 4 is a computer that specializes in analysis processing 10 having an interface 4e, a central processing unit 4f, and a storage device 4g. The storage device 4g incorporates a program for the analysis process 10 from the beginning.

  The computer 6 is a general computer having an interface 6a, a central processing unit 6b, a storage device 6c, an input device 6e, and an output device 6f, and an editing process 6d is incorporated in the storage device 6c.

  The detection data of the force sensor 2d, the acceleration sensor 3, and the electromyograph 14 is accumulated in the storage device 4g through the interface 4e of the analysis device 4. The connection between the input terminal 4b and the input terminal 4c of the analysis device 4 and the storage device 4g corresponds to the interface 4e.

  The storage device 4g is a storage area for programs and data, and a work area for executing the programs. The analysis process 10 is incorporated in advance, and the detection data input through the interface 4e and the result data of the analysis process 10 are also stored.

  The central processing unit 4f controls the interface 4e and the storage device 4g, and executes the program of the analysis processing 10 in the storage device 4g. A command for causing the central processing unit 4f to execute the analysis process 10 is received from the computer 6 through the interface 4e.

  The result data of the analysis process 10 is sent to the interface 6a of the computer 6 through the interface 4e. What connects the storage device 4g and the output terminal 4d of the analysis device 4 also corresponds to the interface 4e.

  Result data received by the interface 6a of the computer 6 is stored in the storage device 6c. Similar to the analysis device 4, the interface 6a connects the central processing unit 6b or the storage device 6c to the outside. The input device 6e and the output device 6f are also connected by the interface 6a.

  Similarly to the storage device 4g, the storage device 6c is a storage area for programs and data and a work area for executing the program. An editing process 6d for storing the result data of the analysis process 10, processing the result data, and displaying the result data on the output device 6f is also incorporated.

  Similarly to the central processing unit 4f, the central processing unit 6b executes control of the interface 6a and the storage device 6c and editing processing 6d in the storage device 6c. A command for causing the central processing unit 6b to execute the editing process 6d is received from the input device 6e via the interface 6a.

  The central processing unit 6b directly controls the storage device 6c, but controls the input device 6e and the output device 6f via the interface 6a such as exchange of commands and data.

  The input device 6e is a device for giving a command to the central processing unit 4f of the computer 6, and corresponds to a mouse or a keyboard. Since the result data is input from the analysis device 4, the analysis device 4 also corresponds to the input device 6e.

  The output device 6f is a device that displays or prints the result processed by the central processing unit 4f of the computer 6, and corresponds to a display or a printer. The editing process 6d is executed on the result data, and the graph 11 and the table 12 are displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the analysis process 10 includes a tapping force input 10a step, an acceleration input 10b, an X-axis acceleration integration 10c, a Y-axis acceleration integration 10d, a Z-axis acceleration integration 10e, and a velocity calculation 10f. After the process of electromyogram input 10g, the process of time series data acquisition, the process of absolute value data acquisition 10i and the process of data analysis 10j, and the process of output of result data 10k are completed.

  The analysis process 10 includes tapping force data from the force sensor 2d, acceleration data in three directions of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis from the acceleration sensor 3, and electromyogram data from the electromyograph 14 via the interface 4e. Is stored in the storage device 4g, the velocity data is calculated by causing the central processing unit 4f to calculate the acceleration data in the three directions, and the time-series data of the tapping force data, electromyogram data, acceleration data, and velocity data; The absolute value data is output through the interface 4e.

  The step of tapping force input 10a, the step of acceleration input 10b, and the step of electromyogram input 10g are executed in parallel. After the step of acceleration input 10b, the steps from the X-axis acceleration integration 10c to the speed calculation 10f are performed. Is executed.

  In the step of tapping force input 10a, the central processing unit 4f gives an instruction so as to fetch the detection data from the force sensor 2d to the storage device 4g via the interface 4e.

  In the step of the acceleration input 10b, the central processing unit 4f gives an instruction so as to capture the detection data from the acceleration sensor 3 to the storage device 4g via the interface 4e.

  In the process of the electromyogram input 10g, the central processing unit 4f instructs the storage device 4g to capture the detection data from the electromyograph 14 via the interface 4e.

  In the step of X-axis acceleration integration 10c, acceleration data in the storage device 4g is acquired, and the central processing unit 4f integrates the three-dimensional acceleration data in the X-axis direction and converts it into velocity data. The result is temporarily stored in the storage device 4g.

