KR100345246B1 - Apparatus for Muscle Diagnosis Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Method of Using the Same - Google Patents

Abstract

The device according to the invention comprises electrodes 1, 2, 3, 4 for contacting the right palm, right thumb, left palm and left thumb of the subject, respectively; A bar rod (5) designed to mount the four electrodes (1, 2, 3, 4) and to hold it with both hands; A weight weight (6) capable of changing the barbell load by mounting the bar rod (5) to lift and hold with both hands; A connection terminal (7) for connecting the electrodes (1, 2, 3, 4) and the electronic circuit portion 14; An electronic circuit unit 14 for impedance measurement, signal amplification, and A / D conversion; A computer system 15 which receives the measurement data of the electronic circuit unit 14 and stores, calculates, displays, and controls the change in the bioimpedance value of the arm; An impedance measuring circuit 16 including a current generating circuit for flowing a constant current between the palms of both hands when the subject grasps the rod 5 with both hands, and a circuit for measuring voltage between the thumb of the subject; A microprocessor 19 which stores the impedance data of the arm and performs the muscle diagnosis using the measured signal when the subject performs the bending and extending the arm, and outputs the result on the display screen 9; And an interface terminal 20 for connecting to an external computer system.

Description

Apparatus for Muscle Diagnosis Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Method of Using the Same}

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for diagnosing muscle development, muscle disease, and muscle mass of a subject by measuring a change in water of a limb using a bioelectrical impedance method during an upper body exercise or a lower body exercise. The present invention also includes a method for diagnosing muscle using the bioelectrical impedance method.

Background of the Invention

As the body performs physical exercise, it provides fast nutrition to the muscles of the limbs and speeds up the removal of waste. This increased metabolism speeds up blood circulation and increases muscle water content. At this time, the movement speed of the water, the increase rate of water in the muscle, and the restorative speed when the exercise is stopped show a big difference among individuals, and the difference between these individuals is closely related to the degree of muscle development, the disease of the muscle, and the amount of muscle.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis is a method of flowing a weak alternating current into the human body and measuring the electrical resistance when this current flows through the human body. The electricity that flows is closely related to the amount of water in the conductor, that is, the body. The bioelectrical impedance method is used to measure the amount of water in the human body in a static state, and to measure the components of the human body, for example, the amount of body fat. In the present invention by using the bioelectrical impedance method that can safely and quickly measure the human components in the present invention in the state in which the subject is exercising continuously measuring the change in the water in the muscle device for diagnosing the subject's muscles and Invented the method.

The present inventors have already invented a human body component analyzer using the bioelectrical impedance method of the Republic of Korea Patent No. 123408 and No. 161602, and US Patent No. 5,720, 296. In particular, these inventions have realized a technique for measuring the human body for each part to provide a human component for each part.

An object of the present invention is to provide a muscle diagnostic device for measuring the moisture changes in muscle by measuring the bioelectrical impedance while the subject is exercising.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for measuring the change in water of the upper body during exercise of the upper body and the change in water of the lower body during exercise of the lower body.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device capable of measuring the change in moisture of each part by measuring the change of water in real time for each part of the body while the subject is exercising.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a developmental status of muscles, diseases of muscles, muscle mass, etc. by analyzing the change in moisture of each part of a subject continuously measured during and after exercise.

The above and other objects of the present invention can all be achieved by the present invention described below.

1 is an embodiment using the hand electrode method in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a muscle diagnosis device having another hand electrode structure using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of another application of the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a different embodiment using the hand electrode method in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

5 is an embodiment using the foot electrode method in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is a different embodiment using the foot electrode method in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

7 is an embodiment using a hand electrode and a foot electrode at the same time in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

8 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of a device using the hand electrode method in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

9 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of a device using both a hand electrode and a foot electrode in the muscle diagnosis apparatus using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

10 is a graph showing an example of a change in the impedance value according to the number of barbell exercise of the subject in the muscle diagnostic apparatus using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

