JP2018110658A - Grip strength measurement method, grip strength measurement device, method, and grip strength measurement system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique that can measure grip strength more accurately.SOLUTION: First of all, a peripheral length of a measurement region in the arm of the side for measuring grip strength of a subject (measurement region is the place where a below-elbow flexor group exists, more specifically, is the thickest portion lower from an elbow of the arm) is measured by a tape measure while the subject is weakening the arm. This is the first measurement. Subsequently, the peripheral length of the measurement region of the subject is measured while the subject generates maximum grip strength in the hand of the arm. This is the second measurement. Subsequently, the grip strength of the subject of the hand is calculated, based on the peripheral length of the measurement region by the first and second measurement.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for measuring grip strength.

It may be necessary to measure grip strength. For example, grip strength is measured for the purpose of evaluating basic physical strength of students and athletes.
In recent years, several papers have pointed out that the magnitude of grip strength has a strong correlation with mortality from myocardial infarction, stroke, cancer, etc., although the mechanism is unknown. From such a point of view, it is expected that the measurement of grip strength will increase in the future, particularly for the purpose of evaluating the health status of elderly people.

For measuring grip strength, grip strength measuring instruments have been used for a long time.
The gripping force measuring instrument includes a rod-like fixed grip and a movable grip that is movable in parallel with the fixed grip parallel to the fixed grip. The subject grasps the fixed grip and the movable grip together with one hand, and tightens them together with maximum force.
As a result, by measuring the maximum force acting between the fixed grip and the movable grip, the maximum force is determined as the grip strength (maximum grip strength) of the subject.

The grip strength measuring instrument as described above has been widely used for a long time, and grip strength measurement using the instrument has been widely performed. Therefore, it is believed that the measurement of the grip strength by the grip strength measuring instrument or the numerical value of the grip strength measured thereby is reliable.
However, it is widely known that among those who measure the grip strength of a subject using a grip strength measuring instrument, the numerical value of the grip strength measured with the conventional grip strength measuring instrument is not so reliable. For example, if the distance between the fixed grip and the movable grip does not match the size of the subject's hand, the subject holding the fixed grip and the movable grip together with one hand can move the fixed grip and the movable grip. I can't grasp the grip with maximum force. With this in mind, many grip strength measuring instruments allow the distance between the fixed grip and the movable grip to be adjusted in advance, but the subject can maximize the fixed grip and the movable grip. The distance between the fixed grip and the movable grip, which is suitable for gripping with limited force, is unknown to the subject in the first place, and the accuracy of how the distance between the fixed grip and the movable grip should be determined The fact is that there is no such standard.
Therefore, the grip strength measured by the conventional grip strength measuring instrument has a value as a standard, but does not have a value as an accurate numerical value. In fact, the error that occurs when the grip strength of a subject is measured with a conventional grip strength measuring instrument greatly exceeds 10%.

  This invention solves this problem, and makes it the subject to provide the technique for measuring the grip strength which can measure grip strength more correctly.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventor proposes the following invention.
The present invention is a grip strength measurement method for measuring the grip strength of the subject by a change in outer diameter at a measurement site that is a predetermined site corresponding to the forearm flexor muscle group on one of the forearms of the subject. And this grip strength measuring method, when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site, and when the subject produces the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site, The target parameter, which is a predetermined parameter that fluctuates depending on the change in the outer peripheral length of the measurement site, is the maximum grip strength when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and the hand of the arm with the measurement site. A measurement process for measuring when the subject has occurred, and a calculation process for calculating the grip strength of the hand of the arm having the measurement site of the subject based on the amount of change in the target parameter.
Such a grip strength measurement method, unlike a conventional grip strength measurement instrument, does not directly measure the force generated by the subject with his / her hand when measuring the grip strength. The invention of the present application, instead, the outer peripheral length of the measurement site between when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the subject is producing the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. The grip strength of the subject is measured by measuring a target parameter, which is a predetermined parameter that varies according to the change of the subject.
Muscles (muscle groups) that play a major role when a subject produces grip strength are mainly muscle groups called forearm flexor muscle groups. The better the muscle group contracts, the greater the grip strength generated in the subject's hand. As is well known, when the muscle contracts, the muscle becomes thicker than when the muscle is weakened (relaxed). The inventor of the present application paid attention to this point. That is, when the subject is producing a large grip strength, the forearm flexor muscle group should be thicker than when the subject is not producing a grip strength, and the thickness of the forearm flexor muscle group at the two time points. By measuring the difference, it should be possible to determine the grip strength that the subject is experiencing.
In the present invention, the target parameter is measured in the measurement process. Such a target parameter depends on a change in the outer peripheral length of the measurement site between when the subject is weakened by the arm with the measurement site and when the subject produces the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. It is a predetermined parameter that varies. For example, the target parameter is the perimeter of the measurement site. In the present invention, in the measurement process, the target parameter is at least 2 when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the subject is producing the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. Measure once. Then, in the calculation process, the grip strength of the hand of the arm having the measurement site of the subject is calculated based on the change amount of the target parameter.
The grip strength measurement method according to the present invention is such as this, and the grip strength is measured regardless of the relationship between the distance between the fixed grip and the movable grip and the size of the subject's hand. The grip strength can be measured more accurately than the measurement method described above.

  In the measurement process, the upper arm of the subject can be extended. As long as the upper arm is stretched, for example, the arm may be either in a standing position with the arm hanging down or sitting and with the arm stretched.

In the calculation process, the difference between the target parameters obtained when the subject is weak in the arm with the measurement site and when the subject has the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. It is possible to perform at least one of the operation of taking the other and the operation of dividing the other.
For example, when calculating the above difference in the calculation process, when the target parameter when the maximum gripping force is generated is X, and the target parameter when the driver is weakened is C, the maximum gripping force Y is X The value obtained by -C can be obtained by multiplying a predetermined coefficient. Even in the case of performing the above-described division operation, for example, a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by X / C (or C / X) by a predetermined coefficient can be set as the maximum gripping force. In addition, when performing two operations, the calculation for taking the difference and the calculation for dividing, by performing some calculation using the two values obtained by X-C and the value obtained by X / C. The maximum grip strength can be determined.

The inventor of the present application proposes the following grip strength measuring apparatus as one aspect of the present invention as a means for solving the above-described problems. The effect of the grip strength measuring device is basically the same as the effect of the grip strength measuring method described above. However, the grip strength measuring method described above can also be manually executed by the person who performs the gripping force measurement method, for example, in both the measurement process and the calculation process. is there. However, when the measurement process is executed manually, a measurement error is likely to occur, and when the calculation process is executed manually, an error may occur in the calculation. According to the following grip strength measuring device, the grip strength can be obtained more accurately without such problems.
An example grip strength measuring device measures the grip strength of the subject by changing the outer diameter of the measurement site, which is a predetermined site corresponding to the forearm flexor muscle group on one of the forearms of the subject, and is wrapped around the measurement site. A grip strength measuring device used in combination with a fixed belt.
The grip strength measuring apparatus is configured such that the measurement site is between when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the subject is generating the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. The target parameter, which is a predetermined parameter that fluctuates due to the change in the outer peripheral length of the test object, when the test subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the test subject produces the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site Receiving means for receiving from the belt, and calculating means for calculating the grip strength of the hand of the arm with the measurement site of the subject based on the amount of change in the target parameter received by the receiving means. Have.

The target parameter that the grip strength measuring device accepts from the belt is measured between when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the subject produces the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. The type is not particularly limited as long as it is a parameter that varies depending on the change in the outer peripheral length of the part.
For example, the belt may include an airtight air bag into which air enters and abuts the measurement site when the belt is wound around and fixed to the measurement site. In this case, the same amount in the air bag that changes between when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the subject is having maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site The air pressure of the air may be received from the belt as the target parameter. In this case, the grip strength measuring device includes air pressure measuring means for measuring the air pressure. In this case, the amount of air (mass or number of moles) is the same when the subject has weakened the arm with the measurement site and when the subject has the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. And The air bag and the grip strength measuring device are connected by a tube, and the receiving means receives the air in the air bag through the tube. When the subject produces the maximum gripping force with the arm of the measurement site, the muscle at the measurement site expands. Thereby, the air in the air bag is compressed and the air pressure is increased. In the above-described case, the change in the air pressure is measured by an air pressure measuring means which is a pressure sensor capable of measuring the air pressure, for example.
In addition, the belt measures the target parameter when the subject has weakened the arm with the measurement site and when the subject has the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. In addition, a signal generation unit that generates an electrical signal corresponding to the target parameter may be provided, and the reception unit may receive the electrical signal generated by the signal generation unit. In this case, the target parameter is sent from the belt to the grip strength measuring device as an electric signal. The target parameter sent as an electric signal may be, for example, the length of the outer periphery of the measurement site, or the air pressure of the air in the air bag if the belt has the air bag as described above. That is, when the belt is provided with the above-described air bag, an air pressure measuring means is provided on the belt, and an electric signal corresponding to the air pressure can be sent from the belt to the grip strength measuring device. The transmission of the electrical signal from the belt to the grip strength measuring device may be performed by wire or wirelessly.

