JP2007268012A - Balance training device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a balance training device aiming at the functional recovery of a feeling receptor regarding a balance feeling and the nerve system by applying a vibration stimulation of a special pattern to the footpad. <P>SOLUTION: This balance training device comprises: a foot placing table on which the feet of a user are placed; a vibration generating section which is provided on the foot placing table, and has a front side oscillator 211 and a rear side oscillator 221 which respectively apply a vibration to the front and the rear of the footpad being positioned by a footpad positioning section; and a controlling section 250 which controls the vibration being generated by the vibration generating section. The controlling section switches the vibration generating state in such a manner that the intensity relationship of the vibration stimulation being applied to the front and the rear of the footpad of the user respectively from the front side oscillator and the rear side oscillator may alternately be changed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sensory receptor related to a balance sensation and a balance training device that restores the function of the nervous system by applying a special pattern of vibration to the sole.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ultrasonic foot massager for attaching a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators to a foot mold and stimulating a pot on the sole to maintain and improve health has been conventionally known. As an example of such an ultrasonic foot massager, for example, a foot massager described in Patent Document 1 is disclosed.

Such a foot massager described in Patent Document 1 forms an inclined surface with left and right foot molds on the upper surface of the cadaver, and includes ultrasonic transducers on the front and rear sides of the left and right foot molds. In addition, a first switch for simultaneously turning on and off the left foot-shaped ultrasonic transducers on the upper surface of the housing is provided, and a second switch for simultaneously turning on and off the right foot-shaped ultrasonic transducers. And a first knob, a second knob, and a third knob for adjusting the frequency, amplitude, and number of oscillations. Then, by placing the foot on the ultrasonic transducer attached to the housing and operating the first, second, and third adjustment knobs, the body is subjected to ultrasonic vibration to stimulate the acupoints on the sole of the foot It is like that.
JP 2000-135263 A (page 2, FIG. 1)

  However, a problem that can be solved by the sole massage device described in Patent Document 1 described above, that is, to massage the user's sole and stimulate the acupuncture point, to relax the stiffness of the lower body and other body parts, and to obtain a relaxing effect In recent years, there has been a demand for a solution to a problem different from the above problem. This new issue is due to the fact that in recent years, the number of elderly people who have fallen due to falls and become bedridden or need nursing care has become a social issue, with the aim of improving the elderly's sense of balance and walking ability. It is a challenge to reduce such social problems.

  As seen in FIG. 28, as a factor for reducing the balance sense and walking ability of the elderly, the physical strength generally decreases with aging, but in particular, the balance ability is drastically reduced. Can be mentioned. The reason for this is thought to be a decrease in muscle mass and a corresponding decrease in muscle strength, but it is thought that this is mainly due to a decrease in function of sensory receptors and neural circuits connected to these muscles. And if the balance ability is lost, there is an increased risk of falling or falling asleep due to falling, so it is important to restore the balance ability.

  Note that the sole massager described in Patent Document 1 described above is a massage device that performs massage by simply applying vibration to the sole, and does not attempt to restore the function of sensory receptors and the nervous system. In addition, this foot massager is a massage device that turns on and off the vibration for each left and right foot of the sole, but the vibration of each left and right foot hardly changes the posture, and the function of sensory receptors and nervous system The effect of recovery cannot be expected as will be described in detail in the section of the embodiment described later.

  On the other hand, in recent years, strength training using training equipment installed in fitness clubs and the like has been actively carried out to prevent falls, but this strength training alone only helps to improve muscle strength and balance ability It is difficult to achieve a fundamental solution to the problems specific to the present invention by activating the sensory receptors and the nervous system that control the above and realizing the recovery of these functions.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a balance training device that aims to restore the sensory receptors related to balance sensation and the function of the nervous system by applying a special pattern of vibration stimulation to the sole.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a balance training apparatus according to the present invention is:
A footrest for placing the user's foot;
A vibration generating unit provided on the footrest and having a front vibrator and a rear vibrator for applying vibration to the front and back of the sole, respectively;
A control unit for controlling the vibration generated in the vibration generating unit,
The control unit switches the vibration generation state so as to alternately change the magnitude relation of vibration stimulation applied to the front and back of the user's foot from each of the front vibrator and the rear vibrator.

  In the vibration by the massage device that turns on and off the vibration for each left and right foot of the sole, the posture of the user riding on the massage device hardly changes, the effect of sensory receptors on the sense of balance and the functional recovery of the nervous system is I can't expect. However, by using a balance training apparatus such as the present invention, it is possible to give a stimulus to the sole through vibration in which the stimulus to the front and back of the foot alternately changes.

  That is, vibration stimulation can be applied to the sole as a pseudo load. Usually, in human posture control, it is very important to detect the pressure distribution of the sole caused by the load, and when the pressure distribution of the sole occurs, such as when the body tilts forward and backward, this pressure It is known that the balance is maintained by calculating the difference. Therefore, by intentionally creating a pressure distribution on the sole by a pseudo load due to vibration, it is possible to make an illusion that the posture has changed and to promote muscle activity in the direction to return it. By repeating this, it is possible to improve the function of the sensory organ that has been dull. Furthermore, since the illusion of posture change to muscle activity can be promoted, a neural circuit for maintaining balance can also be used, and the facilitation of the neural circuit can be improved.

  Thus, the difference in stimulation between the front and back of the foot alternately acts before and after the back of the foot, so that the sensory receptors related to the balance sensation and the functional recovery of the nervous system leading to this can be achieved.

  In addition to the effect of improving the cognitive ability of sensory receptors on the soles and the facilitating improvement of the neural circuit that conveys the reaction, the posture of the user constantly changes while using the balance training device, The lower limb muscles can also be trained by muscular activity.

  In addition, even if the posture change of the human foot in the standing position in the left-right direction occurs, it can sufficiently withstand this due to the structure of the human skeleton, but if the posture change in the front-back direction of the foot occurs, This cannot be supported by the skeleton, and it is necessary to respond to posture changes only with the muscles of the ankle. Therefore, it is significant to actively apply a large stimulus alternately to the front and back of the foot, not to the left and right of the foot.

