JP5633001B2 - Muscle evaluation device, muscle performance and / or training menu determination method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for assessing muscle.
The invention also relates to a method for determining muscle performance and / or training menu.
The present invention relates to an evaluation apparatus or determination method that is particularly suitable for lower limb muscles.

  A decrease in muscle due to aging or injury leads to deterioration of lower limb diseases such as knee osteoarthritis and a decrease in lower limb ability (exercise ability such as walking). It has been pointed out that lower limb ability and disease worsening are factors that lead to bedridden, especially for elderly people, it is important to maintain and strengthen lower limb ability, especially lower limb muscle strength.

In general, the strength training setting is based on the maximum strength, and the load amount and the number of times are determined according to the purpose. However, because the goal is unclear or the setting is excessive or insufficient, the training is often not performed continuously or is stopped halfway, and a sufficient training effect may not be obtained.
In addition, in the case of elderly people, there is a risk of cerebrovascular / circulatory organ damage due to increased blood pressure, so appropriate training settings are necessary.

  In strengthening muscular strength, training with appropriate settings is required, and guidance and assistance from specialists such as doctors, physical therapists, and trainers for training are also required. However, since there is no appropriate muscle evaluation index that can be objectively recognized, these specialists often make empirical judgments, and when there are no specialists, judgments are made based on the user's own subjectivity. There was a risk that the proper amount of load could not be installed, and that sufficient training effects could not be obtained, or that excess could lead to injury.

Therefore, a technique that can easily provide muscle performance evaluation and a training menu has been desired. If the state of muscles can be accurately evaluated, appropriate goals and training menus can be set, and continuity of training and maintenance of motivation can be promoted.
From this point of view, evaluation devices and evaluation methods using information related to muscle strength, muscle mass, body fat percentage, etc. as indexes have been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5), but these are sufficient. Absent.

By the way, in recent years, it has been reported that it is important to improve muscle mobilization power as training contents for elderly people. Here, “muscle mobilization power” can be defined as the ability to work as many muscle fibers as possible at one time.
Therefore, not only using muscle strength and muscle mass as an index, but also focusing on such muscle mobilization power considering nerve coordination, neuromuscular transmission, etc., muscle evaluation and training menu determination desirable. In particular, the effect of improving muscle strength in the elderly is considered to be largely due to nerve coordination in the initial stage, and the effect due to muscle hypertrophy occurs afterwards.
Therefore, it is considered that such strength training for elderly people is more efficient if training is first performed to increase muscle mobilization power and then increase muscle strength.

Even if muscle strength and muscle mass are sufficient, muscle mobilization power may be insufficient, and the conventional evaluation method using muscle strength, muscle mass, etc. as an index provides an efficient training menu that incorporates muscle mobilization power Can not.
Therefore, it is necessary for training according to the characteristics of the elderly and the like to consider factors other than muscle strength and muscle mass as an index for determining muscle performance and a training menu, and combining these factors.

Japanese Patent No. 3734452 JP 2004-344278 A JP 2006-320533 A JP 2007-68623 A JP 2008-6216 A

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above present conditions, and makes it a subject to provide the apparatus or method which can determine muscular performance and a training menu simply and accurately.

  As a result of studying various indicators for accurately determining muscle performance and intensive studies, the present inventors have used muscle strength and time required to exert muscle strength as indicators. As a result, the present inventors have found that it is possible to provide a training menu that can accurately determine the performance of the training and take into consideration the ability to mobilize muscles.

  That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, the muscle evaluation device of the present invention is obtained by an information acquisition unit that acquires information on muscle strength and information on a time required to exert a predetermined muscle strength, and the information acquisition unit. And determining means for determining muscle performance and / or training menu from the obtained information.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the information on the muscle strength is information on the maximum muscle strength or a predetermined ratio of the maximum muscle strength. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the information on the muscle strength is muscle strength per body weight and / or muscle strength per muscle mass.

  The following is preferable as the invention of the embodiment of the invention. That is, the information regarding the time required to exert the predetermined muscle strength is an elapsed time from the start of the muscle strength to the end of the muscle strength. The information related to the time required to exert the predetermined muscular strength is a time taken out of a predetermined portion from the time required from the start of muscular strength to the end of muscular strength. Further, the information related to the time required to exert the predetermined muscle strength is a time taken out of a predetermined range from the time required from the start of the muscle strength to the end of the muscle strength. Further, the information related to the time required to exert the predetermined muscle strength is a time taken out from the time required from the start of the muscle strength to the end of the muscle strength, the range in which the predetermined muscle strength was exerted. And Further, the information about the time required to exert the predetermined muscle strength is taken out from the time required from the start of the muscle strength to the end of the muscle strength, the range where the muscle strength of 20 to 80% of the maximum muscle strength was exhibited. It is characterized by a long time.

  According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the information acquisition means further includes age, sex, weight, height, muscle mass, muscle rate, body fat mass, body fat rate, center of gravity fluctuation, pulse, breathing, blood pressure, It is a means which acquires the information regarding any one or more of body temperature, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Further, the image processing apparatus includes processing means for processing information obtained from the information acquisition means. Furthermore, the storage device stores a muscular strength-muscle strength required time relationship that is a relationship between the information on the muscular strength and the information on the time required to exert the predetermined muscular strength, and the determination unit includes the information acquisition unit. The muscle performance and / or training menu is determined based on the obtained information and the muscle force-muscle strength required time relationship stored in the storage means.