The inventor of the present application also proposes a method executed by the grip strength measuring device according to the present invention as one aspect of the present invention. The effect of this method is the same as the effect of the grip strength measuring device according to the present invention.
An example of the method is to measure the grip strength of the subject by a change in the outer diameter at a measurement site that is a predetermined site corresponding to the forearm flexor muscle group on one of the forearms of the test subject. This is a method executed in a grip strength measuring device used in combination with a belt to be used.
The method is executed by the grip strength measuring device when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the subject is producing the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. A target parameter that is a predetermined parameter that fluctuates due to a change in the outer peripheral length of the measurement site, and when the subject is weak in an arm with the measurement site, and the subject has the measurement site A process of receiving from the belt when the maximum grip strength is generated in the hand of the arm, and a process of calculating the grip strength of the hand of the arm with the measurement site of the subject based on the received change amount of the target parameter; ,including.

The inventor of the present application also proposes a grip strength measuring system including a belt and a grip strength measuring device as one aspect of the present invention.
The grip strength measurement system as an example measures the grip strength of the subject by a change in the outer diameter of the measurement site, which is a predetermined site corresponding to the forearm flexor muscle group in one of the forearms of the subject, and is wrapped around the measurement site. A belt that is fixed in place, and a belt that is used in combination with the belt, when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site, and when the subject has the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. A target parameter that is a predetermined parameter that fluctuates due to a change in the outer peripheral length of the measurement site, and when the test subject is weakening an arm with the measurement site, A receiving means for receiving from the belt when the maximum grip force is generated in the hand of the arm having the measurement site; and a change amount of the target parameter received by the receiving means. There are, having a grip strength measuring device comprising a calculation means for calculating a grip of the hand of the arm with the measurement site of the subject, a grip strength measurement system.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the muscular strength training system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the belt for a press contained in the muscular strength training system shown in FIG. The hardware block diagram of the pressurization control apparatus contained in the muscular strength training system shown in FIG. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the control part which the pressurization control apparatus contained in the muscular strength training system shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the functional block formed in a control part. The timing diagram of the pressure of the air in a gas bag at the time of determining an appropriate pressure with the applied pressure control apparatus shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the method of the determination of the maximum pulse wave pressure performed in the pressurization control apparatus shown in FIG. Sectional drawing which shows notionally the whole structure of the grip strength measuring belt contained in the muscular strength training system by 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the description of each embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the overlapping objects, and the overlapping description will be omitted in some cases.

<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 shows an overall strength training system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As will be described later, this muscle strength training system executes three processes: an appropriate pressure determination mode, a training mode, and a grip strength measurement mode. When executing the grip strength measurement mode, the muscle strength training system functions as the grip strength measurement system referred to in the present application. Further, when executing the training mode, this muscle strength training system functions as a training system for enhancing muscle strength by inhibiting blood flow. The appropriate pressure determination mode is for determining a tightening pressure (described later) in the training mode. This muscle strength training system can function only as a grip strength measurement system, and in that case, only the grip strength measurement mode may be executed.
The strength training that can be performed using the strength training system is strength training by inhibiting blood flow as described above.
The strength training by inhibiting the blood flow realized by this strength training system is not limited to the purpose of increasing the strength of healthy people, although the name “training” is attached for convenience, treatment, It may be aimed at medical treatment such as rehabilitation, may be aimed at medically similar acts, and may be aimed at beauty such as beautiful skin, anti-aging, dieting, etc., for psychological effects such as relaxation In some cases. In addition, the strength training that can be performed using this strength training system may be aimed at enhancing blood vessels. As described above, the muscular strength training by inhibiting the blood flow produces the effect of enhancing the muscular strength by performing it, but various other side effects are also produced. Even if it is executed for the purpose of the secondary effect, the action to be executed is still strength training by inhibiting the blood flow.

  This muscular strength training system includes a pressing force control device 1 and pressurizing belts 2a and 2b whose details are shown in FIG. The pressurizing control device 1 corresponds to the gripping force measuring device in the present invention when it is executing the gripping force measuring mode. The pressing belts 2a and 2b correspond to the belts referred to in the present application.

First, the structure of the pressure belts 2a and 2b will be described.
The pressurizing belts 2 a and 2 b give a tightening force that causes a blood flow restriction to the arm of the subject to which the pressurizing belts 2 a and 2 b are attached.
At least one pressurizing belt 2a, 2b may be present, but in this embodiment, a pair of pressurizing belts 2a, 2b for both left and right arms are included in the strength training system.

The pressurizing belts 2a and 2b are provided with elongate tightening bands 8a and 8b formed in a belt shape. The tightening bands 8a, 8b are made of a material that extends slightly in the length direction (however, the elongation of the tightening bodies 8a, 8b is not particularly assumed when the user does not exercise while the pressure belts 2a, 2b are wound). For example, it is made of neoprene rubber, the length of which is a predetermined site on the arm to which it will be attached when the proper pressure determination mode or training mode is performed, For example, a predetermined part of the arm that has a margin around the predetermined part near the base of the arm and that is planned to be attached when the grip strength measurement mode is executed (this position is the present application). The details of the measurement site will be described later.) There is some margin around the circumference of the measurement site.
The widths of the tightening bands 8a and 8b are so thin that they do not hang on the muscles when they are attached to a predetermined site near the base of the arm, and the tightening bands 8a and 8b may bite into the arm and give pain to the subject. It is not so thick as such a suitable width.
An airtight gas bag 2X made of a material (for example, natural rubber) capable of withstanding an air pressure of about 400 mmHg is attached to, for example, the inner surfaces of the tightening bands 8a and 8b. The gas bag 2X is connected in communication with a connecting pipe 2Y, which is a resin pipe, for example, and a rubber tube 3a described later whose base end is connected to the pressure control device 1 through the connecting pipe 2Y. It is connected to the tip of 3b. In the grip strength measurement mode, the gas bag 2X functions as an air bag in the present invention.
The diameters of the loops formed by the tightening bands 8a and 8b when the tightening bands 8a and 8b of the pressure belts 2a and 2b are wound around a predetermined position of the arm of the subject are fixed inside the tightening bands 8a and 8b. A fixing portion 2Z is provided. The fixing portion 2Z in this embodiment is a surface fastener, although not limited thereto. By winding the tightening bands 8a and 8b around the subject's arm from the lower side of FIG. 2 and fixing the fixing portion 2Z to the outer surface of the tightening bands 8a and 8b, the diameter of the loop formed by the tightening bands 8a and 8b is fixed. It will be.
The pressurizing belts 2a and 2b are taken in and out of the gas bag 2X through the rubber tubes 3a and 3b by the pressure control device 1 while being fixed to appropriate portions of the subject's arm. Due to the pressure of the air, the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b give an appropriate tightening force to the arm of the subject to which the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b are attached.

Next, the pressure control apparatus 1 will be described.
A specific configuration of the pressure control device 1 is shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4.
The pressurizing control device 1 has a function of sending air into the gas bags 2X of the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b wound around the subject's arm and tightening the subject's arm on the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b. Thereby, the pressurization control apparatus 1 can perform the training by which a test subject inhibits a blood flow. The pressurizing control device 1 can also determine an appropriate pressure that is an appropriate tightening pressure that the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b should apply to the arm of the subject when the subject performs training by inhibiting the blood flow. It can be done. Further, in the grip force measurement mode, the pressurizing force control device 1 has a function of putting air into the gas bag 2X of the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b and keeping the amount of air put into the gas bag 2X as described later. doing.
Thus, the pressure control apparatus 1 can execute a training mode that is a mode for simply executing training by inhibiting blood flow and an appropriate pressure determination mode that is a mode for determining an appropriate pressure. In addition, a grip strength measurement mode for measuring grip strength can be executed.

