JP2007068623A - Lower limb training apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lower limb training apparatus which enables a user to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the own lower limb physical strength, and to perform a training from the evaluation result. <P>SOLUTION: This lower limb training apparatus is equipped with a load receiving section, at least one load sensor, an arithmetic device, and an outputting device. In this case, the load receiving section has a training utensil to which at least a part of the lower limb of the user is pressed, and a foot placing section on which the foot sole of the user is placed. The load sensor detects the load which is applied to the load receiving section. The arithmetic unit calculates the lower limb physical strength of the user based on the load. The outputting device outputs the arithmetic result of the arithmetic unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a body training apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a lower limb training apparatus.

  Knee diseases and aging cause a decrease in physical strength of the lower limbs. When the physical strength of the lower limbs decreases, walking and stable standing posture become difficult. In elderly people, there is a possibility of causing a fracture due to a fall, and there is a possibility that the fracture may cause a bedridden state. It can be said that strengthening the physical strength of the lower limbs is an extremely important issue for maintaining health.

As a conventional device for strengthening lower limb physical strength, for example, there is a quadriceps muscle strength measuring device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-290301. This quadriceps muscle strength measuring device includes an ankle support, a knee support, a knee height adjusting means, a load detecting means, and a display device. The user fixes the ankle with the ankle support and applies a load to the knee support using the back of the knee. The load is detected by a detector provided on the knee support, and the value is displayed on the display unit. According to this quadriceps muscle strength measuring device, the user can measure the maximum muscle strength of the thigh muscles and can train while checking the strength of the load.
JP-A-11-290301

  When strengthening the physical strength of the lower limbs, it is necessary to perform training with appropriate strength. However, the conventional quadriceps muscle strength measuring device does not provide a means for appropriately determining the intensity of training. In order to perform appropriate training, a doctor, a physical therapist, a professional trainer, etc. I had to get help from. If the user sets the intensity according to his / her own subjectivity, there is a possibility that the effect of training cannot be sufficiently obtained due to insufficient intensity, or there is a risk of injury due to excessive intensity.

  If the lower limb physical strength can be objectively and quantitatively evaluated, the content of training can be appropriately determined based on the evaluation result. If you can evaluate the physical strength of the lower limbs, setting the goal will also promote continuity of training. However, in the conventional quadriceps muscle strength measuring device, the index of the lower limb physical strength is only the maximum muscle strength. Maximum muscle strength varies depending on age, sex, weight, and the like. For this reason, even if the maximum muscular strength is known, it is impossible to objectively grasp whether or not the physical strength of the lower limbs is appropriate.

  The present invention was made to solve the above-described problems, and allows a user to objectively and quantitatively evaluate his / her physical strength of the lower limbs and perform training based on the evaluation results. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a lower limb training apparatus of the present invention includes a load receiving unit including a training tool for pressing at least a part of a user's lower limb and a footrest unit for placing a user's sole. And at least one load sensor for detecting a load applied to the load receiving unit, a calculation device for calculating a lower limb physical strength of a user based on the load, and an output device for outputting a calculation result of the calculation device. .

  With this configuration, it is possible to detect a load generated by pressing the lower limb and evaluate the lower limb physical strength based on the detection result. Since the evaluation result of the lower limb physical strength is output by the output device, the user can objectively and quantitatively evaluate his / her lower limb physical strength, and can perform training with a target based on the evaluation result.

  The lower limb training apparatus of the present invention may further include a storage device that stores the calculation result.

  With this configuration, it is possible to store the evaluation results of the lower limb physical strength. Since the stored evaluation results of the lower limb physical strength are output by the output device, the user can objectively and quantitatively evaluate the fluctuations of his / her lower limb physical strength so far and perform training based on the variations. A sense of accomplishment can be obtained, and a new goal can be set.

  The lower limb training apparatus of the present invention further includes an input device for inputting a user's body specifying information, and the arithmetic device is configured to use the load and the user's body specifying information input by the input device. The lower limb physical strength may be calculated based on the calculation result, and the storage device may store the calculation result and the body specifying information.

  With this configuration, it is possible to evaluate the lower limb physical strength of the user while referring to the body identification information. Therefore, it is possible to perform an appropriate evaluation that is more suitable for the state of the body such as the height, weight, age, and sex of the user.

  In the lower limb training apparatus of the present invention, the lower limb physical strength is lower limb muscle strength per body weight, and the footrest section includes a right footrest section and a left footrest section for placing soles of both feet, Calculates the weight of the user based on the detection result of the load sensor, and the calculation device calculates the load in a state in which the user removes the power of the lower limb in a state where the user places the lower limb on the training tool. A single leg load, and the calculation device uses a difference between the load in a state where the user presses a lower limb on the training tool and the one leg load as a lower limb muscle strength, and the calculation device calculates the weight and the lower limb muscle strength. The lower limb muscle strength per body weight may be calculated based on the above.

  With this configuration, the lower limb muscle strength per body weight can be used as an evaluation index for lower limb physical strength.

In the lower limb training apparatus of the present invention, the lower limb physical strength includes strength of lower limb muscle strength according to age,
The body specifying information includes a user's age, and the calculation device uses the load in a state where the user has removed the lower limb in a state where the user puts the lower limb on the training tool, The apparatus uses the difference between the load in a state where the user presses the lower limb on the training tool and the load on the one leg as the lower limb muscle strength, and the computing device calculates the age based on the age and the lower limb muscle strength. The strength of the corresponding lower limb muscle strength may be calculated.

  With such a configuration, the strength of the lower limb muscle strength according to age can be used as an evaluation index of lower limb physical strength.

  The lower limb training apparatus according to the present invention may further include a timing device, the lower limb physical strength may be a center of gravity swing, and the arithmetic unit may calculate the center of gravity swing based on a detection result of the load sensor.

