JP4481934B2 - Supporter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a supporter for assisting a wearer's exercise and standing posture.

In recent years, with increasing health consciousness, there are an increasing number of middle-aged and elderly people who are walking, jogging, and various other sports. Diseases are likely to occur in parts such as muscles and tendons. Especially for the lower limbs, it is a part that is the basis of whole body exercise and at the same time it is a part that takes a load just by holding a standing posture, so the muscle strength of that part is improved and diseases such as joints, muscles, tendons, etc. It is necessary to suppress.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-212814 (page 1-7, FIG. 1-10)

However, continuous and monotonous and stressful muscle strength training to strengthen muscle strength is both mentally and physically burdensome. There is also a risk of causing diseases such as meat separation. Therefore, there has been a demand for a device that can easily improve the muscle strength of the lower limbs to assist exercise and standing posture of the whole body instead of muscle strength training.
The present invention has been made in view of such points,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a supporter that can assist the wearer's exercise and standing posture in “a supporter worn in close contact with the lower limb”.

The technical means of the present invention for solving the above problems are as follows:
“In the range covering the upper surface area of the muscle abdominal part of the anterior tibialis muscle, the first vertical stretchable part has a high elasticity in the vertical direction compared to the horizontal direction,
In a range covering the upper surface area of the gastrocnemius of the gastrocnemius muscle, the first lateral stretchable part has a high elasticity in the left-right direction compared to the vertical direction,
In the range covering the upper surface area of the foot side tendon transition part of the gastrocnemius muscle, it has a second longitudinal stretch part whose stretchability in the vertical direction is higher than that in the horizontal direction,
In the range covering the upper surface area of the foot-side tendon transition portion of the anterior tibial muscle, it has a second lateral stretchable portion that has a higher stretchability in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction.
According to the above technical means, when worn on the lower limb, the upper surface area of the anterior abdominal region of the anterior tibialis muscle located on the front side of the crus is covered with the first vertical stretchable part that is highly stretchable in the vertical direction. The upper surface region of the gastrocnemius of the gastrocnemius located on the rear surface side of the lower leg is covered with the first lateral stretchable portion that is highly stretchable in the left-right direction.

In addition, the upper surface area of the foot side tendon transition portion of the gastrocnemius located on the rear side of the lower leg is covered with the second vertical stretchable portion having high elasticity in the vertical direction, and located on the front side of the lower leg. The upper surface area of the foot-side tendon transition portion of the anterior tibial muscle is covered with a second lateral stretchable portion that is highly stretchable in the left-right direction.
That is, the direction in which the restoring force of the first vertical stretchable part that stretches up and down when worn is the direction that promotes the contraction of the anterior tibialis abdominal part that works when the foot is bent (the vertical direction of the lower leg) ) And the direction in which the restoring force of the first lateral stretchable part that stretches to the left and right when worn is the direction that suppresses the expansion of the gastrocnemius muscle abdominal part that works when the foot is extended (the lateral direction of the lower leg) )

In addition, the restoring force of the second vertical stretchable part that stretches up and down when worn is the direction in which the contraction of the foot-side tendon transition portion of the gastrocnemius that works when the foot is bent (the lower leg part) (The vertical direction), and the restoring force of the second lateral expansion / contraction part that stretches to the left and right when worn causes the expansion of the anterior tibial muscle that acts when extending the foot part to suppress its expansion. In the direction (left and right of the lower leg).
Thereby, it is considered that the contractile force of the anterior tibial muscle and the gastrocnemius muscle and the foot side tendon transition portion are enhanced. Therefore, as will be apparent from the comparison test described later, the exercise ability of the entire lower limb is improved.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the restoring force of the first vertical stretchable part and the second vertical stretchable part is applied in a direction that promotes the contraction of the muscle that works when the ankle is bent. , By applying the restoring force of the first lateral stretchable part and the second lateral stretchable part in the direction of suppressing the expansion of the muscles that work when the ankle is stretched, the exercise ability of the entire lower limb is improved. Can assist the person's exercise and standing posture.

Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 (a) and 1 (b) are explanatory views showing a state in which the supporter 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to the lower limb, and the entire region from below the knee to the ankle in a state of being tightly tightened. Covering.
The supporter 1 includes a first vertical stretchable portion 11 a that covers the upper front of the lower leg 3, a second vertical stretchable portion 11 b that covers the lower rear of the lower leg 3, and a first horizontal that covers the upper rear of the lower leg 3. The elastic part 12a and the 2nd horizontal elastic part 12b which covers the lower front part of the leg part 3 are provided.

  Therefore, when the supporter 1 is attached to the crus 3, the upper surface area of the abdominal part 311 of the anterior tibial muscle 31 located on the front side of the crus 3 is covered by the first longitudinal stretchable part 11a. Of a tendon transition portion (a portion that is reduced in diameter from the muscle abdominal portion 311 to the tendon 33 on the foot portion 4 side, hereinafter, simply referred to as “tendon transition portion”) 312 of the muscle 31 on the foot portion 4 (portion below the ankle) side The upper surface area is covered by the second lateral stretchable part 12b. Further, the upper surface area of the muscle abdominal portion 321 of the gastrocnemius muscle 32 located on the rear surface side of the lower leg 3 is covered with the first lateral stretchable portion 12a, and the tendon transition portion (from the muscle abdominal portion 321 to the foot portion) on the foot 4 side of the gastrocnemius muscle 32. The upper surface area of the portion 322 that is reduced in diameter to the four-side tendon 34 (hereinafter simply referred to as “tendon transition portion”) is covered by the second vertical stretchable portion 11b (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). .

  The first vertical stretchable portion 11a and the second vertical stretchable portion 11b have higher stretchability in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction (for example, the vertical stretch rate is 100% and the horizontal stretch rate is 10%). The rib knitted fabric is used as it is in the vertical direction, and the supporter 1 is formed such that the stretchability in the vertical direction is higher than that in the horizontal direction.

On the other hand, the first horizontal stretchable portion 12a and the second horizontal stretchable portion 12b use the same rib knitted fabric as that of the first vertical stretchable portion 11a and the second vertical stretchable portion 11b in the horizontal direction, so that the supporter 1 extends in the left-right direction. It is formed so that the stretchability is higher than that in the vertical direction.
Note that the muscle abdominal part 311 of the anterior tibial muscle 31 covered with the first longitudinal elastic part 11a and the tendon transition part 322 of the gastrocnemius 32 covered with the second vertical elastic part 11b are bent and standing in the foot part 4. The force is exerted when the posture is maintained, and these parts (hereinafter collectively referred to as “flexor muscles”) are applied by applying an external force in the vertical direction of the crus 3, that is, in the direction in which the muscle contracts. It was confirmed by the inventor of the present invention that the contraction force is enhanced. Specifically, when the flexor muscles exert contraction force, they contract in the vertical direction of the crus 3, but external force is applied in the direction in which the flexors contract (the vertical direction of the crus 3). Thus, the external force is added to the contraction force of the muscle. Therefore, the contraction force of the flexor muscles is enhanced.

  Further, the muscle abdominal part 321 of the gastrocnemius muscle 32 covered by the first lateral stretchable part 12a and the tendon transition part 312 of the anterior tibial muscle 31 covered by the second lateral stretchable part 12b are extended and standing in the foot part 4. The force is exerted when the posture is maintained, but those portions (hereinafter collectively referred to as “extensors”) give an external force in the left-right direction of the crus 3, that is, in the direction of suppressing muscle expansion. It was confirmed by the inventor of the present invention that the contraction force is enhanced. Specifically, when the extensor muscles exert contraction force, the extensor muscles expand in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the muscles contract (the left and right direction of the crus 3). By applying an external force in the opposite direction, the expanding force of the muscle is converted into a contracting force. Accordingly, the contraction force of the extensor is enhanced.