* Brief description of the major symbols in the drawings *

1: right palm electrode 2: right thumb electrode

3: left palm electrode 4: left thumb electrode

5: rod 6: weight

7: connector 8: input switch

9: display screen 10: right forefoot electrode

11: right forefoot electrode 12: left forefoot electrode

13: left rear sole electrode 14: electronic circuit section

15: computer system 16: impedance circuitry

17: signal amplifier 18: A / D signal modulator

19: microprocessor 20: interface terminal

21: Power plate 22: right hand inner electrode

23: Right hand outer electrode 24: Left hand inner electrode

25: Left hand outer electrode

The device according to the invention comprises electrodes 1, 2, 3, 4 for contacting the right palm, right thumb, left palm and left thumb of the subject, respectively; A bar rod (5) designed to mount the four electrodes (1, 2, 3, 4) and to hold it with both hands; A weight weight (6) capable of changing the barbell load by mounting the bar rod (5) to lift and hold with both hands; A connection terminal (7) for connecting the electrodes (1, 2, 3, 4) and the electronic circuit portion 14; An electronic circuit unit 14 for impedance measurement, signal amplification, and A / D conversion; A computer system 15 which receives the measurement data of the electronic circuit unit 14 and stores, calculates, displays, and controls the change in the bioimpedance value of the arm; An impedance measuring circuit 16 including a current generating circuit for flowing a constant current between the palms of both hands when the subject grasps the rod 5 with both hands, and a circuit for measuring voltage between the thumb of the subject; A microprocessor 19 for storing the input data and calculating the impedance of the human body for muscle diagnosis using the measured signal and outputting the result on the display screen 9; And an interface terminal 20 for connecting to an external computer system.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail the contents of the present invention.

1 is an embodiment using the hand electrode method in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention. Referring to the measurement method according to the present invention in detail in FIG. 1, first, the subject hangs the weight 6 suitable for himself on the rod 5, and then spreads both feet to shoulder width to the left and right electrodes (1, 2, 3, 4). ) With both hands. Then repeat the exercise of bending and stretching your arms into your chest as you would a Barbell exercise. At this time, the electronic circuit unit 14 of the present invention continuously stores the impedance measurement signal and analyzes the magnitude and the change of the signal, and outputs the results of the state of muscle development, muscle disease, muscle mass, etc. to the output device. Although the configuration in FIG. 1 is in the form of connecting the exercise device and the impedance measuring electronic circuit unit 14 by wire, it may be configured more easily wirelessly. That is, a signal sender is installed in the barbell mechanism using a wireless communication module and a signal receiver is installed in the electronic circuit portion 14 to measure and measure the impedance signal transmitted from the barbell mechanism wirelessly by the electronic circuit portion 14. The result of the calculation is displayed on the external display device.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention. Looking at the components of the device in the present invention in Figure 2, the weight weight (6) which can be mounted on the rod bar (5) by holding with both hands to change the barbell load, each divided into two electrodes on the right hand and the left hand each Electrode 22, 23, 24, 25 in contact with the hand and the connection terminal 7 for connecting the electrodes 22, 23, 24, 25 and the electronic circuit portion 14 is characterized in that it is characterized by.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of another application of the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention. Referring to the device components of the present invention in Figure 3, the electrode (1, 2, 3, 4) for contacting the right palm, the right thumb, the left palm and the left thumb of the subject, respectively, the rod rod holding and lifting with both hands (5) weight (6) to change the barbell load, the input switch (8) for inputting height, weight and age, and a display screen showing the change of body water and the measurement result during exercise (9) ) And an electronic circuit unit 14 for impedance measurement, signal amplification, and A / D conversion.

Figure 4 is a different embodiment using the hand electrode method in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention. Figure 4a shows that the subject makes a push-up movement after touching the right palm, right thumb, left palm, and left thumb to the electrodes 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The subject can see directly on the screen how his or her muscle condition changes as he continues to exercise. Like Figure 4a and Figure 4c, Figures 4b and 4c use four hand electrodes to diagnose muscle conditions. In Figure 4b, the subject touches the right palm, right thumb, left palm, and left thumb to the electrodes 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively, and then exercise the lower body muscles by stepping on the bicycle pedal and simultaneously displays the display screen (9). You can check your muscle status in real time. Fig. 4c shows the subject's upper body, right thumb, left thumb, left palm and left thumb touching the electrodes 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and at the same time performing upper body movement to pull the string of appropriate weight. Through (9) you can check your muscle status in real time.

5 is an embodiment using the foot electrode method in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention. Referring to the measurement method according to the present invention in detail in Figure 5, the subject is to spread the feet to shoulder width and rise on the power poles (10, 11, 12, 13). In this state, the subject repeats the bending and stretching movements of the knee. At this time, the electronic circuit unit 14 of the muscle diagnostic apparatus measures and calculates the impedance of the human body to represent the muscle state of the subject through an output device such as a monitor or a printer of the computer system 15.

