JP2012223365A - Measuring device and measuring method of sensation threshold on sole - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a measuring device easily measurable, with high reproducibility, a sensation threshold when shift stimulation is given to the sole.SOLUTION: The measuring device includes: a foot mounting base 2 fixed to a base 1, for supporting the sole; a probe 4 for giving the shift stimulation to the sole; and a probe driving structure 3 provided to the base 1, for individually moving the probe 4 in an orthogonal direction along the sole. Further, the measuring device includes: an input switch 5 operated by a subject who recognizes the shift stimulation; a drive control part for controlling the drive state of the probe driving structure 3; and a recording part for storing output signals of the input switch 5 and moving situations of the probe 4. By giving the shift stimulation to the sole by individually moving the probe 4 in the orthogonal direction by the probe driving structure 3 and making the subject who perceives the shift stimulation operate the input switch 5, the sensation threshold is measured.

Description

  The present invention relates to a measuring apparatus and a measuring method for measuring a sensory threshold value of a sole. The sensory threshold value of the sole measured based on the present invention can be used as an index for quantitatively evaluating a person's standing posture maintenance function, foreseeing the possibility of falling of an elderly person, or taking measures to prevent falling. It can be applied to take. It can also be applied to quantify the sensory threshold resulting from nerve paralysis.

  As a human sensation threshold measurement method, for example, a vibration sensation threshold measurement apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. It is based on a support base that supports the subject's forearm, an exciter that applies vibration stimulation to the subject's fingertips, a push button switch that is operated by the subject, an output signal from the load cell and accelerometer of the exciter. A measuring device is configured by a control unit that calculates and evaluates a threshold value. Note that the vibration sensation threshold value measurement apparatus of Patent Document 1 is based on the measurement method defined in JIS-B-7773, and the descending method threshold value obtained by the previous descending method for the magnitude of the vibration stimulus given to the subject. On the other hand, it is characterized in that it is changed randomly within a predetermined range.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a load measuring device for performing human skin sensation threshold measurement. There, a support base that supports the measurement site of the subject, a support fixed to the support base, a movable table that can move up and down along the support, a micro-weight transducer that is fixed to the movable table, and a micro-weight converter A load measuring device is constituted by a measuring needle provided in the control unit and a control device. The control device controls the driving state of the stepping motor that drives the movable table up and down, and further processes the signal output from the minute weight converter.

  Similar to the load measuring device of Patent Document 2, a device for inspecting human skin sensory recognition is disclosed in Patent Document 3. There, a pair of left and right slide blocks, a flexible block fixed to the front end of each block, a probe fixed to the front end of each flexible block, a structure for adjusting the horizontal distance between the slide blocks, and distortion of the flexible block The inspection device consists of a strain gauge to detect. When testing skin sensory perception, whether the subject has sensory perception by setting the left-right distance between the pair of probes to a predetermined state and dragging the tip of the probe against the skin with a predetermined force Inspect.

Japanese Patent No. 4611453 (paragraph numbers 0025 to 0027, FIG. 1) JP-A-6-30904 (paragraph number 0016, FIG. 1) JP-T-5-503022 (Page 3, lower left column, line 18, FIG. 2)

  As conventional measurement methods for human sense thresholds, there are measuring devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, but all measure the sense threshold when an external stimulus is applied to the subject's skin. There are only. Therefore, although the measurement result can be used for evaluating a sensory threshold value when a nerve is damaged, for example, it is difficult to apply it to others. For example, the present inventor is considering quantitatively evaluating the function of a person to maintain a standing posture and predicting the possibility of a fall, or taking measures for preventing a fall. The sensory threshold value obtained by the above method cannot be applied to quantitative evaluation of the function of maintaining the standing posture intended by the present inventor.

  In general, the physical abilities necessary for an elderly person to maintain a standing posture are deep muscle strength of the foot and hips, balance of inner ear, self-acceptance such as joints, vision, and external receptive sensation of the sole. Is involved. If there is a decrease in visual acuity or the ability to adjust posture by visual observation in a dark environment, the sense of the sole that is the contact surface with the ground or the floor surface adjusts and maintains the standing posture. Will be greatly involved. Therefore, if the feeling of the sole of the foot can be grasped quantitatively, it becomes an index for knowing the ability to adjust and hold the standing posture, and further, the risk of falling can be predicted.