  With this configuration, it is possible to use center of gravity fluctuation as an evaluation index of lower limb physical strength.

  The lower limb training apparatus of the present invention further includes a timing device, wherein the lower limb physical strength is a small center of gravity fluctuation according to age, the body specifying information includes a user's age, The center-of-gravity fluctuation may be calculated based on the detection result of the load sensor, and the arithmetic unit may calculate the magnitude of the center-of-gravity fluctuation according to the age based on the age and the gravity center fluctuation.

  With such a configuration, the smallness of the center-of-gravity fluctuation according to age can be used as an evaluation index of lower limb physical strength.

  In the lower limb training apparatus of the present invention, the center-of-gravity fluctuation may be a center-of-gravity fluctuation when one leg stands.

  With this configuration, the center-of-gravity fluctuation at the time of standing one leg can be used as an evaluation index of lower limb physical strength. When standing on one leg, it is more difficult to maintain the balance than when standing on both legs, and it is expected to reflect the physical strength of the lower limbs more sensitively. By detecting the sway of the center of gravity when one leg stands, the physical strength of the lower limb can be evaluated more easily and accurately.

  In the lower limb training apparatus of the present invention, the lower limb physical strength is lower limb muscle mass, the footrest section includes a right footrest section and a left footrest section for placing the soles of both feet, and the computing device includes: Based on the detection result of the load sensor, the weight of the user is calculated, and the body specifying information includes the height of the user input by the input device and the calculated weight, and the right footrest unit and The left footrest unit includes a foot electrode for bioimpedance detection, and the computing device computes the lower limb muscle mass based on a bioimpedance detection result using the foot electrode and the body specifying information. Good.

  With this configuration, the lower limb muscle mass can be used as an evaluation index of lower limb physical strength.

  In the lower limb training apparatus of the present invention, the lower limb physical strength is a muscle mass of one leg, and the footrest section includes a right footrest section and a left footrest section for placing soles of both feet, and the computing device Calculates the weight of the user based on the detection result of the load sensor, and the body specifying information includes the height of the user input by the input device and the calculated weight, and further includes an operation unit. The operating unit includes a bioimpedance detection hand electrode, the right foot rest and the left foot rest include a bioimpedance detection foot electrode, and the computing device includes the hand electrode and the foot The lower limb muscle mass may be calculated based on a detection result of bioimpedance using an electrode and the body specifying information.

  With this configuration, the muscle mass of one leg (left leg or right leg) can be used as an evaluation index of lower limb physical strength. If the muscle mass of the leg (lower limb) on the training side is used as an evaluation index, it can lead to more appropriate training.

  In the lower limb training apparatus of the present invention, the calculation device calculates a center-of-gravity sway based on a detection result of the load sensor, and the calculation device is configured to operate the lower limb in a state where a user places the lower limb on the training tool. The load in a state where the force is removed is set as a single leg load, and the calculation device sets the difference between the load in a state where the user presses the lower limb to the training tool and the single leg load as the lower limb muscle strength, The arithmetic unit may output the sway of gravity and the muscle strength of the lower limbs as a two-dimensional graph to the output device.

  With this configuration, the center-of-gravity sway and the lower limb muscle strength are visually output as a graph. It is preferable to use a graph because the physical strength of the lower limb can be grasped visually and clearly.

  In the lower limb training apparatus of the present invention, the load receiving portion has leg rests in front and rear of the training tool, and the training tool is convex upward around a virtual main axis extending in the left-right direction. The left and right end faces are formed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the main shaft, and the training tool may be provided at the center of the upper surface of the load receiving portion along the front-rear axis of the load receiving portion.

  With this configuration, since there are leg rests on the front and rear of the main body, training can be performed comfortably without thighs or calves hitting the corners of the apparatus.

  The lower limb training apparatus of the present invention further includes a timing device, wherein the lower limb physical strength is a single leg standing up time, and the arithmetic unit calculates the one leg standing up time based on a detection result of the load sensor. You may calculate.

  With this configuration, it is possible to use one leg standing up time as an evaluation index of lower limb physical strength.

  The lower limb training apparatus of the present invention further includes a timing device, the lower limb physical strength is a standing stable posture transition time, and the arithmetic device is configured to transfer the standing stable posture based on a detection result of the load sensor. You may calculate time.

  With this configuration, the standing stable posture transition time can be used as an evaluation index for lower limb physical strength.

  In the lower limb training apparatus of the present invention, the arithmetic device determines a training program based on the body specifying information and the lower limb physical strength, and the control device is based on the training program via an output of the output device. , User training may be induced.

  With this configuration, the training program can be appropriately changed based on the body identification information and the evaluation results of the lower limb physical strength. The user can perform training according to the output training program. The user can perform more appropriate training.

  “Body identification information” refers to information that identifies a user's body and includes at least one of the user's name, identification number, height, age, sex, and weight.

  The present invention has the configuration as described above and has the following effects. That is, there is an effect that the user can objectively and quantitatively evaluate his / her lower limb physical strength and can perform training based on the evaluation result.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
[Construction]
The lower limb training apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention generally includes a main body 100 and an operation unit 200. 1, 2, 3, and 4 are a top view, a rear view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the main body 100 of the lower limb training apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are a front view, a top view, and a side view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the operation unit 2 of the lower limb training apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the lower limb training apparatus of the present embodiment will be described separately for hardware and a control system with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

  First, the hardware will be described below. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body 100 of the lower limb training apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a step 101 and legs 102 that support the four corners of the step 101. The step 101 has a substantially rectangular plate-like shape, and leg contact portions 112 (notches) each having a width (about 15 cm) enough to fit a thigh are formed at the center portions of the front end portion and the rear end portion, respectively. ing. A knee receiving portion 103 (lower limb receiving portion) is disposed at the center of the upper surface of the step platform 101 so as to be positioned between the pair of leg rest portions 112 described above. The upper surface of the knee receiving portion 103 is curved so as to protrude upward around a virtual main shaft extending in the left-right direction, and the left and right end surfaces are formed substantially perpendicular to the main shaft. The knee receiving portion 103 includes a base 104 made of hard plastic or the like and a flexible cushion 105, and the cushion 105 is configured to be fitted on the upper surface of the base 104. Accordingly, when the lower limb is placed on the knee receiving portion 103, the back of the knee hits the cushion 105, which is comfortable.