  It is preferable that correction means for correcting muscle performance and / or training menu is provided, and the determination means determines the muscle performance and / or training menu in cooperation with the correction means. Moreover, it is preferable to provide display means for displaying muscle performance and / or training menu. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a muscular strength training means. Moreover, it is preferable for determining the performance of the lower limb muscles and / or the training menu.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the muscle evaluation apparatus of the present invention is a main body, a strength training section installed in the main body section, and information on muscle strength exerted when applying a load to the strength training section. And an information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to the time required to exert its muscular strength, and a determination means for determining muscle performance and / or training menu from the information obtained by the information acquisition means. And
According to this embodiment, it is preferable that the main body section has a weight measurement function and an impedance measurement function, whereby biometric information regarding at least body weight, muscle mass (or muscle ratio), and body fat mass (or body fat percentage) is obtained. Can be acquired.
Further, it is preferable that the muscular strength training section can be detachably fixed to the main body section, and the muscular strength training section exhibits information on the muscular strength and the muscular strength in both the state where the muscular strength training section is attached to the main body section and the state where it is detached. It is preferable to be able to acquire information on the time required for the process.
In this embodiment as well, “information on muscle strength”, “information on time required to exert predetermined muscle strength”, “processing means”, “storage means”, “correction means” in the muscle evaluation apparatus of the first aspect. "," Display means "and the like can be adopted, and it is preferable to determine the performance of the lower limb muscles and / or the training menu.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the muscle performance and / or training menu determination method of the present invention uses information on muscle strength and information on time required to exert a predetermined muscle strength as indices. Features.
According to such a method of the present invention, it is possible to accurately determine the muscle performance and / or the training menu without a medical practice performed by an expert such as a doctor.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the information on the muscle strength is information on the maximum muscle strength or a predetermined ratio of the maximum muscle strength. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the information on the muscle strength is muscle strength per body weight and / or muscle strength per muscle mass.

  The following is preferable as the invention of the embodiment of the invention. That is, the information regarding the time required to exert the predetermined muscle strength is an elapsed time from the start of the muscle strength to the end of the muscle strength. In addition, the information related to the time required for exerting the predetermined muscle strength is a time when the predetermined portion is taken out from the time required from the start of the muscle strength to the end of the muscle strength. Furthermore, the information related to the time required to exert the predetermined muscle strength is a time taken out of the predetermined range from the time required from the start of the muscle strength exercise to the end of the muscle strength exercise. Further, the information related to the time required to exert the predetermined muscle strength is the time taken from the time required from the start of the muscle strength to the end of the muscle strength to the time when the range in which the predetermined muscle strength is exerted is extracted. To do. Furthermore, the information about the time required to exert the predetermined muscle strength was taken out from the time required from the start of the muscle strength to the end of the muscle strength, the range in which the muscle strength of 20 to 80% of the maximum strength was exhibited. It is characterized by time.

  According to still another embodiment of the present invention, any one of age, gender, weight, height, muscle mass, muscle rate, body fat mass, body fat rate, body sway, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, body temperature Information on the above is preferably used as an index. Moreover, it is preferable that it is a method for determining the performance of a leg muscle and / or a training menu.

Furthermore, the following aspects are preferable as aspects of the evaluation apparatus and the method for determining the muscle performance and the like.
The slope of the linear function obtained from the information related to the muscular strength and the information related to the time required to exhibit the predetermined muscular strength is used as a muscle performance and / or a training menu determination index. In this case, the straight line of the linear function is preferably obtained from a range from the start of muscular strength to the maximum muscular strength, and more preferably from a range where 20 to 80% of the maximum muscular strength is exerted.

  In addition, by comparing multiple information of “muscle strength” and “time required to exert a predetermined muscle strength” obtained for each measurement, or by observing the behavior of changes for each measurement, It is preferable to determine the performance and / or training menu. Examples of the muscle performance determined by such comparison include endurance and adjustment of muscle strength, endurance of muscle mobilization and instantaneous force, left and right strength balance, training results in a predetermined period, and the like.

  Furthermore, the degree of variation (dispersion) in the muscular strength observed from the information related to the muscular strength and the information related to the time required to exert the predetermined muscular strength is used as a determination index of the muscle performance and / or training menu. In this case, it is preferable to draw waveform data over time of muscle strength and the time required for exerting muscle strength, and to check the degree of variation in the waveform data. A target value (reference value) of muscle strength to be exhibited is set in advance, and the target A mode in which the degree of variation with respect to the value is confirmed is more preferable.