  During walking or in a dynamic standing motion, shear stress is applied to the sole as the body moves, but the ability to clearly recognize the shear stress acting on the sole as a sensation is accurate for posture adjustment. It becomes indispensable for doing. Therefore, if a sensory threshold value for a stimulus (displacement stimulus) caused by a shear stress acting on the sole can be grasped, it can be used as an index for evaluating the ability to maintain a standing posture, and walking or dynamic standing can be performed. It can be used as an index for evaluating the ability to perform an action. However, the conventional sensory threshold measurement device cannot grasp the sensory threshold for this type of displacement stimulus.

  As a result of repeated investigations based on the above findings, the present inventor has found that a sensory threshold when a slipping stimulus is applied to the sole is effective for quantitative evaluation of the function of maintaining a standing posture. It was. Furthermore, the quantitative evaluation of the function of maintaining the standing posture has found that the sensory threshold is important when applying a forward displacement stimulus in a state where pressure due to weight is applied to the sole, and proposes the present invention. It has come to be.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sensory threshold value measuring device and a measuring method for a sole which can measure a sensory threshold when a slipping stimulus is applied to the sole easily and with high reproducibility.
An object of the present invention is to provide a simple and high sensory threshold when a slip stimulus is given to the sole of the foot, even for a measurer who does not have medical expertise or specialized knowledge and techniques related to biological measurement. An object of the present invention is to provide a sensory threshold value measuring device and measuring method for a sole that can be measured with reproducibility.

  The sensory threshold measurement device for the sole according to the present invention is provided on the base 1, the footrest 2 fixed to the base 1 and supporting the sole, the probe 4 for giving a slip stimulus to the sole, and the base 1. The probe driving structure 3 is provided for individually moving the probe 4 in two directions along the sole. Furthermore, the input switch 5 operated by the subject who has recognized the displacement stimulus, the drive control unit 51 that controls the drive state of the probe drive structure 3, and the recording unit that stores the output signal of the input switch 5 and the movement state of the probe 4 52.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the probe drive structure 3 is provided on the base 1 and reciprocates the first table 11 provided on the base 1 and the first table 11 and the second table 12 that are guided and supported so as to be slidable back and forth and back and forth. The first drive structure 13, the second drive structure 14 provided on the first table 11 to reciprocate the second table 12, and the probe fixing portion 40 provided on the second table 12 are configured. The probes 4 attached to the probe fixing unit 40 are individually moved in the moving direction of the first table 11 and the moving direction of the second table 12 to give the front and rear displacement stimulus and the left and right displacement stimulus to the sole.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a contact window 8 that accommodates the probe 4 is opened in the footrest 2. The contact portion 44 provided at the upper end of the probe 4 is arranged flush with the upper opening surface of the contact window 8.

  The motor 23 constituting the first drive structure 13 and the motor 33 constituting the second drive structure 14 are fixed to the brackets 27 and 37 via vibration-proof structures 28 and 38 that block vibration (see FIG. 3). ).

  Each of the motor 23 constituting the first drive structure 13 and the motor 33 constituting the second drive structure 14 is activated by operating the start button of the control device 6 that controls the drive state of the probe drive structure 3. The sensory threshold value of the sole is measured by automatically applying a displacement stimulus.

  The sensory threshold measurement method for the sole according to the present invention includes a stimulus applying process for applying a displacement stimulus to the sole placed on the footrest 2 with the probe 4, and operating the input switch 5 when the subject feels the displacement stimulus. And a recording process in which the recording unit 52 stores the output signal of the input switch 5 and the movement state of the probe 4. In the stimulus applying process, the probe 4 is individually moved in two directions along the sole with the probe driving structure 3 to apply the displacement stimulus to the sole.

  In the stimulus application process, the probe 4 is individually moved in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction by the probe driving structure 3 to give the front and rear displacement stimulus and the left-right displacement stimulus to the sole.

  In the stimulus applying process, the subject is raised on the footrest 2 and a sensory threshold is measured by applying a displacement stimulus in a state where the weight of the subject acts on the sole.

  In the stimulus applying process, as shown in FIG. 6, the sensory threshold is measured by individually applying a displacement stimulus to each of the main heel surface E1, the heel surface E2 and the heel surface E3 of the sole.

  A plurality of types of probes 4A and 4B having different physical properties of the contact portion 44 that gives a slipping stimulus to the sole of the foot are prepared, and the plurality of types of probes 4A and 4B are alternatively used in the stimulus applying process. The sensory threshold value is measured by applying multiple kinds of heterogeneous displacement stimuli to the sole.