Figure 6 is a different embodiment using the foot electrode method in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention. Figure 6a shows the subject performing the step up and down movement after touching the right front foot, the right rear foot, the left front foot, and the left rear foot to the electrodes 10, 11, 12, and 13, respectively. The subject can see directly on the screen how his or her muscle condition changes as he continues to exercise. Figures 6b and 6c, like Figure 6a, use four foot electrodes to diagnose muscle conditions. In Fig. 6b, the subject contacts the right front foot, the right rear foot, the left front foot, and the left rear foot with the electrodes 10, 11, 12, and 13, respectively, and then presses the bicycle pedal to exercise the lower body muscles and at the same time the display screen. Through (9) you can check your muscle status in real time. Figure 6c shows the subject touching the right front foot, right rear foot, left front foot, and left rear foot to the electrodes 10, 11, 12, and 13, respectively, and doing a stretch movement while lying down at an angle. 9) You can check your muscle status in real time.

7 is an embodiment using a hand electrode and a foot electrode at the same time in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention. Looking at the measurement method according to the invention in detail in Figure 7, first, the subject to measure the width of the shoulders and then rises on the force plate 21. At this time, the right front sole, the right rear sole, the left front sole and the left rear sole are brought into contact with the electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, respectively. Then grab the rod (5) with the weight (6) of the appropriate weight is held with both hands. At this time, the right palm, right thumb, left palm and left thumb are in contact with the electrodes (1, 2, 3, 4), respectively. As described above, the subject repeats the movement of bending and straightening the arm to the inside of the chest as in the case of a barbell movement. The data obtained from the subject while continuing the movement is measured and calculated through the electronic circuit unit 14 of the muscle diagnostic apparatus, and the measured values are then transmitted through an output device such as a monitor or a printer of the computer system 15. The muscle state of the subject.

8 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of a device using the hand electrode method in the muscle diagnostic device using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

9 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of a device using both a hand electrode and a foot electrode in the muscle diagnosis apparatus using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention.

10 is a graph showing a change in the impedance value according to the number of barbell exercise of the subject in the muscle diagnostic apparatus using the bioelectrical impedance method according to the present invention. As can be seen from the figure, subject A has a large change in impedance value according to the number of exercise, while subject B has little change in impedance value according to the number of exercise.

Looking at a typical method of using the muscle diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, the subject contacts the right palm, right thumb, left palm and left thumb to the electrodes (1, 2, 3, 4), respectively, the arm as a barbell (Barbell) exercise Repeat the bending and straightening of the inside of the chest. In this case, the muscle diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention continuously measures the impedance between both arms of the body using a bioelectrical impedance measuring circuit, and the measured impedance value is stored in the microprocessor 19 or the external computer system 15. . The microprocessor 19 analyzes the magnitude of the value, the rate of change, the change form, and the recovery form using the impedance value of the subject, and outputs the analysis result to the display screen 9 or the printer. The upper body impedance is continuously measured while the subject performs the barbell movement, and the state of muscle development, muscle disease, and muscle mass is output as a graph of the bioelectrical signal as shown in FIG. 10.

The bioelectrical impedance signal is larger when the arm is extended and less when it is bent. In addition, these values decrease as the exercise continues. At this time, the signal size and the rate of change are different in the case of muscle development and the case of not yet developed. Comparing subject A, who has not yet developed muscle, and Subject B, whose muscles are relatively well developed, Subject A has a high initial impedance value, indicating that the muscle mass is insufficient compared to Subject B. It can be seen that the decrease quickly. In this case, for example, the slope of the impedance change after completing 10 times is calculated as below.

Slope = (R ₁₀ -R ₀ ) / 10

Subject A has an undeveloped muscle and a smaller slope of Subject B than muscle A. In addition, the impedance value is an important data in muscle diagnosis by calculating the water recovery rate after the exercise in the same way as in Equation (1). Impedance values are applied in a similar way to the legs as well as the arms. In addition, impedance values can be measured at high and low frequencies, and the rate change of impedance values measured at these frequencies is correlated with the degree of muscle development. The absolute value of impedance in the human body part is deeply related to the moisture content of the body part.

SW = C ₁ Ht ² / R + C ₂ (2)

Where SW is the segmental water of the body, Ht is the height and R is the impedance of the measured part. C ₁ and C ₂ are constants that satisfy equation (2) best, and are obtained by a regression method or the like. Optimizing the values of C ₁ and C ₂ produces a formula for measuring the amount of water in the body.