  According to the apparatus or method of the present invention, it is possible to easily and accurately determine muscle performance and a training menu. In particular, it is possible to determine the muscle performance and the training menu in consideration of the muscle mobilization power. Accordingly, it is possible to set an appropriate target and training menu suitable for an individual, and to promote continuity of training and maintenance of motivation.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Note that “determination of muscle performance and / or training menu” may hereinafter be abbreviated as “determination of muscle performance and the like”.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a muscle evaluation apparatus according to the present invention.
The muscle evaluation device 100 is a known weight scale added with a known bioelectrical impedance measurement function, and includes a main body 10 and an operation unit 20, and the main body and the operation unit are connected by a cable 11. .
The main body portion 10 is provided with an electrode portion 30 that is in contact with the bottom surfaces of the left and right feet on a mounting surface 12 on which a user's weight is measured. The electrode part 30 is composed of electrode parts 30a and 30b for placing the toe side of the foot and electrode parts 30c and 30d for placing the heel side of the foot. In addition, a muscular strength training section 40 that is curved in a convex shape is installed at substantially the center of the main body mounting surface 12. The strength training section 40 in this embodiment has a form particularly suitable for lower limb strength training. When in use, the knee back is placed on the strength training section 40 in a sitting state, and the knee back is pressed against the four thighs. Can train muscles. The load applied to the muscular strength training section 40 can be read by a load sensor (not shown) such as a load cell built in the main body section 10, and the force exerted when pushing the muscular strength training section 40. That is, various information regarding the muscle strength can be acquired from the muscle strength training unit 40. In addition, as a form of the muscular strength training part 40 installed in the main body mounting surface 12, it can change suitably according to the site | part to be trained, the objective, etc., You may use a rectangular parallelepiped, what curved in the concave shape, etc. The muscular strength training unit 40 has a structure that can be detachably fixed to the main body unit 10 and exhibits information on the muscular strength and the muscular strength in both the state where the muscular power training unit 40 is attached to the main body unit 10 and the state where it is detached. It is preferable to be able to acquire information on the time required for the process. Depending on the type of muscle to be judged, the type of training, etc., the strength training unit 40 can be attached to or removed from the main body unit 10 or replaced with a different type of strength training unit 40, so This is because the determination can be made based on the posture. For example, when evaluating the quadriceps muscle, the muscle strength training section 40 curved in a convex shape as described above is attached to the main body mounting surface 12, and the muscle strength training section 40 is loaded in the sitting position to improve the muscle performance, etc. Can be determined.
Further, when determining the performance of the muscle or the like that kicks the ground, the muscle strength training unit 40 is removed from the main body mounting surface 12, and the main body mounting surface 12 that is in a flat state is stepped on in a standing position, so that the lower limb muscles It is possible to determine the performance and the like. In this way, when the muscular strength training unit 40 is used by being removed from the main body mounting surface 12, a specific structure conforming to the determination posture is provided, such as providing a non-slip (not shown) on the main body mounting surface 12. Just do it.
Furthermore, the muscle evaluation device of the present invention may be configured using other known training device structures, for example, leg presses or leg extensions for quadriceps or leg curls for biceps femoris. A structure can be used. In this case, the member that applies the load on the lower limbs by contacting the foot or the lower leg can be used as the strength training unit 40, and a load is applied to the strength training unit 40 in the sitting position or the prone position. It is possible to determine the performance of the lower limb muscles. In addition, the load sensor etc. which read the load concerning the muscular strength training part 40 in this case can be suitably arrange | positioned etc. according to the structure of each training apparatus.
The operation unit 20 includes an electrode unit 30, a display unit 50, and operation buttons 60. The electrode unit 30 includes two electrode units 30e and 30f that are provided on the left and right sides of the operation unit 20 and are brought into contact with each other by hand. The display unit 50 displays measured values such as muscle strength, weight, and body fat, muscle performance, determination results of the training menu, and other information related to operations.
In FIG. 1, the operation unit 20 is illustrated as being separated from the main body unit 10. However, the operation unit 20 can be attached (stored) to the main body unit 10, and can be removed as necessary during measurement. Further, data communication between the main body 10 and the operation unit 20 may be performed wirelessly without using the cable 11.
Reference numeral 13 denotes a communication port. Data measured by a measuring device other than the evaluation device of the present invention, such as muscle strength and muscle mass, and information on a new training menu are input from the outside, or stored in the muscle evaluation device 100 of the present invention. Can output the data to the outside.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the muscle evaluation apparatus according to the present invention.
The muscle evaluation apparatus 100 mainly includes an input unit 110 and a calculation unit 120, and the input unit 110 and the calculation unit 120 include various configurations described below.
The input unit 110 includes information acquisition means 1 for acquiring information relating to muscle strength, information relating to the time required to exert a predetermined muscle strength, and other necessary information, and a source of information relating to muscle strength input to the information acquisition means. The accompanying strength training means 7 is included.
The computing unit 120 includes a processing unit 2 that processes information obtained from the information acquisition unit, a storage unit 3 that stores a muscle force-muscle strength required time relationship, past measurement history, and the like, and the information acquisition unit 1. Alternatively, determination means 4 for determining muscle performance and training menu based on information obtained by the processing means 2 and reference information stored in the storage means 3, and cooperation with the determination means before, after or simultaneously with the determination of the determination means 4 Thus, the correction means 5 for correcting the muscle performance and the training menu is included. Further, the muscle evaluation apparatus 100 includes display means 6 for displaying muscle performance, a training menu, and other necessary information.

In this configuration, the storage unit 3 and the correction unit 5 are included in the determination unit 4 in common with the determination unit 4, but may be configured separately from the determination unit 4.
Further, the processing means 2 and the muscular strength training means 7 may be configured as a part of the information acquisition means 1. In addition, these components can be appropriately integrated and separated within a range not impairing the effects of the present invention.

  Next, each configuration will be described in detail.

(Information acquisition means)
The information acquisition unit 1 only needs to obtain at least information related to muscle strength and information related to the time required to exert the muscle strength, and the acquisition path may be acquired by a measuring device provided in the muscle evaluation device of the present invention. Alternatively, it may be obtained by inputting information measured by a device other than the muscle evaluation device of the present invention.
Here, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an aspect in the case of acquiring information relating to muscle strength and information relating to the time required to exert the muscle strength through an acquisition route different from the embodiment shown in FIG.
The aspect of FIG. 3 differs from the aspect of FIG. 2 in that information relating to muscle strength and the like is measured by an external measurement device 200 other than the muscle evaluation device of the present invention. The external data 210 such as muscle strength obtained by the external measuring apparatus 200 can be acquired by using a communication port installed in the muscle evaluation apparatus 100 as the information acquiring unit 1. Moreover, in such an aspect, the information processed by the calculation unit 120 of the muscle evaluation device 100 of the present invention can be output to the external measurement device 200 through the communication port of the present invention, and more biological information can be mutually transmitted. This makes it possible to evaluate the muscle performance and judge the training menu more appropriately.

As a method for acquiring information by using the measuring device provided in the muscle evaluation apparatus of the present invention, an embodiment in which information on muscle strength exhibited by using the muscle strength training means 7 is used. It is particularly preferable that the information regarding the muscular strength exerted by applying force to the means 7 and the information regarding the time required to exert the predetermined muscular strength are acquired. Thus, by making it possible to acquire the information on the muscle strength to be exerted when applying force to the muscle strength training means 7 and the information on the time required for exerting the muscle strength through the muscle strength training means 7, Both performance determination and muscle strength training can be performed, and it is possible to evaluate muscles and increase strength more easily and accurately.
Specifically, in the aspect of the muscle evaluation apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, the force applied to the muscle strength training unit 40 is calculated using the lower limb muscle strength and the time required to exert the muscle strength using the load cell built in the main body portion 10. As a relationship, it is possible to acquire the waveform data over time. FIG. 4 shows the waveform data of the muscle strength and the time required for exerting the muscle strength obtained by such a method over time. The data of about 1,800 people are averaged by age.
What should be noted here is that there is a difference in the waveform for each age. The present inventors have found that such a predetermined relationship exists between muscular strength and the time required to exert muscular strength, and by using such information as an index, the performance of the muscle can be more accurately determined. I think it can be judged.