  In the sensory threshold value measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the subject's foot is placed on the footrest 2 and the probe 4 is automatically moved by the probe driving structure 3 to give a displacement stimulus to the sole of the foot. Based on the output signal of the switch 5, the sensory threshold value for the displacement stimulus can be measured. Thus, in the measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the probe 4 is automatically moved and operated by the probe driving structure 3 to apply the displacement stimulus to the sole, so that the displacement stimulus as set for the subject is set. Can be given exactly with the procedure. Therefore, the sensory threshold value can be measured with high reproducibility by eliminating the variation in the displacement stimulus for the subject.

  Further, by supporting the foot of the subject on the footrest 2 and operating the start button of the control device 6, the probe 4 is moved and operated by the probe drive structure 3 in response to a command from the drive control unit 51. The sensory threshold value of the sole can be accurately measured by applying a displacement stimulus. Therefore, even if the measurer does not have medical expertise or specialized knowledge and techniques related to biometrics to measure the sensory threshold on the sole, the sensory threshold can be measured easily. Variations in measurement results due to differences in measurers can be eliminated.

  Furthermore, in the measuring apparatus of the present invention, the probe 4 is individually moved in two directions to measure the presence or absence of the subject's perception of the two-direction displacement stimulus, so that vibration stimulation or compression stimulation is applied to a specific part of the skin. Unlike the conventional measuring device to be given, it is possible to measure a sensation with respect to a displacement stimulus in a shear direction, which is a direction of a force applied to the sole in a standing posture during walking. Furthermore, a measurement result reflecting the knowledge that the sensory characteristics of the soles differ in two directions is obtained. In addition, by comparing the obtained measurement results with the sensory thresholds collected in advance and stored in a database, the ability to maintain a standing posture can be evaluated, or walking ability and dynamic standing motion are performed. Capability can be evaluated. Furthermore, the risk of falls can be predicted by combining these evaluations. It can also be used as an index for quantifying the sensory threshold due to nerve paralysis.

  When the probe drive structure 3 is configured by the first table 11 and the second table 12 and the first and second drive structures 13 and 14 that drive the tables 11 and 12, the tables 11 and 12 are each driven structure. It can be moved individually to the front and rear and to the left and right at 13.14. In addition, the probe 4 attached to the probe fixing unit 40 can accompany the second table 12 so that the front and back displacement stimuli and the right and left displacement stimuli can be accurately applied to the sole.

  The contact portion 44 provided at the upper end of the probe 4 is arranged flush with the upper opening surface of the contact window 8 because the floor surface with which the sole contacts is simulated by the footrest 2 and the contact portion 44 further imitates the simulated floor. This is because the sensory threshold value is measured in an environment that reproduces a natural state in which the sole touches the floor surface by configuring a part of the surface.

  When the motors 23 and 33 constituting the first and second drive structures 13 and 14 are fixed to the brackets 27 and 37 via the vibration isolation structures 28 and 38, the vibrations of the motors 23 and 33 are caused to stand on the footrest. 2 can be reliably prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vibration of the motors 23 and 33 from being perceived by a subject having a sharp and sensitive sensation, thereby improving the accuracy of the sensory threshold measurement result and eliminating noise.

  According to the measuring device that automatically activates the motor 23, 33 of the first drive structure 13 and the second drive structure 14 by operating the start button of the control device 6 and automatically gives a series of displacement stimuli, the start button is turned on. By simply operating, the probe 4 can be driven in accordance with a preset procedure, and a deviation stimulus as set in advance can be accurately given to the subject. Incidentally, measurement of a sensory threshold value is a time-consuming task of repeatedly applying various intensity stimuli to a single site and repeating the same procedure at other sites. For this reason, it is difficult to implement it in a clinical place where time is limited. However, if the control device 6 controls the operations of the two drive structures 13 and 14 as described above to automate the application of the displacement stimulus to the subject and the recording of the subject's sensory threshold value, he has specialized knowledge and technology. Even a non-measurer can easily measure the sensory threshold. Therefore, it is possible to accurately measure the sensory threshold value of the sole of the foot even in time-limited clinical settings, and to reflect the obtained results in evaluation of standing posture holding ability, walking ability, and preventive medicine. .