  The pressure control apparatus 1 of this embodiment is not necessarily limited to this, and is configured by attaching or incorporating various components in the casing 1X.

The casing 1X of the pressure control device 1 is provided with an operation unit 16 having an appropriate form such as a button or a dial. The operation unit 16 generates data by the operation. The operation unit 16 is connected to the control unit 12 and can input necessary data to the control unit 12. By operating the operation unit 16, input of data about a set pressure for adjusting the pressurizing force by the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b, an appropriate pressure determination mode, a training mode, and a grip strength measurement mode are started and ended. Input of data for causing the control unit 12 to execute processing for this purpose can be executed.
A display unit 17 is provided in the casing 1X. The display unit 17 displays characters or images, and is configured by a display, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display). The display unit 17 displays the contents input by the operation of the operation unit 16, the appropriate pressure described later, the pressure display for displaying the pressure applied to the arm of the subject by the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b, and the pressurization time. Timer display, subject grip strength, etc. are displayed. The display unit 17 performs other appropriate display based on the data generated by the control unit 12 described later.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 3, the pressure control device 1 is attached with the pressure belts 2a and 2b to be attached to at least one of the arms of the subject.
The pressure belts 2a and 2b are connected to the pressure control device 1 when necessary via rubber tubes 3a and 3b which are pipes as connecting members. The rubber tubes 3a and 3b are necessary corresponding to the number of the pressure belts 2a and 2b, and in this embodiment, two rubber tubes are provided. One end of each rubber tube 3a, 3b is connected to the gas bag 2X of the pressurizing belt 2a, 2b via the connecting pipe 2Y, and the other end of each rubber tube 3a, 3b is connected to the pressure control device 1. Further, couplers 9a and 9b with valves are respectively attached to the end portions of these rubber tubes 3a and 3b, and the gas bags 2X of the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b are connected to the couplers 9a and 9b with valves. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure control device 1 includes pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b. Each of these pressurization pumps 11a and 11b is an air pump. The pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b are connected to the rubber tubes 3a and 3b connected to the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b as described above, and air is supplied to these by individual control, and the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b are respectively connected. The air can be sent to the gas bag 2X provided in the.

The pressure control apparatus 1 also includes pressure measuring units 13a and 13b. The pressure measuring units 13a and 13b are sensors that can measure the gas pressure. The pressure measuring units 13a and 13b measure the pressure of the gas bag 2X indirectly by measuring the pressure of the air in the rubber tubes 3a and 3b, thereby further indirectly pressing the belt 2a for pressurization. 2b measures the pressure applied to the subject's arm at that time. Although not necessarily limited to this, the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b of this embodiment are connected to branch pipes branched from the rubber tubes 3a and 3b, and measure the pressure of air in the branch pipes. The pressure measuring units 13a and 13b generate pressure data that is data about the measured air pressure.
The pressure measuring units 13a and 13b are also connected to the control unit 12 described later. The pressure data generated by the pressure measuring units 13 a and 13 b is sent to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 uses the pressure data for controlling the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b as will be described later, and detects the pulse wave of the subject from the pressure data. Further, when the grip strength measurement mode is executed, the control unit 12 uses the pressure data for measuring the grip strength.

The control unit 12 included in the pressure control device 1 is a computer and controls the entire pressure control device 1. For example, the control unit 12 controls driving of the pressure pumps 11a and 11b. Moreover, the control part 12 performs the process for measuring a test subject's grip strength other than performing the process of determining an appropriate pressure and producing | generating the data about an appropriate pressure as mentioned later.
The control unit 12 of the pressure control apparatus 1 includes the hardware shown in FIG. The hardware included in the control unit 12 is a CPU 101 that is an arithmetic device, a ROM 102 that records a program for determining processing to be executed by the CPU 101, and data necessary for executing the program, and a case in which the CPU 101 executes the program. A RAM 103 that provides a work space and an interface 104 that connects an external device to the CPU 101 and the like. Further, the CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, and interface 104 are connected to each other via a bus 105. The program and data included in the ROM 102 include at least a computer program and data necessary for generating a later-described functional block in the control unit 12. Such a computer alone may generate a functional block described later, or may generate a functional block in cooperation with another program. Various data are recorded in the RAM 103, but the function of the RAM 103 may also serve as the recording unit 18 described later. Pressure gauge side portions 13a and 13b, pressure pumps 11a and 11b, proportional valves 15a and 15b (described later), an operation unit 16, a display unit 17, and a recording unit 18 (described later) are connected to the interface 104.

By executing the above-described program, a functional block as shown in FIG. 5 is generated in the control unit 12.
The generated functional blocks include an input unit 12A, an output unit 12B, a main control unit 12C, a pressure control unit 12D, a maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E, an appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F, a grip strength measurement mode control unit 12G, and a grip strength calculation unit. 12H.

The input unit 12 </ b> A receives external data input to the control unit 12. The input unit 12A sends the received data to an appropriate functional block. For example, the input unit 12A receives data input from the operation unit 16 and sends it to the main control unit 12C. The input unit 12A also receives pressure data from the pressure measurement units 13a and 13b and sends it to the pressure control unit 12D, the maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E, and the grip force calculation unit 12H.
The main control unit 12 </ b> C controls the entire pressurizing control device 1. The main control unit 12 </ b> C performs such control based on data input from the operation unit 16. Such control performed by the main control unit 12C includes switching the power supply of the pressurizing control device 1 on and off, and switching between an appropriate pressure determination mode, a training mode, and a grip strength measurement mode, which will be described later. When the main control unit 12C starts either the appropriate pressure determination mode or the training mode, the main control unit 12C sends data indicating that to the pressure control unit 12D, and starts the grip strength measurement mode. In such a case, data indicating that fact is sent to the pressure control unit 12D. The main controller 12C receives appropriate pressure data from the appropriate pressure calculator 12F as will be described later. The main control unit 12C generates image data for an image including characters to be displayed on the display unit 17, and sends it to the output unit 12B. The main control unit 12C sends appropriate pressure data to the recording unit 18 via the output unit 12B as will be described later, and also sends it to the pressure control unit 12D.

The pressure control unit 12D controls the pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X provided in the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b by controlling the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b, whereby the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b are controlled by the subject. This controls the pressure applied to the arm. The above functions are exhibited when either the appropriate pressure determination mode or the training mode is executed. In order to make this possible, the pressure control unit 12D uses the pressure data received from the input unit 12A to change the pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X provided to the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b at that time in substantially real time. It comes to monitor. The pressure control unit 12D includes a timer (not shown), and generates first control data, which is data for controlling the pressurization pumps 11a and 11b, calculated or set according to the time measured by the timer. It is supposed to be. The pressure control unit 12D receives the appropriate pressure data from the main control unit 12C as described above, and this is also used to generate the first control data. The pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b that have received the first control data as described later are driven so as to change or maintain the pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X as appropriate in accordance with an instruction by the first control data. It has become. Further, the pressure control unit 12D generates second control data for controlling proportional valves 15a and 15b described later. As will be described later, the proportional valves 15a and 15b that have received the second control data are driven as described later in accordance with instructions by the second control data. The pressure control unit 12D sends the generated first control data and second control data to the output unit 12B. Details of how to generate the first control data and the second control data will be described later.
The maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E specifies the maximum pulse wave pressure. The maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E receives pressure data from the input unit 12A. The maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E detects a pulse wave therefrom, and further detects a timing at which the pulse wave becomes maximum from the detected pulse wave. And the maximum pulse wave pressure which is the pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X when the pulse wave becomes maximum is specified. How to detect the timing when the pulse wave becomes maximum will be described in detail later. When the maximum pulse wave pressure is specified, the maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E generates maximum pulse wave pressure data indicating the maximum pulse wave pressure and sends the maximum pulse wave pressure data to the appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F. .
The appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F determines an appropriate pressure. The appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F receives the maximum pulse wave pressure data from the maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E as described above. The appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F performs a predetermined calculation on the maximum pulse wave pressure indicated by the maximum pulse wave pressure data to determine an appropriate pressure. When the appropriate pressure is determined, the appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F generates appropriate pressure data indicating the appropriate pressure. The appropriate pressure data is sent from the appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F to the main control unit 12C.