The format of the information related to the muscular strength acquired by the information acquisition unit 1 is, for example, the muscular strength for each elapsed time when the muscular strength is exerted, the maximum muscular strength, a predetermined ratio with respect to the maximum muscular strength, the muscular strength per body weight (maximum muscular strength), Information on muscle strength, etc. can be used.
Moreover, the format of the information regarding the time required to exhibit the predetermined muscular strength acquired by the information acquisition means 1 is, for example, the elapsed time from the start of muscular strength to the end of muscular strength, the muscular strength from the start of muscular strength Time to take out the predetermined part from the time required until the end of the exercise, time to take out the predetermined range from the time required from the start of the muscular strength to the end of the muscular strength, Information such as the time taken to extract a range in which a predetermined percentage of the maximum muscle strength was exerted from the time required until the end can be used.
These pieces of information acquired by the information acquisition unit 1 may have these formats at the stage of acquiring information, or may be appropriately converted and reconfigured by the processing unit 2 described below.

The unique effect of the present invention is that an important index useful for evaluating muscle mobilization power depends on which part or range of time is extracted in the time course from the start of muscular strength to the end of muscular strength. It is to be obtained. For example, in order to consider nerve coordination, neuromuscular transmission, etc., it is necessary to look at the rise of muscle strength until the maximum muscle strength is exhibited, and in order to consider muscle endurance, when the muscle strength starts or when the muscle strength starts until the muscle strength ends You can see the progress until.
Various types of information as described above can be used as the format of information regarding muscle strength or time at this time. For example, in the rising portion of the muscle strength until the maximum muscle strength is exhibited, the time (x) and the muscle strength required for the muscle strength are exhibited. The slope a of the linear function y = ax + b obtained from the relationship with (y) is preferably used as a determination index such as muscle performance. It can be determined that the faster the muscular strength rises, the better the muscular mobilization power and instantaneous power, but the faster the muscular strength, the greater the inclination. And it becomes possible to understand intuitively.
In addition, in the elapsed part from the start of muscular strength exertion or when the maximum muscular strength is exhibited to the end of muscular strength, in addition to the inclination as described above, for example, the average muscular strength obtained by averaging the muscular strength exerted at each time over the entire time, The total strength or the integrated value obtained by summing up the muscular strength exerted at each time can be used as a determination index such as muscular endurance. Details will be described later.

The information acquisition means 1 includes, for example, age, sex, weight, height, muscle mass, muscle mass, body fat mass, body fat mass, body sway, pulse, breathing, in addition to information on muscle strength and the time required for exerting the muscle strength. It is good also as a means to acquire other living body information, such as blood pressure and body temperature. These information acquisition paths may be acquired by a measuring device provided in the muscle evaluation apparatus of the present invention or may be acquired by inputting information measured by an apparatus other than the muscle evaluation apparatus of the present invention. Any one or more of these pieces of biological information can be used as appropriate.
In the muscle evaluation apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to acquire biological information on at least body weight, muscle mass (or muscle ratio), and body fat mass (or body fat percentage) by using a weight scale and bioelectrical impedance measurement function. it can.

(Processing means)
The processing means 2 is means for converting the information obtained from the information acquisition means 1 into data of another format, reconstructing, and the like. This processing means is performed in order to improve the accuracy of evaluation by correcting information relating to muscles, or to make it easier to use as a determination index for a training menu.

An example of data processing is shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is obtained by processing the waveform data over time of the muscular strength and the time required for exerting the muscular strength as shown in FIG. 4, and the data format on the vertical axis is converted from the muscular strength to the ratio to the maximum muscular strength. It is particularly preferable that the format of information relating to muscle strength used as a determination index such as muscle performance is displayed as a predetermined ratio with respect to such maximum muscle strength. By calculating the ratio, the influence of the muscular strength difference inherent to the user can be removed.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are obtained by further processing the data shown in FIG. 5. The horizontal axis indicates the time during which 20 to 80% of the maximum muscle strength is exerted, and the vertical axis indicates WBI (maximum muscle strength per body weight. Hereinafter, it is abbreviated as WBI).
Fig. 6 shows the average time of WBI and 20-80% of maximum muscle strength by age, and plots the corresponding data within the confidence interval. It is shown.
FIG. 7 is plotted by OA grade, which is an index of the severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA), as in FIG. 6, and shows standard values by OA grade.

As information used for the time required for muscular strength, information as an arbitrary “part” or “range” can be extracted from the time required from the start of muscular strength to the end of muscular strength. The information as “range” that can reduce the influence of the variation in the number is preferable.
Moreover, when taking out the predetermined range from the time required from the start of the muscular strength to the end of the muscular strength, it is preferable to take out the range where the predetermined muscular strength is exerted. It is particularly preferable to use the interval time in which% muscle strength is exerted. Within this range, it is possible to remove the influence of data fluctuation that is likely to occur at the initial measurement or when the maximum muscle strength is exerted. In addition, if it is in this range, you may use the section time when 30-70% of muscular strength was exhibited, for example.

As can be seen from FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, there is a correlation between the muscle strength and the time required to exert the muscle strength in age, OA grade, and the like. The present invention pays attention to this relationship, and makes an accurate determination of the performance of the muscles and the training menu by making good use of these relationships.
A specific determination method will be described next.