  In the sensory threshold value measuring method according to the present invention, in the stimulus applying process in which a stimulus is applied to the sole with the probe 4, the probe 4 is individually moved in two directions along the sole with the probe driving structure 3. A shift stimulus was applied. Thus, when the probe 4 is moved individually in two directions and the presence / absence of the subject's perception of the two-direction displacement stimulus is measured, the conventional measurement device that applies vibration stimulus or compression stimulus to a specific part of the skin Differently, a measurement result reflecting the knowledge that the sensory characteristics of the soles differ in two directions is obtained. Furthermore, the ability to maintain a standing posture can be evaluated by comparing the obtained measurement results with a sensory threshold value collected in advance and stored in a database, or the walking ability and dynamic standing action are performed. Capability can be evaluated. Furthermore, the risk of falls can be predicted by combining these evaluations. It can also be used as an index for quantifying the sensory threshold due to nerve paralysis.

  In the stimulus application process, if the probe 4 gives a back-and-forth shift stimulus and a left-and-right shift stimulus to the sole, a measurement result reflecting the knowledge that the sensory characteristics of the sole differ in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is obtained. Accordingly, the standing posture holding ability, the walking ability, the ability to perform a dynamic standing action, and the like can be more accurately evaluated.

  In the stimulation process, when the sensory threshold is measured by applying a displacement stimulus while the subject's weight acts on the sole, the sensory threshold is measured in an environment that reproduces the natural state where the sole touches the floor. Can do. That is, the sensory threshold value is measured under a condition in which pressures based on body weight are equally applied to sensory receptors distributed in the skin and are always stimulated. The pressure applied by the body weight has an effect of masking the sensitivity of the sensory receptor in the skin, so that the sensation becomes dull and a value larger than the sensory threshold value measured under the measurement condition in which the body weight is not added is measured. The sensory threshold value measured under such conditions is a value under the same conditions as a normal standing posture, and is the most effective data for the purpose of predicting the standing posture holding ability and the risk of falling.

  In the stimulus application process, the sensory thresholds of the sole surface E1, the base surface E2, and the base surface E3 of the sole are measured because the sensory perception in the skin that senses the mechanical stimulus is detected at these measurement target portions. This is because the containers are densely distributed and the thresholds for sensory stimulation are also different. Furthermore, the sensory threshold value of these parts has a very important meaning in standing posture and walking motion.

  When a plurality of types of probes 4A and 4B provided with contact portions 44 having different physical properties are selectively mounted on the probe drive structure 3 and measurement is performed, a plurality of types of different displacement stimuli on the sole are measured. And the sensory threshold value can be measured. Therefore, compared with the case where the sensory threshold value for the displacement stimulus is measured with only the single probe 4, the displacement stimulus can be appropriately given according to the condition of the sole of the subject. For example, when the skin of the sole skin is extremely thick in an elderly person or the like, a measurement result independent of the skin condition can be obtained by using a probe having a high friction coefficient. Thereby, not only the purpose of predicting the standing posture holding ability and the risk of falling, but also the validity of the measurement can be ensured when used for the purpose of diagnosing sensory impairment.

It is a vertical side view which shows the measuring apparatus of the sensory threshold value which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view of the sensory threshold value measuring apparatus. It is a cross-sectional plan view of the sensory threshold value measuring apparatus. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a probe and a probe fixing | fixed part. It is a top view which shows the example of a measurement of a sensory threshold value. It is explanatory drawing which shows the measuring object position of a sole.

(Example) FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 6 shows the Example of the measuring device (henceforth a measuring device only) of the sensory threshold value in the sole based on this invention. In the present invention, front / rear, left / right, and upper / lower follow the cross arrows shown in each figure and the front / rear, left / right, and upper / lower indications shown in the vicinity of each arrow.

  1 to 3, the measuring device includes a rectangular base 1, a footrest 2 that supports the sole, a probe driving structure 3 disposed between the base 1 and the footrest 2, and a foot. It comprises a probe 4 for applying a displacement stimulus to the back, an input switch 5 operated by a subject, a computer (control device) 6 and the like. The footrest 2 is formed of a plastic thick plate, and is fixedly supported by pillars 7 provided at the four corners of the base 1. A contact window 8 that accommodates the probe 4 is opened in an L shape at the center of the footrest 2. At the rear edge of the footrest 2, a handrail 9 is erected to support the subject standing on the footrest 2. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes an AD-DA converter.