SL = SW / 0.73

The assumption that muscle contains 73% of water is widely used, and under these assumptions, segmental lean mass can be obtained from the amount of water.

The present invention has the effect of providing real-time development of muscle, disease and muscle mass of the subject by measuring and analyzing the change in moisture of the muscle by continuously measuring the bioelectrical impedance while the subject is exercising or after the exercise. It is possible to measure the change in water of the upper body during the exercise of the upper body, and to measure the change in water of the lower body during the exercise of the lower body, as well as to measure the upper and lower body for each part at the same time.

Simple modifications or changes of the present invention can be easily carried out by those skilled in the art, and all such modifications or changes can be seen to be included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (16)

Electrodes 1, 2, 3, 4 for contacting the right palm, right thumb, left palm, and left thumb of the subject, respectively; A bar rod (5) on which the four electrodes are mounted and which can be held by both hands; A weight weight (6) mounted on the rod (5) and capable of varying the load; And an electronic circuit unit 14, wherein the electronic circuit unit A current generation circuit for generating a current flowing between any one of the right palm electrode 1 and the left palm electrode 3 and between the right thumb electrode 2 and the left thumb electrode 4, and the Impedance measurement comprising a voltage measuring circuit for measuring the voltage between the right palm electrode 1 and the left palm electrode 3 and between any one of the right thumb electrode 2 and the left thumb electrode 4 Circuit 16; A signal amplifier 7 for amplifying the generated current value and the measured voltage value; A / D converter 17; And A microprocessor 19 for storing impedance data over time and analyzing the stored impedance data to perform muscle diagnosis and to output a result; Muscle diagnostic device using a bioelectrical impedance, characterized in that consisting of. The rod bar (5), the input switch (8), the display screen (9) and the electronic circuit unit (14) according to claim 1, in order to not only carry and carry, but also to allow a subject to see the display screen while exercising. ) Can be used integrally mounted muscle diagnostic device. According to claim 1, The rod (5) is provided with a signal sender (sender) using a wireless communication module, and the electronic circuit portion 14 is a signal receiver for wirelessly receiving an impedance signal from the signal sender ( Muscle diagnostic device characterized in that the receiver is provided. The method of claim 1, further comprising a computer system (15) for receiving data stored in the microprocessor and further examining the subject's muscles, wherein the microprocessor includes an interface for connection with the computer system ( 20) A muscle diagnostic apparatus comprising a. The multi-frequency muscle diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the impedance measuring circuit (16) can measure bioimpedance at various frequencies between 1 KHz and 1000 KHz. Electrodes 22, 23, 24, and 25 for contacting the right and left portions in the case of vertically bisecting the right palm and in contact with the left and right portions, respectively, in the case of vertically bisecting the left palm; A bar rod (5) on which the four electrodes are mounted and which can be held by both hands; A weight weight (6) mounted on the rod (5) and capable of varying the load; And an electronic circuit unit 14, wherein the electronic circuit unit 14 A current generating circuit for generating a current flowing between any one of the right palm electrode 22 and the left palm electrode 24 and between the right thumb electrode 23 and the left thumb electrode 25; and Impedance measurement comprising a voltage measuring circuit for measuring the voltage between the right palm electrode 22 and the left palm electrode 24 and between any one of the right thumb electrode 23 and the left thumb electrode 25 Circuit 16; A signal amplifier 7 for amplifying the generated current value and the measured voltage value; A / D converter 17; And A microprocessor 19 for storing impedance data over time and analyzing the stored impedance data to perform muscle diagnosis and to output a result; Muscle diagnostic device using a bioelectrical impedance, characterized in that consisting of. Electrodes 1, 2, 3, 4 for contacting the right palm, right thumb, left palm, and left thumb of the subject, respectively; A force plate (21) on which the four electrodes are mounted, for supporting the subject with both hands in a prone state to push up; And an electronic circuit unit 14, wherein the electronic circuit unit 14 A current generation circuit for generating a current flowing between any one of the right palm electrode 1 and the left palm electrode 3 and between the right thumb electrode 2 and the left thumb electrode 4, and the Impedance measurement comprising a voltage measuring circuit for measuring the voltage between the right palm electrode 1 and the left palm electrode 3 and between any one of the right thumb electrode 2 and the left thumb electrode 4 Circuit 16; A signal amplifier 7 for amplifying the generated current value and the measured voltage value; A / D converter 17; And A microprocessor 19 for storing impedance data over time and analyzing the stored impedance data to perform muscle diagnosis and to output a result; Muscle diagnostic device