JP2021049002A - Neural function improvement method and neural function improvement apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a neural function improvement method that anyone can execute easily with low invasiveness, and a neural function improvement apparatus that anyone can use easily.SOLUTION: There are provided a neural function improvement method including a walking step for operating a treadmill 10 at 0.3-2.0 km/h, a first application step for applying positive potential to a left front head part of a user on the treadmill 10, and a second application step for applying negative potential to a part other than the left front head part of the user on the treadmill 10, and a neural function improvement apparatus 1 for improving a neural function of the user. The neural function improvement apparatus 1 includes the treadmill 10 on which the user walks at 0.3-2.0 km/h, a positive electrode 11 mounted on the left front head part of the user, and a negative electrode 12 mounted on a part other than the left front head part of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a nerve function improving method and a nerve function improving device applied to a person who strongly feels anxiety.

If you feel good and have a positive mental state, you may improve your work and study efficiency and your sports performance. Even if you are a healthy person, if you feel depressed or fall into a mental state where anxiety is predominant, the negative emotions will affect your work and study efficiency, and your concentration will decrease and you will be able to play sports. Performance may be degraded. Conventionally, drug therapy has been used when a mental disorder such as depression develops due to strong anxiety, but the side effects of the drug may cause strong drowsiness or irritation. In addition to drug therapy, psychotherapy is also common, but if there is a strong sense of anxiety, it tends to become severe, and even if multiple treatments are performed alone or in parallel, it may not be possible to recover. However, there were many patients whose depression recurred even after recovery.

As described above, in order to reduce the number of patients suffering from the side effects of the drug and the patients who cannot recover from depression, for example, the pulse generator as in Patent Document 1 is electrically communicated with the pulse generator. Treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders comprising a subcutaneous electrode assembly comprising a first electrode comprising at least one contactor configured to be placed subcutaneously in a first region of the patient's face. In a trigeminal nerve stimulation system, said first electrode is in close proximity to, adjacent to, or in contact with at least one branch of the trigeminal nerve to treat neuropsychiatric disorders by trigeminal stimulation. The system is configured to provide minimal current penetration into the patient's brain, and the at least one branch of the trigeminal nerve is the ocular nerve, suborbital nerve, otogai nerve, Extracranial implantable for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, selected from the group consisting of supraclavicular nerve, subpuller nerve, buccal temporal nerve, buccal facial nerve, buccal orbital nerve, nasal nerve, and parietal temporal nerve Devices, systems, and methods have been developed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-205213

However, the system described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is a method for improving nerve function with low invasiveness, and a method for improving nerve function that can be easily used by a user, a caregiver thereof, or anyone else. To provide the device.

The nerve function improving method that could solve the above problems includes a walking step in which the treadmill is operated at 0.3 to 2.0 km / hour and a first method in which a positive potential is applied to the left frontal region of the user on the treadmill. This is a method for improving nerve function, which comprises one application step and a second application step of applying a negative potential to a portion other than the left frontal region of the user on the treadmill. By implementing this method, it is possible to increase the user's positive emotions, that is, mental states and pleasant emotions that make the user feel relaxed, in a less invasive manner, and the user's negative emotions, that is, anxiety, etc. You can reduce the feeling of depression. It can also reduce negative emotions in the long run.

It is preferable that the negative potential in the second application step is applied to the user's neck or a portion below the neck.

It is preferable to pass a current of 3 mA or less to the walking user by executing the first application step and the second application step.

It is preferable that the time for passing an electric current to the walking user is 5 minutes or more and 40 minutes or less.

In the walking step, it is preferable to generate a guidance voice for the user step by step regarding how to move the foot.

It is preferable to start the walking step before the first application step and the second application step.

Further, the nerve function improving device that has solved the above problems is a nerve function improving device that improves the nerve function of the user, and includes a treadmill that allows the user to walk at 0.3 to 2.0 km / hour. It is a nerve function improving device characterized by having a positive electrode attached to the left frontal region of the user and a negative electrode attached to a portion other than the left frontal region of the user. By using this device, it is possible to increase the user's positive emotions, that is, mental states that make the mind relaxed and comfortable emotions, in a less invasive manner, and the user's negative emotions, that is, anxiety, etc. You can reduce the feeling of depression. It can also reduce negative emotions in the long run.

The negative electrode is preferably attached to the user's neck or a portion below the neck.

It is preferable that the positive electrode and the negative electrode further provide a DC power source for passing a current of 3 mA or less to the walking user.