  The probe drive structure 3 includes a first table 11 and a second table 12 that are guided so as to be reciprocally slidable in directions orthogonal to each other along a horizontal plane, a first drive structure 13 that reciprocates the first table 11, and a second The table 12 includes a second drive structure 14 that reciprocates. The rectangular first table 11 that is long to the left and right is supported by a pair of left and right guide rails 17 provided on the drive base 16 so as to be slidable to the left and right through sliders 15 provided at four locations on the lower surface thereof. The square second table 12 is supported by a pair of front and rear guide rails 19 provided on the first table 11 so as to be slidable left and right through sliders 18 provided at four locations on the lower surface thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first drive structure 13 includes a ball screw shaft 21, a nut body 22 that is fixed to the lower surface of the first table 11 and meshes with the ball screw shaft 21, and the ball screw shaft 21 is driven forward and backward. The step motor (motor) 23 and the coupling 24 are configured. A shaft end of the ball screw shaft 21 is rotatably supported by a pair of front and rear bearing boxes 25 via a bearing 26. The bearing box 25 is fixed to the drive base 16. The first table 11 can be moved forward or backward by rotating the ball screw shaft 21 forward or backward with the step motor 23. The step motor 23 is fixed to a bracket 27 fixed to the drive base 16 via an anti-vibration rubber (anti-vibration structure) 28, whereby the vibration generated by the step motor 23 is blocked, and the vibration is driven to the drive base. 16 and the base 1 and the column 7 are prevented from being transmitted to the footrest 2.

  In FIG. 3, the second drive structure 14 includes a ball screw shaft 31, a nut body 32 that is fixed to the lower surface of the second table 12 and meshes with the ball screw shaft 31, and a step motor that drives the ball screw shaft 31 forward and backward. (Motor) 33, coupling 34 and the like. A shaft end of the ball screw shaft 31 is rotatably supported by a pair of left and right bearing boxes 35 via a bearing 36. The bearing box 35 is fixed to the first table 11. The second table 12 can be moved to the left or right by rotating the ball screw shaft 31 forward or backward by the step motor 33. The step motor 33 is fixed to a bracket 37 fixed to the first table 11 via an anti-vibration rubber (anti-vibration structure) 38, thereby blocking the vibration generated by the step motor 33 and preventing the vibration from occurring. Propagation to the platform 2 is prevented.

  A probe fixing portion 40 for attaching the probe 4 is provided at the center of the upper surface of the second table 12. As shown in FIG. 4, a mounting hole 41 having a square cross section is formed at the center of the probe fixing portion 40, and the second table 12 is moved back and forth by inserting the probe 4 into the mounting hole 41. The probe 4 can be moved along with the left / right movement.

  In this embodiment, two types of probes 4 are used, and these are attached to the probe fixing unit 40 to measure the sensory threshold. The first probe 4A (4) is made of a plastic rod-shaped body having a square axis shape, and gives a stimulus to the sole by a flat contact portion 44 provided at the upper end thereof. In order to provide a sufficient area for the contact portion 44 to contact the sole, the front-rear dimension and the left-right dimension of the contact portion 44 are set to 10 mm, and the area is set to 100 square millimeters. The second probe 4B (4) is formed of a plastic rod-shaped body having the same angular axis as that of the first probe 4A. A carpet is attached to the upper end of the rod-shaped body to form the contact portion 44. The front and rear dimensions, the left and right dimensions, and the area of the contact portion 44 are the same as those of the contact portion 44 of the first probe 4A. In a state where the first probe 4A and the second probe 4B are fitted in the probe fixing portion 40, the contact portions 44 and 44 are flush with the upper opening surface of the contact window 8, as shown in FIG. The contact window 8 is formed in an L shape by the front and rear grooves 45 and the left and right grooves 46, and the front and rear dimensions and the left and right dimensions of the grooves 45 and 46 are 28 mm, respectively.

  The input switch 5 is formed of a push button switch, and is turned on when the subject feels a shift stimulus in the process of measuring the sensory threshold with the measuring device. The ON signal (output signal) output from the input switch 5 is taken into the computer 6, and the ON signal of the input switch 5 and the movement status of the probe 4 are stored in the recording unit 52. Further, the ON signal of the input switch 5 and the movement status of the probe 4 are displayed on the display of the computer 6.

  The computer 6 is provided with a drive control unit 51. By controlling the drive state of the probe drive structure 3 with the drive control unit 51, the probe 4 is individually moved in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction in a predetermined procedure. Can be made. The moving speed of the probe 4 by the probe driving structure 3 can be set in increments of 1 mm / s, and the moving distance can be set in increments of 0.1 μm.