  Further, on the upper surface of the step 101, a right foot rest portion 113 and a left foot rest portion 114 are formed on the right and left sides of the knee receiving portion 103, respectively, which are horizontal flat surfaces for placing the right foot and the left foot. The right foot rest portion 113 is provided with foot electrodes 106A and 106B on the front and rear, and the left foot rest portion 114 is provided with foot electrodes 106C and 106D on the front and rear. According to such a configuration, when the user gets on the platform 101, the toe of the right foot is the foot electrode 106A, the heel of the right foot is the foot electrode 106B, the toe of the left foot is the foot electrode 106C, and the toe of the left foot is the foot electrode 106D. Will come in contact. Further, a curl cord cable 111 is disposed on the front surface of the step board 101, and the main body 100 and the operation unit 200 are connected via the curl cord cable 111.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view when viewed from the direction of the arrow along the line A-A ′ of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, a plate-like back panel 107 is placed on the legs 102, and a load cell 108 </ b> D (load sensor) is disposed on the back panel 107 so as to be positioned above the legs 102. Has been. A support plate 109 is placed on the upper end of the load cell 108D, and the support plate 109 supports the step platform 101 via a spacer 110 made of hemispherical rubber. The step board 101 is formed in a box shape having a lower surface opened by bending a plate material. The spacer 110, the support plate 109, the load cell 108D, and the back panel 107 are accommodated in the internal space of the step board 101, and the leg 102 is formed. Projecting downward from the platform 101. When viewed from the top, the step 101, the support plate 109, and the back panel 107 have substantially the same size and shape, but the step 101 is separated (floating) from the support plate 109 and the back panel 107. . The load on the step 101 is supported by the legs 102 via the spacer 110 and the load cell 108D. FIG. 4 shows one of the four corners of the main body 100, and the other three corners have the same configuration. With this structure, the load on the step 101 can be detected by four load cells. The support plate 109 needs to have sufficient strength, and it is preferable to use a metal plate having an appropriate thickness. The number of the spacers 110 is not necessarily the same as the number of the legs 102 and the load cells.

  In the lower limb training apparatus of the present embodiment, the knee receiving unit 103 corresponds to a training tool. The step 101 and the knee support 103 constitute a load receiver. The load cells 108 </ b> A to 108 </ b> D (load sensors) detect the load applied on both the step platform 101 and the knee support portion 103.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the operation unit 200 of the lower limb training apparatus of this embodiment includes an input unit 201 (input device) having a plurality of buttons and a display unit 202 (display device) on the front surface, and an upper surface. Are provided with hand electrodes 203A and 203B on the right and left, respectively, and hand electrodes 203C and 203D on the right and left of the lower surface, respectively. According to this configuration, when holding the operation unit 200 with the right hand and the left hand, the right index finger and middle finger are the hand electrode 203A, the right hand thumb is the hand electrode 203B, the left index finger and the middle finger are the hand electrode 203C, and the left hand The thumb comes into contact with the hand electrode 203D. A speaker 204 is also provided inside the operation unit 200. In the present embodiment, the display unit 202 and the speaker 204 correspond to an output device. A curl cable 111 is connected to the back surface of the operation unit 200. In the present embodiment, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL display is used for the display unit 202.

  Next, the configuration of the control system provided in the lower limb training apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a control system of the lower limb training apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the control system of the lower limb training apparatus has a control unit 301 (arithmetic apparatus) including an arithmetic processing apparatus such as a CPU. The control unit 301 is connected to a storage unit 302 (storage device) including a nonvolatile memory via a bus. The storage unit 302 stores a program and various parameters for performing the operation of the lower limb training apparatus according to the present embodiment. The control unit 301 and the storage unit 302 are connected to the I / O 305. The I / O 305 is also connected to a timing device 303 including an impedance detection circuit 304, load cells 108A to 108D, an input unit 201, a display unit 202, a speaker 204, and a clock circuit with a calendar. The hand electrodes 203A to 203D, the input unit 201, the display unit 202, and the speaker 204 are disposed on the operation unit 200, and the foot electrodes 106A to 106D and the load cells 108A to 108D are disposed on the main body 100. The impedance detection circuit 304, the I / O 305, the timing device 303, the control unit 301, and the storage unit 302 may be disposed in any of the main body 100 or the operation unit 200. The impedance detection circuit 304 may be provided with two systems for hand electrodes and foot electrodes.

  Next, the schematic operation of the control system provided in the lower limb training apparatus of this embodiment will be described. The impedance detection circuit 304 is connected to the foot electrodes 106A to 106D and the hand electrodes 203A to 203D. The foot electrodes 106A to 106D, the hand electrodes 203A to 203D, and the impedance detection circuit 304 detect bioimpedance by a known method. The timing device 303 measures the current time and outputs it to the control unit 301 via the I / O 305 as appropriate. The current time and date that the time measuring device 303 keeps time is appropriately rewritten according to the command from the control unit 301 in accordance with the input from the input unit 201. The detection results of the impedance detection circuit 304 and the load cells 108A to 108D and signals from the input unit 201 and the timing device 303 are sent to the control unit 301 and stored in the storage unit 302 as appropriate. The control unit 301 performs calculations according to the programs and data stored in the storage unit 302 and outputs the calculation results to the time measuring device 303, the display unit 202, and the speaker 204 as appropriate.