(Judgment means)
The determination unit 4 determines the muscle performance and the training menu from the information obtained by the information acquisition unit 1 or the processing unit 2.
For example, the determination means stores reference data for evaluating muscle performance in the storage means 3, information obtained by the information acquisition means 1 or processing means 2, and reference information stored in the storage means 3 By comparing, muscle performance and training menu can be determined.
The reference data stored in the storage means 3 is preferably a muscle force-muscle strength required time relationship, which is a relationship between information on muscle strength and information on time required to exert a predetermined muscle strength.
Here, each information format of “muscle strength” and “required time to exert muscle strength” in “muscle strength-time required for muscle strength presentation” has various information formats similar to the information format described in the item of the information acquisition means. Format is available. In particular, the information related to “muscle strength” is preferably displayed as a predetermined ratio with respect to the maximum muscle strength, or in a form displayed as muscle strength per body weight and / or muscle strength per muscle mass. The information related to “required time for exerting muscular strength” is a range in which a predetermined muscular strength (preferably, muscular strength of 20 to 80% of the maximum muscular strength) is exhibited from the time required from the start of muscular strength to the end of muscular strength. It is preferable that the time is taken out.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the data of the required time relationship of muscle strength-muscle strength stored in the storage means 3 as a graph according to age, and the four quadrants A to D are the criteria for muscle performance or training menu. It is what.
The four quadrants A to D in FIG. 8 are classified from the following viewpoints, and the training menu that should be performed by the target person corresponding to each quadrant can be determined as shown in FIG. 9, for example.
Quadrant A: A person with high muscular strength and a fast time to exert muscular strength. Because it has excellent strength and mobilization, perform high-load training.
Quadrant B: A person with high muscular strength and slow muscular strength. Despite muscular strength, muscle mobilization is insufficient, so training to increase mobilization is conducted. This is assumed to be training with a low load and high frequency.
Quadrant C: A person with low muscle strength and a fast time to exert muscle strength. Although there is little muscular strength, muscle mobilization is excellent, so high-load training is performed.
D quadrant: A person with low muscle strength and slow time to exert muscle strength. Since both muscular strength and muscular mobilization power are inadequate, the first step is a low-load, high-frequency training that increases mobilization power.

  When the actual determination is made in the example of FIG. 8, the personal information P1a (x1, y1a) relating to the muscular strength obtained by the information acquisition means or the processing means is applied to the above-described relationship between the muscular strength and the muscular strength, and the corresponding D A quadrant training menu can be set.

In the example of FIG. 8, the criteria for muscle performance or training menu are divided into four quadrants. However, depending on the purpose of the training, the target person, etc. In addition to the quadrangle shown in FIG. 8, it can be divided into arbitrary shapes such as a circle and an ellipse. Examples thereof are shown in FIGS.
FIGS. 10 and 11 are graphs in which the relationship between the WBI and the interval time in which 20 to 80% of the maximum muscle strength is exerted is plotted with values corresponding to age-specific deviation values of 45 to 55. FIG.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the determination criterion can be divided along a region that can correspond to a required time correlation diagram of muscle strength-muscle strength. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, it is also possible to classify the determination criteria more finely according to muscle performance. 10 and 11, when the actual determination is performed, the personal information P2 (x2, y2) of the muscular strength is applied to the above-described muscular strength-muscle strength required time correlation diagram, and a training menu (not shown) of the corresponding quadrant is displayed. Can be set.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, information relating to muscle strength other than WBI can also be used as an index as a determination index for muscle performance or a training menu.
FIGS. 12 and 13 show the relationship between muscle strength / muscle mass (muscle strength per muscle mass) and the interval time during which 20 to 80% of the maximum muscle strength was exerted, with age-specific deviation values of 45 to 55. It is the figure plotted by the value to do. FIG. 12 shows judgment criteria divided according to a region that can correspond to a muscle strength / muscle amount-muscle strength required time correlation diagram, and FIG. 13 shows judgment criteria further divided according to muscle performance. is there.
It should be noted that the determination of muscle performance and training menu can also be made using this determination criterion together with the above-described determination criterion based on the WBI-muscle strength interval time relationship. That is, as the information on the muscle strength to be used, the muscle strength per body weight and the muscle strength per muscle mass are used.
Specifically, the training menu can be determined by the following method. When the position is P1a (x1, y1a) in the relationship diagram shown in FIG. 8, the value corresponding to the D quadrant is adopted for the “load” of the training menu, and P1b (x1, y1b in the relationship diagram shown in FIG. ), The value corresponding to the C quadrant is adopted for the “number of times, set time” of the training menu.
As described above, by simultaneously using a plurality of indices relating to muscle strength as determination criteria, it is possible to more accurately determine the performance of muscles and to provide an efficient training menu.

Further, when determining the muscle performance and / or the training menu by the determination unit 4, it is preferable to correct the determination result by the correction unit 5 as necessary.
For example, in the case where the determination is made only with the four-quadrant standard as shown in FIG. 8, the training menu may be the same among a plurality of individuals having completely different characteristics such as gender and age. In such a case, the training menu may not be appropriate, so the determination result is corrected based on biological information other than muscle strength or information such as past measurement history, and the optimal training menu is reconfigured for that individual. It is preferable to do. As biological information other than muscle strength for correction, for example, age, sex, weight, height, muscle mass, muscle rate, body fat mass, body fat rate, center of gravity fluctuation, pulse, breathing, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. are used. be able to.
The correction unit 5 may be any unit that corrects the muscle performance and the training menu in cooperation with the determination unit 4. Even if the configuration is included in the determination unit 4, May have a separate configuration.

(Display means)
The display means 6 visually and audibly displays information on the muscle performance and the training menu obtained by the above determination method and other necessary information.
The display unit 6 can also display a determination result by a multiple regression equation using information obtained by the information acquisition unit 1 or the processing unit 2.
For example, the multiple regression equation of (1) below, which represents the estimated age Ap of the lower limbs with the maximum muscle strength M, the interval time T during which 20 to 80% of the maximum muscle strength was exerted, variables R1 to R3, and coefficients a to f Can be calculated. Any of body weight, height, sex, and lower limb muscle mass is included in the variables R1 to R3. It may be calculated by adding the left and right muscle strength difference, OA grade, center of gravity fluctuation trajectory length or area to the equation (1).