[Practical use of supporter 1]
In this case, when the supporter 1 is mounted, the first vertical stretchable part 11a and the second vertical stretchable part 11b extend in the vertical direction of the supporter 1, and the first horizontal stretchable part 12a and the second horizontal stretchable part 12b are supported by the supporter 1. Extends left and right.
That is, the muscle abdominal part 311 of the anterior tibial muscle 31 covered by the first vertical stretchable part 11a and the tendon transition part 322 of the gastrocnemius muscle 32 covered by the second vertical stretchable part 11b are in the direction in which those parts contract. A restoring force against the extension of the first vertical stretchable part 11a or the second vertical stretchable part 11b is applied. Thereby, the contraction force of the flexor of the lower leg 3 is enhanced.

Further, the muscle abdominal part 321 of the gastrocnemius muscle 32 covered by the first lateral elastic part 12a and the tendon transition part 312 of the anterior tibial muscle 31 covered by the second horizontal elastic part 12b suppress the expansion of those parts. In the direction, a restoring force is applied to the extension of the first lateral stretchable part 12a or the second lateral stretchable part 12b. Thereby, the contraction force of the extensor of the crus 3 is enhanced.
As a result, the muscular strength of the entire lower limb is improved, and the exercise and standing posture of the entire body of the wearer can be assisted.

[Comparison test]
Next, a comparison test for the flexion / extension force of the foot and a comparison test for the grip strength performed by wearing the supporter 1 will be described.
The table shown in FIG. 3 is obtained by measuring the dorsiflexion force of both feet in 10 subjects when the supporter 1 is not worn and when the supporter 1 is worn. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the numerical value indicated by the load meter P <b> 1 when the fixed load meter P <b> 1 is pushed up by the toe 40 of the foot portion 4 in a state where the lower leg 3 is fixed is recorded.
From the table shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that the measured values are increased when the supporter 1 is worn in 8 subjects excluding subjects F and J. In particular, among the above eight subjects, two subjects, subjects C and E, show an increase in measured values on both feet.

  That is, the muscle abdominal part 311 of the anterior tibial muscle 31 and the tendon transition part 322 of the gastrocnemius muscle 32 are covered with the first vertical stretchable part 11a and the second vertical stretchable part 11b that exert high stretch force in the direction of contraction of those parts, and the gastrocnemius muscle By covering the 32 muscle abdominal portions 321 and the tendon transition portion 312 of the anterior tibial muscle 31 with the first lateral stretchable portion 12a and the second lateral stretchable portion 12b that exert a high stretchable force in the contracting direction of those portions, It can be said that the strength of the flexor and extensor muscles of the part 3 was enhanced, and the improvement of the dorsiflexion force of the foot part 4 was recognized.

On the other hand, the table | surface shown in FIG. 4 measured the grip strength of both hands in 10 test subjects about each when not mounting | wearing with the said supporter 1 and mounting | wearing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, numerical values indicated by the grip strength meter P2 when the grip strength meter P2 is gripped in a posture in which the forearm portion 5 and the upper arm portion 6 are extended straight downward are recorded. Note that the grip strength is mainly exerted by the muscle strength of the upper limbs, but by improving the muscle strength of the lower limbs, which is the basis of whole body exercise, the muscle strength of the lower limbs acts comprehensively, and the balance of the whole body is stabilized. Therefore, the grip strength can be effectively exhibited.
From the table shown in FIG. 4, it can be seen that in nine subjects excluding subject F, the measured values increase when the supporter 1 is worn. In particular, for two subjects, subjects C and I, both hands show an increase in the measured value.