It is preferable to have a speaker that generates a guidance voice for the user about how to move the foot step by step.

Nerve function improving methods and devices can increase the user's positive emotions, that is, mental states and pleasant feelings that make the user relaxed, in a less invasive manner, and the user's negative emotions. In other words, it is possible to reduce anxiety and depressed mood.

It is a left side view which shows the nerve function improvement method using the nerve function improvement apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which showed the score of PANAS-PA when Example A, Comparative Example B, and Comparative Example C were carried out respectively. It is a graph which showed the score of STAI-SA when Example A and Comparative Example B were carried out respectively.

Hereinafter, the nerve function improving method and the nerve function improving device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples, and the above and the following will be described. It is also possible to carry out with appropriate modifications to the extent that it can be adapted to the gist of the present invention, and all of them are included in the technical scope of the present invention. In each figure, hatching, reference numerals, etc. may be omitted for convenience, but in such cases, the specification and other figures shall be referred to. In addition, the dimensions of various parts in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions because priority is given to contributing to the understanding of the features of the present invention.

1. Nerve function improvement method The nerve function improvement method that could solve the above problems is a walking step in which the treadmill 10 is operated at 0.3 to 2.0 km / hour, and the left frontal region of the user on the treadmill 10. A method for improving nerve function, which comprises a first application step of applying a positive potential to a treadmill 10 and a second application step of applying a negative potential to a portion of the treadmill 10 other than the left frontal region of the user. is there.

FIG. 1 is a left side view showing a method for improving nerve function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the treadmill 10 is a device for a user to ride on a belt whose rotation speed and angle can be changed and to walk or run in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the belt. The treadmill 10 may also be called a room walker or a walking machine.

As the first application step, a positive potential is delivered to the brain via the skull. The positive potential is applied to the user's left frontal cortex, but since the brain region that regulates emotions to a higher degree is said to be the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the cranial region corresponding to the user's left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. It is more preferable that a positive potential is applied to the. Since the positive potential is sent to the brain via the skull, electrodes and the like are not directly embedded in the brain, and the invasiveness can be reduced.

As the second application step, a negative potential is applied through the skin of a portion other than the left frontal region of the user. The negative potential may be applied to the right frontal region, cheeks, etc. as long as it is not the user's left frontal region, but the negative potential in the second application step is lower than the user's neck or neck. It is more preferable that the application is applied to a portion of the user, for example, the neck, back, shoulder, etc. of the user.

By implementing this method, it is possible to increase the user's positive emotions, that is, mental states and pleasant emotions that make the user feel relaxed, in a less invasive manner, and the user's negative emotions, that is, anxiety, etc. You can reduce the feeling of depression. It can also reduce negative emotions in the long run.

By executing the first application step and the second application step, it is preferable to pass a current of 3 mA or less to a walking user, more preferably a current of 2.5 mA or less, and a current of 2.0 mA or less. Is even more preferable. By executing the first application step and the second application step, it is preferable to pass a current of 0.1 mA or more to a walking user, more preferably a current of 0.2 mA or more, and a current of 0.3 mA or more. It is more preferable to let it flow.

By passing a current of 3 mA or less to the walking user in the first application step and the second application step, the positive emotion of the user can be increased more reliably and the negative emotion can be reduced.

The time for passing an electric current to the walking user is preferably 5 minutes or more, more preferably 8 minutes or more, and further preferably 10 minutes or more. The time for passing an electric current to the walking user is preferably 40 minutes or less, more preferably 35 minutes or less, and further preferably 30 minutes or less.

By setting the time for passing an electric current to the walking user as described above, the positive emotion of the user can be increased and the negative emotion can be decreased.

In the walking step, it is preferable to generate a guidance voice for the user step by step regarding how to move the foot.

The guidance voice may be any one that gives instructions on how to walk or encourages the person to concentrate on walking. For example, "Put your right foot forward, put your right foot on the ground from your heel, and kick the ground with your left toe while shifting your weight to your right foot. Put your left foot forward, put your left foot on the ground from your heel, and your left foot. Guidance voices that give step-by-step instructions on how to move your feet, such as "Kick the ground with your right toe while shifting your weight," and "Thoughts that come to your mind are blown away by the wind." It can be a guidance voice that instructs not to be aware of anything other than walking, such as "."

As mentioned above, by having a guidance voice about how to move the foot and a guidance voice to avoid being aware of anything other than walking, the user can concentrate only on the step-by-step footsteps. As a result, you don't have to stick to certain ideas. As a result, the positive emotions of the user can be greatly increased, and the negative emotions of the user can be further reduced.