using a bioelectrical impedance, characterized in that consisting of. Electrodes 1, 2, 3, 4 for contacting the right palm, right thumb, left palm, and left thumb of the subject, respectively; A pair of rod rods on which the four electrodes are mounted, connected to a load of an exercise device for the upper body or the arm muscle, and which can be held by both hands; And an electronic circuit unit (14), wherein the electronic circuit unit (14) A current generation circuit for generating a current flowing between any one of the right palm electrode 1 and the left palm electrode 3 and between the right thumb electrode 2 and the left thumb electrode 4, and the Impedance measurement comprising a voltage measuring circuit for measuring the voltage between the right palm electrode 1 and the left palm electrode 3 and between any one of the right thumb electrode 2 and the left thumb electrode 4 Circuit 16; A signal amplifier 7 for amplifying the generated current value and the measured voltage value; A / D converter 17; And A microprocessor 19 for storing impedance data over time and analyzing the stored impedance data to perform muscle diagnosis and to output a result; Muscle diagnostic device using a bioelectrical impedance, characterized in that consisting of. Electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13 for contacting the right forefoot, right hind paw, left forefoot, and left hind paw, respectively; A pair of force plates on which the four electrodes are mounted, connected to the load of the exercise device for the lower body, and capable of treading with both feet; And an electronic circuit unit 14, wherein the electronic circuit unit 14 Current generation circuit for generating a current flowing between any one of the electrode between the right forefoot electrode 10 and the left foot sole electrode 12 and between the right rear foot electrode 11 and the left foot sole electrode 13 And a voltage for measuring a voltage between any one of the right forefoot electrode 10 and the left forefoot electrode 12 and between the right forefoot electrode 11 and the left forefoot electrode 13. An impedance measuring circuit 16 including a measuring circuit; A signal amplifier 7 for amplifying the generated current value and the measured voltage value; A / D converter 17; And A microprocessor 19 for storing impedance data over time and analyzing the stored impedance data to perform muscle diagnosis and to output a result; Muscle diagnostic device using a bioelectrical impedance, characterized in that consisting of. Electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13 for contacting the right forefoot, right hind paw, left forefoot, and left hind paw, respectively; A force plate mounted with the four electrodes and capable of treading with both feet; And an electronic circuit unit 14, wherein the electronic circuit unit 14 Current generation circuit for generating a current flowing between any one of the electrode between the right forefoot electrode 10 and the left foot sole electrode 12 and between the right rear foot electrode 11 and the left foot sole electrode 13 And a voltage for measuring a voltage between any one of the right forefoot electrode 10 and the left forefoot electrode 12 and between the right forefoot electrode 11 and the left forefoot electrode 13. An impedance measuring circuit 16 including a measuring circuit; A signal amplifier 7 for amplifying the generated current value and the measured voltage value; A / D converter 17; And A microprocessor (19) for storing impedance data that change as the subject sits and stands up, analyzing the stored impedance data to perform muscle diagnosis, and outputting the results; Muscle diagnostic device using a bioelectrical impedance, characterized in that consisting of. The subject hung the rod 6 with a weight 6 appropriate to him; Both palms and both thumbs are in contact with the hand electrodes 1, 2, 3, 4; Repeating the bending and straightening of the arms into the chest, like a barbell exercise; The electronic circuit unit 14 continuously measures the impedance of both arms of the subject using a bioimpedance measuring circuit; The measured bioimpedance values are stored in the microprocessor 19 or external computer system 15; The microprocessor 19 analyzes the magnitude, rate of change, change form, and recovery form of the value using the impedance value of the subject; And Outputting the analysis result to the display screen 9 or a printer; Muscle diagnostic method, characterized in that. The method of claim 11, wherein the upper body impedance is continuously measured during the barbell movement of the subject, and the muscle development state, muscle disease, and muscle mass are output in the form of a graph of a bioelectrical signal. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the subject can check in real time on the display screen the process of his muscles change while continuing the exercise. 11. A computer system as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, further comprising a computer system (15) for receiving data stored in said microprocessor and for further diagnosing the subject's muscles. Muscle diagnostic device characterized in that it comprises an interface 20 for connection with. The muscle diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the impedance measuring circuit measures the impedance at a plurality of frequencies between 1 KHz and 1000 KHz. The muscle diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the impedance measuring circuit and the electronic circuit unit are wirelessly connected by a wireless communication module.