  The grip strength measurement mode control unit 12G controls the pressurization pumps 11a and 11b when the grip strength measurement mode is being executed. Specifically, in the gripping force measurement mode control unit 12G, the pressure pumps 11a and 11b make the amount of air (mass or number of moles) in the gas bag 2X provided in the pressure belts 2a and 2b constant. Thus, the pressure pumps 11a and 11b are controlled. The grip strength measurement mode is executed when the grip strength measurement mode control unit 12G receives an instruction from the main control unit 12C to start the grip strength measurement mode. When the grip strength measurement mode control unit 12G receives such an instruction, the grip strength measurement mode control unit 12G As described above, data for controlling the pressurization pumps 11a and 11b is generated and sent to the output unit 12B.

The grip strength calculation unit 12H calculates the grip strength. Even when the gripping force measurement mode is executed, pressure data on the air pressure measured by the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b is received from the input unit 12A as described later. As will be described later, the pressure data is data of at least two time points. Based on the pressure data at the two time points, the grip strength calculation unit 12H calculates the grip strength of the subject and generates grip strength data for specifying the grip strength of the subject. To do. Based on the generated grip strength data, the grip strength calculation unit 12H generates image data for an image including characters for specifying the grip strength of the subject displayed on the display unit 17, and outputs the image data to the output unit 12B. To send to.
A method for the grip strength calculation unit 12H to calculate the grip strength will be described later.

The output unit 12B outputs data from the control unit 12 to the outside. The output unit 12B sends the received data to a device outside the appropriate control unit 12.
As described above, the output unit 12B may receive image data from the main control unit 12C or the grip strength calculation unit 12H. The output unit 12B sends the received image data to the display unit 17. The display unit 17 that has received the image data displays an image based on the image data. The output unit 12B may also receive the first control data and the second control data from the pressure control unit 12D. The output unit 12B is configured to send the first control data to the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b when receiving the first control data, and to the proportional valves 15a and 15b when receiving the second control data. The pressure pumps 11a and 11b that have received the first control data are driven accordingly, and the proportional valves 15a and 15b that have received the second control data are driven accordingly.
The output unit 12B may receive appropriate pressure data from the main control unit 12B. The output unit 12C that has received it sends the appropriate pressure data to the recording unit 18.

The pressure control device 1 also includes proportional valves 15a and 15b. The proportional valves 15a and 15b function during execution of the training mode, and are control valves capable of proportionally adjusting the pressure in the rubber tubes 3a and 3b. Even if the subject exercises due to the presence of the proportional valves 15a and 15b and the muscle thickness fluctuates, the applied pressure applied to the pressure belts 2a and 2b is kept constant by PID control. Although not necessarily limited to this, the proportional valves 15a and 15b of this embodiment include a branch pipe branched from the proximal end side of the rubber tubes 3a and 3b, which is further different from the pressure measurement units 13a and 13b connected thereto. Connected to adjust the pressure of air in the branch pipe.
The proportional valves 15 a and 15 b are connected to the control unit 12, and the opening / closing operation is controlled by data from the control unit 12.

Further, a recording unit 18 that is a memory is connected to the control unit 12. In addition to the appropriate pressure data described above, the recording unit 18 temporarily records the history of operations performed by the operation unit 16, the history of occurrence of abnormalities, and analysis data in an automatic measurement mode that automatically measures the appropriate pressure of the subject. In addition, clock data and the like are recorded. Such recording is performed by the control unit 12.
The recording unit 18 may record grip strength data regarding the grip strength of the subject. In this case, the grip strength data is sent from the grip strength calculation unit 12H to the output unit 12B, and is recorded in the recording unit 18 via the interface 104.

  Further, the pressurizing control device 1 drives the control unit 12, the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b, the proportional valves 15a and 15b, the operation unit 16, the display unit 17, the recording unit 18 and the like constituting the pressurizing control device 1. A battery 22 is attached.

  Next, the usage method and operation | movement of this strength training system are demonstrated.

  First, the power switch included in the operation unit 16 of the pressurizing control device 1 is operated to turn on the power to start the pressurizing control device 1. Data input from the operation unit 16 is sent to the main control unit 12C via the input unit 12A. Receiving this data, the main control unit 12C turns on the pressure control device 1.

At the time of activation setting, the setting of the pressure control device 1 at the time of activation is displayed on the display unit 17, and the selection of whether to start the appropriate pressure determination mode, the training mode, or the grip strength measurement mode is inhibited. A display prompting a specialist who has knowledge and skills about training and who supports the subject (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “instructor”) is displayed on the display unit 17. Such display is performed based on image data generated by the main control unit 12C in the control unit 12 and sent to the display unit 17 via the output unit 12B.
The instructor selects the appropriate pressure determination mode, training mode, or grip strength measurement mode to start by viewing the display on the display unit 17. This selection is performed by operating the operation unit 16.

Hereinafter, the description will be continued assuming that the appropriate pressure determination mode is selected.
When the appropriate pressure determination mode is executed, the instructor attaches the pressure belts 2a and 2b to a predetermined position of the subject's arm, for example, an appropriate part near the base end of the arm. Data indicating that the appropriate pressure determination mode has been selected, which is generated by the instructor operating the operation unit 16 when selecting the appropriate pressure determination mode, is sent to the main control unit 12C via the input unit 12A. . Receiving this, the main controller 12C sends an instruction to start the appropriate pressure determination mode to the pressure controller 12D in order to execute the appropriate pressure determination mode.
In this state, the instructor operates the operation unit 16 to input data for driving the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b. This data is also sent from the operation unit 16 to the pressure control unit 12D via the input unit 12A and the main control unit 12C. The pressure control unit 12D generates first control data based on them. The generated first control data is sent to the pressurization pumps 11a and 11b via the output unit 12B, and the pressurization pumps 11a and 11b are driven. The pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b send air to the gas bags 2X of the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b under the control of the control unit 12. First, generally, pressures of about 10 mmHg to 15 mmHg, for example, about 13 mmHg are applied. Apply to the pressure belts 2a, 2b.

In this state, the instructor adjusts the degree of tightening of the arm by the pressure belts 2a and 2b attached to the predetermined part of the subject, and the pressure applied to the subject's arm by each of the pressure belts 2a and 2b is, for example, The pressure is adjusted to a predetermined mounting pressure of about 40 mmHg. The mounting pressure is an initial pressure applied to the subject's arm by the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b, and the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b apply to the subject's arm due to subsequent fluctuations in the pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X. This is the so-called zero point of pressure.
By performing such adjustment, the tightening force that the pressure belts 2a and 2b exert on the subject's arm in the appropriate pressure determination mode and the training mode becomes as planned.
The above-described pressure is confirmed by checking the pressure data generated by the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b in the pressure control unit 12D that has received the pressure data in the gas bag 2X provided on the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b. This is done by monitoring the air pressure in approximately real time. The pressure control unit 12D sends information indicating the air pressure in the gas bag 2X at that time to the main control unit 12C, and the main control unit 12C provides a numerical value indicating the air pressure in the gas bag 2X at that time. The generated image data is sent to the display unit 17 via the output unit 12B, and is displayed on the display unit 17. The instructor can grasp the pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X at that time by looking at the display on the display unit 17. The above-described monitoring of the air pressure in the gas bag 2X provided in the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b in substantially real time and the numerical value display unit 17 indicating the air pressure in the gas bag 2X Although the display is not necessarily limited to this, in this embodiment, not only the proper pressure determination mode but also the training mode is continuously executed while the pressurization control device 1 is executing.
At this time, if the pressurizing force of each pressurizing belt 2a, 2b measured by each pressure measuring unit 13a, 13b becomes larger than a predetermined pressurizing force, for example, 80 mmHg, the control unit 12 The pressure control unit 12D notifies the main control unit 12C to that effect, and the main control unit 12C that has received the notification sends an image data to the display unit 17 to determine whether the pressurization is abnormal. Display a warning display.
In this case, the instructor again adjusts the degree of tightening of the pressure belts 2a and 2b.