  In the step of Y-axis acceleration integration 10d, acceleration data in the storage device 4g is acquired, and the central processing unit 4f integrates the three-dimensional acceleration data in the Y-axis direction and converts it into velocity data. The result is temporarily stored in the storage device 4g.

  In the step of Z-axis acceleration integration 10e, the acceleration data in the storage device 4g is read, and the central processing unit 4f integrates the three-dimensional acceleration data in the Z-axis direction and converts it into velocity data. The result is temporarily stored in the storage device 4g.

  The speed calculation process 10f reads the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis speed data obtained in the X-axis acceleration integration 10c, Y-axis acceleration integration 10d, and Z-axis acceleration integration 10e processes, and the central processing unit 4f adds them. Aggregate to find the speed. The calculated data is stored in the storage device 4g.

  After the step of tapping force input 10a, the step of velocity calculation 10f, and the step of input of electromyogram 10g are executed, the steps of time series data acquisition 10h and absolute value data acquisition 10i are executed. Note that, after the absolute value data acquisition 10i, the process of data analysis 10j is executed.

  In the process of time series data acquisition 10h, the tapping force data, acceleration data, speed data, and electromyogram data are all acquired. The time series data is stored in the storage device 4g as output data.

  In the process of obtaining absolute value data 10i, data at a specific time such as tapping force data, acceleration data, velocity data, and electromyogram data is obtained. The absolute value data is temporarily stored in the storage device 4g.

  In the step of data analysis 10j, it is determined whether the absolute value data is a transient response or a steady response, and processing corresponding to that is performed. The analyzed absolute value data is stored in the storage device 4g as output data.

  The transient response is seen when the tapping force data is lower than a certain value. As the tapping force data becomes stronger, the speed data becomes faster. Therefore, it is necessary to process the speed data with the tapping force data. is there.

  The steady response is seen when the tapping force data exceeds a certain value, and even if the tapping force data becomes strong, the speed data shows a substantially constant value, so regardless of the tapping force data, Can handle speed data.

  After the steps of time series data acquisition 10h and data analysis 10j are executed, the step of result data output 10k is executed.

  In the result data output 10k step, the result data stored in the storage device 4g is output to the outside via the interface 4e. That is, the result data is sent for display on the computer 6.

  FIG. 16 is an example of a graph showing an analysis result displayed on the computer of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the graph 11 shows the change over time with respect to the data detected by the acceleration sensor 3 and converted into the speed, and the vertical axis represents the speed (unit: centimeters). Meter per second) and time on the horizontal axis (unit: milliseconds).

  The graph 11 draws wavy smooth curves 11a and 11b having different amplitudes. The characteristic points on the graph 11 include a tapping peak time 11c, an operation start time 11d, and a speed peak time 11e.

  The tapping peak time 11c is the time when the tapping force becomes maximum from the moment of tapping, and is about 15 milliseconds on average. The average tapping force at tapping peak 11c is 84.9 N (unit: Newton).

  The motion start time 11d is a time point when the foot starts to move due to stretch reflection, and is delayed by about 30 milliseconds from the hitting peak time 11c. On average, it is about 49 milliseconds.

  The speed peak time 11e is a time point when the speed of the foot becomes maximum, and is about 211 milliseconds on average. The speed at the peak speed 11e is 55.2 centimeters per second on average. After the peak speed 11e, the speed gradually decreases.

  Moreover, the difference in the hitting strength by the force sensor 2d is compared. The curve 11a is a case where the tapping is strong, and the curve 11b is a case where the tapping is weak. The stronger the tapping strength, the greater the movement speed of the foot.

  However, with regard to the strength of hitting, if the force is hit strongly up to a certain force, the speed of movement of the foot increases. However, when the force exceeds a certain force, the speed is almost constant thereafter.

  FIG. 17 is a graph showing the tapping force data, velocity data and electromyogram data of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention in time series, and FIG. 18 shows the tapping force data of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention. It is the table | surface which showed the absolute value data of speed data and electromyogram data. The graph 15 is an example of measurement data of a healthy person.

  A graph 15 in FIG. 17 shows the tapping force data 15a, the velocity data 15b, and the electromyogram data 15c at the same time by taking time on the horizontal axis. For the tapping force data 15a, the unit of the vertical axis is N (Newton), and for the velocity data 15b, the unit of the vertical axis is centimeter per second.

