JPH0215471Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Field of the invention This invention is intended to treat diseases and disorders of the central nervous system such as cerebrovascular accidents, brain trauma, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries, peripheral neuropathies, and arm joints associated with disorders of joints, muscles, and tendons. , for hand and finger dysfunction, arm joint, hand,
This invention relates to a function improving device for restoring finger function.

Background of the invention When the forearm, arm joints, hands, and fingers become functionally impaired due to the various diseases and disorders mentioned above, it is necessary to conduct training to restore motor function in parallel with treatment. Since ancient times, it has been considered extremely difficult to recover the functions of the arm joints, hands, and fingers, and although much research has been conducted in recent rehabilitation medicine, the results remain completely unsatisfactory. At present, no functional improver has been developed. For example, arm joints with flexion contracture or impaired extension due to the action of air pressure or springs,
Even when trying to extend the hand and fingers, satisfactory results have not been obtained.

This invention is based on the fact that conventional functional improvement gloves do not have enough air pressure or spring elasticity to fully extend the arm joints, hands, and fingers, and that they do not induce automatic movement. Focusing on the points that could not be achieved, we rationalized the pneumatic action to improve the arm joint,
Intermittently and continuously apply precise injections to the hands and fingers, and actively widen each finger and actively extend the arm joints, hands, and fingers, thereby improving these extension disorders and strengthening the nervous system. It was designed to promote the plasticity and compensatory functions of the system and to create factors that induce automatic movements of the arm joints, hands, and fingers.

The applicant's own Japanese patent application (patent application 1982-
No. 192254) discloses a palm cloth with the fingers spread out, and a cloth attached to the front surface of the palm cloth in order to individually attach each finger to the palm cloth with the fingers opened. The finger rests are arranged in a web-like manner between each finger stop except between the thumb and index finger, and the finger-spreading pouch attached to the front surface of the palm cloth,
Consists of a plurality of expansion sacs attached to the opposite side of the palm cloth for stretching the hand and wrist joints; compressed air is supplied to each of the sacs, and the air is exhausted after the required time has elapsed. This is a factor that improves flexion contractures and extension disorders and induces automatic movement by performing passive, rhythmic, and intermittent extension and expansion movements on dysfunctional wrist joints, hands, and fingers by repeating A performance improver is disclosed that is adapted to produce. This functional improvement device uses a cloth for the palm of the hand instead of a conventional glove-type device, and has a finger stopper for each finger to be attached individually, making it much easier to wear fingers with flexion contracture. It is excellent in that it is easy to use and has good usability.Furthermore, by providing a web-like inter-finger opening sac between the fingers, it is possible to effectively open the inter-digital space at the same time as the fingers are extended. This structure has brought about groundbreaking technical innovation in improving flexion contracture and extension disorders of the fingers, and has been evaluated as having made a significant contribution to the advancement of this technical field.

However, since the above-mentioned webbed air sac for opening the fingers is extremely effective at opening the fingers, it is also difficult to control the manner in which the compressed air is introduced, and the air sacs are relatively rapid. It has been found that the inconvenience of inflating due to the introduction of air may place a burden (pain) on patients in some cases, especially in severe cases.

Summary of the invention The present invention relates to an improvement of the function improving device of the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application No. 192254/1983, and in particular, it maintains the advantages of ease of use and inter-finger opening effect, while also eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for improving the function of fingers, etc., which solves this problem and also creates additional advantages.

For this purpose, the present invention includes a flat palm cloth part formed so that the palm of the hand comes into contact with the fingers spread apart, and an integrally extending part of the palm cloth part of the hand, which is attached to the wrist and forearm. A flat, flexible cloth that includes a flat forearm cloth that is formed to cover a portion of the cloth, and a palm cloth that is designed to be attached to the cloth individually with each finger opened. A freely openable finger stop member is attached to the front surface, and a freely openable forearm stop is attached to the forearm cover for fixing the wrist and part of the forearm to the front surface of the forearm cover. 1 at the position corresponding to between each finger stopper member on the opposite side of the wristband and the palm cloth part of the hand.
four flexible first pockets each extending longitudinally by approximately the length of a finger;
at least one second pocket attached to the opposite surface of the hand palm padding portion and the forearm padding portion so as to extend longitudinally from near the inner end of the first pocket along a portion of the wrist and forearm; for supplying and discharging compressed air to and from each of the first and second air sacs; Compressed air is supplied to all air sacs simultaneously or selectively to a specific air sac via the air supply and exhaust pipe, and the air is exhausted after the required time has elapsed. By repeatedly performing movements such as extension and expansion of the dysfunctional arm joints, hands, and fingers in a rhythmic and intermittent manner,
To provide a device for improving the functions of wrist joints, hands, fingers, etc., which is characterized by improving flexion contracture and extension disorder and creating factors that induce automatic movement.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the function improver of the present invention is shown. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the right hand function improving device as seen from the front side, showing the device being worn on a patient's hand. 10
is a flat palm cloth portion 12 formed to support the palm with five fingers spread apart.
and a flat forearm cloth part 14 which extends integrally from the palm cloth part 12 of the hand and is formed to cover a part of the wrist and forearm. The cloth 10 is sized based on the standard size of a healthy person's hand, and is made of a flexible material that is soft and comfortable to the touch, such as cloth or a synthetic resin sheet.