  Next, as a warm-up, the operation unit 16 is operated to adjust the pressure applied to each of the pressure belts 2a and 2b stepwise. At this time, a pressure lower by about 30 mmHg than the pressure that is considered to be the appropriate pressure of the subject from the experience of the instructor is used as the first stage pressure, and the pressure obtained by adding about 10 mmHg to the first stage pressure is the second pressure. The applied pressure of the stage is increased, and the pressure obtained by adding a pressure of about 10 mmHg to the applied pressure of the second stage is increased stepwise as the applied pressure of the third stage. The setting of the pressure in this case can be automatically performed based on the data recorded in the recording unit 18, but can also be manually performed by the instructor by operating the operation unit 16. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the instructor manually performs the operation. The pressure control unit 12D controls the pressurization pumps 11a and 11b according to the input from the operation unit 16 performed by the instructor. When the pressing force at each stage is applied to each of the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b, a bending motion is performed around the elbow of the subject.

Next, the instructor operates the operation unit 16 to start the appropriate pressure determination mode.
When the appropriate pressure determination mode is started, the pressure control unit 12D generates the first control data in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 12C. The first control data is sent from the pressure control unit 12D to the pressurization pumps 11a and 11b via the output unit 12B, and the pressurization pumps 11a and 11b are driven according to an instruction by the first control data.
While the appropriate pressure determination mode is being executed, the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b straddle the pressure regarded as the appropriate pressure, and the air in the gas bag 2X changes so that the air pressure in the gas bag 2X changes. Change the pressure. The method of changing the air pressure is to gradually increase the air pressure from a low pressure to exceed the pressure that is regarded as the appropriate pressure, and to increase the air pressure to a pressure that is higher than the pressure that is once regarded as the appropriate pressure. There are two types: a method of increasing the pressure and then lowering the pressure to a pressure lower than the appropriate pressure. Either can be adopted, but in this embodiment, the latter is adopted.
Air is sent to the gas bag 2X by the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b, and a predetermined pressure higher than the appropriate pressure is applied to the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b. The predetermined pressurizing force higher than the appropriate pressure can be, for example, a pressure that causes hemostasis in the arm of the subject to which pressure is applied (stopping blood pressure). Has been. In this embodiment, the pressure is first increased until the air pressure in the gas bag 2X reaches 380 mmHg, where hemostasis occurs in most subjects. In addition, although this pressure is not necessarily limited to this, a leader inputs it by operation of the operation part 16. FIG.
However, the appropriate pressure is determined by the knowledge and experience of the instructor but is not absolute. It is also possible to automatically determine a pressure larger than the pressure that is regarded as an appropriate pressure by the pressure control device 1 as follows. In this case, the operation unit 16 is operated to drive the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b of the pressurizing control device 1 to pressurize to a predetermined pressure (for example, 60 mmHg), and the pressure is maintained for a certain time (for example, about 10 seconds). Maintain and measure the pulse wave amplitude in the meantime to obtain the average value, and once depressurize. Subsequently, the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b are driven, and the pressure is increased to 80 mmHg, which is a pressure increased somewhat (for example, 20 mmHg) from the previous pressure, and the pressure is maintained for a certain period of time. Measure to obtain the average value and remove the pressure once. Similarly, the same processing is repeated every time the pressure is increased by some (for example, 20 mmHg) from the previous pressure. If the average value of the pulse wave amplitude is lower than the average value of the pulse wave amplitude in the previous processing or if the average value does not change, the pressure used at that time, or slightly higher than that pressure The pressure (for example, a pressure 1.1 to 1.2 times the pressure used at that time) can be set as a pressure larger than the appropriate pressure.
After the pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X in each pressurizing belt 2a, 2b is once increased to a pressure larger than the appropriate pressure, the drive of the pressurizing pumps 11a, 11b is stopped and the proportional valves 15a, 15b are opened. Thus, the pressure applied to each of the pressure belts 2a and 2b is gradually lowered to a pressure that is clearly smaller than a pressure that is regarded as an appropriate pressure, for example, 20 mmHg. This process may be performed by an instructor inputting an input for executing the process from the operation unit 16 to the control unit 12, but in this embodiment, the pressure in the gas bag 2X is set to 380 mmHg. When it reaches, the control unit 12 automatically performs the operation by sending data to the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b.
For reference, the timing chart of the pressure change in the process of automatically determining the appropriate pressure and the process of releasing the air pressure in the gas bag 2X in the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b is shown. It is shown in FIG.

While the pressure in the gas bag 2X drops, the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b measure the pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X and generate pressure data.
The generated pressure data is sent to the maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E. The pressure data includes data of large air pressure fluctuation caused by injecting or exhausting air into the gas bag 2X by the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b and movement of the subject, and pulse wave amplitude of the pulse wave of the subject. There is data on the very minute fluctuations in air pressure caused by.
The maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E that has received the pressure data separates air pressure data based on the pulse wave amplitude from the pressure data, and generates pulse wave data regarding the pulse wave amplitude. Then, the pulse wave amplitude (Y) indicated by the separated pulse wave data is used as a function of the pressure (X) of the air in the gas bag 2X, and this function is graphed. Such a graph is an amplitude curve. An example of the amplitude curve is shown in FIG.
This amplitude curve is actually formed so as to start from the point A and move to the left side from the point A through the point B by lowering the pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X. When the pressure of air in the gas bag 2X is higher than the appropriate pressure, the pulse wave amplitude indicated by the amplitude curve increases as the pressure decreases. On the other hand, when the pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X becomes smaller than the appropriate pressure, the pulse wave amplitude decreases as the pressure decreases. At point B in FIG. 7, the pulse wave amplitude is maximized. The maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E specifies the air pressure in the gas bag 2X at that time as the maximum pulse wave pressure.
In this embodiment, since the pulse wave is measured based on the pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X provided on the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b, the pressurizing belt 2a and 2b of the arms to which the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b are fixed are used. The pulse wave of the part clamped by the belts 2a and 2b is measured. However, the part where the pulse wave is measured is not limited thereto, and may be in the vicinity of the portion of the arm where the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b are fixed, or on the distal side of the arm. Further, in this embodiment, the pulse wave is detected by the fluctuation of the air pressure in the gas bag 2X provided in the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b. However, the parameter used for detecting the pulse wave is the gas bag 2X. It is not limited to the air pressure. For example, it is possible to measure the pulse wave of the fingertip at the tip of the arm using light with a photoelectric fingertip volume pulse wave, which is a general pulse wave sensor.

When the maximum pulse wave pressure is specified, the maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E generates maximum pulse wave pressure data indicating the maximum pulse wave pressure and sends it to the appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F.
The appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F calculates the maximum pulse wave pressure indicated by the maximum pulse wave pressure data, and determines an appropriate pressure. The calculation performed by the appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F is such that the appropriate pressure is smaller than the maximum pulse wave pressure.
Such calculation can be, for example, multiplying the maximum pulse wave pressure by a coefficient greater than 0 and less than 1. The coefficient is a number between 0.6 and 0.9. The coefficient can be a number between 0.7 and 0.9, more preferably a number between 0.7 and 0.85. When the coefficient is set to 0.75 to 0.85, the safety of the strength training method by inhibiting the blood flow is improved, and it is possible to prevent the executor from giving fear and anxiety and to sufficiently increase the strength. It makes it easy for both people to make a balance. The above coefficient can also be changed according to the level, age, sex, or whether the strength training method is executed by the arm or leg of the subject who executes the strength training method by blood flow inhibition. In addition, for the coefficient, the person who executes the strength training method is divided into, for example, two categories, a coefficient between 0.6 and 0.75 is used for a person in a certain category, and 0. It is also possible to use a coefficient of 75 to 0.9. The former enhances the safety of the strength training method by inhibiting blood flow and emphasizes the effect of preventing fear and anxiety for the performer, for example, for the elderly and the weak There are many. The latter emphasizes the effect of strengthening muscle strength. When a plurality of coefficients are used as described above, any one of them can be freely selected by an operator such as a doctor or a trainer, or by a person who executes a strength training method by operating the operation unit 16.
In this embodiment, the coefficient is 0.85. According to this, for example, when the maximum pulse wave pressure is 200 mmHg, the appropriate pressure is 200 mmHg × 0.85 = 170 mmHg, and when the maximum pulse wave pressure is 140 mmHg, the appropriate pressure is 140 mmHg. X0.85 = 119 mmHg
The calculation in this embodiment is performed by multiplying the maximum pulse wave pressure by a coefficient as described above. Instead, the appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F performs the calculation of subtracting a certain pressure from the maximum pulse wave pressure. You can also. The predetermined pressure that the appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F subtracts from the maximum pulse wave pressure can be set to 10 to 50 mmHg, for example, and is set to 20 mmHg in this embodiment. According to this, for example, when the maximum pulse wave pressure is 200 mmHg, the appropriate pressure is 200 mmHg−20 mmHg = 180 mmHg, and when the maximum pulse wave pressure is 140 mmHg, the appropriate pressure is 140 mmHg−20 mmHg = 120 mmHg. It becomes. The predetermined pressure subtracted from the maximum pulse wave pressure is changed according to the level of the subject who performs the strength training method by blood flow inhibition, age, sex, and whether the strength training method is performed by an arm or a leg. It is also possible. Similarly to the case where a plurality of predetermined coefficients are used, a plurality of numerical values can be used as the pressure to be subtracted from the maximum pulse wave pressure.
What is required in this way is an appropriate pressure. When the appropriate pressure is determined, the appropriate pressure calculation unit 12F generates appropriate pressure data, which is data indicating the appropriate pressure, and sends it to the main control unit 12C.

