JP3888749B2 - Measuring device for temperature sense evaluation - Google Patents
Measuring device for temperature sense evaluation Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- JP3888749B2 JP3888749B2 JP29758897A JP29758897A JP3888749B2 JP 3888749 B2 JP3888749 B2 JP 3888749B2 JP 29758897 A JP29758897 A JP 29758897A JP 29758897 A JP29758897 A JP 29758897A JP 3888749 B2 JP3888749 B2 JP 3888749B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- temperature
- heat flux
- time
- stimulation
- heat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Landscapes
- Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
Description
【0001】
【産業上の利用分野】
この発明は、末梢小径神経障害の診断に用いられる温度覚として、熱流束より得られる熱量閾値を測定する装置に関する。
【0002】
【従来技術及びその課題】
従来、温度感覚の評価法は温度刺激手段を皮膚に接触させ、該温度刺激手段の温度を上昇又は下降させ、被検者が温感又は冷感を自覚したときの温度をそれぞれ温覚閾値、冷覚閾値として評価する温度覚測定法が用いられてきた。しかながらこの方法によると、同じ温度の温度刺激手段を皮膚に接触させてもその際の皮膚温により、温感・冷感に差異が生じる。
【0003】
又、温度覚測定法における上記問題点の解決法として、温感を感じた温度と冷感を感じた温度の差をみる温度差識別閾値法が試みられている。しかしなが糖尿病の病態進行に伴う温度に対する異常知覚は、冷感が先に現れることが知られているところから、温感と冷感の両方を別個に測定する必要があるが、上記の方法では、温感と冷感を個別に評価することは困難である。
【0004】
本発明は上記従来の事情に鑑みて提案されたものであって、温感・冷感を別々に、しかも皮膚温の影響を受けずに評価するための装置を提供することを目的とするものである。
【0005】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、本発明は以下の手段を採用している。すなわち、本発明の提供する温度覚評価の測定装置は、温度刺激手段の刺激面に、温度センサと熱流束センサを配置するとともに、上記温度センサより得られる温度と熱流束センサより得られる熱流束に基づいて熱量閾値を演算する演算手段とを備える。温度評価値として用いるため、被検者の皮膚面に対向させて温度刺激手段の刺激面を配置した状態で、該温度刺激手段による温度刺激開始時点T1 から被検者が温冷感を自覚する時点T2 までの熱流束と温度の経時変化に基づいて得られる単位面積当たりの熱量である熱量閾値を演算する。
【0006】
温冷感覚は皮膚表面と体外環境との間の熱流の大きさを末梢神経が感じて、温感あるいは冷感を自覚する。そこで、温度刺激手段の刺激面と皮膚との間に生じる熱流を直接測定し、その積分値をもって閾値、すなわち、熱流束閾値および熱量閾値として温冷感覚、すなわち、温度覚を評価するようにしている。
【0007】
【実施の形態】
図1は本発明に使用するセンサ部の概要を示すものである。図1に示すように、温度刺激手段1としてのペルチェ素子の刺激面を皮膚面に対向して配置し、該温度刺激手段1の刺激面に接して熱流束センサ2と温度センサ3を配置し、更にその上に保護板4を配置する。
【0008】
図2は上記センサ部より得られる温度と熱流束の情報を処理する処理回路のブロック図を示すものである。被検者が上記保護板4上に例えば指先Fを置いた状態でオペレータが、稼働スイッチSW1をONすると温度測定手段11がセンサ部10より得られる測定開始時点T1 での温度を測定して熱量閾値演算手段13に伝送する。これとともに、温度刺激手段1の電源装置15がONされて温度を上昇または下降させ、被検者が熱いまたは冷たいと感じたときに、被検者によって測定終了指示スイッチSW2を押す。この間に上記温度測定手段11より出力される温度情報および熱流束測定手段12より出力される熱流束情報は常時演算手段13に入力され、ここで以下の式に従って演算された熱量閾値Qが求められる。
【0009】
【数1】
【0010】
図3は、熱流束qと温度の時間変化の例を示すグラフであり、加熱時を図3(a)、冷却時を図3(b)に示す。