16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e are
A freely openable Velcro fastener finger stopper attached to the front surface of the palm cloth portion 12,
Separately attach each of the five spread fingers to the cloth. Each finger stop member 16a, 16b, 16c,
16d and 16e consist of a pair of strips, with a loop element 18 of velvet fastener at the free end of one strip and a loop element 18 of velvet fastener at the free end of the other strip, as shown in FIG. Hook element 1
9 is provided to releasably connect both strips in a loop shape.

Reference numerals 20a and 20b are wrist and forearm fastening members attached to the front surface of the forearm patch portion 14, and, like the finger fastening members, each consists of a pair of strips, with a strap attached to the free end of one of the strips. A loop element 21 of velvet fastener is provided at the free end of the other strip, and a hook element 22 of velvet fastener is provided at the free end of the other strip, so that both strips can be releasably connected in a loop shape. .

24 is a presser band whose one end is attached to the front surface of the palm cloth portion 12 of the hand at the base between the thumb and forefinger, and as shown in FIG. , a hook element 2 of a velvet fastener attached to its free end.
6 is adapted to engage with a loop element 25 attached to the outer surface of the strip of the forearm fastening member 20a.

28a, 28b, 28c, and 28d are finger stop members 1 provided on the front surface of the palm cloth portion 12;
6a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, one each is attached to the opposite surface of the palm padding cloth portion 12, that is, on the palm side, so as to extend in the longitudinal direction by approximately the length of the finger. It is a pocket, and although it is flexible, it is made of cloth or the like that is not substantially stretchable. In each pocket, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, an inflatable air bladder 32a is accommodated. Each air sac 32a may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic material, and when in its deflated state has a flattened tongue shape as shown in FIG. 4A and as shown in FIG. 4B. For example, it is folded vertically into three and stored in a pocket. Even when the air sac 32a is inflated with compressed air, as will be described later, it is restrained by the inner wall surface of the pocket, so that it is held folded in three as shown in FIG. 4C. The air sac 32a may also be folded vertically into three and then laterally folded and stored in a pocket, as shown in FIG. 4D. The effects of folding each air sac and storing them in the pocket will be described later.

First pocket 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d
Since each can be opened and closed with a zipper 29, the air sac 32a can be easily taken in and out, which is convenient when replacing a damaged air sac or when replacing a air sac with a different size. be.

30a and 30b are second pockets attached to the opposite side of the cloth 10, that is, the palm side, and are flexible like the first pocket, but are made of substantially non-stretchable cloth or the like. There is. One pocket 32
a extends longitudinally from below the base of the thumb to the forearm, covering the wrist joint. The other pocket 30b is connected to the first pockets 28b, 28c, 2
It extends in the longitudinal direction from a position adjacent to the lower end of 8d to cover the wrist joint and reach the forearm, and is approximately L-shaped in plan view.

Each of the second pockets 30a, 30b accommodates an inflatable air bladder 34a, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The air sac 34a can be formed of a suitable material such as plastic material and has a flat rectangular (fifth) shape when in the contracted state.
A), and as shown in FIG. 5B, it is folded vertically into two, and also folded horizontally and stored in a pocket. Mind 3
Even when the pocket 4a is inflated with compressed air as will be described later, it is held in the folded state because it is restrained by the inner wall surface of the pocket.

Each of the second pockets 30a and 30b can also be opened and closed with a zipper 31, so that the second pocket
4a can be easily taken in and out for replacement.

36a, 36b, 36c, 36d and 38
a, 38b are each air bag 32a in the first pockets 28a to 28d and the second pockets 30a, 30
These are branch pipes of supply and exhaust hoses connected to each air sac 34a in b, respectively, and collected in a common header 40. The header 40 is the supply and exhaust hose 4
2 to a compressed air source 44, and simultaneously sends pressurized air at a predetermined pressure supplied from the compressed air source 44 to the air bladders 32a... and 34a...
Moreover, air can be discharged from these air sacs at the same time. In addition, 3
When selectively supplying air to 2a... and 34a..., supply/exhaust branch pipes 36a to 36d, 3
The supply of air can be cut off by tightening the branch pipes 8a and 38b that communicate with air sacs that do not require air supply with clips (not shown).