Ap = a−b × M + c × T + d × R1 + e × R2 + f × R3 (1)

Similarly, it is also possible to calculate the estimated maximum muscular strength by multiple regression using the information obtained by the information acquisition means 1 or the processing means 2.
In this way, by displaying the estimated age of the lower limbs, estimated maximum muscle strength, etc., the actual age can be compared with the age of the lower limbs, etc., so that you can objectively grasp your state, so set an appropriate target Is possible. Furthermore, this makes it possible to promote continuity of training and maintenance of motivation.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a screen displayed on the display means 6 (display unit 50) of the muscle evaluation apparatus 100 of the present invention, which displays muscle performance, a training menu, and other useful information related to health management. . The data displayed on the display means 6 includes data obtained and calculated by the apparatus and method of the present invention, data calculated by the above multiple regression equation, and measured by an external measuring apparatus other than the apparatus of the present invention. Data. Further, by displaying the past measurement history stored in the storage means 3 of the present invention, it is also possible to convey a change in the state of the muscle.

(Other determination methods such as muscle performance)
The present invention relates to a muscle evaluation apparatus characterized by using muscle strength and time required for exerting muscle strength as an index, and a method for determining muscle performance, etc. By making each information of “required time” into a specific combination, it is possible to provide information effective for the determination of the muscle performance and the like as described above. Other aspects of the determination method will be shown below.

(1) Judgment by inclination of waveform data As shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, when the information on the muscular strength is plotted on the vertical axis and the information on the time required for exerting the muscular strength is plotted on the horizontal axis, A straight line of a linear function y = ax + b can be drawn from the relationship between the time (x) and the muscular strength (y) required for muscular strength at the rising portion of the muscular strength up to the maximum muscular strength. It is preferable that the slope a of the linear function obtained from the information (y) related to the muscle strength and the information (x) related to the time required to exert the predetermined muscle strength is used as a determination index such as muscle performance. By determining the inclination of the linear function as an index, it becomes possible to quickly and easily understand muscle performance such as muscle mobilization power and instantaneous power.
It is preferable to obtain a straight line of a linear function obtained from the information related to “muscle strength” and “required time for exerting muscle strength” from a range from the start of muscle strength to the time of maximum muscle strength, and muscle strength of 20 to 80% of the maximum muscle strength is obtained. More preferably, it is obtained from the exhibited range.
As a specific method for obtaining the inclination, for example, the inclination is obtained by the least square method based on the waveform lines of “muscle strength” and “required time for muscular strength” in a range where 20 to 80% of the maximum muscle strength is exerted. A method, a method of obtaining an inclination from a straight line connecting two predetermined points of a waveform line (for example, a point at which 20% of maximum strength is exerted and 80% of maximum strength), and a tangent of a curve at a predetermined point of the waveform line For example, a method for obtaining the inclination.
FIG. 15 is a diagram in which a straight line of a linear function connecting two points of the 20% exertion point of the maximum muscle strength and the 80% manifestation point of the maximum muscle strength is drawn, and the inclination of the primary line is obtained.
In addition, this inclination may be determined by calculating the inclination of a plurality of linear functions from one waveform line and comparing the plurality of inclinations, for example. For example, two slopes, that is, a slope near the 20% exertion point of the maximum muscle strength and an inclination near the 80% manifestation point of the maximum muscle strength may be calculated, and the performance of the muscle may be determined from these two slopes.
In addition, although the inclination of the linear function in the range until the maximum muscle strength was demonstrated here, it is not restricted to this range, for example, a linear function in the suitable range of the waveform line after the maximum muscle strength is exhibited until the end of the muscle strength is exhibited. The slope of the linear function may be used as a determination index such as muscle performance. For example, muscle endurance can be determined from the slope of the linear function that can be drawn on the waveform line after the maximum muscle strength is exerted.

(2) Judgment using information obtained for each measurement Judgment of muscle performance, etc. is made from waveform information related to “muscle strength” and “time required for muscular strength” obtained from a single measurement, or appropriately processed from the waveform information. May be based on information obtained (average muscle strength, total value of muscle strength, integrated value of muscle strength, slope of linear function rising portion, difference value of muscle strength, etc.) or obtained by multiple measurements. You may carry out based on these some information.
In this way, multiple information (waveform information, processing information, etc.) of “muscle strength” and “time required to exert a predetermined muscle strength” obtained for each measurement can be compared for each measurement, or changed for each measurement. By observing and using the behavior of the muscle, it becomes possible to easily determine the performance of the muscles. Examples of items such as muscle performance that can be determined include endurance and adjustment of muscular strength, endurance of muscular mobilization and instantaneous power, left and right muscular strength balance, training results in a predetermined period, and the like. Below, the example of the performance of the muscles using a plurality of information obtained for every measurement is shown.

(2) -1 Determination of Endurance Strength and Adjustment Strength FIG. 16A is waveform data with time of lower limb strength and time required to exert the strength, and the muscle evaluation apparatus shown in FIG. These are four waveform data for each measurement measured when the muscle strength training unit is continuously pressed four times using. In FIG. 16A, data for two persons are displayed on each graph. When the waveform data of these four measurements are arranged side by side and compared, A shows a higher muscular strength than B in the first measurement, but as the measurement is repeated, the degree of decrease in the muscular strength and its duration is higher than B. You can see that it ’s big. From this, it can be determined that B has higher endurance for exerting muscular strength.

In FIG. 16B, based on the data in FIG. 16A, the average muscle strength during measurement is calculated from each waveform data over time of the lower limb strength and the time required to exert the strength, and four times. Each average muscular strength of the measurement is plotted in one graph.
Further, FIG. 16C calculates the total value of the muscle strength being measured from each waveform data over time of the lower limb muscle strength and the time required to exert the muscle strength based on the data of FIG. The total values of the four measurements are plotted on one graph. Here, the total value obtained by adding up the muscular strengths for each predetermined time is used. However, an integrated value of a waveform graph may be used, and if the integrated value is used, more accurate determination can be made.