すなわち、図3においては、測定開始時点T1 から被検者が上記測定終了指示スイッチSW2を押す時点T2 までの熱流束qの積分値が熱量閾値Qということになる。
【0011】
なお、熱流束qの値は、熱が体外に出る向きを正とし、熱流束qの最大値は絶対値で定めている。この例では、T1 からT2 の間の最大熱流束qmax は測定終了時点T2 で現れているが、障害の程度によってはT2 に至る前に上記最大熱流束qmax が現れる場合もある。
【0012】
表1は上記のようにして演算した健常者6人に対する温感と冷感に関する上記熱量閾値の測定結果であり、比較のために、従来技術に係る温度差閾値も測定して列記した。また表2は被検者7人に対する上記熱量閾値と温度差閾値を列記するとともに、各値について、健常者の値との比をとったものである。
【0013】
また、表1、表2には、時間T1 −T2 の平均熱流束及び最大熱流束も同時に列記し、表2には健常者の値との比をとったものを示してある。
なお、上記被検者は、末梢神経障害者が対象であるが、糖尿病者が多い。
【0014】
【表1】
【0015】
【表2】
【0016】
更に、図4は被検者の健常者に対する温度差閾値の比をグラフにしたものであり、また図5は被検者の健常者に対する熱量閾値の比をグラフにしたものである。
【0017】
この2つの表、およびグラフからも明らかなように、従来用いられていた温度差閾値の比は2から8倍程度の値であるのに対して、熱量閾値の比は2倍から20倍の値と本実施例では顕著な差がみられ、障害の程度によって比の値が大きく変化することが判る。従って、この熱量閾値を温度覚の指標とすることでよりきめの細かな病状分析ができる可能性ができる。
【0018】
尚、上記温度刺激手段1は電源装置15によって制御され、極端に温度が上昇あるいは下降することを防止している。また上記表1,2、あるいはグラフは表示手段14aやプリンタ14bで出力することができる。
【0019】
上記においては、上記温度刺激手段1による温度刺激開始時点T1 から被検者が温感又は冷感を自覚する時点T2 までの熱量を温度覚評価値としているが、更にこの熱量を上記温度刺激開始時点T1 から被検者が温感又は冷感を自覚する時点T2 まで時間T2 −T1 で割って得られる平均熱流束を温度覚評価値とすることもできる。図6は、被検者の健常者に対する平均熱流束の比をグラフに示したものである。
【0020】
更に、上記温度刺激手段1による上記温度刺激開始時点T1 から被検者が温感又は冷感を自覚する時点T2 に至る迄の最大熱流束を温度覚評価値とすることも可能である。図7は、被検者の健常者に対する最大熱流束の比をグラフに示したものである。
【0021】
図6、7から、温度差閾値の比の傾向と同様であり、温度差の指標とすることができる。
被検者の血流は環境温度によって異なることがあり、上記のように温度刺激手段1で刺激を開始すること自体が環境温度を変化させたことになる。従って、温度刺激手段1より一定の熱量が与えられた場合であっても、熱流束は測定対象となっている被検者の血流速度が変化し、これによって上記熱流束も変化する。すなわち、被検者の血流速度が早くなるとそれだけ温度刺激手段1より被検者の皮膚に向かって流れる熱量、即ち熱流束が多くなり、被検者の血流が停滞すると熱流束も小さくなる。
【0022】
従って、温度刺激手段1よりの熱流束は図2に示すように、熱量閾値に至る迄にピークを形成することがある。この熱流束の最大値を温度覚評価値とすることも可能である。
【0023】
【発明の効果】
本発明により皮膚温の影響を受けず、温感・冷感を独立に評価できるため、糖尿病の病態、把握が的確にできる。また、容易にデ−タの採取、蓄積が可能となる。従って、薬効の評価や病態、進行を早期に診断でき、適切な治療へとつながる。
【0024】
本装置は、短時間で検査が終わるため、外来での検査も可能であり、広く病院に普及させることが可能である。
熱量閾値を測ることにより、温度覚の障害のみならず、局部体温調節機能障害の診断が可能となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図1】本発明に使用するセンサ部を示す概要図である。
【図2】本発明の方法を実施する装置のブロック図である。
【図3】熱流束と温度の時間変化の例を示すグラフである。
【図4】温度差閾値の健常者に対する比を示すグラフである。
【図5】熱量閾値の健常者に対する比を示すグラフである。
【図6】平均熱流束の健常者に対する比を示すグラフである。
【図7】最大熱流束の健常者に対する比を示すグラフである。
【符号の説明】
1 温度刺激手段
Q 熱量閾値[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a heat quantity threshold obtained from heat flux as a temperature sensation used for diagnosis of peripheral small-diameter neuropathy.