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be explained.

In order to attach the above-mentioned function improving device to the finger and forearm suffering from motor dysfunction, first, the finger stop members 16a to 1 provided on the front surface of the palm cloth portion 12 of the hand are attached.
6e and the forearm fixing members 20a and 20b provided on the front surface of the forearm patch portion 14. Place the front surface of the palm cloth portion 12 on the deformed or contracted palm, and attach the finger stoppers 16a to 16e to 5.
The hook element 19 of the velvet fastener attached to the free end of the strip of each finger stopper is pressed against the loop element 18 and bonded thereto.

Next, the forearm fastening members 20a and 20b are wrapped around the forearm and similarly pressed against the hook element 21 of the velvet fastener to connect them. Finally, the presser band 24 is passed from the base between the thumb and index finger toward the wrist, and the hook element 26 of the velvet fastener at the free end of the presser band is attached to the forearm fastening member 20.
It is pressed against the hook element 25 of the velvet fastener attached to the outer surface of one of the strips of a. With the five fingers and forearm fixed to the cloth 10 in this manner, the compressed air source 44 is driven to supply compressed air at a predetermined pressure to the supply/exhaust hose 42 and the branch pipe 32.
a to 32d and 38a, 38b into the first air sac 32a... and the second air sac 34a... to inflate those air sacs as shown in the cross-sectional view in FIG. The middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are opened laterally, and at the same time, the fingers and wrist joint are extended to the extent that the hand is arched. In this way, basic movements such as extension of the wrist joint and extension and extension of the hand and fingers are passively performed.

After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the first air sacs 32a, 32a,
32a, 32a and second air sac 34a, 34a
When the compressed air introduced into the body is exhausted naturally or forcibly, the hands and fingers return to their original state. By repeating these movements over and over again, the hands and fingers are given repetitive movements of widening and stretching. If forced exhaust is used, a reversible pump is used as the compressed air supply source 44, and when supplying air, it operates as a pressurized air supply pump, and when exhausting, it is operated as a pressurized air supply pump, and when exhausting, it is connected to the intake port of the same pump by operating a switching valve. It is possible to direct the exhaust gas toward the exhaust gas.

The above method of use aims to improve flexion contractures and extension disorders by extending and opening the hands, fingers, arm joints, etc. by expanding and contracting all the air sacs. Impaired contraction and extension of all arm joints,
If the condition does not extend to the hands or fingers, it is possible to partially improve only the necessary areas by occluding unnecessary branch tubes leading to the air sacs with clips, etc., as mentioned earlier. can.

After the treatment is completed, the hook elements 22 of the forearm fastening members 20a, 20b are peeled off from the loop elements 21 to release the velvet fasteners, and the finger fastening members 16a are removed.
By removing 16e in the same position, the function improver can be easily removed from the fingers and arms.

The function improving device of the present invention is placed on the wrist joint, hand, or fingers with dysfunction, and all or part of the wrist joint, hand, or finger is stretched and expanded, and rhythmic,
If intermittent stimulation is applied continuously, this stimulation is transmitted through the sensory nerves to the sensory + perceptual system of the central nervous system, and then transmitted to the motor system through nerve fibers within the central nervous system, which improves the plasticity of the nervous system. Compensatory functions are induced and promoted, and automatic movement of these parts occurs and is promoted, resulting in functional improvement.

Therefore, compared to conventional gloves that simply use air pressure or gloves that use springs, the improver of the present invention can actively widen the space between the fingers, and at the same time improve the joints of the fingers, hands, and wrists. can be fully extended. Further, by rhythmic and intermittent changes in air pressure, intermittent and continuous passive motion of the fingers, hands, and wrist joints can be performed rationally and appropriately. Furthermore, isolated passive movements can be performed that are compatible with the function of the wrist joint.

In addition, as shown in the example, if the finger stop member is formed using velvet fastener so that it can be opened and closed,
It can be easily inserted and attached to the hands and fingers of patients with severe flexion contracture of the fingers. Therefore, the present invention is extremely easy to use, regardless of the condition of contracture of the wrist joint, hand, or fingers, and can also be easily removed after use.