Moreover, the balance training apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention is the balance training apparatus according to claim 1,
The control unit is configured to change the switching time of the magnitude relation of vibration stimulation from the vibration generating unit applied before and after the sole of the user.

  By changing the timing of the switching time, such as gradually increasing or decreasing the switching time, or suddenly changing it, the sensory receptors related to the balance sensation of the user and the nervous system can be acclimatized to the vibration stimulus. To prevent.

Moreover, the bathtub apparatus of Claim 3 of this invention is the balance training apparatus of Claim 1 or Claim 2,
The alternating switching of the stimulus applied by the vibration generating unit before and after the sole is performed by changing at least one of the amplitude or the frequency of the vibration forming the strength of the vibration by the control unit.

  By changing at least one of the amplitude or frequency of vibration, the sensory receptors and the nervous system related to the balance sensation of the user are prevented from acclimatizing to the vibration stimulus.

Moreover, the balance training apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention is the balance training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A total of at least four front vibrators and rear vibrators are provided so as to correspond to the front and back of the left and right foot soles, respectively.

  Since such vibrators are in contact with the left and right soles independently of each other, a stimulus in which the magnitude of the stimulus to the back and front of the foot alternately changes can be reliably applied to the left and right soles.

Moreover, the balance training apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention is the balance training apparatus according to claim 4,
Among the vibrations generated by each vibrator, the strongest vibration changes so as to rotate clockwise around the body axis of the user riding on the balance training apparatus, or change so as to rotate counterclockwise. The magnitude of vibration is controlled by the control unit.

  By giving such vibration stimulation to the front and back of the user's left and right soles, the muscles corresponding to the rotation around the user's body axis can be trained, and even when the center of gravity rotates around the body axis, Try not to fall.

  Specifically, by rotating, it is possible to exercise to the hip joint, and thereby it is possible to train not only the muscles around the ankle joint but also the muscles around the hip joint.

Moreover, the balance training apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention is the balance training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Anti-vibration means for suppressing vibration of the front vibrator from being transmitted to the rear vibrator and preventing vibration of the rear vibrator from being transmitted to the front vibrator between the front vibrator and the rear vibrator; It is characterized by having prepared.

  By providing such anti-vibration means, vibrations transmitted to the front and back of the foot are prevented from interfering with each other, thereby separating each vibration stimulus transmitted to the front and back of the foot, while the back and front of the foot alternately Make sure you receive it and improve your sense of balance more efficiently.

Moreover, the balance training apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention is the balance training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A sole positioning means for positioning the sole of the user at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the footrest is provided.

  Since the foot positioning means is provided, the position of the foot can be determined reliably, and the vibrations of the front vibrator and the rear vibrator can be reliably transmitted before and after the sole. As a result, the pressure distribution can be reliably generated before and after the sole, so that balance training can be effectively performed.

Moreover, the balance training apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention is the balance training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
It is characterized by comprising position adjusting means for adjusting the front vibrator and the rear vibrator to positions before and after the sole of the user.

  Even when standing on the footrest properly, the position of the vibrator can be adjusted so as to be applied to the front and back of the sole, so that the vibration can be reliably applied to the front and rear of the foot.

  In addition, even with a large or small person, the position of the vibrator can be adjusted to a position that matches the size of the foot, so that any person of any physique can reliably vibrate before and after the sole. be able to.

Moreover, the balance training apparatus according to claim 9 of the present invention is the balance training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The footrest is provided with direction indicating means for indicating the direction in which the user stands.

  By providing such a direction indicating means for indicating the direction in which the user stands, the user can be surely stood in the direction in which the front and back of the sole come to the front vibrator and the rear vibrator, It is possible to apply vibration to the front and back of the sole.

Moreover, the balance training apparatus according to claim 10 of the present invention is the balance training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Each of the front vibrator and the rear vibrator includes a vibration transmission plate.

  Since the vibration of the vibrator can be transmitted to the vibration transmission plate and further transmitted from the vibration transmission plate to the sole, vibration can be applied to the entire area on the front side of the foot while freely changing the shape of the vibration transmission plate. The transmission of vibrations to can be spread over a wide range.

  In addition, vibration can be efficiently applied to both the left and right with a small number of vibrators. In addition, since there is a vibration transmission plate on the front side of the foot and a vibration transmission plate on the rear side of the foot, it is possible to reliably apply vibration to the front and back of the foot.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the balance training apparatus which aims at the functional recovery of the sensory receptor regarding a balance sensation and a nervous system by giving the vibration stimulus of a special pattern to a sole can be provided.

  More specifically, by using a balance training apparatus such as the present invention, it is possible to give a stimulus to the sole through vibrations in which the stimulus to the front and back of the foot changes alternately. That is, the difference in stimulation between the front and back of the foot alternately acts before and after the back of the foot, so that the sensory receptors related to the sense of balance and the functional recovery of the nervous system leading to this can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, the balance training apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. The balance training apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a footrest 100 having a shape equivalent to a health meter (weight scale) used in the home, as shown in FIGS. A vibration generator 200 including a front vibrator 211 and a rear vibrator 221 that transmit vibrations independently to the front and back of the user's feet via vibration transmission plates 212 and 222, and the vibration generator 200, respectively. There are provided sole positioning portions 311 and 312 for positioning the left and right soles so that vibrations from the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 are efficiently transmitted before and after the sole of the user.

  The footrest 100 is made of a resin or the like that has enough strength to withstand the weight of the user of the balance training apparatus 1, and a recess 111 that houses a front vibrator 211 and a rear vibrator 221, which will be described later, on the upper surface thereof. , 121 (see FIG. 2) and the vibration transmitting plates 212, 222 connected to the vibrators 211, 221 are substantially flush with the top surface of the footrest base while ensuring a certain clearance between the footrest base 100. Recessed portions 112 and 122 are formed.