  Time points characteristic in the graph 15, that is, a peak tapping time 15d, an electromyogram start time 15e, an operation start time 15f, a peak velocity time 15g, an electromyogram latency 15h, a tapping-operation start time 15i, an electromyogram The operation start time 15j, the operation acceleration time 15k, and the hit-peak speed time 15l are measured.

  It is possible to diagnose whether it is normal or abnormal by measuring the temporal deviation of the tapping force data, velocity data and electromyogram data.

  The peak tapping time 15d is a point in time when the tapping force is maximum in the tapping force data 15a. Immediately after hitting, the hitting force becomes maximum, and then it falls off immediately and disappears.

  The electromyogram start time 15e is a time point when a change in the electric potential of the muscle starts to occur in the electromyogram data 15c, that is, a time point when the extension of the muscle due to the hitting of the tendon is detected. After a few moments of hitting, the wave gradually decreases after changing to draw a large wave in the negative and positive directions.

  The motion start time 15f is the time when the foot or the like starts to move due to the stretch reflex in the velocity data 15b, that is, when the signal from the nerve to the muscle is transmitted and the muscle strength exceeds a certain level and the muscle starts the reflex operation. is there. The speed gradually increases after starting to move.

  The peak speed time 15g is a time point at which the speed becomes maximum after the foot or the like starts moving in the speed data 15b. After the peak speed time of 15 g, the speed gradually decreases.

  The electromyogram latency 15h is the time from the peak tapping time 15d to the electromyogram start time 15e. The hit-operation start time 15i is a time from the peak hit time 15d to the operation start time 15f. The electromyogram-motion start time 15j is a time from the electromyogram start time 15e to the motion start time 15f.

  The operation acceleration time 15k is a time from the operation start time 15f to the peak speed time 15g. The hit-peak speed time 15l is a time from the peak hit time 15d to the peak speed time 15g.

  The waveform of the tapping force data 15a tends to indicate a pointed state when the bone is hit by mistake. It is possible to check whether or not the tapping force data 15a is a tapping mistake, and the accuracy of the data can be improved. Further, since it is possible to determine a tapping mistake, it can be applied to education of a technique in which a medical person or the like induces a stretch reflex.

  Abnormalities can also be diagnosed with respect to the waveform of the electromyogram data 15c. If the electromyogram latency 15h is long and the change in potential is small, it indicates that the nerve function is degraded. Further, if the time during which the potential is changed is long, it indicates that the stretch reflection is enhanced.

  Table 16 shown in FIG. 18 shows the average 16b and standard deviation 16c for the item 16a. Similarly to the graph 15, Table 16 also illustrates the measurement data of healthy persons as an example.

  For item 16a, peak tapping force, peak velocity, velocity / tapping force, peak tapping time 15d, electromyogram start time 15e, operation start time 15f, peak velocity time 15g, electromyogram latency 15h, tapping-operation start There are a time 15i, an electromyogram-motion start time 15j, a motion acceleration time 15k, and a tapping-peak speed time 15l.

  The peak tapping force has an average 16b of 84.9 N (Newton) and a standard deviation 16c of 37.8 N (Newton). The peak speed has an average 16b of 55.2 centimeters per second and a standard deviation 16c of 17.2 centimeters per second. As for the speed / tapping force, the average 16b is 0.8 cm / (sN), and the standard deviation 16c is 0.3 cm / (sN).

  The peak tapping time 15d has an average 16b of 15 milliseconds and a standard deviation 16c of 1 millisecond. The electromyogram start time 15e has an average 16b of 28 milliseconds and a standard deviation 16c of 1 millisecond. The operation start time 15f has an average 16b of 49 milliseconds and a standard deviation 16c of 5 milliseconds.

  The peak speed time 15g has an average 16b of 211 milliseconds and a standard deviation 16c of 7 milliseconds. The electromyogram latency 15h has an average 16b of 13 milliseconds and a standard deviation 16c of 2 milliseconds. The hit-motion start time 15i has an average 16b of 34 milliseconds and a standard deviation 16c of 4 milliseconds.

  The electromyogram-motion start time 15j has an average 16b of 21 milliseconds and a standard deviation 16c of 5 milliseconds. The motion acceleration time 15k has an average 16b of 162 milliseconds and a standard deviation 16c of 8 milliseconds. The hit-peak speed time 15l has an average 16b of 196 milliseconds and a standard deviation 16c of 7 milliseconds.