[0002]
[Prior art and its problems]
Conventionally, in the evaluation method of temperature sensation, the temperature stimulating means is brought into contact with the skin, the temperature of the temperature stimulating means is increased or decreased, and the temperature when the subject is aware of the sense of warmth or coolness is the warmth threshold, A temperature sensation method has been used to evaluate the cold sensation threshold. However, according to this method, even if the temperature stimulating means having the same temperature is brought into contact with the skin, a difference in warm feeling and cold feeling occurs depending on the skin temperature at that time.
[0003]
Further, as a solution to the above-mentioned problem in the temperature sensation measurement method, a temperature difference identification threshold method has been attempted in which the difference between the temperature at which a warm feeling is felt and the temperature at which a cold feeling is felt is observed. However, it is known that the abnormal sensation to temperature associated with the progression of the pathological condition of diabetes is that the sensation of cold appears first, so it is necessary to measure both the sensation of cold and sensation separately. Then, it is difficult to evaluate warmth and coldness separately.
[0004]
The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described conventional circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for evaluating thermal sensation and cold sensation separately and without being affected by skin temperature. It is.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following means. That is, the measurement device for temperature sensation evaluation provided by the present invention includes a temperature sensor and a heat flux sensor arranged on the stimulation surface of the temperature stimulation means, and a temperature obtained from the temperature sensor and a heat flux obtained from the heat flux sensor. And a calculation means for calculating a heat quantity threshold value based on the above. To be used as a temperature evaluation value, with the stimulation surface of the temperature stimulation means placed facing the skin surface of the subject , the subject is aware of the thermal sensation from the temperature stimulation start time T 1 by the temperature stimulation means A heat quantity threshold value, which is a heat quantity per unit area, obtained based on the heat flux up to time point T 2 and the change over time of the temperature is calculated.
[0006]
In the thermal sensation, the peripheral nerves sense the magnitude of the heat flow between the skin surface and the extracorporeal environment, and realize a sense of warmth or coldness. Therefore, the heat flow generated between the stimulation surface of the temperature stimulation means and the skin is directly measured, and the integrated value thereof is used to evaluate the thermal sensation, that is, the temperature sensation, as a threshold, that is, a heat flux threshold and a calorie threshold. Yes.
[0007]
[Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an outline of a sensor unit used in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the stimulation surface of the Peltier element as the temperature stimulation means 1 is arranged facing the skin surface, and the
[0008]
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a processing circuit for processing the temperature and heat flux information obtained from the sensor section. Operator while the subject was placed, for example, the fingertip F on the protective plate 4, the operation switch SW1 ON Then the temperature measuring means 11 is by measuring the temperature at the measurement start time T 1 obtained from the
[0009]
[Expression 1]
[0010]
FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the temporal change of the heat flux q and the temperature. FIG. 3A shows the heating time and FIG. 3B shows the cooling time.
That is, in FIG. 3, the integrated value of the heat flux q from the measurement start time T 1 to the time T 2 when the subject presses the measurement end instruction switch SW 2 is the heat quantity threshold value Q.
[0011]
The value of the heat flux q is positive when the heat goes out of the body, and the maximum value of the heat flux q is determined as an absolute value. In this example, the maximum heat flux q max between T 1 and T 2 appears at the measurement end time T 2 , but the maximum heat flux q max may appear before reaching T 2 depending on the degree of failure. is there.