  Further, in the vicinity of the rear vibrator 221 on the upper surface of the footrest, the sole positioning portions 311 and 312 of the balance training device 1 are provided so as to sandwich the vibrator. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the sole positioning parts 311 and 312 is composed of a protruding protrusion having a butt portion that substantially matches the contour of the user's heel, and is projected from the upper surface of the footrest. Yes.

  Further, the vibration generating unit 200 is disposed in front of and behind the user's sole positioned by the sole positioning units 311 and 312, and each of the front vibrator 211 and the rear includes transducers that generate a frequency of 10 Hz to 200 Hz. It consists of a side vibrator 221. The vibration transmission plates 212 and 222 are connected to the vibrators 211 and 221 by appropriate fasteners such as screws, respectively. In addition, it is not limited to using a transducer as the vibrators 211 and 221, and a vibration motor that generates a frequency of 10 Hz to 200 Hz that is said to react by a human may be used. The transducer referred to here is an electro-mechanical vibration converter.

  The vibration transmitting plates 212 and 222 are made of a metal plate having a certain thickness, for example, and both end portions thereof correspond to predetermined positions in the front and rear of the right and left soles of the user positioned by the sole positioning portions 311 and 312. Have a length to

  As shown in FIG. 4, the front side of the sole here refers to the sole of the foot, the base of the finger, and the vicinity thereof, and the rear side of the sole refers to the buttocks of the sole and the vicinity thereof. Refers to an area. More specifically, it refers to each region that constitutes the pressure distribution during walking of a healthy adult on the front side and rear side of the sole.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a pulse generator 240 that transmits pulses of a predetermined cycle to the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221, and the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 are provided inside the footrest. A control unit 250 that controls vibration in a predetermined pattern is provided, and the vibration generation unit 200 is vibrated via an external AC power source connected to the pulse generator 240 or a DC power source such as a battery housed inside a footrest. It is like that.

  The control unit 250 is configured to alternately switch the vibration strength of the front vibrator 211 and the vibration strength of the rear vibrator 221. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the front vibrator 211 is activated and the rear vibrator 221 is deactivated every predetermined number of seconds, and the front vibrator 211 is deactivated. The state in which the rear vibrator 221 is operated alternately is repeated, and vibrations are alternately transmitted from the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 to the front and back of the sole, and the stimulation received by the front and rear of the foot from the alternately transmitted vibration. The difference between the two is alternately changed before and after the sole.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the footrest 100 is alternately generated by a power switch for operating the balance training apparatus 1, and the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221. There is an adjustment knob that adjusts the period and magnitude of vibration. Instead of providing such a power switch or adjustment knob on the footrest itself, the balance training apparatus can be operated in a standing position via an operation remote control that can be operated while the user holds it in his / her hand. You may do it.

  Then, the actual usage method and effect | action of the balance training apparatus 1 which has such a structure are demonstrated. The user first rides on the balance training device 1 while applying the heel of the foot to the sole positioning portions 311 and 312. At this time, both side ends of the vibration transmitting plate 212 of the front vibrator 211 are made to coincide with the front side of the sole simply by applying the left and right foot heels to the sole positioning portions 311 and 312 shown in FIG. Both end portions of the vibration transmission plate 222 of 221 can be matched with the rear side of the sole.

  Next, the balance training apparatus 1 is turned on to start balance training. As a result, pulses generated by the pulse generator 240 (see FIG. 3) are alternately transmitted to the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 by the controller 250.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 alternately vibrate at a predetermined cycle by the control of the control unit 250. In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 vibrate alternately every 3 seconds. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this time. Absent.

  By vibrating the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 alternately in this manner, the front vibration transmission plate 212 and the rear vibration transmission plate 222 vibrate alternately every 3 seconds. As a result, the front side of the sole of the user in contact with both side ends of the vibration transmission plate 212 on the front side and the back side of the sole in contact with both side ends of the vibration transmission plate 222 on the rear side are the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibration. Vibration stimulation from the child 221 is alternately received every 3 seconds.

  By receiving the alternating vibration stimulation from the vibrators 211 and 221 on the back and front of the foot, the sensory receptors related to the balance sensation of the user and the functional recovery of the nervous system leading to this can be achieved. Improvement training can be performed efficiently.

  Here, the reason why the balance training device 1 according to the present invention improves the sense of balance by alternately stimulating the back and front of the user's sole is described in detail. As shown in FIG. 29, the balance ability captures external information through sensory organs (vestibular system, vision, somatosensory), integrates the information in the central nervous circuit, and finally optimizes the posture of the body. A series of functions that drive the muscles to hold them are described generically. Here, the functions of somatic sensations can be classified into two types: deep receptors and skin receptors. The deep receptor detects movements of muscle tension such as muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs and reacts to them to keep the muscle tension even. On the other hand, with regard to skin receptors, pachini bodies that sense the pressure at the sole of the foot are greatly related. Regarding the balance ability, it is known that the balance is maintained particularly by calculating the pressure difference of the sole that occurs when the body tilts forward and backward.

  Thus, the baroreceptor on the sole is greatly related to the balance ability. And it is said that elderly people become less sensitive to this baroreceptor, and it is difficult to recognize exactly what state their posture is.

  Next, the baroreceptor on the sole will be described in more detail. The sole baroreceptor is very sensitive in terms of balance ability. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30, when a vibration stimulus is applied to the sole from four directions of the front, rear, right foot, and left foot, the baroreceptor responds to the vibration stimulus. When a vibration stimulus is applied only to the front part of the foot (the thumb ball), the sensory receptor has the illusion that the center of gravity is tilted to the front. In order to detect the inclination and to stabilize the posture, feedback is given so that the body falls down unconsciously later. Similarly, when a stimulus is applied to the rear, right foot, and left foot, the inclination is detected for each stimulus, and a reaction is shown in which negative feedback (change in posture in a direction to cancel these stimuli) is performed on the vibration stimulus.

  Further, when considering center-of-gravity sway in a standing posture of a person, as shown in FIG. 31, one ankle joint fulcrum observed from the sagittal plane rather than two fulcrum side sway consisting of both feet observed from the frontal plane The ankle joint is a uniaxial hinge joint, and it hardly moves to the side of the ankle joint due to its structure, and mainly has functions of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. ing. As a result, even if the posture of the human foot in the standing position changes from side to side in the left-right direction, it can withstand this due to the structure of the human skeleton, but if the posture of the foot changes from front to back This cannot be supported by the skeleton, and only the ankle muscles must respond to posture changes.