  The load cells 108A to 108D are linked to the I / O 305, the control unit 301, and the storage unit 302 by a known method to detect the weight of the user on the platform 101, a load detection device that detects the load on the knee support unit 103. And a gravity center fluctuation detection apparatus that detects the fluctuation of the center of gravity of the user on the platform 101. The foot electrodes 106A to 106D and the hand electrodes 203A to 203D are linked to the impedance detection circuit 304, the I / O 305, the control unit 301, and the storage unit 302 by a known method, and are connected to a bioimpedance detection device (muscle mass detection device, body composition). Detection device).

With this configuration and operation, the lower limb training apparatus according to the present embodiment stores the height, age, and the like of the user, detects the weight and muscle mass of the user, the load received by the knee support unit 103, and the like. Guide the user's lower limb training based on the contents and detection results.
[how to use]
Next, the usage mode at the time of training is demonstrated. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a usage mode of the lower limb training apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, in use, the lower limb training apparatus is placed on the floor. One leg of the user is bent gently and the back of the knee is placed on the cushion 105 of the knee support 103. The other leg of the user is stretched and placed on the floor, and the operation unit 200 is held by hand. The input unit 201 is operated, and the control unit 301 is instructed to start training. Upon receiving the instruction, the control unit 301 stores the load detected by the load cells 108A to 108D in the storage unit 302 as an initial load (one leg load). Thereafter, the control unit 301 outputs a training start signal by voice through the speaker 204. The user presses the knee receiving part 103 with the soles of the legs placed on the knee receiving part 103 after receiving a signal to start training. The control unit 301 calculates the difference between the load detected by the load cells 108A to 108D and the stored initial load. This difference (pressing) is a load generated when the user presses the knee receiving portion while applying a force to the lower limb, and this maximum value corresponds to the maximum muscular strength (lower limb strength) of the user's lower limb. The lower limb training apparatus displays this difference on the display unit 202 immediately (in real time). Thereby, the user can perform training while objectively grasping how much pressure is actually applied to the knee receiving unit 103. The process from pushing the knee support portion 103 with the back of the knee and applying a predetermined load to the knee support portion 103 until the force is weakened is hereinafter referred to as one training operation.
[Operation]
Next, specific operations of the lower limb training apparatus of the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation program of the lower limb training apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an outline of the operation will be described with reference to FIG. 10, and then a detailed description of each step will be given.

  First, when the power is turned on, step S1 is executed. In step S1, an initial setting routine such as the current time is executed. If the initial setting has already been performed, the initial setting may be omitted. When step S1 is completed, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, a body identification information input routine is executed. In the body specifying information input routine, data such as height, sex, age (or date of birth), weight, etc. is input and stored for each user. If the body identification information is already stored at the time of past use, the input may be omitted. When step S2 is completed, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, a lower limb physical strength evaluation routine is executed. In the lower limb physical strength evaluation routine, parameters that are indicators of lower limb physical strength, such as lower limb strength, muscle mass, center-of-gravity sway, and time for standing one leg, are calculated. When step S3 is completed, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, a training program creation routine is executed. In the training program creation routine, a training program is created or input based on the body identification information input in step S2 and the lower limb physical strength calculated in step S3. When step S4 is completed, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, a training guidance routine is executed. In the training guidance routine, user training is guided according to the training program created in step S4. The user can perform effective training according to the guidance of the device.

Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail.
(Initial setting)
First, the initial setting routine in step S1 will be described. In the lower limb training apparatus of this embodiment, initial setting is performed when the power is turned on for the first time after purchase. When performing initial setting, the input unit 201 is operated (for example, an initial setting button is provided and pressed), and the lower limb training apparatus is set to the initial setting mode. After the operation mode of the lower limb training apparatus is set to the initial setting mode, data such as the date and time at the time of operation is input by operating the input unit 201. The data of the timing device 303 is updated according to the input date and time. The lower limb training apparatus includes a built-in battery and a calendar circuit (not shown), and once the date and time are entered, the current time is automatically updated. The date and time may be input at the time of factory shipment.
(Input of body specific information)
Next, the body identification information input routine in step S2 will be described. In the lower limb training apparatus of this embodiment, when using each user for the first time, body specific information is input. Alternatively, when inputting the body identification information, the input unit 201 is operated (for example, a body identification information input button is provided and pressed), and the lower limb training apparatus executes the body identification information input routine. It is good as well. When the body identification information input routine is executed, information for identifying the user's body (hereinafter, body identification information) such as the user's name, height, age, and sex is input by operating the input unit 201. Is done. The body specifying information is stored together with the personal identification number of the user (for example, if the number of users is 4 at the maximum, it may be a natural number up to 4). Instead of the identification number, a name may be input, and the name may be used to identify the user. Once the body identification information has been input, the input of the body identification information may be omitted by selecting a personal identification number at the time of activation. Although the body weight is also the body identification information, in the present embodiment, the body weight of the user may be detected in the body identification information input routine and the obtained body weight may be stored. When detecting the weight, it is preferable to have footrests on the left and right sides of the top surface of the platform 101. When an error occurs in the weight detection result due to clothes or the like, the input weight may be used. Clothing correction may be performed.
(Evaluation of lower limb physical strength)
Next, the lower limb physical strength evaluation routine in step S3 will be described. In the present invention, various parameters are conceivable as parameters that can be used as an indicator of lower limb physical strength. In the lower limb training apparatus of this embodiment, the mode selection menu is displayed on the display unit 202 when the lower limb physical strength evaluation routine is executed. The user can select which of the parameters is used to evaluate the lower limb physical strength. In the present embodiment, the following parameters are used as an example of lower limb physical strength.