In the above-mentioned patent application No. 58-192254, the air sac for opening the fingers is provided on the front surface of the cloth, and is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the fingers. Ta. Therefore, when air is introduced, the air sac expands all at once, causing the patient's fingers to expand rapidly.
Although highly effective in improving function, it sometimes placed a heavy burden on critically ill patients.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the first air sacs 32a, 32a, 32, which are air sacs for opening between the fingers,
a and 32a are provided not on the front surface (back of the hand) of the cloth 10 but on the opposite side (palm side) so as to be located below between each finger. According to this configuration, when compressed air is introduced, the cloth is gradually raised between each finger by pushing up from the underside of each finger, as shown in FIG. It does not cause it to dilate, but rather gradually dilates it. Therefore, not only does it not place any strain on the patient, but surprisingly, slowly and gradually opening and stretching the fingers in this way provides better function than when opening and stretching them suddenly. It was clinically confirmed that it achieved an improvement effect.

Still another feature of the present invention is that the air sac is folded and accommodated in the pocket, and the air sac is restrained by the inner wall surface of the pocket and folded. The relative dimensions of the air sac and pocket were determined so that they would expand as they were. This configuration provides many advantages, including:

(b) As shown in Figure 3, when the air sac expands while being folded, there is a space in the center of the folded air sac, but the outer circumferential surface of the air sac is close to the inner wall of the pocket. Since it exerts a large expansion effect on the air, a large expansion effect can be obtained with a relatively small amount of compressed air.

(b) The creases of the folded air sac constitute the airflow restriction, so when air is introduced, the air sac does not expand all at once, but expands gradually. In particular, in the case of the first air sac 32a, it gradually expands as it is placed on the opposite side of the cloth under each finger and between each finger. Achieve the purpose of the invention (reducing the burden on patients and increasing the effect of functional improvement) more effectively.

(c) The folds of the folded air sac also act as a check valve to restrict the backflow of air once it has flowed in. Therefore, during air supply, there is less backflow from the air sac, so air supply may be performed smoothly and effectively.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawing shows one embodiment of the present invention.
The figure is a perspective view of the improver of the present invention seen from the back of the hand showing how it is used, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the improver seen from the palm of the hand, and Figure 3 is a line that crosses each finger stop member in Figure 1. It is a cross-sectional view taken at , showing the inflated air sac. Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are schematic diagrams showing the first air sac in an expanded, flattened state, a folded state and an inflated state, respectively, and Figure 4D shows a different folded state of the first air sac. The schematic diagrams shown, FIGS. 5A and 5B, are schematic diagrams showing the second air sac in an expanded flat state and a folded state, respectively. 10...Fabric, 12...Palm fabric part, 14
...Forearm patch part, 16a-16e...Finger stopper member, 20a, 20b...Forearm fixing member, 28a-
28d...first pocket, 30a, 30b...second pocket, 32a...first air pocket, 34a...
Second air sac, 36a-36d, 38a, 38b...
...Branch pipe, 44...Compressed air supply source.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claim for Utility Model Registration] (1) A flat palm cloth part formed so that the palm of the hand comes into contact with the fingers spread apart, and a part extending integrally from the palm cloth part of the hand, including the wrist and forearm. A flat flexible cloth including a flat forearm cloth part formed to cover a part of the body, and a palm cloth part for the hand to be attached to the cloth individually with each finger opened. a freely openable finger stopper attached to the front surface of the forearm, and a freely openable forearm attached to the forearm padding part for fixing the wrist and part of the forearm to the front surface of the forearm padding part. On the opposite side of the fastening member and the palm cloth part of the hand, four fingers are attached, one each at a position corresponding to between each finger stopper and the finger stopper, so as to extend in the longitudinal direction by approximately the length of the finger. a flexible first pocket; and at least one flexible pocket extending longitudinally from near the inner end of the first pocket to the opposite side of the palm and forearm portions along the wrist and a portion of the forearm. two second pockets;
A first inflatable bladder accommodated in each of the first pockets, a second inflatable bladder accommodated in the second pocket, and compressed air is supplied to each of the first and second bladders. Compressed air is supplied to all air sacs simultaneously or selectively to a specific air sac via the air supply and exhaust pipe, and the air is exhausted after the required time has elapsed. By repeating this exercise, you can passively, rhythmically, and intermittently perform exercises such as extension and expansion on the arm joints, hands, and fingers that have dysfunction, improving flexion contractures and extension disorders, and improving the automatic movement. Wrist joint characterized by creating factors that induce movement,
Functional improvement device for hands, fingers, etc. (2) The first air sac and the second air sac have a flat shape in a deflated state, are folded in two or more and housed in their respective pockets, and compressed air is introduced into the air sac. 2. The function improving device according to claim 1, wherein the device is sized so as to be restrained by the inner wall surface of the pocket so that the device is inflated while being folded. (3) The first air sac has a flat shape in the deflated state, is folded vertically into three pieces and is housed in each pocket, and remains folded even when compressed air is introduced. The function improving device according to claim 1, which is dimensioned to be restrained by the inner wall surface of the pocket so as to expand.