  Therefore, considering training for the purpose of functional recovery of sensory receptors associated with balance ability and activation of the nervous system, from the standing fulcrum and the characteristics of the ankle joint, FIG. 31 (a) and FIG. 31 (b) As shown in Fig. 3, when a stimulus that induces an activity in the longitudinal direction (front and back) observed from the sagittal plane is given, the fluctuation is increased, so that the effect of training is considered to be increased. In addition, the fact that the center of gravity moves a lot in the front-rear direction means that the center of gravity becomes unstable and the risk of falling is high, so that the ability to recognize the pressure distribution in the front-rear direction is important.

  Therefore, in order to prevent falls and fractures associated therewith, paying attention to the pressure receptor on the sole, the difference between the stimuli received by the front and back of the foot from the front vibrator and the rear vibrator as in the present invention is measured before and after the sole. By applying alternating pressure distribution, it is possible to maintain and improve the sense of balance by improving the function of the baroreceptor and enhancing the facilitation of the nervous system that conveys the response. I thought.

  For this reason, the balance training device according to the present invention is essentially different from a device that transmits vibration alternately to the left and right soles like a conventional sole vibration massager. Effect, that is, by alternately changing the state of stimulation before and after the sole to the extent that the pressure distribution can be recognized in the front-rear direction, the pseudo load that occurs when the posture changes in the standing position before and after the foot alternately Therefore, it is possible to restore the function of sensory receptors associated with the balance ability and to activate the neural circuit (feedback mechanism).

  As is apparent from the above description, the balance training apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided on the footrest base 100 on which the user is placed in a standing position and the upper surface of the footrest base. Are positioned at predetermined positions on the upper surface of the footrest, and the foot positioning portions 311 and 312 are provided, and the footrest 100 is provided with vibrations corresponding to the front and rear of the sole positioned by the foot positioning portions 311 and 312. A vibration generator 200 having a front vibrator 211 and a rear vibrator 221 to be applied is provided, and vibration stimulations received by the front and back of the foot from each of the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 via the vibration transmission plates 211 and 222. The vibration generation state is switched so that the magnitude relation of the footbrush alternately changes, so that different magnitudes of stimulation are applied alternately before and after the sole, thereby balancing the user It is possible to improve the sense.

  Especially in the case of elderly people, for example, when riding a bus or when the road surface freezes, it may accidentally fall down and cause serious injury, so using such a balance training device can improve the balance sense without difficulty. The benefits are great.

  In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the time during which the vibrators 211 and 221 do not vibrate at the time of vibration switching between the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221, that is, no stimulation before and after the sole of the foot. You may make it provide time.

  By actively providing a non-stimulus state at the time of switching in this way, it can be reset each time the stimulus to the sole is switched by such a non-stimulus state, so that a state without stimulation is also applied to the nerve transmission circuit and the central nerve of the user As a result, the baroreceptor responds more sensitively and increases the change in posture, which increases the training effect of improving the sense of balance.

  In addition, by providing such an unstimulated state, the user's nerve transmission circuit is reset so that when a stimulus is received again, a new stimulus is efficiently transmitted to the nerve transmission circuit. The user's nerve transmission circuit and the central nerve are prevented from getting used to vibration stimulation in the same way, and the training effect for improving the sense of balance is prevented from deteriorating.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the time during which both the vibrators 211 and 221 vibrate when the vibration is switched between the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221, that is, vibration stimulation before and after the sole of the foot. You may make it provide the time which stimulates the back and front simultaneously at the time of switching.

  In this way, by actively providing an overlapping state of vibration stimulation when switching vibration stimulation to the front and back of the foot, the user's posture is slightly bent back without suddenly changing from the posture bent backward to the forward turning posture. The posture can be changed slowly so that the posture is slightly forward-turned through a neutral posture. Thereby, the user can be trained to improve balance without being surprised by a sudden change in posture.

  Note that the color of the front vibration transmission plate and the color of the rear vibration transmission plate may be changed to, for example, blue and red, respectively, to indicate the standing direction.

  As a modification of the above-described sole positioning portion, as shown in FIG. 8, the sole side positioning projections 321 to 324 corresponding to both sides of the left and right soles are connected to the front vibration transmission plate and the rear vibration transmission. It is good also as a sole positioning part of the form provided between boards. By providing such sole side positioning protrusions 321 to 324, the position and orientation of the user's sole can be positioned in an optimum state with respect to the vibration transmission plates 212 and 222, and the vibration on the front side can be determined. Vibration can be transmitted from both ends of the transmission plate 212 and both ends of the vibration transmission plate 222 on the rear side to appropriate positions before and after the sole of the user.

  As a further modification of the sole positioning unit, as shown in FIG. 9, the sole positioning units 331 and 332 may be provided at positions corresponding to the arches of the left and right feet on the upper surface of the footrest. By providing such a sole positioning part, the arch is pressed by the sole positioning parts 331 and 332 at the same time as the sole positioning, and the massage effect is used in addition to the improvement of the sense of balance, which is the main purpose of the present invention. Can be given to a person.

  Further, as another modification of the sole positioning portion, as shown in FIG. 10, foot-shaped recess portions 341 and 342 corresponding to the left and right sole shapes of the user are provided on the upper surface of the footrest. It is good also as a sole positioning part. By forming the sole positioning portion with such concave portions 341 and 342, it is possible to easily position the sole in the proper position of the balance training device even if the user is a visually impaired person, for example. become. Instead of providing such dents 341 and 342, a seal corresponding to the user's foot shape may be applied to the upper surface of the footrest to form the sole positioning portion.