  The first is the lower limb muscle strength corrected based on the body specifying information. This parameter is a numerical value obtained by correcting the lower limb muscle strength obtained by the above-described method with body specifying information (weight, height, age). The larger the body and the heavier the weight (the higher the height), the higher the leg strength. Moreover, it is considered that the lower limb muscle strength decreases as the age increases. By correcting the lower limb muscle strength by weight, height, and age, the lower limb physical strength can be grasped by a unified index. Various correction methods are conceivable. For example, the lower limb muscle strength per unit weight (unit height) obtained by dividing the lower limb muscle strength by the body weight (height) may be used as the lower limb physical strength. The lower limb physical strength may be the strength of the lower limb muscle strength according to age. In this case, the correlation between the age and the lower limb muscle strength is obtained from the statistical data, and the lower limb muscle strength detected by the average value of the lower limb muscle strength at the age of the user is divided (an index for the average value is obtained). The corrected lower limb strength (index) is displayed as a numerical value on the display device. The user can objectively grasp his / her lower limb physical strength by the index. It is preferable that the standard lower limb muscle strength to be compared is also displayed at the same time because the comparison becomes easier. There is not necessarily one parameter associated with the lower limb strength, and the average lower limb strength and index may be calculated by combining age, height, weight, and sex.

  The second is sway of the center of gravity. It is said that the ability to maintain a stable standing posture is derived from the fluctuation of the center of gravity. Gravity sway indicates static balance ability that is the basic of walking as muscle strength and joint stability including ligaments and meniscus which are joint components, and is an important check item of lower limb physical strength Yes. In the present embodiment, the main body 100 includes four load cells 108A to 108D. In the present embodiment, the position of the center of gravity is calculated by detecting loads at a plurality of (preferably three or more) parts. In the case where the center-of-gravity swing is used as the physical strength of the lower limbs, after the training is completed or before the training, the user gets on the platform 101 and operates the input unit 201 of the operation unit 200 to select the center-of-gravity swing detection mode. When the center-of-gravity fluctuation detection mode is selected, the control unit 301 uses a detection value by each load cell, and a program stored in the storage unit 302 (the calculation method can be a well-known one, so that the description is omitted). ), The position of the center of gravity (the center of gravity of the load applied to the upper surface of the step 101) is calculated. The obtained barycentric position is stored in the storage unit 302 together with the time data received from the timing device 303. When the center of gravity position is detected for a predetermined time, the control unit 301 ends the center of gravity fluctuation detection mode and displays the result. The detection result of the center of gravity fluctuation may be displayed as a numerical value such as the distance of movement of the center of gravity at a predetermined time, the average moving speed, the area of a figure (rectangle, polygon, circle, etc.) surrounding the locus of the center of gravity, or the like It may be displayed by drawing a locus on the graph. When detecting the center of gravity fluctuation, it is possible to stand up with both legs, or stand up with one leg. When standing on one leg, it is difficult to maintain a better balance, so it is expected that the physical strength of the lower limbs will be reflected more sensitively. When detecting the fluctuation of the center of gravity when one leg stands, the number of footrests may be one. The standard amount of center-of-gravity fluctuation also changes with age, height, weight, and the like. If the result of the center of gravity fluctuation is corrected and displayed by body identification information such as age, height, and weight, and can be compared, it is preferable that the user can grasp the lower limb physical strength more objectively. For example, the lower limb physical strength may be a sway of the center of gravity according to age. In this case, the correlation between the age and the center of gravity fluctuation is obtained from the statistical data, and the detection result of the center of gravity fluctuation of the user is divided by the average value of the center of gravity fluctuation at the age of the user (an index for the average value is obtained). The corrected center of gravity fluctuation (index) is displayed as a numerical value on the display device. The user can objectively grasp his / her lower limb physical strength by the index. It is preferable that the standard center-of-gravity fluctuation to be compared is also displayed at the same time because the comparison becomes easier. There is not necessarily one parameter associated with the center of gravity fluctuation, and the average center of gravity fluctuation or index may be calculated by combining age, height, weight, and sex. The detection result of the center of gravity fluctuation and the lower limb muscle strength detected by the above-described method may be output on a two-dimensional graph. It is preferable to use a graph because the physical strength of the lower limb can be grasped visually and clearly.

  The third uses bioimpedance. The lower limb training apparatus of this embodiment includes foot electrodes 106A to 106D, hand electrodes 203A to 203D, and an impedance detection circuit 304. With this configuration, various indices related to the lower limb physical strength can be calculated based on the bioelectrical impedance and the body specifying information stored in the storage unit 302. A typical index of lower limb physical strength obtained using bioelectrical impedance is the muscle mass of the lower limb (lower limb muscle mass). Hereinafter, the case where the lower limb muscle mass is the lower limb physical strength will be described as an example. After the training is completed or before the training, the user gets on the step board 101 and operates the input unit 201 of the operation unit 200 to select the lower limb muscle mass detection mode. At this time, the user contacts the toe of the right foot with the foot electrode 106A, the heel of the right foot with the foot electrode 106B, the toe of the left foot with the foot electrode 106C, and the heel of the left foot with the foot electrode 106D. Further, the right index finger and middle finger are brought into contact with the hand electrode 203A, the right thumb is brought into contact with the hand electrode 203B, the left index finger and middle finger are brought into contact with the hand electrode 203C, and the left hand thumb is brought into contact with the hand electrode 203D. When the lower limb muscle mass detection mode is selected, the control unit 301 uses the foot electrodes 106A to 106D, the hand electrodes 203A to 203D, the detection result by the impedance detection circuit 304, and the weight and height stored in the storage unit 302. The lower limb muscle mass is calculated according to a program stored in the storage unit 302 (a description of the calculation method is omitted because a known method can be used). The obtained lower limb muscle mass is stored in the storage unit 302 together with the time data received from the timing device 303. When the calculation of the lower limb muscle mass is completed, the control unit 301 ends the lower limb muscle mass detection mode and displays the result. According to this configuration, the user can grasp the lower limb muscle mass as a quantitative index of the lower limb physical strength. It is preferable that the obtained lower limb muscle mass is corrected and displayed by body specifying information such as age, height, weight, etc. so that the user can grasp the lower limb physical strength more objectively. When both the foot electrode and the hand electrode are provided, the muscle mass of each part of the body (left and right legs, arms, etc.) can be detected. According to this configuration, the muscle mass of the leg (left leg or right leg) that is the subject of training can be selectively detected, and the training effect can be grasped more accurately. In addition, when detecting lower limb muscle mass (average or total of muscle mass of both legs), it is good also as a structure which is not provided with a hand electrode but is provided only with a foot electrode. With this configuration, the lower limb physical strength can be evaluated with a simpler configuration.