  Regarding the data relating to time, it can be said that since the standard deviation 16c is small, the variation is small. Since the standard deviation 16c is large for data not related to time, it can be said that the variation is large. Therefore, it may be better to classify data other than time series based on the tendency of the data.

  FIG. 19 is a graph showing whether the response is a transient response or a steady response with respect to the tapping force and speed of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention. The vertical axis represents speed (unit: centimeter per second), and the horizontal axis represents tapping force (unit: Newton).

  The graph 17 shows how the moving speed of the foot or the like changes when the tapping force is changed for the same person to be measured 7. In the graph 17, the tendency changes when the tapping force is 60 N (Newton).

  When the tapping force is up to 60 N (Newton), the speed tends to increase as the tapping strength increases. When the tapping force exceeds 60 N (Newton), the speed becomes almost constant. However, the tapping force at the time when the speed becomes constant differs depending on the person to be measured 7.

  In the transient response 17a up to 60N (Newton), it is necessary to handle the speed in consideration of the tapping force, but in the steady response 17b exceeding 60N (Newton), the speed can be handled regardless of the tapping force.

  If the force sensor 2d is controlled with an alarm or the like when it is hit with a hitting force greater than the point at which the speed is constant, it is enabled only when the alarm sounds, so that the speed can be adjusted regardless of the hitting force. Data can be detected.

  FIG. 20 is a table showing an estimation of a faulty part by reflection measurement of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 20, Table 12 shows where in the brain, cervical vertebra, thoracic vertebra, lumbar vertebra, or peripheral nerve is damaged based on the measurement results of upper limb reflex and lower limb reflex. The site of failure of the system can be estimated.

  If both the upper and lower limb reflexes are hyperreflexive only on the same side, suspect a brain disorder on the other side. If the upper limb reflex is reduced to increased and the lower limb reflex is increased, cervical spine disorder is suspected. Note that enhanced reflection indicates that extended reflection appears largely, and reduced reflection indicates that extended reflection appears small.

  If the upper limb reflex is normal and the lower limb reflex is elevated, suspect a thoracic spine level disorder. If the upper limb reflex is normal and the lower limb reflex is reduced, the disorder from the lumbar spine to the peripheral nerve is suspected first. If the upper limb reflex is decreased and the lower limb reflex is also decreased, peripheral nerve damage is suspected.

  If an abnormal data is used to estimate a faulty part and then a detailed inspection is performed using an advanced device such as a CT scanner or an MRI, it is not necessary to inspect the extra part. Conversely, it is effective for diagnosing diseases that are easily missed by medical personnel.

  By quantifying the stretch reflex, it is possible to save costs and time, and at the same time, it is effective for early diagnosis of illness and is very beneficial for the doctor and the subject 7 as well.

  FIG. 21 is an overall view when the force sensor and the acceleration sensor of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention are non-contact type sensors. In the stretch reflection measuring apparatus 1a, the tapping force and the reflection behavior are measured using the non-contact type sensor 13.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the cable 8 connected to the hammer device 2 and the cable 8a connected to the acceleration sensor 3 are connected to the non-contact type sensor 13, and the foot of the person to be measured 7 senses the non-contact type sensor 13. Aim to be within range.

  The non-contact type sensor 13 can detect the movement of the foot due to the tapping force or the stretch reflection using a magnetic force or infrared rays from a remote position without attaching a sensor to the joint 7a. The non-contact sensor 13 corresponds to an image analysis device, a magnetic sensor, or the like.

  Even when a non-contact type sensor is used as well as a contact type sensor such as the force sensor 2d or the acceleration sensor 3, the stretch reflection can be evaluated. If the non-contact type sensor is used, the acceleration sensor is applied to the ankle joint 7a. This saves the trouble of attaching 3 and facilitates measurement.

  As described above, the stretch reflex measuring apparatus 1 according to the present invention can estimate the neuropathy site and evaluate the degree of failure by examining stretch reflexes of each muscle of the whole body such as the knee and elbow of the person to be measured 7. In addition, since it is a combination of small devices, it is easy to carry and low cost.

  Furthermore, attaching the acceleration sensor 3 to the fixture 5 makes it easier for the measurer to wear the acceleration sensor 3. Since the acceleration sensor 3 can be installed in the same place every time, it becomes easy to compare with past data. Further, since it is not necessary to attach the skin directly with a tape or the like, it is possible to prevent the skin from being inflamed.