  Then, the balance training apparatus 1A concerning the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated. Since the basic configuration of the balance training apparatus 1A according to the first modification is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the control pattern of the control unit 250, the description of the common configuration is omitted. In addition, the hatching part of the figure in the left foot form of FIG. 11 shows the area | region before and behind the sole which receives a stimulus by the balance training apparatus 1A concerning this 1st modification, 1st implementation shown in FIG. It is shown corresponding to the case of form.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the balance training apparatus 1 </ b> A according to the first modification is characterized by vibration patterns of the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 by the control unit 250.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the vibration time and vibration stop time (upper part in the figure) of the front vibrator 211 and the vibration time and vibration stop time (lower part in the figure) of the rear vibrator 221 are started to use the apparatus. It changes according to the elapsed time from.

  That is, in FIG. 11, both the vibration time and vibration stop time of the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 are increased according to the elapsed time from the start of use of the apparatus. However, unlike this, both the vibration time and vibration stop time of the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 originally set to be long may be shortened according to the elapsed time from the start of use of the apparatus. That is, the vibration time and the vibration stop time of the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 may be gradually increased and gradually shortened according to the elapsed time from the start of use of the apparatus.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the vibration time and vibration stop time of the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 may be changed irregularly according to the elapsed time from the start of use of the apparatus.

  The control unit 250 controls the vibration of the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 and the vibration stop with such a control pattern, thereby acclimatizing the user's stimulus (accustomed to the stimulus by continuing to receive the same stimulus). Can be prevented from becoming a training for improving the sense of balance.

  Then, the balance training apparatus 1B concerning the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated. The balance training apparatus 1B according to the second modification is related to the balance training apparatuses 1 and 1A according to the first embodiment and the first modification, and the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibration by the control unit 250. The vibration pattern of the child 221 is characteristic. Accordingly, the basic configuration common to the first embodiment and the first modification thereof is the same as that in FIG. 1, and thus the description of the common configuration is omitted.

  The specific vibration patterns of the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 of the balance training apparatus 1B according to the second modified example are as shown in FIG. The child 211 vibrates at the vibration intensity level 3, and the rear vibrator 221 vibrates at the vibration intensity level 1. Then, from 4 seconds to 8 seconds after the start of use of the apparatus, the fluctuation level is reversed, and the vibration level of the rear vibrator 221 becomes larger than the vibration level of the front vibrator 211, and from 15 seconds after the start of use of the apparatus. In seconds, the front vibrator 211 vibrates at the vibration level 5 and the rear vibrator 221 vibrates at the vibration level 1.

  As described above, the control unit 250 performs control so that vibrations with different vibration levels are generated from the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 in accordance with the elapsed time from the start of the apparatus. Stimulations received from the vibration transmission plates 212 and 222 change alternately before and after the soles, and acclimatization to the stimulation can be prevented.

  Then, the balance training apparatus 1C concerning the 3rd modification of 1st Embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 14, the balance training apparatus 1 </ b> C according to the third modification constantly changes the vibration frequency of the front vibrator 211 and the vibration frequency of the rear vibrator 221 to thereby change the front vibrator 211. The vibration stimulation intensity received by the front and back of the user's foot from the vibration transmission plate 212 and the strength of the vibration stimulation received by the rear of the user's foot from the vibration transmission plate 222 via the rear vibrator 221 are alternately changed. It is like that. By controlling such a vibration pattern, the same effect as described above is exhibited. That is, it is possible to provide a vibration stimulus in which the stimulus to the front and back of the user's foot alternately changes during use of the device, and the function of the sensory receptor related to balance and the nervous system leading to this can be achieved.

  As is clear from the various embodiments described above, the strength of the stimulus received by the user's sole from the vibrators 211 and 221 via the vibration transmission plates 212 and 222 is different from that of the vibrators 211 and 221. It is defined by the amplitude or frequency of the vibration, and any of these can be used to exert the action of the present invention.

  Next, a balance training apparatus 1D according to the fourth modification example of the first embodiment described above will be described. The balance training apparatus 1D according to the fourth modified example includes the handrail 150 that the user holds while using the apparatus in the balance training apparatus described above, and the handrail 150 includes the operation unit 160 for operating the apparatus. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the balance training apparatus 1D is made of a steel pipe or an aluminum pipe, and is folded into a U-shape when viewed from the front and is folded into an L-shape when viewed from the side. Is equipped. The handrail 150 has both lower ends fixed to both side surfaces of the footrest, and includes a reinforcing connecting portion 155 in the vicinity of the front portion of the footrest 500. In FIG. 15, for convenience of explanation, the handrail 150 is attached to the balance training apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG.

  Note that grips 165 that can be grasped by the user while using the apparatus are provided at both upper ends of the handrail 150. In addition, an operation unit 160 including a display unit 161 and operation buttons 162 is attached between the two clip units 165.

  The user can select the operation mode according to the first embodiment and various modifications thereof by the operation button 162 of the operation unit 160 according to the preference of the user. The elapsed time from the start of use of the apparatus can be always confirmed via the display unit 161 during use of the apparatus.

  In addition, when the user selects the operation mode of the first embodiment described above, the user operates the operation button 162 of the operation unit 160 even when the apparatus is in use, so that the front side as shown in FIG. The vibration time t1 of the vibrator 211 and the vibration time t2 of the rear vibrator 221 can be appropriately changed. In addition, even when the apparatus is in use, the vibration level (vibration amplitude) of the front vibrator 211 and the vibration level (vibration amplitude) of the rear vibrator 221 can be appropriately changed as shown in FIG. It has become.

  By using the balance training apparatus 1D having the handrail 150 with the operation unit as described above, for example, even an elderly person can use the balance training apparatus while being held on the handrail to place a burden on the body. It becomes possible to perform training to improve the sense of balance. In addition, time, intensity, and frequency can be changed according to the ability and physical condition of the user, and safe and effective training can be performed.

  In addition, the handrail 150 and the operation unit 160 serve as direction instruction means for clearly indicating the direction in which the user stands on the balance training apparatus, and the presence of the handrail indicates the direction in which the user stands. Can do. That is, by providing such a direction indicating means for indicating the standing direction, the user can stand in a direction in which the front and back of the soles coincide with the front vibrator and the rear vibrator. It is possible to reliably apply vibrations to the front and back. In addition, instead of the handrail 150 and the operation unit 160, a direction indicating means for clearly indicating the front and rear on the upper surface of the footrest or placing an arrow may be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation unit 160 is provided on the handrail 150. However, instead of the operation unit being provided on the handrail, an operation unit may be provided on the footrest.