  The fourth is to measure the time associated with certain movements performed using the lower limbs. The lower limb training apparatus of this embodiment includes four load cells, and further includes a timing device. According to such a configuration, it is possible to calculate the time from the sitting position (squatting posture) to the standing stable posture (the standing stable posture transition time) and the time for standing on one leg (one leg standing up time).

  When the standing stable posture transition time is used as the lower limb physical strength, the user places both legs on the stepping platform, operates the operation unit 200 in a squatting state, and selects the standing stable posture transition time detection mode. When the mode is selected, the control unit 301 outputs an operation start signal to the display unit 201 and the speaker 204. Upon receiving the signal, the user stands up from the squatting state and stabilizes the center of gravity as soon as possible. The control unit 301 starts detecting the center of gravity fluctuation (see above) from the time when the signal is output. When the standing posture is stabilized and the center-of-gravity fluctuation per unit time falls below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 301 calculates the elapsed time from the output of the signal and outputs the result as the standing stable posture transition time. If the lower limb physical strength is high, the standing stable posture transition time is shortened. With this configuration, the user can objectively and comprehensively grasp his / her physical strength of the lower limbs using the standing stable posture transition time as an index.

  When the one leg standing up time is set as the lower limb physical strength, the user stands with both legs on the stepping platform and operates the operation unit 200 to select the one leg standing up time detection mode. When the mode is selected, the control unit 301 outputs an operation start signal to the display unit 201 and the speaker 204. Upon receiving the signal, the user starts standing on one leg on the platform 101. At the same time, the control unit 301 starts load detection using the detected value of the load cell. When the user's standing balance is lost and both legs are on the ground, the load detection results vary greatly. The control unit 301 determines that the one-leg stand is finished when the load fluctuation exceeds the threshold value. The control part 301 calculates the elapsed time from the said signal using the input from the time measuring device 303, and displays it as one leg standing up time. If the lower limb strength is high, the one leg standing up time becomes longer. In such a configuration, the user can objectively and comprehensively grasp the physical strength of his / her lower limbs using the time when one leg can stand up as an index.

Various evaluation indexes other than those described above can be considered as the lower limb physical strength evaluation index. Any index may be used as long as the lower limb physical strength can be evaluated based on the detection result of the load sensor or the detection result of the impedance detection circuit.
(Create training program)
Next, the training program creation routine in step S4 will be described. In the lower limb training apparatus of the present embodiment, a training program is created based on the body identification information input in step S2 and the lower limb physical strength evaluation index calculated in step S3. The training program in the present embodiment includes, for example, the number of training operations to be performed (number of operations), a pressure that serves as a reference for counting the training operations (target pressing), a time to be used for one training operation (operation time), a predetermined amount It is specified by the time to maintain the pressure (press maintenance time) and the time interval (motion interval) to be taken between individual training operations.

  For example, the lower limb training apparatus of this embodiment uses age (the age may be an age such as 30s, 40s, 50s, etc.), gender, height, and weight as body specifying information. The control unit 301 uses the body identification information and the data table (which may be a regression equation) stored in the storage unit 302 to use a standard center-of-gravity level (eg, within a predetermined time) for the user's age, sex, and the like. The center of gravity movement distance) is obtained. The determined standard center-of-gravity level is compared with the level of center-of-gravity detected for the user. Finally, a training program is determined based on the result of the comparison. For example, if the level of sway of the user's center of gravity is much lower than the standard, the physical strength of the lower limbs is significantly insufficient. In such a case, it is necessary to set up a training program so as not to cause an excessive load on the lower limbs. On the other hand, if the load is too small, the training effect cannot be improved. In the present embodiment, the target pressure (for example, 5 kg), the number of operations (for example, 10 times), the pressure maintaining time (for example, 10 seconds), and the operation interval (for example, 10 seconds) are appropriately set based on the statistical data. Thus, a sufficient training effect can be achieved while preventing an excessive burden on the lower limbs.

  The training program may be input by the user. In this case, based on the body identification information and the lower limb physical strength evaluation index, the user himself / herself determines a training program while using other materials and inputs the training program via the input unit 201.