[0012]
Table 1 shows the measurement results of the above-mentioned calorific value threshold values regarding the sense of warmth and coolness for the six healthy persons calculated as described above. For comparison, the temperature difference threshold values according to the prior art are also measured and listed. Table 2 lists the calorific value threshold value and the temperature difference threshold value for the seven subjects, and for each value, takes a ratio with the value of the healthy person.
[0013]
Tables 1 and 2 also list the average heat flux and the maximum heat flux at time T 1 -T 2 at the same time, and Table 2 shows the ratio of the values to the values of healthy persons.
In addition, although the said subject is a peripheral neuropathy person, there are many diabetics.
[0014]
[Table 1]
[0015]
[Table 2]
[0016]
Further, FIG. 4 is a graph showing the ratio of the temperature difference threshold to the healthy subject, and FIG. 5 is a graph showing the ratio of the heat amount threshold to the healthy subject.
[0017]
As is clear from these two tables and graphs, the ratio of the temperature difference threshold value that has been conventionally used is about 2 to 8 times, whereas the ratio of the heat amount threshold value is 2 to 20 times. There is a marked difference between the value and this example, and it can be seen that the ratio value varies greatly depending on the degree of failure. Therefore, by using this heat quantity threshold value as an index of temperature sense, it is possible to perform more detailed pathological analysis.
[0018]
The temperature stimulating means 1 is controlled by the
[0019]
In the above, although the temperature sensation evaluation value heat from the thermal stimulation start time T 1 by the thermal stimulation means 1 to the point T 2 to realize the warmth or cold sensation subject, further the temperature of this heat average heat flux obtained by dividing the stimulation start time T 1 at time T 2 to time T 2 -T 1 where the subject is aware of warmth or cold sensation may be a temperature sensation evaluation value. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the ratio of the average heat flux of healthy subjects to healthy subjects.
[0020]
Furthermore, it is also possible to temperature sensation evaluation value maximum heat flux up to the time T 2 to the subject from the thermal stimulation start time T 1 is aware of the warmth or sensation by the thermal stimulation means 1 . FIG. 7 is a graph showing the ratio of the maximum heat flux to the healthy subject.
[0021]
6 and 7, it is the same as the tendency of the temperature difference threshold ratio, and can be used as an index of the temperature difference.
The blood flow of the subject may vary depending on the environmental temperature, and starting the stimulation with the
[0022]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the heat flux from the
[0023]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the warmth and coolness can be independently evaluated without being affected by the skin temperature, so that the pathological condition and grasping of diabetes can be accurately performed. In addition, data can be collected and stored easily. Therefore, evaluation of drug efficacy, disease state, and progression can be diagnosed at an early stage, leading to appropriate treatment.
[0024]
Since this apparatus can be inspected in a short time, it can be outpatiently and can be widely used in hospitals.
By measuring the calorific value threshold, it becomes possible to diagnose not only temperature sensation disturbance but also local body temperature regulation dysfunction.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sensor unit used in the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of temporal change in heat flux and temperature.
FIG. 4 is a graph showing a ratio of a temperature difference threshold value to a healthy person.