  Then, the balance training apparatus 2 concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In addition, about the structure equivalent to balance training apparatus 1 and 1A-1D concerning 1st Embodiment mentioned above and its modification, corresponding code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the balance training device 2 according to the second embodiment is also used as the vibration generator 510 so as to correspond to the front side and the rear side of the user's left and right soles on the upper surface of the footrest. Four vibrators 511 to 514 that vibrate independently are provided. That is, the vibration generation unit 510 is provided corresponding to the left and right sole positioning units 551 and 552, and the front vibration generation unit 510 includes a left foot vibrator 512 and a right foot vibrator 513, and a rear foot. The side vibration generator 510 also includes a left foot vibrator 511 and a right foot vibrator 514. The vibrations are directly transmitted from the vibrators 511 to 514 to the front and rear sides of the left and right soles without using the vibration transmission plate described above.

  Each of the vibrators 511 to 514 is composed of a transducer as in the above-described embodiment and its modifications, and each pulse generated from the pulse generator 240 housed inside the footrest is transmitted via the control unit 250. The vibration is transmitted to the vibrators 511 to 514, and the vibrators 511 to 514 are alternately vibrated with a vibration pattern unique to the present embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the vibrations generated by the vibrators 511 to 514 are in the order of the vibrator 511 on the left footpad side, the vibrator 512 on the left front foot side, and the vibrator 513 on the right front foot side. , The order of the vibrator 514 on the rear side of the right foot, that is, the left rotation around the user's body axis when viewed from the sole side of the user riding on the balance training device 2 (counterclockwise around AD on the left side in the figure) The control unit vibrates each of the vibrators 511 to 514 alternately as shown in FIG.

  As a result, muscles corresponding to rotation around the body axis can be trained, and in actual daily life, even when the center of gravity rotates around the body axis, it can be trained so as not to fluctuate or fall. Also, by rotating, it is possible to exercise up to the hip joint, thereby training not only the muscles around the ankle joint but also the muscles around the hip joint.

  That is, by performing balance training with such vibration patterns, for example, it is possible to effectively prevent elderly people from falling out of balance due to complicated movement during bus operation while riding in a posture while standing on the bus. can do. Also, by carrying out balance training with such a special vibration pattern on a daily basis, even if an elderly person suddenly feels dizzy while standing, it can cope with it without hurrying, and falling on the spot It becomes possible to prevent.

  In addition, the vibration is sequentially transmitted to the user's sole so as to rotate around the user's body axis, thereby causing the user's body to change its posture so as to rotate around the body axis. As a result, not only the movement around the ankle joint but also the movement that moves to the hip joint, the balance ability can be improved more effectively.

  Unlike the above-described embodiment, the vibration is repeated in the order of the vibrator 514 on the right footpad side, the vibrator 513 on the right front side, the vibrator 512 on the left front side, and the vibrator 511 on the left rear side of the user. The control unit 250 may vibrate the vibrators 511 to 514 alternately so as to rotate clockwise around the body axis when viewed from the sole side of the user riding on the balance training apparatus.

  Moreover, after rotating rightward around a user's body axis for a fixed time, it may rotate left for a fixed time, and these may be repeated alternately. Note that the rotation direction of the vibration and the time for maintaining the rotation direction are dealt with by appropriately changing the operation mode of the operation unit 160 while the user holds the handle as shown in FIG. May be.

  Then, the balance training apparatus 3 concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In addition, about the structure equivalent to the balance training apparatus 1 and 1A-1D concerning the 1st Embodiment mentioned above and its modification, and the balance training apparatus 2 concerning 2nd Embodiment, the code | symbol corresponding is attached | subjected and it is detail. The detailed explanation is omitted.

In the balance training apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the footrest 600 corresponding to the balance training apparatus 2 described above is divided into two parts, a front footrest 610 and a rear footrest 620. Thus, the front footrest 610 and the rear footrest 620 are connected by a vibration isolation member 630. This anti-vibration member 630 includes anti-vibration rubber such as silicon and NBR,
Made of gel material such as Alpha Gel (registered trademark) and cushion material such as urethane.

  The height of the vibration isolating member 630 is slightly higher than the heights of the front footrest 610 and the rear footrest 620, as shown in FIG. By providing the vibration isolating member 630 slightly raised from the upper surface of the footrest so as to come into contact with the foot in a position corresponding to the center of the foot front and back of the balance training apparatus 3, the front vibrator 642 is interposed via the foot. , 643 can prevent vibration from being transmitted to the rear vibrators 641 and 644 (edges of vibration), and can prevent vibration from being transmitted from the rear vibrators 641 and 644 to the front vibrators 642 and 643. . In this case, vibrations from the front vibrators 642 and 643 are transmitted to the rear footrest 620 through the floor by attaching a vibration isolation member made of such a material to the entire bottom surface of the balance training device 3. In addition, the vibration from the rear vibrators 641 and 644 can be prevented from being transmitted to the front footrest 610 through the floor.

  In addition, instead of connecting the front footrest 610 and the rear footrest 620 via the vibration isolating member 630, as shown in FIG. 22, the front footrest 610 and the rear footrest 620 are connected. The front footrest 610 and the rear footrest 620 may be connected to each other by a connection pipe 635 with a predetermined distance therebetween. In this case, the left and right front vibrators 642 and 643 provided on the front footrest and the left and right rear vibrators 641 and 644 provided on the rear footrest 620 are electrically connected to the inside of the connection pipe 635. An electric wire can be inserted.

  In this case, the vibrations of the front vibrators 642 and 643 are transmitted to the rear footrest 620 via the floor, and the vibrations of the rear vibrators 641 and 644 are transmitted to the front footrest 610 via the floor. In order to avoid this, it is preferable to cover the installation surfaces of the front footrest 610 and the rear footrest 620 on the floor with the above-described vibration isolating members.