The target pressure in the training program may be a value obtained by multiplying the maximum muscle strength (lower limb strength) by a predetermined ratio. In isometric training, the preferred range of training intensity (%) for the maximum muscle strength and the required contraction time (seconds) is known (Hettinger T., translated by Michio Ukai and Hideharu Matsui, “Isometric Training” Daishukan Shoten 1970, p. 98, p. 112, p. 117, pp. 183-192). In the present embodiment, as a training program, it is preferable that the target pressure is 60-70% of the maximum muscle strength and the muscle contraction time is 6-10 seconds. Alternatively, it is preferable that the target pressure is 80-90% of the maximum muscle strength and the muscle contraction time is 4-6 seconds. By determining the target pressure based on the maximum muscle strength, it is possible to grasp the physical condition of the trainer on the day of training by measuring the maximum muscle strength, and to train the optimal exercise (training) in that state, even if there are no medical workers. Can be provided. Therefore, excessive strength and insufficient strength can be prevented.
(Induction of training)
Next, the training guidance routine in step S5 will be described. In the lower limb training apparatus of the present embodiment, the lower limb training by the user is guided through the output of the output device based on the training program created in step S4. The user places the back of the knee on the knee receiving unit 103 and performs training by pressing the knee receiving unit 103 on the back of the knee in accordance with the announcement from the speaker 204 or the display on the display unit 202. The control unit 301 detects a press according to a predetermined program and displays the result on the display unit 202. Furthermore, the control unit 301, when the pressure reaches the target pressure, when the pressure exceeds the target pressure and the pressure maintenance time has elapsed, or when the number of training operations after starting the training reaches the number of operations Or the like is output to the speaker 204 or the display unit 202. With this operation, the user can easily perform training according to the set training program. In addition, since a goal is set for the training and the training can be performed according to the goal, it leads to continuity of training.
(Supplement)
Note that the initial setting, input of body identification information, evaluation of lower limb physical strength, and creation of a training program are not necessarily performed at each training, and may be omitted as appropriate. Alternatively, in principle, training is guided according to the training program set immediately before, and if necessary, the operation unit 200 is operated to perform initial setting, input of body identification information, evaluation of lower limb physical strength, training program It is good also as making.
[effect]
As described above, according to the lower limb training apparatus of this embodiment, the lower limb physical strength can be evaluated using a predetermined parameter as an index. Accordingly, the user can objectively and quantitatively grasp the physical strength of his / her lower limbs and perform training based on the evaluation result.

  The user performs training by pressing the back of the knee against the knee support portion 103. However, since the site where the force is applied (power point) is the back of the knee, the burden on the knee joint can be reduced as much as possible. Since the cushion 105 is fitted on the upper surface of the knee support portion 103, the contact with the back of the knee is soft, which is suitable for training. Since there are leg rests 112 at the front and rear of the main body 100, the thighs and calves can be trained comfortably without hitting the corners of the apparatus. Since the knee receiving portion 103 used for training and the main body 100 for detecting weight and the like are integrally formed, the entire apparatus is compact and easy to use. Since a common load cell is used for the sensor that detects the load received by the knee support portion 103 during training and the sensor that detects the weight and center of gravity fluctuation of the user riding on the main body 100, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. Can do.

If a load cell and an electrode are used, not only an indicator of lower limb physical strength but also various health indicators such as body fat percentage and blood circulation can be detected, which is useful as a comprehensive health maintenance support device.
[Modification]
The operation unit 200 is not essential, and all input systems and output systems may be formed integrally with the main body 100. In this case, the bioimpedance may be detected using only the foot electrodes 106A to 106D without providing the hand electrodes 203A to 203D.

  The number of load cells is not necessarily four, and may be more or less than four.

  During each training, the value of bioimpedance before and after exercise and the amount of change thereof may be accumulated, and the training program may be updated periodically (for example, every certain number of times) using the accumulated data. By appropriately modifying the training program, it is possible to perform training more appropriately according to body fluctuations. You may comprise so that the accumulated data can be displayed. Thereby, the effect of training can be grasped objectively.

  Various indices other than muscle mass can be used as an index of lower limb physical strength using bioelectrical impedance. For example, body composition such as BMI, body fat percentage, body fat mass, visceral fat area index, muscle percentage, muscle level, basal metabolic rate, estimated bone mass, water content, moisture distribution, dehydration, muscle cross section and tension Physical information such as degree, degree of extension, or blood circulation index may be calculated, and the calculation result may be displayed. The calculation is basically performed using the correlation equation of each parameter obtained from the data of the group of people. By outputting the calculation result, the user can perform training while checking the body composition and body information in addition to the physical strength of the lower limbs. For example, the effects of training can be easily known through changes in body composition.

  You may memorize | store the past leg physical strength evaluation index | exponent and the effectiveness of training in the memory | storage part 302 with the date and time which performed training. The stored past lower limb physical strength evaluation index and training effectiveness may be displayed as a numerical value or a graph along a time series. Thereby, the effect of the training performed in the past can be clearly grasped through objective indices such as body composition, physical information, and the effectiveness of training. You may enable it to display the calculation result of body composition and body information at times other than during training.

  Bioelectrical impedance may be detected during training. Since the operation unit 200 includes the hand electrodes 203A to 203D, the bioimpedance can be detected even during lower limb training. You may monitor the load amount to the leg under training by bioimpedance. For example, by calculating and displaying the degree of muscle contraction from the bioelectrical impedance detected during training, it is possible to train while grasping the load on the body in real time. When the degree of muscle contraction exceeds a certain standard, a warning may be output from the display unit 202 or the speaker 204. According to such a configuration, it is expected that injuries due to excessive loads can be prevented more reliably.

  The speed of movement may be detected from the variation pattern of the bioelectrical impedance and the load during training. Training is more effective when performed with gentle movements. Sudden movements can cause injury. A warning may be output when the speed of movement exceeds a certain threshold. According to this configuration, it is expected that injuries due to sudden load fluctuations can be prevented more reliably.

  The hand electrodes 203A to 203D and the foot electrodes 106A to 106D may be combined to detect the bioimpedance of each part of the left arm, the right arm, the left leg, the right leg, the trunk, and a combination of these. Thereby, the bioimpedance of the part (especially left and right leg) which performs training is detectable. Therefore, physical information can be obtained for each part. Therefore, the effect of training can be grasped more accurately. Moreover, the bioelectrical impedance for each region can be used as an objective index for training.