The determination method of FIG. 16A can confirm the lapse of time during which the muscular strength is exhibited for each measurement, so that the endurance of the muscular strength can be more accurately determined, while comparing a plurality of waveform data at a time. Since the change must be read, some time and knowledge may be required for judgment.
In that respect, when determining with one graph based on the processing information of the waveform data as shown in FIG. 16B and FIG. 16C, the decrease in muscle strength can be seen at a glance. Can be judged. From FIG. 16 (b) and FIG. 16 (c), it can be determined that B has higher endurance for exerting muscular strength from the behavior of the decrease in the average muscular strength and the total value of muscular strength.
Further, according to the determinations as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, a target of muscle strength to be exhibited for each measurement is determined, and it is confirmed whether or not the target muscle strength is exhibited for each measurement. Thus, it can also be used as a judgment index for adjusting power to determine whether or not the muscular strength to be exerted can be controlled by the user. It should be noted that the “slope” of the linear function is calculated from one graph of FIG. 16B and FIG. 16C, and this slope may be used as an index of endurance (the closer to 0, the endurance is). Judgment can be made more easily with only data.
In this way, the information on the muscle strength obtained for each measurement and the information on the time required to exert the predetermined muscle strength are compared between waveform data or information obtained by appropriately processing the waveform data, or the behavior of changes is observed. Or the like, it is possible to determine performance such as endurance of muscle strength and adjustment power.

(2) -2 Judgment of endurance of muscular mobilization force and instantaneous force Obtained for each measurement using the slope of the linear function drawn on the rising part of the muscular strength as shown in the above-mentioned "determination by inclination of waveform data". The endurance of muscular mobilization power and instantaneous power can also be determined by comparing the tilts. Here, “muscle mobilization power and endurance of instantaneous power” means “muscle mobilization power” that is the ability to work as many muscle fibers as possible at once, and “instantaneous power” It can be said that "force" is a characteristic that can be executed repeatedly and continuously.
FIG. 17 shows the measurement of four times by calculating the slope of the rising portion of the muscular strength from each waveform data with time of the lower limb muscular strength and the time required to exert the muscular strength based on the data of FIG. Are plotted in one graph. Specifically, a straight line of a linear function connecting two points of the 20% exertion point of the maximum muscle strength and the 80% manifestation point of the maximum muscle strength was drawn, and the inclination of the primary line was obtained.
As described above, it can be determined that the greater the inclination, the better the muscular mobilization power and the instantaneous power, but by drawing a graph for each number of measurements as shown in FIG. 17, the endurance of these abilities can also be evaluated. It becomes possible. From FIG. 17, it can be determined that B has higher endurance of muscle mobilization power and instantaneous power.

(2) -3 Judgment of right and left muscle strength balance In parts that can be divided into left and right, such as the lower limbs and upper limbs, information on "muscle strength" and "time required to exert predetermined muscle strength" obtained for each measurement of left and right By using (waveform information, processing information thereof, etc.) for each measurement or by observing the behavior of the change for each measurement, the left and right muscle strength balance can be evaluated.
FIG. 18 (a) is a plot of average muscle strength data when the strength of the right foot is taken on the horizontal axis and the strength of the left foot is taken on the vertical axis, and the muscle strength is measured four times. It is only necessary that the value of each measurement falls within the “balanced range” in the graph. However, if the measurement value deviates from the area or greatly deviates from the center, the menu that focuses on the weak muscle strength is determined. be able to.
FIG. 18B is a graph in which the average muscle strength is calculated by the same method as that shown in FIG. 16B described above, and each average muscle strength of four measurements in the left and right lower limb strengths is plotted in one graph. It is a thing. The left-right balance of the endurance of the muscular strength can be determined by comparing the behavior of the muscular strength change between the left and right.
In addition to the average muscular strength shown in FIG. 18, the left and right muscular strength balance is determined by, for example, the above-described waveform data of muscular strength and muscular strength, the slope of the linear function drawn at the rising portion of the muscular strength, the muscular strength. The total value of the muscles, the integrated value of the muscular strength, and the like may be used as indices, and the performance of the muscles can be determined by these as well.

(2) -4 Judgment of Training Results in a Predetermined Period In order to increase the effect of strength training, it is necessary to continue training, but for that purpose, maintaining motivation is important. In order to maintain this motivation, it is effective that the results of training can be easily understood. For example, it is preferable to present an index that can recognize changes in muscle strength or the like during the training period at a glance.
FIG. 19A is a graph in which waveform data over time between the first day of training and the lower limb muscle strength after one month of training and the time required to exert the muscle strength are arranged and compared in one graph. From FIG. 19 (a), it can be seen that the muscular strength and the degree of its time of improvement are improved after one month of training compared to the first day of training.
FIG. 19 (b) is a plot of average muscle strength over the course of the training period, displaying data for two people.
From FIG. 19, since the degree of muscular strength improvement can be seen at a glance, it is possible to realize the effectiveness of training, and to promote continuation of training and maintenance of motivation.
In addition to the waveform data and average muscle strength shown in FIG. 19, the types of information to be compared in a predetermined period include, for example, the slope of the linear function drawn on the rising portion of the aforementioned muscle strength, the total value of muscle strength, and the integration of muscle strength. A value etc. may be utilized and a training result can be determined also by these.