The appropriate pressure is displayed on the display unit 17 when image data generated by the main control unit 12C is sent to the display unit 17. Further, the appropriate pressure data is sent to the recording unit 18 by the main control unit 12C of the control unit 12 via the output unit 12B and is recorded in the recording unit 18.
Thus, the appropriate pressure determination mode ends.

Next, a case where the training mode is selected will be described.
In a state where appropriate pressure data is recorded in the recording unit 18, the instructor operates the operation unit 16 to shift the pressure control device 1 to the training mode. The transition to the training mode is performed by the main control unit 12C based on the data input from the operation unit 16.
Of course, even when the appropriate pressure data for the subject is recorded in the recording unit 18, there is a change in the health condition of the subject, and the training by the subject inhibiting higher-level or lower-level blood flow. If the instructor determines that the appropriate pressure should be recalculated and set again, etc., the instructor operates the operation unit 16 to shift to the appropriate pressure determination mode and It is also possible to cause the pressure control device 1 to execute the appropriate pressure determination mode again.

When the training mode is executed, in the control unit 12, the main control unit 12C sends the appropriate pressure data read from the recording unit 18 to the pressure control unit 12D. The pressure controller 12D generates first control data based on the appropriate pressure data and sends it to the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b. Thereby, the pressure pumps 11a and 11b are driven under the control of the first control data, and air is supplied to the gas bags 2X of the tightening bands 8a and 8b of the pressure belts 2a and 2b wound around the arm of the subject. . The pressure in the gas bag 2X becomes an appropriate pressure based on the appropriate pressure data recorded in the recording unit 18 described above. As a result, a proper pressure is applied to the subject's arm.
The subject may perform training by inhibiting the blood flow as it is. In this case, the pressurizing belts 2 a and 2 b remain connected to the pressurizing control device 1. When the subject exercises in this state, the air pressure in the gas bag 2X may increase. In such a case, the pressure control unit 12D generates the second control data and drives the proportional valves 15a and 15b, so that the pressure in the gas bag 2X can be kept constant. More specifically, the pressure control unit 12D that has generated the second control data in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 12C sends the second control data to the proportional valves 15a and 15b via the output unit 12B. The proportional valves 15a and 15b receive the second control data and execute the above-described processing based on the second control data. The subject may perform training by removing the valve-coupled couplers 9a and 9b of the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b from the rubber tubes 3a and 3b and inhibiting blood flow.
Training by inhibiting blood flow may or may not involve exercise. Even if the couplers 9a, 9b with valves of the pressure belts 2a, 2b are removed from the rubber tubes 3a, 3b, the air in the gas bag 2X will not escape unless the valves of the couplers 9a, 9b with valves are operated. The pressure applied to the subject's arm by the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b is maintained.

  Further, during the execution of the training mode, it is monitored whether or not the training mode is ended by a timer in the pressure control unit 12D of the control unit 12. When a predetermined pressurization time set by the instructor has elapsed, the pressurization pump 11a, which has received the first control data generated by the pressure control unit 12D, is judged that the training mode has ended and the training mode has ended. 11b removes air from the gas bag 2X. Thereby, the pressurization to the arm by the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b is stopped.

Next, a case where the grip strength measurement mode is selected will be described. The grip strength measurement mode is generally executed before or after the user executes the training mode, but it is also possible to execute the grip strength measurement mode when the user wants to measure the grip strength independently of the execution of the training mode. It is.
When the grip strength measurement mode is executed, the pressure belts 2a and 2b are attached in advance to the measurement site of the arm on the side of the subject that measures the grip strength (note that the sign should originally be either 2a or 2b). However, the following is also described in the same manner, and the same applies to the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b). The measurement site is a predetermined site corresponding to the forearm flexor muscle group. Typically, in the range below the elbow in the subject's arm, the thickest part can be set as the measurement site, and in this embodiment, this is the case.
Transition to the grip strength measurement mode is performed by the main control unit 12C based on data input from the operation unit 16. The main control unit 12C that has received the data input from the operation unit 16 via the interface 104 and the input unit 12A sends an instruction to start the grip strength measurement mode to the grip strength measurement mode control unit 12G. Be started.

Upon receiving an instruction from the main control unit 12C to start the grip force measurement mode, the grip force measurement mode control unit 12G is configured so that the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b have the air in the gas bag 2X provided on the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b. The pressure pumps 11a and 11b are controlled by adjusting the pressure or amount as described below. Specifically, the grip force measurement mode control unit 12G generates data for controlling the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b, and sends the data to the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b via the output unit 12B. Take control.
The pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b that have received such data operate according to the data as follows.
First, a slight amount of air enters the gas bag 2X. At this time, the air pressure in the gas bag 2X is 10 to 15 mmHg. The grip force measurement mode control unit 12G receives data on the air pressure in the gas bag 2X at that time from the pressure measurement units 13a and 13b, and controls the pressurization pumps 11a and 11b based on the data. The reason why the air is slightly introduced into the gas bag 2X is to prevent the gas bag 2X of the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b from coming into close contact with the arm of the subject. As much as possible, the lower the air pressure at this time, the better. When the air pressure in the gas bag 2X becomes as described above, the pressurizing pumps 11a and 11b will not supply air to the gas bag 2X and will not remove air from the gas bag 2X. That is, thereafter, the amount (mass or number of moles) of air in the gas bag 2X is kept constant.
Next, in this state, the instructor adjusts the tightening degree of the pressure belts 2a and 2b. The instructor adjusts the tightening degree of the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b so that the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b tighten the measurement site of the subject's arm with a tightening force that does not prevent the test subject from generating the maximum gripping force. . As a guide, the air pressure in the gas bag 2X at this time is, for example, between 30 and 40 mmHg.

After adjusting the tightening degree of the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b as described above, the air pressure in the gas bag 2X is measured. The air pressure is measured at least twice.
The first air pressure measurement is performed with the subject weakening the arm on the side where the measurement site is located. The second measurement of the air pressure is performed with the subject holding the arm on the side where the measurement site is located with the maximum force, in other words, with the subject generating the maximum gripping force with the hand. In the second measurement of the air pressure, the muscles included in the forearm flexor muscle group at the measurement site contract and become thicker and the outer circumference length thereof becomes longer than in the first measurement of the air pressure. Thereby, in the second measurement, the air pressure in the gas bag 2X becomes higher than in the first measurement. That is, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral length of the measurement site is between the time when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and the time when the test subject has the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. The air pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X is used as the target parameter in the present invention, which is a predetermined parameter that varies depending on the change.
Both the data on the air pressure in the gas bag 2X at the time of the first measurement and the second measurement are sent from the pressure measurement units 13a and 13b to the input unit 12A via the interface 104, and from there to the grip strength calculation unit 12H. It is done.
In addition, the timing which performs the 1st time and the 2nd measurement can be determined by operating the operation part 16 manually, for example, while a leader looks at a test subject's state. Alternatively, after the instructor operates the operation unit 16 in a state in which the subject is weak, for example, the pressure measurement units 13a and 13b continuously measure the air pressure in the gas bag 2X for 10 seconds, and the 10 seconds. The air pressure in the gas bag 2X at the first moment during the period is regarded as the air pressure in the gas bag 2X at the time of the first measurement described above, and in the gas bag 2X when the air pressure becomes highest in the 10 seconds. May be regarded as the air pressure in the gas bag 2X at the time of the second measurement. Of course, in this case, the subject generates the maximum gripping force during the 10 seconds, for example, according to the guidance of the leader.
At the time of the first measurement and the second measurement, the upper arm of the subject can be extended, and in this embodiment, this is the case. In either case, as long as the upper arm is extended, the arm may be either in a standing position with the arm hanging down or in a sitting position with the arm extended. The posture of the subject is preferably the same during the first measurement and the second measurement.