It is preferable to start the walking step before the first application step and the second application step.

The user needs to walk according to the operating speed of the treadmill 10, but the operating speed of the treadmill 10 is very slow at 0.3 to 2.0 km / hour, so it may be difficult to walk at first. There is. As described above, by starting the walking step before the first application step and the second application step, the user can become accustomed to walking according to the operating speed of the treadmill 10 and is in a stable state. Since the first application step and the second application step can be performed, the positive emotion of the user can be increased more reliably, and the negative emotion can be decreased more reliably.

2. Nerve function improving device The nerve function improving device 1 that has solved the above problems is a treadmill 10 that allows the user to walk at 0.3 to 2.0 km / hour, and a positive electrode that is attached to the left frontal region of the user. The nerve function improving device 1 is characterized by having an electrode 11 and a negative electrode 12 to be attached to a portion other than the left frontal region of the user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the treadmill 10 is a device for a user to ride on a belt whose rotation speed and angle can be changed and to walk or run in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the belt. The treadmill 10 may also be called a room walker or a walking machine.

The positive electrode 11 refers to an electrode that sends a positive charge to the brain via the skull. As shown in FIG. 1, the positive electrode 11 is attached to the left frontal region of the user, but is used because depression and psychiatric disorders are said to be due to functional deterioration of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. It is more preferable to be attached to the cranial portion corresponding to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of the person. Since the positive electrode 11 sends a positive potential to the brain via the skull, it is not necessary to directly implant the electrode in the brain, and the invasiveness can be reduced.

The negative electrode 12 may be attached to the right frontal region, cheeks, etc. as long as it is attached to the skin other than the user's left frontal region, but the negative electrode 12 is attached to the user's neck or a portion below the neck. It is more preferable to wear it on the neck, back, etc., and it is also preferable to wear it on the shoulder of the user as shown in FIG.

Further, the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 can be formed into a sheet pad shape. The nerve function improving device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be operated by the user, but has a seat pad-like positive electrode 11 and a negative electrode 12 so as to be easily arranged at appropriate positions. It is preferable to draw a diagram on the surfaces of the electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 to show the respective arrangement positions.

By using this device, it is possible to increase the user's positive emotions, that is, mental states that make the mind relaxed and comfortable emotions, in a less invasive manner, and the user's negative emotions, that is, anxiety, etc. You can reduce the feeling of depression. It can also reduce negative emotions in the long run.

It is preferable that the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 further include a DC power supply 13 for passing a current of 3 mA or less to the walking user.

The direct current power source 13 converts an alternating current sent to a home or other facility into a direct current. By having the DC power source 13, the nerve function improving device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used by utilizing the alternating current supplied to the outlet in the home.

It is preferable to have a speaker that generates a guidance voice for the user about how to move the foot step by step.

A speaker is a device that converts an electric signal into a mechanical signal corresponding to it by using electromagnetic coupling, electrostatic coupling, or the like, and further connects it to a diaphragm, a horn, or the like to convert it into sound. Since the guidance voice is emitted from the speaker step by step, the user can suppress thinking about things other than walking, so that he / she can concentrate on walking. As a result, the positive emotions of the user can be greatly increased, and the negative emotions of the user can be further reduced.

(Example A)
A nerve with a treadmill that walks at 1.0 km / h, a positive electrode for applying a positive potential to the left dorsolateral prefrontal area via the user's skull, and a negative electrode to be worn on the user's left shoulder. A treadmill was used. The positive electrode is circular with a radius of 2.5 cm. The negative electrode is a rectangle with a short side of 5 cm and a long side of 7 cm. The user walked on the treadmill at a speed of 1.0 km / h. A current of 1 mA was passed from the positive and negative electrodes to the walking user for 20 minutes. At this time, a guidance voice saying "From heel to front" was played step by step. This method was performed only once per user.

(Comparative Example B)
A treadmill was used to walk at 1.0 km / h. The user walked on the treadmill at a speed of 1.0 km / h. At this time, a guidance voice saying "From heel to front" was played step by step. This method was performed only once per user.