  The measurement of the sensory threshold value on the sole by the measuring device having the above-described configuration is first performed on the sole of the right foot and the sole of the left foot using the first probe 4A. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, for each foot, a front-rear direction shift stimulus and a left-right direction shift stimulus are applied to each portion of the main support surface E1, the main support spherical surface E2, and the reverse surface E3. Measure. The front and rear direction displacement stimulus and the left and right direction displacement stimulus are prepared in multiple stages from a stimulus that is relatively difficult to perceive to a stimulus that is relatively easy to perceive, for example, while increasing (or decreasing) the intensity of the stimulus. In addition, the measurement is performed while the intensity of stimulation is changed randomly. The intensity of the deviation stimulus can be changed by changing the combination of the moving speed and the moving distance of the probe 4, and what kind of intensity of the deviation stimulus is given in what order is incorporated in the drive control unit 51 in advance. It is good to leave.

  In the measurement, the subject is placed on the footrest 2 in a bare foot state, and the subject's weight is raised while acting on the sole. At this time, the subject grasps the handrail 9 to stabilize the standing posture, and further holds the input switch 5 with the hand on the dominant arm side so that the input switch 5 can be turned on at any time. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the whole mother heel surface E <b> 1 is erected in a state where it faces the contact window 8.

  In a state where measurement preparation is completed as described above, the start button of the computer 6 is turned on, the probe driving structure 3 is operated, and the probe 4 is reciprocated back and forth, for example, so that it is relatively difficult to perceive. Give a slip stimulus. In the meantime, when the subject turns on the input switch 5, a forward / backward displacement stimulus that is more difficult to perceive is given, and it is confirmed whether or not the subject can perceive the displacement stimulus. In addition, when the subject does not respond even though the displacement stimulus is given, the forward / backward displacement stimulus that is more easily perceived is given to check whether the subject can perceive the displacement stimulus. In this way, by performing measurement while varying the displacement stimulus, the sensory threshold value for the displacement stimulus in the front-rear direction can be accurately specified with high reproducibility. When the timing of the output signal of the input switch 5 is compared with the movement status of the probe 4 and there is a large difference between the timings of the two, the output signal of the input switch 5 is regarded as a misunderstanding or erroneous operation of the subject. Can be marked or disabled.

  In the same manner as described above, by applying a lateral displacement stimulus to the mother's face E1, the sensory threshold for the lateral displacement stimulus can be specified by the determination control unit. When the measurement of the main surface E1 is completed, the main surface E2 is made to face the contact window 8 as shown in FIG. Measure. Further, when the measurement of the main sphere E2 is completed, the measurement is performed in the same manner as described above while the heel surface E3 faces the contact window 8 and the displacement stimulus in the front-rear direction and the displacement stimulus in the left-right direction are individually applied. End the measurement. For the left foot, the measurement is performed by applying a front-rear direction displacement stimulus and a left-right direction displacement stimulus for each part of the main surface E1, the main surface S2 and the third surface E3 in the same manner as the right foot. The sensory threshold value for each measurement location can be specified.

  When the measurement using the first probe 4A is completed, the second probe 4B is attached to the probe fixing unit 40 in place of the first probe 4A, and in the same manner as the first probe 4A, the left and right soles E1 Then, the sensory threshold value is measured for the main sphere E2 and the heel surface E3. The ability to maintain a standing posture can be evaluated by comparing the measurement results obtained above with a sensory threshold value collected in advance and stored in a database, or the ability to perform walking or dynamic standing motion Can be evaluated. Furthermore, the risk of falls can be predicted by combining these evaluations. Moreover, it can be used as an index for quantifying the sensory threshold value resulting from nerve paralysis.

  As described above, according to the measurement apparatus of the present invention, the probe 4 is moved by the probe drive structure 3 in response to the command from the drive control unit 51 by standing the subject at the correct position and turning on the start button of the computer 6. The sensory threshold value of the sole can be accurately measured by moving. Therefore, even a measurer who does not have medical expertise or specialized knowledge and techniques related to biological measurement can easily measure the sensory threshold. In addition, since the probe 4 is moved by the probe driving structure 3 and the displacement stimulus as set for the subject can be accurately given, the variation in the displacement stimulus is eliminated and the sensory threshold value is highly reproducible. It can be measured.