  That is, the muscle abdominal portion 311 of the anterior tibial muscle 31 and the tendon transition portion 322 of the gastrocnemius muscle 32 are covered with the first vertical stretchable portion 11a and the second vertical stretchable portion 11b that exert a high stretch force in the contracting direction of those portions, and the gastrocnemius muscle By covering the 32 muscle abdominal portions 321 and the tendon transition portion 312 of the anterior tibial muscle 31 with the first lateral stretchable portion 12a and the second lateral stretchable portion 12b that exert a high stretch force in the contracting direction of those portions, It can be said that the strength of the flexor and extensor muscles of the part 3 was enhanced, and those muscle strengths acted on the entire body, and the improvement of grip strength was recognized.

[Others]
In addition, the 1st vertical elastic part 11a and the 2nd vertical elastic part 11b use the rib knitted fabric with high elasticity in the vertical direction as it is in the vertical direction so that the elasticity of the supporter 1 in the vertical direction becomes high. If formed so that the direction with high stretchability is the vertical direction of the supporter 1, the pearl knitted fabric with high stretchability in one direction or the elastane fiber with high stretchability can be used. A fabric woven in such a way that the stretchability in the direction is high (for example, the stretch rate in the vertical direction is 500% and the stretch rate in the horizontal direction is 10%) may be used.

  Furthermore, also about the 1st horizontal expansion-contraction part 12a and the 2nd horizontal expansion-contraction part 12b, like the said 1st vertical expansion-contraction part 11a and the 2nd vertical expansion-contraction part 11b, the direction with high elasticity becomes the left-right direction of the supporter 1. As long as it is formed, a pearl knitted fabric having high stretchability in one direction or a fabric woven by elastane fiber so as to have high stretchability in one direction may be used.

  The supporter 1 is formed so as to cover the range from below the knee of the lower limb to the ankle (see FIG. 1), but as shown in FIG. It may be formed so as to cover, or as shown in FIG. 7B, it may be formed in a sock shape covering the range from below the knee to the entire foot. In these devices, the supporter 1 is mounted with one end side covering the knees or feet, so that the supporter 1 is not easily displaced from the mounting site even if a relatively intense exercise is performed. Therefore, the auxiliary effect of exercise and standing posture for the wearer is further stabilized.

Explanatory drawing which shows the state with which the supporter 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention was mounted | worn to a leg (FIG. 1 (a) is the front side of a leg, FIG.1 (b) is the back side of a leg) Explanatory drawing which shows each muscle covered with the supporter 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention (FIG. 2 (a) is the front side of a leg, FIG.2 (b) is the back side of a leg). The table | surface which shows the comparison test result of the foot | dorsal dorsiflexion force with and without the supporter 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The table | surface which shows the comparison test result of the grip strength with the case where not equipped with the supporter 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention Explanatory drawing which shows the implementation method of the comparison test of the foot dorsiflexion force shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the implementation method of the grip strength comparison test shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the supporter 1 which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Supporter 11a ... 1st vertical elastic part 11b ... 2nd vertical elastic part 12a ... 1st horizontal elastic part 12b ... 2nd horizontal elastic part 3 ... Lower leg part 31 ..Tibialis anterior muscle 32 ... gastrocnemius 311, 321 ... muscle abdominal parts 312 and 322 ... tendon transition part 4 ... foot

Claims (1)

In the supporter worn in close contact with the lower limbs,
In the range that covers the upper surface area of the muscle abdominal part of the anterior tibial muscle, it has a first vertical stretchable part that has a higher elasticity in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction,
In a range covering the upper surface area of the gastrocnemius of the gastrocnemius muscle, the first lateral stretchable part has a high elasticity in the left-right direction compared to the vertical direction,
In the range covering the upper surface area of the foot side tendon transition part of the gastrocnemius muscle, it has a second longitudinal stretch part whose stretchability in the vertical direction is higher than that in the horizontal direction,
The supporter which has the 2nd horizontal expansion-contraction part whose stretchability to the left-right direction is high compared with the up-down direction in the range which covers the upper surface area of the foot side tendon transition part of an anterior tibial muscle.

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