FIG. 5 is a graph showing a ratio of a heat amount threshold value to a healthy person.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing the ratio of average heat flux to healthy individuals.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the ratio of maximum heat flux to healthy individuals.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Temperature stimulation means Q Calorific value threshold
Claims (3)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP29758897A JP3888749B2 (en) | 1996-10-29 | 1997-10-29 | Measuring device for temperature sense evaluation |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP28713796 | 1996-10-29 | ||
JP8-287137 | 1996-10-29 | ||
JP29758897A JP3888749B2 (en) | 1996-10-29 | 1997-10-29 | Measuring device for temperature sense evaluation |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH10179591A JPH10179591A (en) | 1998-07-07 |
JP3888749B2 true JP3888749B2 (en) | 2007-03-07 |
Family
ID=26556593
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP29758897A Expired - Lifetime JP3888749B2 (en) | 1996-10-29 | 1997-10-29 | Measuring device for temperature sense evaluation |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JP3888749B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR20010027205A (en) * | 1999-09-11 | 2001-04-06 | 김희상 | Apparatus for measuring and analyzing human's chi(mental energy) changes by external stimuli, and method thereof |
US9681837B2 (en) | 2012-02-20 | 2017-06-20 | Keio University | Central sensitization diagnosis device and method for operating same |
JP7095971B2 (en) * | 2017-10-18 | 2022-07-05 | 日本光電工業株式会社 | Peripheral nerve testing equipment, peripheral nerve testing methods, and programs |
JP6360636B1 (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2018-07-18 | インタークロス株式会社 | Skin sensory stimulation device and sensory threshold measurement method |
CN113907462B (en) * | 2021-07-08 | 2022-09-06 | 中国地质大学(北京) | Method for determining human body temperature and target water temperature of liquid cooling clothes system |
CN115251852B (en) * | 2022-10-07 | 2022-12-30 | 安徽星辰智跃科技有限责任公司 | Detection quantification method and system for body temperature regulation function |
-
1997
- 1997-10-29 JP JP29758897A patent/JP3888749B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPH10179591A (en) | 1998-07-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
Claus et al. | Methods of measurement of thermal thresholds | |
US6090050A (en) | Thermometric apparatus and method | |
US5957867A (en) | Method and device for detecting edema | |
TW510789B (en) | Massage machine and physiological quantity measuring device used in the same | |
JP5922457B2 (en) | Pressure ulcer detection device and its operating method | |
US5191896A (en) | Apparatus for measuring threshold sensitivity to a stimulus | |
JP5327840B2 (en) | Temperature conductivity measuring device, skin tissue blood circulation evaluation device, and pressure ulcer diagnostic device | |
Navarro et al. | Evaluation of thermal and pain sensitivity in type I diabetic patients. | |
CN112400207A (en) | Device, system and method for determining stress level of user | |
GB2251490A (en) | Stress level measuring device | |
EP2120688A2 (en) | System and method for monitoring plantar temperature of the foot | |
JP2009532696A (en) | Improved digital thermometer | |
US11096607B2 (en) | Systems and methods for thermoregulatory sweat testing | |
US6221025B1 (en) | Skin blood flow measurement | |
JP3888749B2 (en) | Measuring device for temperature sense evaluation | |
JP6183813B2 (en) | Central sensitization diagnostic apparatus and operation method thereof | |
Armstrong et al. | Predicting neuropathic ulceration with infrared dermal thermometry | |
Yarnitsky et al. | Penile thermal sensation | |
US20200113729A1 (en) | Patient warming system with monitoring and feedback capability | |
Lee et al. | Thermographic assessment of inferior alveolar nerve injury in patients with dentofacial deformity | |
CN108324283B (en) | Recording method for pain | |
JP3181875B2 (en) | Test method for contact thermal sensation of the human body | |
JP3593519B2 (en) | Pain measurement system | |
Voelter-Mahlknecht et al. | Diagnostic significance of cold provocation test at 12 C | |
KR102427263B1 (en) | Customized physical therapy device using big data and the control method thereof |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
A621 | Written request for application examination |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621 Effective date: 20040514 |
|
A131 | Notification of reasons for refusal |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131 Effective date: 20060905 |
|
A521 | Written amendment |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523 Effective date: 20061101 |
|
TRDD | Decision of grant or rejection written | ||
A01 | Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model) |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01 Effective date: 20061122 |
|
A61 | First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure) |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61 Effective date: 20061128 |
|
R150 | Certificate of patent or registration of utility model |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150 |
|
FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20101208 Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20111208 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
S111 | Request for change of ownership or part of ownership |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313113 |
|
FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20111208 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
R350 | Written notification of registration of transfer |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R350 |
|
FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20121208 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20121208 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
S111 | Request for change of ownership or part of ownership |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313114 |
|
R350 | Written notification of registration of transfer |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R350 |
|
FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20121208 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
S111 | Request for change of ownership or part of ownership |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313114 |
|
FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20121208 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
R350 | Written notification of registration of transfer |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R350 |
|
FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20131208 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
R250 | Receipt of annual fees |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250 |
|
R250 | Receipt of annual fees |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250 |
|
EXPY | Cancellation because of completion of term |