1 is an overall view of a stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention. It is a side view of the hammer device of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention. It is a top view of the hammer of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of a tendon device of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention. It is a perspective view of the stroking device of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention. It is a perspective view of the acceleration sensor of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention. It is a front view of the acceleration sensor of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention. It is a top view of the analyzer of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention. It is a front view of the analyzer of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention. It is a perspective view of the fixture of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention. It is a figure which shows the state which mounted | wore the leg | foot with the fixture of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention, and installed the acceleration sensor. It is a figure which shows the case where it strikes on the measurement subject's knee which is this invention with a stroking device on the knee of a to-be-measured person. It is a figure which shows the state which the to-be-measured person's knee of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention extended by stretch reflection. It is a block diagram regarding the structure of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention. It is a flowchart of the analysis process performed with the analyzer of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention. It is a graph which shows the analysis result displayed on the computer of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention. It is the graph which showed the tapping force data, velocity data, and electromyogram data of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention in time series. It is the table | surface which showed the absolute value data of the tapping force data, velocity data, and electromyogram data of the stretch reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention. It is the graph which showed whether it was a transient response or a steady response regarding the tapping force and speed of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention. It is a table | surface which shows the estimation of the fault site | part by the reflection measurement of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus which is this invention. It is a general view when the force sensor and the acceleration sensor of the stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to the present invention are non-contact sensors.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stretch reflex measuring device 1a Stretch reflex measuring device 2 Stretch device 2a Head 2b Handle 2c Tapping cap 2d Force sensor 2e Terminal 3 Acceleration sensor 3a Sensor 3b Terminal 4 Analyzing device 4a Main body 4b Input terminal 4c Input terminal 4d Output terminal 4e Interface 4f Central processing unit 4g Storage device 5 Fixing device 5a Backing 5b Backing 5c Bending portion 5d Band 5e Band 5f Band 6 Computer 6a Interface 6b Central processing unit 6c Storage device 6d Editing processing 6e Input device 6f Output device 7 Measured 7a joint 7b tendon 8 cable 8a cable 8b cable 8c cable 9 tapping stimulus 9a stretching reflection 10 analysis processing 10a tapping force input 10b acceleration input 10c X-axis acceleration integration 10d Y-axis acceleration integration 10e Z-axis acceleration integration 0f Speed calculation 10g Electromyogram input 10h Time series data acquisition 10i Absolute value data acquisition 10j Data analysis 10k Result data output 11 Graph 11a Curve 11b Curve 11c At hitting peak 11d At operation start 11e At speed peak 12 Table 13 Non-contact sensor 14 electromyograph 15 graph 15a tapping force data 15b velocity data 15c electromyogram data 15d peak tapping time 15e electromyogram start time 15f operation start time 15g peak velocity time 15h electromyogram latency 15i tapping-motion start time 15j muscle Electrogram-Operation start time 15k Operation acceleration time 15l Strike-Peak speed time 16 Table 16a Item 16b Average 16c Standard deviation 17 Graph 17a Transient response 17b Steady response

Claims (6)

  A tendon device with a built-in force sensor, an acceleration sensor attached to the joint of the measurement subject, an analysis device for analyzing and processing data of the force sensor and the acceleration sensor of the tendon device, and processed by the analysis device It consists of a computer that displays the data, and by measuring the stretch reflex induced when the subject's tendon is stimulated with the above-mentioned tendon device, the subject's nervous system damage site is estimated and the degree of failure is evaluated Stretched reflection measuring device characterized in that   The stretch reflection measurement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an electromyograph is connected to the analysis apparatus and electromyogram data is also analyzed.   The stretch reflection measuring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acceleration sensor is installed on a fixture for fixing the joint of the measurement subject.   The analysis process loads the tapping force data from the force sensor, the acceleration data in the three directions of the X, Y, and Z axes from the acceleration sensor and the electromyogram data from the electromyograph into the storage device via the interface. The velocity data is calculated by causing the central processing unit to calculate the acceleration data in the three directions, and the tapping force data, the electromyogram data, the acceleration data, the time series data of the velocity data and the absolute value data are obtained via the interface. The stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein   The absolute value data of tapping force data, electromyogram data, acceleration data, and velocity data are analyzed separately for a transient response case and a steady response case. The stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. 6. The stretched reflection measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor and the acceleration sensor are non-contact sensors.

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