  In the balance training apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment, instead of dividing the footrest base of the balance training apparatus into the front footrest base and the rear footrest base and connecting with the vibration isolating member as described above, As shown in FIG. 23, for example, the vibrators 511 to 514 are respectively attached to the vibrator mounting portions 5001 to 504 of the footrest base 500 through annular vibration-proof members 521 to 524 made of the above-described materials. You may make it support. By using such anti-vibration members 521 to 524, the vibration generated by each vibrator is prevented from being transmitted to other vibrators with a simple configuration, and the operation of the above-described second embodiment is reliably exhibited. Will be able to.

  In addition, a thin portion as a vibration isolating means may be provided between the front vibrator and the rear vibrator to suppress vibration transmission between the front vibrator and the rear vibrator.

  In addition, the balance training apparatus according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above and the modifications thereof may be provided with size adjusting means as described below.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24, the size adjusting means divides the footrest 700 into the front footrest 710 and the rear footrest 720 as described above, and the front footrest 710. And a rear footrest 720 connected by a connecting shaft 730, and a size adjustment screw (not shown) is formed at the front footrest side end of the connecting shaft. A front footrest 710 and a rear footrest 720 are connected via a screw portion 730. A driver insertion slot 721 is formed in the rear end surface of the rear footrest 720. For example, a slotted screwdriver is inserted into the driver insertion slot and the end thereof is formed in an adjustment slit (not shown) formed at the end of the connecting shaft. By engaging and rotating by an appropriate number of times, the degree of screwing between the size adjusting screw of the connecting shaft 730 and the front footrest 710 is changed, whereby the front footrest 710 and the rear footrest 720 The interval is changed. Instead of using a tool such as a screwdriver, the distance between the front footrest 710 and the rear footrest 720 may be adjusted by rotating the connecting shaft 730 using a special crank.

  Thus, the distance between the front vibrators 742 and 743 and the rear vibrators 741 and 744 can be adjusted so as to match the size of the foot according to the sex, age, and physique of the user.

  In this way, by allowing the distance between the front vibrators 742 and 743 and the rear vibrators 741 and 744 to be adjusted according to the size of the user's foot, for example, one balance training device can be used for age, gender, and physique. It is possible to share and use it while adjusting according to the size of the foot by, for example, everyone in the family can share one balance training device.

  FIG. 25 shows a balance training apparatus further comprising a vibration isolating member 750 between the front footrest 710 and the rear footrest 720 of the balance training apparatus having the size adjusting means described above. Shown on top. FIG. 26 shows a state in which the size adjustment of such a balance training apparatus is performed. The balance training apparatus shown on the left side has an interval between the front vibrators 742 and 743 and the rear vibrators 741 and 744. The balance training apparatus 7 adjusted to be narrowed and shown on the right side is a perspective view showing a state adjusted so as to widen the distance between the front vibrators 742 and 743 and the rear vibrators 741 and 744.

  Then, the modification of the balance training apparatus provided with such a size adjustment means is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 27, the balance training apparatus according to this modification is a modification provided with a size adjusting means in the balance training apparatus according to the first embodiment including the vibration transmission plate. In this balance training apparatus, as shown in the figure, the recesses 105 and 106 for receiving the vibration transmitting plates 212 and 222 are formed wider on the upper surface of the footrest than in the first embodiment in the front-rear direction. The vibration transmitting plates 212 and 222 are connected to the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 so as to be slidable. And each vibration transmission board 212,222 can be moved and adjusted in a foot sole front-back direction within a dent part.

  And the balance training apparatus shown on the left side of FIG. 27 is the state moved in the dent part so that the space | interval of each vibration-transmission board 212,222 may be narrowed, and has shown the state adjusted for the user with a small leg | foot. . Moreover, the balance training apparatus shown on the right side of FIG. 27 shows a state in which the vibration transmitting plates 212 and 222 are moved in the recesses so as to widen the distance, and is adjusted for a user with a large foot.

  Even if such a balance training apparatus with size adjustment is used, the distance between the front vibrator 211 and the rear vibrator 221 can be adjusted according to the size of the user's foot. It can be shared and used according to the size of the foot according to gender and physique. For example, any family member can share one balance training device at home.

  As explained above, the vibration of the left and right one foot by the massage device that turns on and off the vibration for each left and right foot of the conventional sole hardly changes the posture of the user riding the massage device, and the sensory receptor And the effect of functional recovery of nervous system could not be expected. However, by using a balance training apparatus such as the present invention, it is possible to provide stimulation to the sole with vibrations in which stimulation to the front and back of the foot alternately changes, and the difference in stimulation to the front and back of the foot Will act alternately. As a result, sensory receptors related to the sense of balance and the functional recovery of the nervous system leading to this can be achieved.

  Also, by changing the timing of the switching time, such as gradually increasing or decreasing the vibration switching time, or suddenly changing it, the sensory receptors and the nervous system related to the balance sensation of the user can Can be prevented.

  In addition, even if the posture change of the human foot in the standing position in the left-right direction occurs, it can sufficiently withstand this due to the structure of the human skeleton, but if the posture change in the front-back direction of the foot occurs, This cannot be supported by the skeleton, and it is necessary to respond to changes in posture only with the muscles of the ankle. Therefore, it is significant to give a strong stimulus alternately before and after the sole instead of such a sole.

  In addition, the front vibrator and the rear vibrator are provided so as to correspond to the left and right soles, respectively, and the strongest vibration among the vibrations generated by each vibrator is around the body axis of the user who rides on the balance training device. When the center of gravity rotates around the body axis by training the muscles corresponding to the rotation around the body axis by controlling the vibration of each transducer so that it changes to rotate clockwise or to rotate counterclockwise You can also avoid wobbling or falling.

  Moreover, by providing the above-described size adjusting means in such a balance training apparatus, it is possible to cope with various foot sizes based on the user's age, sex, and physique with a single balance training apparatus. It becomes more suitable for use in the home and use in the care home.