(Comparative Example C)
A device having a positive electrode for applying a positive potential to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex via the user's skull and a negative electrode to be attached to the user's left shoulder was used. The positive electrode is circular with a radius of 2.5 cm. The negative electrode is a rectangle with a short side of 5 cm and a long side of 7 cm. A current of 1 mA was passed from the positive and negative electrodes to the walking user for 20 minutes. This method was performed only once per user.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the scores measured by PANAS-PA (The Positive and Negative Affect) when Example A, Comparative Example B, and Comparative Example C were carried out, respectively. PANAS-PA is an index for evaluating momentary positive emotions, and the larger the value, the better the mood (higher positive emotions). Specifically, from the scores measured by PANAS-PA immediately after performing Example A, Comparative Example B, and Comparative Example C, measured by PANAS-PA immediately before performing Example A, Comparative Example B, and Comparative Example C. The score obtained by subtracting each is shown. A in FIG. 2 shows the average of the subtraction results of 27 people who performed Example A, B in FIG. 2 shows the average of the subtraction results of 28 people who performed Comparative Example B, and C in FIG. 2 performed Comparative Example C. The average of the subtraction results of 21 people is shown.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing anxiety scores measured by STAI-SA (State-Trait Anxiety Industry-State Anxiety Industry) when Example A and Comparative Example B were carried out, respectively. STAI-SA is an index for evaluating negative emotions (anxiety), and the larger the value, the stronger the anxiety (higher negative emotions). Specifically, from the scores measured by STI-SA one week after performing Example A and Comparative Example B, the scores measured by STI-SA 60 minutes after performing Example A and Comparative Example B, respectively. The subtracted one is shown. A in FIG. 3 shows the average of the subtraction results of 27 people who performed Example A, and B in FIG. 3 shows the average of the subtraction results of 28 people who performed Comparative Example B.

As shown in FIG. 2, in Comparative Example B in which only walking on a treadmill was performed and Comparative Example C in which only electrical stimulation was performed, the score of PANAS-PA immediately after the implementation was higher than the score of PANAS-PA immediately before the implementation. Was also decreasing. On the other hand, in Example A in which walking and electrical stimulation were performed on a treadmill, the score of PANAS-PA immediately after the implementation was significantly higher than the score of PANAS-PA immediately before the implementation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in Comparative Example B in which only walking on the treadmill was performed, the score of STAI-SA one week after the implementation was higher than the score of STAI-SA 60 minutes after the implementation. Was there. On the other hand, in Example A in which walking and electrical stimulation were performed on a treadmill, the score of STI-SA one week after the implementation was significantly lower than the score of STI-SA 60 minutes after the implementation. ..

Therefore, Example A, which walks on a treadmill and performs electrical stimulation, surely increases positive emotions and causes negative emotions as compared with Comparative Example B, which only walks on a treadmill, and Comparative Example C, which performs only electrical stimulation. It can be reduced, and a single treadmill can reduce negative emotions over a long period of one week.

As described above, the nerve function improving method and the nerve function improving device of the present invention are less invasive and can be easily performed by anyone, can increase the positive emotions of the user, and reduce the negative emotions of the user. It is something that can be made to do. It can also reduce negative emotions in the long run.

1: Nerve function improving device 10: Treadmill 11: Positive electrode 12: Negative electrode 13: DC power supply

Claims (10)

A walking step that drives the treadmill at 0.3 to 2.0 km / hour,
The first application step of applying a positive potential to the left frontal region of the user on the treadmill, and
A second application step of applying a negative potential to a portion of the treadmill other than the left frontal region of the user,
A method for improving nerve function, which is characterized by having. The method for improving nerve function according to claim 1, wherein the negative potential in the second application step is applied to the user's neck or a portion below the neck. The method for improving nerve function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a current of 3 mA or less is passed to a walking user by executing the first application step and the second application step. The method for improving nerve function according to claim 3, wherein the time for passing an electric current to the walking user is 5 minutes or more and 40 minutes or less. The method for improving nerve function according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the walking step, a guidance voice regarding how to move the foot is generated step by step for the user. The method for improving nerve function according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the walking step is started before the first application step and the second application step. It is a nerve function improving device that improves the nerve function of the user.
A treadmill that allows the user to walk at 0.3 to 2.0 km / hour,
A positive electrode attached to the user's left frontal region,
Negative electrodes to be attached to parts other than the user's left frontal region,
A nerve function improving device characterized by having. The nerve function improving device according to claim 7, wherein the negative electrode is attached to the user's neck or a portion below the neck. The nerve function improving device according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a DC power source for passing a current of 3 mA or less to a walking user by the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The neural function improving device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a speaker that generates a guidance voice regarding how to move the foot to the user step by step.

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