The grip strength calculation unit 12H generates the air pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X generated by the first and second measurements described above in a state where the subject has weakened the arm on the side where the measurement site is located, and the test site has the measurement site. Data indicating the air pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X in a state where the hand of the arm on one side is clamped with the maximum force is received.
Then, the grip strength (maximum grip strength) generated by the hand on the side where the measurement site of the subject is generated is calculated based on the air pressure measured at the first time and the air pressure measured at the second time.
In general, the greater the difference between the air pressure measured the first time and the air pressure measured the second time, the greater the grip strength of the subject. For example, the grip strength is obtained by calculating the difference between the air pressure measured at the first time and the air pressure measured at the second time or by dividing the air pressure measured at the second time by the air pressure measured at the first time. It can be obtained by obtaining these values, or performing both of these operations, and further multiplying the numerical values obtained by performing these operations by a predetermined coefficient as necessary.
In any case, the grip strength calculation unit 12H generates grip strength data about the grip strength of the subject, and an image including characters for specifying the grip strength of the hand on the side where the user's measurement site is specified by the grip strength data. Image data is generated. The grip strength calculation unit 12H sends the generated image data to the output unit 12B.
Such image data is sent to the display unit 17 via the output unit 12B and the interface 104, and an image showing the grip strength of the hand on the side where the measurement site of the subject is present is displayed on the display unit 17.

Usually, the above processing is sequentially performed on both arms of the subject, and the grip strength of both hands of the subject is measured.
When the measurement of the grip force is finished, the pressure belts 2a and 2b are removed from the user's arm.
In the above embodiment, the pressure belts 2a and 2b used when executing the appropriate pressure determination mode and the training mode are the same as the pressure belts 2a and 2b used when executing the grip strength measurement mode. However, the pressure belts 2a and 2b used when the appropriate pressure determination mode and the training mode are executed may be different from the pressure belts 2a and 2b used when the grip strength measurement mode is executed. For example, if the appropriate pressure determination mode and the training mode are executed, and the case where the gripping force measurement mode is executed, if the width and easiness of elongation required for the pressure belts 2a and 2b are different, different pressure belts are used. It may also be necessary to prepare 2a, 2b.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the grip strength measurement mode is executed, the air pressure of the air in the gas bag 2X is measured in the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b existing in the pressure control device 1. It was. On the other hand, the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b are provided in the gas bags 2X of the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b used when executing the grip strength measurement mode, respectively, and the air pressure in the gas bag 2X is changed to the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b. It is also possible to configure to measure directly at In this case, the electrical signals generated by the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b being measured from the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b to the pressurizing force control device 1 are sent by wire or wirelessly. Such an electrical signal specifies the air pressure, and can be the same as the data generated by the pressure measuring units 13 a and 13 b in the above-described embodiment that existed in the pressure control apparatus 1. Therefore, even if the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b exist in the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b outside the pressurizing control device 1, the functions other than the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b are the functions of the pressure measuring units 13a and 13b. 1 can be the same as described above.

<< Second Embodiment >>
What is described in the second embodiment is a muscle strength training system similar to that described in the first embodiment. The muscle strength training system according to the second embodiment includes the pressure control device 1 and the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b, similarly to the muscle strength training system according to the first embodiment.
These configurations and the functions and operations when the appropriate pressure determination mode and the training mode are executed are basically the same as those in the first embodiment. However, as will be described later, the gripping force measurement mode control unit 12G that exists in the case of the first embodiment does not exist in the control unit 12 in the pressure control apparatus 1.
On the other hand, the strength training system in the second embodiment includes a grip strength measuring belt 5. The gripping force measuring belt 5 is a belt different from the pressurizing belts 2a and 2b used only when the gripping force measuring mode in the first embodiment is executed by the pressure control device 1.

The grip strength measuring belt 5 will be described. A cross-sectional view of the grip strength measuring belt 5 of the second embodiment is schematically shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the grip strength measuring belt 5 is already wound around the measurement site of the arm A.
The gripping force measuring belt 5 includes a belt main body 5a which is a belt-like body, and a case 5b attached to the belt main body 5a.
The length of the belt body 5a needs to exceed the peripheral length of the measurement site of the subject's arm, and the width thereof is the tightening band 8a of the pressure belts 2a and 2b in the first embodiment. , 8b width. The belt body 5a is made of a material that is flexible enough to be wound around the measurement site of the subject without any gap and hardly stretches in the length direction.
The case 5b has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is hollow. The case 5b is provided with, for example, a slit-shaped opening 5b1, and the base end of the belt main body 5a enters the case 5b. On the other hand, the front end of the belt body 5a is fixed to the outer surface on the opposite side to the opening 5b1 of the case 5b.
In the case 5b, a shaft 5c fixed to the base end side of the belt body 5a and rotatable is housed. The base end side of the belt body 5a is wound around the shaft 5c. The shaft 5c is always urged by an elastic body (not shown) in the direction in which the belt body 5a is wound up. By pulling the belt body 5a against such a biasing force, the belt body 5a is unwound from the shaft 5c, and as a result, the length of the belt body 5a exposed to the case 5b is increased.
On the other hand, a length sensor 5d, which is a sensor for detecting the amount of rotation of the shaft 5c, is provided in the case 5b. The length sensor 5d detects the amount of rotation of the shaft 5c, so that the length of the belt body 5a located outside the case 5b and the length of the belt body 5a in the length direction of the surface contacting the arm A of the case 5b are detected. Thus, it is possible to generate a length signal that is an electrical signal corresponding to the perimeter of the arm A of the subject. That is, this grip strength measuring belt 5 can measure the circumference of the subject's arm A as a target parameter in the present invention.
The length sensor 5d is connected to one end of the cable 5e, and outputs the generated length signal via the cable 5d. The other end of the cable 5d is connected to a terminal (not shown) provided in the pressure control device 1. Such a terminal is connected to the interface 104 in the pressure control apparatus 1, and a length signal received at the terminal is input to the control unit 12 via the interface 104.

The configuration of the pressure control device 1 is basically the same as in the case of the first embodiment. However, as described above, the control unit 12 includes a grip force measurement mode control unit 12G that exists in the case of the first embodiment. Does not exist.
In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, there is a grip strength calculation unit 12H. However, the grip strength calculation unit 12H of the second embodiment is input to the control unit 12 and received by the input unit 12A. The subject's grip strength is calculated based on the signal.
As in the case of the first embodiment, the grip strength calculation unit 12H generates grip strength data about the grip strength of the subject, and specifies the grip strength of the hand on the side where the measurement site of the user specified by the grip strength data is present. Image data for an image including characters is generated. The grip strength calculation unit 12H sends the generated image data to the output unit 12B.

Next, the usage method and operation | movement of this strength training system are demonstrated.
The other is that the strength training system according to the second embodiment is not different from the first embodiment in terms of the method of using and operating the strength training system, particularly when the appropriate pressure determination mode and the training mode are executed. Only the case where a grip strength measurement mode different from the embodiment is executed will be described.

Also in the case of the second embodiment, the grip strength measurement mode is selected by operating the operation unit 16.
When the grip strength measurement mode is selected, the instructor attaches the grip strength measurement belt 5 to the measurement site of the arm A on the side where the hand for measuring the grip strength of the subject is located. The measurement site is the same as in the first embodiment.
The belt body 5a of the gripping force measuring belt 5 is wound around the shaft 5c at the base end side, but the belt body 5a is opened against the urging force of an elastic body (not shown) to open the opening 5b1 of the case 5b. By pulling out from the belt, a loop formed by the belt main body 5a and the case 5b and capable of passing the arm A inside thereof can be formed. In this state, the subject's arm A is passed through the loop. Even if the length of the loop is longer than the outer peripheral length of the arm A of the subject, as described above, the urging force in the direction of winding the belt body 5a is always applied to the shaft 5c. Therefore, the surplus belt body 5a is automatically wound, and as a result, the length of the loop coincides with the outer peripheral length of the arm A of the subject.