  The lower limb training apparatus of the present invention is useful as a lower limb training apparatus in which a user can objectively and quantitatively evaluate his / her lower limb physical strength and can perform training based on the evaluation result.

It is a top view which shows an example of schematic structure of the main body 100 of the leg training apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a rear view which shows an example of schematic structure of the main body 100 of the leg training apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of schematic structure of the main body 100 of the leg training apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of schematic structure of the main body 100 of the leg training apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows an example of schematic structure of the operation unit 200 of the leg training apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows an example of schematic structure of the operation unit 200 of the leg training apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of schematic structure of the operation unit 200 of the leg training apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows typically an example of the control system of the leg training apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the usage condition of the leg training apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the operation | movement program of the leg training apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Main body 101 Step 102 Leg 103 Knee support part 104 Base body 105 Cushion 106A-D Foot electrode 107 Back panel 108A-D Load cell 109 Support plate 110 Spacer 111 Curl cord cable 112 Leg rest part 113 Right foot rest part 114 Left foot rest part 200 Operation unit DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 201 Input part 202 Display part 203A-D Hand electrode 204 Speaker 301 Control part 302 Memory | storage part 303 Timing apparatus 304 Impedance detection circuit 305 I / O

Claims (15)

A load receiving portion having a training tool for pressing at least a part of the user's lower limb and a footrest portion for placing the sole of the user;
At least one load sensor for detecting a load applied to the load receiving portion;
A computing device for computing the lower limb physical strength of the user based on the load;
An output device for outputting a calculation result of the calculation device.   Furthermore, the leg training apparatus of Claim 1 provided with the memory | storage device which memorize | stores the said calculation result. Furthermore, an input device for inputting the user's body identification information is provided,
The computing device computes the lower limb physical strength based on the load and the body specifying information of the user input by the input device,
The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the storage device stores the calculation result and the body specifying information. The lower limb strength is the lower limb strength per body weight,
The footrest portion includes a right footrest portion and a left footrest portion for placing the soles of both feet,
The arithmetic device calculates the weight of the user based on the detection result of the load sensor,
The arithmetic device is a one leg load with the load in a state where the user has removed the lower limb force in a state where the user places the lower limb on the training tool,
The arithmetic device is a lower limb muscle strength that is a difference between the load when the user presses a lower limb against the training tool and the one leg load,
The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the arithmetic device calculates lower limb strength per weight based on the weight and the lower limb strength. The lower limb physical strength includes the strength of lower limb muscle strength according to age,
The body identifying information includes a user's age,
The arithmetic device is a one leg load with the load in a state where the user has removed the lower limb force in a state where the user places the lower limb on the training tool,
The arithmetic device is a lower limb muscle strength that is a difference between the load when the user presses a lower limb against the training tool and the one leg load,
The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the arithmetic device calculates the strength of the lower limb muscle strength according to the age based on the age and the lower limb muscle strength. Furthermore, it has a timing device,
The lower limb physical strength is the sway of the center of gravity,
The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the arithmetic unit calculates the center of gravity fluctuation based on a detection result of the load sensor. Furthermore, it has a timing device,
The lower limb physical strength is the smallness of the center of gravity fluctuation according to the age,
The body identifying information includes a user's age,
The arithmetic device calculates the center of gravity fluctuation based on the detection result of the load sensor,
The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the computing device computes the magnitude of the center of gravity oscillation according to the age based on the age and the center of gravity oscillation.   The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the center of gravity swing is a center of gravity swing when one leg stands. The lower limb physical strength is lower limb muscle mass,
The footrest portion includes a right footrest portion and a left footrest portion for placing the soles of both feet,
The arithmetic device calculates the weight of the user based on the detection result of the load sensor,
The body specifying information includes the height of the user input by the input device and the calculated weight,
The right foot rest and the left foot rest include a foot electrode for bioimpedance detection,
The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the arithmetic device calculates the lower limb muscle mass based on a detection result of bioimpedance using the foot electrode and the body specifying information. The lower limb physical strength is the muscle mass of one leg,
The footrest portion includes a right footrest portion and a left footrest portion for placing the soles of both feet,
The arithmetic device calculates the weight of the user based on the detection result of the load sensor,
The body specifying information includes the height of the user input by the input device and the calculated weight,
In addition, with an operation unit,
The operation unit includes a hand electrode for detecting bioimpedance,
The right foot rest and the left foot rest include a foot electrode for bioimpedance detection,
The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the arithmetic device calculates the lower limb muscle mass based on a detection result of bioimpedance using the hand electrode and the foot electrode and the body specifying information. The computing device computes center of gravity fluctuation based on the detection result of the load sensor,
In the state where the user puts the lower limb on the training tool, the arithmetic device is the one-leg load as the load in the state where the force of the lower limb is removed,
The arithmetic unit is a difference between the load in a state where the user presses a lower limb on the training tool and the one leg load, and lower limb muscle strength,
The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the arithmetic unit outputs the sway of gravity and the lower limb muscle strength as a two-dimensional graph to the output device. The load receiving portion has leg rests in front and rear of the training tool,
The training tool is formed so that the left and right end faces are substantially perpendicular to the main axis and curved upward convexly around a virtual main axis extending in the left-right direction,
The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the training tool is provided at a center of an upper surface of the load receiving unit along a longitudinal axis of the load receiving unit. Furthermore, it has a timing device,
The lower limb physical strength is the time that one leg can stand up,
The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arithmetic device calculates the one leg standing up time based on a detection result of the load sensor. Furthermore, it has a timing device,
The lower limb physical strength is a standing stable posture transition time,
The lower limb training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arithmetic device calculates the standing stable posture transition time based on a detection result of the load sensor. The arithmetic device determines a training program based on the body identification information and the lower limb physical strength,
The lower-limb training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control apparatus guides a user's training based on the training program via an output of the output device.

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