(3) Judgment based on variations in waveform data Judgment of muscle performance and the like is performed using as an index the degree of variation (dispersion) in muscular strength observed from information on muscular strength and information on the time required to exert a predetermined muscular strength. be able to. Specifically, the target value (reference value) of the muscle strength to be exerted is set in advance, the waveform data over time of the muscle strength and the time required for exerting the muscle strength is drawn, and the degree of variation (dispersion) of the waveform data with respect to the target value is shown. By checking, it is possible to determine the ability (adjustment power) to control a predetermined amount of muscle strength. Instead of setting the target value of the muscular strength to be exerted, the muscular strength adjustment force may be determined from only the variation of the waveform data. FIG. 20 shows waveform data over time when two target values of muscular strength to be exerted are set in a predetermined time range and the user is exerting muscular strength so as to exert the target muscular strength. In FIG. 20, data for two persons is displayed, and it can be determined that A has less variation with respect to the target muscle strength than B, and has superior muscle strength adjustment.

The schematic perspective view which shows an example of the muscle evaluation apparatus which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the muscle evaluation apparatus which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the muscle evaluation apparatus which concerns on this invention of the aspect different from FIG. The figure which shows an example of the required time relationship of muscular strength-muscle strength display. The figure which shows an example of the required time relationship of muscular strength-muscle strength display. The figure which shows an example of the required time relationship of muscular strength-muscle strength display. The figure which shows an example of the required time relationship of muscular strength-muscle strength display. The figure which shows an example of criteria, such as the performance of a muscle based on the required time relationship of muscular strength-muscle strength. The figure which shows an example of a training menu. The figure which shows an example of criteria, such as the performance of a muscle based on the required time relationship of muscular strength-muscle strength. The figure which shows an example of criteria, such as the performance of a muscle based on the required time relationship of muscular strength-muscle strength. The figure which shows an example of criteria, such as the performance of a muscle based on the required time relationship of muscular strength-muscle strength. The figure which shows an example of criteria, such as the performance of a muscle based on the required time relationship of muscular strength-muscle strength. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display means of a muscle evaluation apparatus. The figure which shows an example which draws the straight line of a linear function to the waveform line of the required time relationship of muscular strength-muscle strength display. The figure which shows an example of the determination figure used for determination of the endurance of muscular strength and adjustment power. The figure which shows an example of the determination figure used for determination of endurance of muscle mobilization power or instantaneous power. The figure which shows an example of the determination figure used for determination of right and left muscular strength balance. The figure which shows an example of the determination figure used for determination of the training result in a predetermined period. The figure which shows an example of the determination figure used for determination of the adjustment force by the dispersion | variation in waveform data.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information acquisition means 2 Processing means 3 Storage means 4 Determination means 5 Correction means 6 Display means 7 Strength training means 10 Main body part 11 Cable 12 Mounting surface 13 Communication port 20 Operation part 30 Electrode part 40 Strength training part 50 Display part 60 Operation button DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Muscle evaluation apparatus 110 Input part 120 Calculation part 200 External measuring device 210 External data

Claims (15)

Information acquisition means for acquiring information on muscle strength and information on time required to exert a predetermined muscle strength;
Determination means for determining muscle performance and / or training menu from information obtained by the information acquisition means;
With
Information about the time required to exert a predetermined strength is, from the time required from the start of the muscle exerted until the end of the muscle exerts a time predetermined ratio muscle was removed ranges exhibited the maximum muscle Muscle Evaluation device.   The muscle evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on muscle strength is information on maximum muscle strength or a predetermined ratio of the maximum muscle strength.   The muscle evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on muscle strength is muscle strength per body weight and / or muscle strength per muscle mass. Information regarding the time required to exert a predetermined muscle strength is the time taken from the time taken from the start of muscle strength to the end of muscle strength to the extent that 20 to 80% of the maximum muscle strength was exerted The muscle evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . Means for acquiring information regarding at least one of age, sex, weight, height, muscle mass, muscle mass, body fat mass, body fat mass, body sway, pulse rate, breathing, blood pressure, and body temperature. The muscle evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . Storage means for storing a muscle force-muscle strength required time relationship, which is a relationship between information relating to muscle strength and information relating to time required to exert a predetermined muscle strength, and the determination means is obtained from the information acquisition means The muscle evaluation according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein a muscle performance and / or a training menu is determined based on the stored information and a muscle force-muscle strength required time relationship stored in the storage means. apparatus. The correction | amendment means which correct | amends the performance of a muscle and / or a training menu is provided, The said determination means cooperates with the said correction means, The muscle performance and / or a training menu are determined in any one of Claims 1-6. Muscle evaluation device. The muscle evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising display means for displaying muscle performance and / or a training menu. Muscle evaluation device according to any one of claims 1-8 comprising a muscular strength training means. The main body,
A strength training section installed in the main body section;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information on muscle strength exerted when applying a load to the muscle strength training section and information on time required to exert the muscle strength;
Determination means for determining muscle performance and / or training menu from information obtained by the information acquisition means;
With
Muscle evaluation, which is the time taken from the time taken to start muscular strength to the end of muscular strength, from the time taken from the start of muscular strength to the end of muscular strength apparatus. Information about muscle strength,
Information about the time it takes to demonstrate a given muscle strength,
Using the index as the index, information on the time required to exert the specified muscle strength was taken from the time required from the start of muscle strength to the end of muscle strength, and the range in which the muscle strength of a predetermined percentage of maximum strength was exerted was extracted. A method of determining muscle performance and / or training menu , which is time. The method for determining a muscle performance and / or a training menu according to claim 11 , wherein the information on the muscle strength is information on the maximum muscle strength or a predetermined ratio of the maximum muscle strength. The method for determining muscle performance and / or training menu according to claim 11 , wherein the information on muscle strength is muscle strength per body weight and / or muscle strength per muscle mass. Information regarding the time required to exert a predetermined muscle strength is the time taken from the time taken from the start of muscle strength to the end of muscle strength to the extent that 20 to 80% of the maximum muscle strength was exerted The muscle performance and / or training menu determination method according to any one of claims 11 to 13 . Furthermore age, sex, weight, height, muscle mass, muscle percentage, body fat mass, body fat percentage, body sway, pulse, respiration, claims 11 to 14 blood pressure, which the index information relating to any one or more of body temperature The method for determining muscle performance and / or training menu according to any one of the above.