When the grip strength measuring belt 5 is thus attached to the arm A of the subject, the outer peripheral length of the measurement site is measured. The measurement of the outer peripheral length of the measurement site is performed at least twice as in the case of the first embodiment.
The first measurement of the outer peripheral length is performed in a state where the subject has weakened the arm on the side where the measurement site is located. The second measurement of the outer peripheral length is performed in a state where the subject holds the hand of the arm on the side where the measurement site is located with the maximum force, in other words, in a state where the subject produces the maximum grip strength with the hand. Compared to the measurement of the outer circumference length of the first measurement site, the muscles included in the forearm flexor muscle group in the measurement site contract and become thicker and the outer circumference length is longer in the second measurement of the outer circumference length. Become.
A length signal, which is an electrical signal for the outer circumference of the measurement site at the time of the first measurement and the second measurement, is generated by the length sensor 5d in the case 5b and sent to the pressure control device 1 via the cable 5e. The length signal is sent to the grip strength calculation unit 12H via the input unit 12A in the control unit 12.
Note that the timing of performing the first and second measurements may be determined, for example, by manually operating the operation unit 16 while the instructor looks at the state of the subject, or the subject is in a weak state. After the instructor operates the operation unit 16 in the state, for example, the length sensor 5d continues to measure the outer peripheral length of the measurement site for 10 seconds, and the length signal at the first moment during the 10 seconds is calculated as described above. The length signal at the time of the first measurement is regarded as the length signal at the time of the second measurement described above, and the length signal when the outer peripheral length of the measurement part specified by the length signal is the longest in the 10 seconds is increased. It may be regarded as a length signal. Of course, in this case, the subject generates the maximum gripping force during the 10 seconds, for example, according to the guidance of the leader.

The grip strength calculation unit 12H receives the length signal generated by the above first and second measurements.
The grip strength (maximum grip strength) generated by the hand on the side where the measurement site of the subject is generated is determined by the outer circumference length of the measurement site measured first time and the outer circumference length of the measurement site measured second time. Is calculated.
In general, the greater the difference between the outer circumference of the measurement site measured the first time and the outer circumference of the measurement site measured the second time, the greater the grip strength of the subject. For example, the grip strength is obtained by calculating the difference between the outer circumference length of the measurement site measured first time and the outer circumference length of the measurement site measured second time, or by the outer circumference length of the measurement site measured first time. By obtaining a numerical value obtained by dividing the outer circumference of the measurement site measured at the second time, or by performing both of these calculations, a predetermined coefficient is added to the numerical value obtained by performing these calculations as necessary. It can be obtained by calling.
In any case, the grip strength calculation unit 12H generates grip strength data about the grip strength of the subject, and an image including characters for specifying the grip strength of the hand on the side where the user's measurement site is specified by the grip strength data. Image data is generated. The grip strength calculation unit 12H sends the generated image data to the output unit 12B.
Such image data is sent to the display unit 17 via the output unit 12B and the interface 104, and an image showing the grip strength of the hand on the side where the measurement site of the subject is present is displayed on the display unit 17.

Usually, the above processing is sequentially performed on both arms of the subject, and the grip strength of both hands of the subject is measured.
When the grip strength measurement is completed, the grip strength measurement belt 5 is removed from the user's arm.

«Third embodiment»
A grip strength measurement method according to the third embodiment will be described.
The grip strength measuring method in the third embodiment is a method of measuring grip strength manually without using the muscle strength training system as described above.
The instructor first measures the outer peripheral length of the measurement site (measurement site is the same as in the first embodiment) on the arm on the side where the grip strength of the test subject is measured in a state where the test subject is weak in the arm. To do. Such measurement can be performed, for example, with a tape measure. This is the first measurement.
Next, the outer peripheral length of the measurement site of the subject is measured in a state where the subject produces the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm. This is the second measurement.
Next, the grip strength of the subject's hand is calculated based on the outer circumference length of the measurement site obtained by the first measurement and the outer circumference length of the measurement site obtained by the second measurement. The calculation method can be the same as that executed by the grip strength calculation unit 12H of the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pressurization control apparatus 2a, 2b Pressure belt 3a, 3b Rubber tube 5 Gripping force measurement belt 5a Belt main body 5b Case 5c Shaft 5d Length sensor 8a, 8b Tightening belts 9a, 9b Coupler with valve 11a, 11b Pressure pump 12 control Unit 12A input unit 12B output unit 12C main control unit 12D pressure control unit 12E maximum pulse wave pressure identification unit 12F appropriate pressure calculation unit 12G grip strength measurement mode control unit 12H grip strength calculation units 15a, 15b proportional valve 16 operation unit 17 display unit 18 recording Part 22 battery

Claims (8)

A grip strength measurement method for measuring grip strength of the subject by a change in outer diameter at a measurement site that is a predetermined site corresponding to a forearm flexor muscle group on one of the forearms of the subject,
Due to a change in the outer peripheral length of the measurement site between when the test subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the test subject is producing a maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site The target parameter, which is a predetermined parameter that fluctuates, is measured when the subject has weakened the arm with the measurement site and when the subject has a maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. Measuring process to
Based on the amount of change in the target parameter, a calculation process for calculating the grip strength of the arm of the subject with the measurement site;
A method for measuring grip strength. In the measurement process, the subject's upper arm is extended.
The grip strength measuring method according to claim 1. In the calculation process, the difference between the target parameters obtained when the subject is weak in the arm with the measurement site and when the subject has the maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. Performing at least one of an operation that takes the other and an operation that divides the other,
The grip strength measuring method according to claim 1. The grip strength of the subject is measured by a change in outer diameter at a measurement site that is a predetermined site corresponding to the forearm flexor muscle group on one of the forearms of the subject, and is used in combination with a belt that is wound around and fixed to the measurement site. A grip strength measuring device,
Due to a change in the outer peripheral length of the measurement site between when the test subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the test subject is producing a maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site The target parameter, which is a predetermined parameter that fluctuates, is determined when the subject has weakened the arm with the measurement site and when the subject has a maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. Receiving means for receiving from the belt;
Based on the amount of change in the target parameter received by the receiving means, calculating means for calculating the grip strength of the hand of the arm with the measurement site of the subject;
A grip strength measuring device. The belt includes an air-tight air bag into which air enters and abuts the measurement site when the belt is wound around and fixed to the measurement site;
The same amount of air in the air bag varies between when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the subject is producing maximum grip with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. The receiving means is adapted to receive the air pressure from the belt as the target parameter,
Air pressure measuring means for measuring the air pressure;
The grip strength measuring device according to claim 4. The belt measures the target parameter when the subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the subject is producing a maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site, Comprising signal generating means for generating an electric signal according to the target parameter,
The accepting means is adapted to accept the electrical signal generated by the signal generating means.
The grip strength measuring device according to claim 4. The grip strength of the subject is measured by a change in outer diameter at a measurement site that is a predetermined site corresponding to the forearm flexor muscle group on one of the forearms of the subject, and is used in combination with a belt that is wound around and fixed to the measurement site. A method implemented by a grip strength measuring device, comprising:
Executed by the grip strength measuring device,
Due to a change in the outer peripheral length of the measurement site between when the test subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the test subject is producing a maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site The target parameter, which is a predetermined parameter that fluctuates, is determined when the subject has weakened the arm with the measurement site and when the subject has a maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. The process of receiving from the belt,
Calculating the grip strength of the hand of the arm with the measurement site of the subject based on the amount of change in the target parameter received;
including,
Method. The grip strength of the subject is measured by a change in outer diameter at a measurement site that is a predetermined site corresponding to the forearm flexor muscle group on one of the forearms of the subject,
A belt wound around and fixed to the measurement site;
It is used in combination with the belt,
Due to a change in the outer peripheral length of the measurement site between when the test subject is weakening the arm with the measurement site and when the test subject is producing a maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site The target parameter, which is a predetermined parameter that fluctuates, is determined when the subject has weakened the arm with the measurement site and when the subject has a maximum grip strength with the hand of the arm with the measurement site. Receiving means for receiving from the belt;
Based on the amount of change in the target parameter received by the receiving means, calculating means for calculating the grip strength of the hand of the arm with the measurement site of the subject;
A grip strength measuring device including:
Having grip strength measuring system.

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