  In addition, in each embodiment mentioned above and its modification example, although the case where the user used the balance training apparatus in the standing state (the state in which it stood) was explained, it was not necessarily in the standing state, for example, sitting on the chair Even if the balance training apparatus is used in a sitting position, the functions of sensory receptors and neural circuits are improved, and the effects of the present invention can be exhibited. However, it can be said that it is more preferable to use the balance training apparatus in the standing position because the lower limb muscles training is difficult unless the standing position is in the standing position.

It is a top view which shows the balance training apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. It is a whole block diagram of the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the user got on the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the operation state of the front vibrator and rear vibrator of the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. 1 along the elapsed time from the start of use of the apparatus. 6 is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. 5 showing a modification of the vibration pattern of the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. 5 showing a modified example different from FIG. 6. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the sole positioning part of the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the sole positioning part different from FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the sole positioning part different from FIG.8 and FIG.9. 6 is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. 5 illustrating a first modification of a vibration pattern different from that of FIG. 6 of the balance training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. 5 which shows the modification of the vibration pattern different from FIG. 11 of the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. 5 showing a second modification of the vibration pattern different from FIGS. 11 and 12 of the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 16 is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. 5 showing a third modified example of the vibration pattern different from those of FIGS. 11 to 13 of the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows the balance training apparatus concerning the 4th modification provided with the handrail with an operation part in the balance training apparatus of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 16 is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. 5 illustrating that the vibration pattern can be changed by operating the operation unit of the balance training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 15. 16 is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. 5 showing that a vibration pattern different from FIG. 16 can be changed by operating the operation unit shown in FIG. 15. It is a perspective view which shows the balance training apparatus concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the operation state of each vibrator of the balance training apparatus concerning a 2nd embodiment shown in Drawing 18 along with the lapsed time from apparatus use start. It is a perspective view which shows the modification provided with the vibration isolator in the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the user got on the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the balance training apparatus provided with the vibration isolating member different from FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the balance training apparatus provided with the vibration isolating member different from FIG.20 and FIG.22. It is a perspective view which shows the modification provided with the size adjustment means in the balance training apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the user got on the balance training apparatus provided with the vibration isolating member in the balance training apparatus with the size adjustment means shown in FIG. In the balance training apparatus with size adjusting means shown in FIG. 25, a perspective view in a state where the distance between the front vibrator and the rear vibrator is narrowed (FIG. 26A) and the distance between the front vibrator and the rear vibrator. FIG. 27 is a perspective view in a widened state (FIG. 26B). In the modification of the balance training apparatus with size adjusting means shown in FIG. 25, a perspective view (FIG. 27 (a)) in which the distance between the front vibrator and the rear vibrator is narrowed, and the front vibrator and the rear vibrator FIG. 27B is a perspective view in a state where the interval is widened (FIG. 27B). It is a figure which shows the change accompanying aging of a muscular strength and balance power. It is a figure explaining the factor of a balance feeling. It is a figure explaining posture control by baroreceptor stimulation. It is explanatory drawing of the gravity center fluctuation in a person's standing posture, The figure (FIG. 31 (a)) explaining the force which acts on a frontal surface, a sagittal surface, and a horizontal surface of a standing person, and the figure explaining a gravity center fluctuation range ( FIG. 31 (b)).

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2, 3 Balance training device 100 Footrest 105, 106 Recessed part 111, 112, 121, 122 Recessed part 150 Handrail 155 Connection part 160 Operation part 161 Display part 162 Operation button 165 Grip Part 200 Vibration generator 211 Front vibrator 212 Vibration transmission plate 221 Rear vibrator 222 Vibration transmission board 240 Pulse generator 250 Control part 311, 312 Foot positioning part 321 to 324 Foot side positioning protrusion 331, 332 Foot sole Positioning part 341,342 Recessed part 500 Foot rest 501 to 504 Recessed part upper surface 510 Vibration part 511,512,513,514 Vibrator 521 to 524 Vibration isolation member 551,552 Foot sole positioning part 600 Foot rest 610 Front foot rest 610 Stand 620 Rear footrest 630 Anti-vibration member 6 5 Connection pipes 642, 643 Front vibrators 641, 644 Rear vibrator 700 Foot rest 710 Front foot rest 720 Rear foot rest 721 Driver insertion port 730 Connection shaft 742, 743 Front vibrator 741, 744 Rear vibration Child 750 Anti-vibration member

Claims (10)

A footrest for placing the user's foot;
A vibration generating unit provided on the footrest and having a front vibrator and a rear vibrator for applying vibration to the front and back of the sole, respectively;
A control unit for controlling the vibration generated in the vibration generating unit,
The balance training apparatus, wherein the control unit switches the vibration generation state so as to alternately change the magnitude relation of vibration stimulation applied to the front and back of the user's foot from each of the front vibrator and the rear vibrator. .   The balance training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a switching time of a magnitude relation of vibration stimulation from a vibration generating unit applied before and after the sole of the user.   The alternating switching of the stimulus that the vibration generating unit gives before and after the sole is performed by changing at least one of the amplitude or the frequency of the vibration forming the strength of the vibration by the control unit, The balance training apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The balance training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a total of at least four front vibrators and rear vibrators are provided so as to correspond to the front and back of the left and right soles, respectively.   Among the vibrations generated by each vibrator, the strongest vibration changes so as to rotate clockwise around the body axis of the user riding on the balance training apparatus, or change so as to rotate counterclockwise. The balance training apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a magnitude of vibration is controlled by the control unit.   Anti-vibration means for suppressing vibration of the front vibrator from being transmitted to the rear vibrator and preventing vibration of the rear vibrator from being transmitted to the front vibrator between the front vibrator and the rear vibrator; The balance training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the balance training apparatus is provided.   The balance training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a sole positioning unit that positions the sole of the user at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the footrest.   The balance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising position adjusting means for adjusting the front vibrator and the rear vibrator to positions before and after the sole of the user. Training device.   The balance training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the footrest is provided with direction indicating means for indicating a direction in which a user stands. The balance training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the front vibrator and the rear vibrator includes a vibration transmission plate.

Images