  Next, details of a method for measuring a sensory threshold value on the sole (hereinafter simply referred to as a measuring method) will be described. The measurement of the sensory threshold on the sole includes a stimulus applying process for applying a displacement stimulus to the sole placed on the footrest 2 with a probe 4 and a sensory detection process for operating the input switch 5 when the subject feels the displacement stimulus. And a recording process in which the recording unit 52 stores the output signal of the input switch 5 and the movement state of the probe 4. In the stimulus application process, the probe 4 is individually moved in two directions along the sole with the probe driving structure 3 to apply a displacement stimulus to the sole. For example, a displacement stimulus can be applied to the sole of the foot by moving the probe 4 in the front-rear direction and in a state of crossing the front-rear direction obliquely or by moving the probe 4 in an X shape.

  More preferably, in the stimulus applying process, the probe 4 is individually moved in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction by the probe driving structure 3 to give a deviation stimulus in a direction orthogonal to the sole.

  In the stimulus application process, the subject is erected on the footrest 2 and a sensory threshold is measured by applying a displacement stimulus in a state where the weight of the subject acts on the sole. In this way, when a stimulus is applied while the subject's weight is acting on the sole, the sensory threshold value under a condition in which pressure is applied uniformly to the sensory receptors distributed in the skin and the stimulus is always stimulated. It becomes measurement of. The pressure applied by the body weight has an effect of masking the sensitivity of the sensory receptor in the skin, so that the sensation becomes dull and a value larger than the sensory threshold value measured under the measurement condition in which the body weight is not added is measured. The sensory threshold value measured under such conditions is a value under the same conditions as a normal standing posture, and is the most effective data for the purpose of predicting the standing posture holding ability and the risk of falling. Such a measurement is impossible with all the conventional sensory function measurement methods and measuring instruments.

  In the stimulus applying process, the sensory threshold value is measured by individually applying a displacement stimulus to each of the main heel surface E1, the heel surface E2, and the heel surface E3 of the sole. As described above, the three different points on the sole of the foot are the sensory perception in the skin that senses the mechanical stimulus, because the shift stimulus is individually applied to each of the heel surface E1, the heel surface E2, and the heel surface E3. Findings that the container is a densely distributed part, the thresholds for sensory stimuli are different, and that these three sensory thresholds are extremely important in maintaining standing posture and walking Is widely recognized. However, in principle, this device can measure anywhere other than these three points as long as it is on the back of the foot. Measurement at the bottom of the foot can be performed. For example, when applied to diagnosis of a neurological disease, measurement can be performed on the sole of the foot other than these three points that are controlled by a peripheral nerve in which a disorder is expected.

  A plurality of types of probes 4A and 4B having different physical properties of the contact portion 44 that gives a slip stimulus to the sole of the foot are prepared, and a plurality of types of probes 4A and 4B are alternatively used in the stimulus applying process. Then, the sensory threshold value is measured by giving different kinds of different stimulus to the sole. As described above, when the sensory threshold value is measured by applying a plurality of different types of dissimilar stimuli to the sole, the situation of the sole of the subject is compared with the case where the sensory threshold value for the dissimilar stimulus is measured using only the single probe 4. It is possible to accurately apply the displacement stimulus according to the above. For example, when the skin of the sole skin is extremely thick in an elderly person or the like, a measurement result independent of the skin condition can be obtained by using a probe having a high friction coefficient.

  The measurement of the sensory threshold on the sole is preferably performed in a state where the subject stands on the footrest 2 and the weight of the subject acts on the sole, but it is not necessary. For example, the sensory threshold value can be measured by placing the foot of a subject sitting on a chair on the footrest 2. In that case, it is good to hold | maintain so that a leg may not be moved with the belt provided in the footrest 2, or the press frame. The input switch 5 does not need to be a push button switch, and other switches such as a touch switch and a fall switch can be used. The input switch 5 can be incorporated in the handrail 9.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the smooth upper end surface of the plastic rod-shaped body is used as the contact portion 44 and the case where the carpet is pasted on the upper end of the rod-shaped body are used as the contact portion 44 are described. The contact portion 44 is not limited. For example, a wood piece, metal piece, tatami mat, leather, fabric, tile, or the like can be attached to the upper end of the rod-shaped body to form the contact portion 44. Furthermore, the probe 4 can be formed in a rod shape with plastic, metal, and wood, and the upper end surface thereof can be formed with irregularities, grooves, protrusions, or the like, or the upper end surface can be roughened to form the contact portion 44. In short, a large number of probes 4 having different physical properties such as the shape, structure, coefficient of friction, and hardness of the contact portion 44 are prepared, and the probe 4 that matches the purpose of the measurement is used. It is advisable to give a heterogeneous displacement stimulus.

  The motors 23 and 33 of the first drive structure 13 and the second drive structure 14 do not need to be step motors, and other types of synchronous motors can be used. In addition, the first drive structure 13 and the second drive structure 14 can be configured using a solenoid, an electric cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a rodless cylinder, or the like as a drive source. The anti-vibration rubber 38 can also be disposed between the drive base 16 and the base 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Base 2 Footrest 3 Probe drive structure 4 Probe 5 Input switch 6 Control apparatus (computer)
8 Contact window 11 1st table 12 2nd table 13 1st drive structure 14 2nd drive structure 40 Probe fixing | fixed part 44 Contact part 51 Drive control part 52 Recording part

Claims (10)

A footrest (2) that is fixed to the base (1) and supports the sole, and a probe (4) that applies a displacement stimulus to the sole;
A probe driving structure (3) provided on the base (1) and individually moving the probe (4) in two directions along the sole;
An input switch (5) operated by the subject who has recognized the displacement stimulus;
A drive controller (51) for controlling the drive state of the probe drive structure (3);
A sensory threshold value measuring device for a sole comprising an output signal of an input switch (5) and a recording unit (52) for storing a movement state of the probe (4). A first table (11) and a second table (12) in which the probe drive structure (3) is guided and supported so as to be reciprocally slidable back and forth and left and right;
A first drive structure (13) provided on the base (1) for reciprocating the first table (11);
A second drive structure (14) provided on the first table (11) for reciprocating the second table (12);
And a probe fixing part (40) provided on the second table (12),
The probe (4) attached to the probe fixing part (40) is individually moved in the direction of movement of the first table (11) and the direction of movement of the second table (12), so The sensory threshold value measuring device for a sole according to claim 1, wherein the sensory threshold is applied. A contact window (8) for accommodating the probe (4) is opened in the footrest (2),
The sensory threshold value measuring device for a sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a contact portion (44) provided at an upper end of the probe (4) is disposed flush with an upper opening surface of the contact window (8).   The motor (23) constituting the first drive structure (13) and the motor (33) constituting the second drive structure (14) are each bracketed via an anti-vibration structure (28, 38) that blocks vibration. The sensory threshold value measuring device for a sole according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is fixed to (27, 37).   A control device (6) for controlling the drive state of the probe drive structure (3) by controlling the motor (23) constituting the first drive structure (13) and the motor (33) constituting the second drive structure (14). 5. The sensory threshold value measuring apparatus for the sole according to claim 4, wherein the sensory threshold value is measured by automatically applying a series of displacement stimuli to measure the sensory threshold value of the sole. A stimulus application process in which a probe (4) applies a displacement stimulus to the sole placed on the footrest (2), and a sensory detection process in which the input switch (5) is operated when the subject feels the displacement stimulus,
A recording process of storing the output signal of the input switch (5) and the movement state of the probe (4) in the recording unit (52),
Sensory threshold measurement on the sole, wherein the probe (4) is individually moved in two directions along the sole with the probe driving structure (3) to apply a displacement stimulus to the sole in the stimulus application process. Method.   7. The stimulus applying process according to claim 6, wherein in the stimulus applying process, the probe (4) is individually moved in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction by the probe drive structure (3) to give a back-and-forth shift stimulus and a left-right shift stimulus to the sole. A method for measuring the sensory threshold on the sole.   The sole according to claim 6 or 7, wherein in the stimulus application process, the subject stands on the footrest (2), and the sensory threshold value is measured by applying a displacement stimulus in a state where the weight of the subject acts on the sole. Method of sensory threshold in   9. The sensory threshold value is measured by individually applying a displacement stimulus to each of the main heel surface (E1), the heel surface (E2), and the heel surface (E3) of the sole in the stimulus application process. The measurement method of the sensory threshold value in the sole as described in any one of these. Prepare a plurality of types of probes (4A and 4B) having different physical properties of the contact portion (44) that gives a slip stimulus to the sole,
10. The sensory threshold value is measured according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein a plurality of types of probes (4A and 4B) are alternatively used in the stimulus applying process to apply a plurality of types of different displacement stimuli to the sole. The measurement method of the sensory threshold value in the sole described in 2.

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