KR102190931B1 - Apparatus and method for tug test - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method for testing a TUG are disclosed. The disclosed TUG testing apparatus includes a chair including a first sensor for detecting the left and right balance of the test subject seated for TUG test, and a footrest including a second sensor connected to the chair to detect contact with the feet of the test subject seated on the chair. do. The behavior of the test subject is analyzed based on the first left and right balance of the test subject before the start of the TUG test detected by the first sensor and the second left and right balance when the test subject stands up from the chair after the start of the TUG test.

Description

TUG test apparatus and method {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TUG TEST}

The following description relates to a TUG test apparatus and method.

Conventionally, there is a limitation in that it is difficult to trust the accuracy of each examiner because the TUG (Time Up and Go) measurement must be manually performed to dynamically diagnose and evaluate the cause of falls of the elderly. In addition, in the TUG test, only the number of seconds it takes to perform the entire operation is measured, so there is a limitation that it is somewhat insufficient to evaluate the risk of falling in the elderly.

According to an embodiment, a TUG test apparatus for performing a TUG (Time Up and Go) test of a test subject includes: a chair including a first sensor for detecting a left and right balance of the test subject seated for the TUG test; And a footrest connected to the chair and including a second sensor configured to detect contact with the feet of the test subject seated on the chair, and a first left and right balance of the test subject before the start of the TUG test detected by the first sensor And the behavior of the test subject is analyzed based on the second left and right balance when the test subject stands up from the chair after starting the TUG test.

In the TUG testing apparatus according to an embodiment, a weight shift phenomenon when the test subject stands up may be analyzed based on a difference between the first left and right balance and the second left and right balance.

In the TUG test apparatus according to an embodiment, the sitting posture of the test subject may be analyzed based on the first left and right balance.

In the TUG testing apparatus according to an embodiment, the stand-up operation of the test subject based on a time difference from a time when the left and right balance is not detected by the first sensor to a time when one foot of the test subject has fallen by the second sensor This can be analyzed.

In the TUG test apparatus according to an embodiment, after the second sensor detects that the testee's foot has fallen, the time difference from the time when the contact of the testee's foot is detected again to the time when the contact change of the testee's foot is last detected. Based on the test subject's turning motion in place may be analyzed.

In the TUG test apparatus according to an embodiment, the time difference from the time when the second sensor detects the last contact change of the testee's foot to the time when the third sensor included in the backrest of the chair detects the body contact of the test subject Based on the sitting motion of the test subject may be analyzed.

In the TUG testing apparatus according to an embodiment, based on a time difference between a time when a change in contact of the testee's foot is last detected by the second sensor and a time when the body contact of the testee is detected by the first sensor, the test subject is Sitting motion can be analyzed.

In the TUG testing apparatus according to an embodiment, the first sensor may include load cells disposed on the left and right sides of the seat of the chair.

In the TUG testing apparatus according to an embodiment, the left and right balance of the test subject may indicate whether the center of gravity of the body of the test subject is shifted to one of the left and right.

In the TUG inspection apparatus according to an embodiment, the second sensor may include a load cell or a piezoelectric sensor respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the scaffold.

In the TUG testing apparatus according to an embodiment, the motion of the test subject standing up from the chair walking to a predetermined turning point, walking in a semicircle at the turning point, walking from the turning point to the chair, the test subject reaching the chair At least one of the operations of turning in place to sit on the chair may be analyzed based on an image photographed of the subject.

In the TUG test method according to an embodiment, the first left and right balance of the test subject before the start of the TUG test and the test subject in the chair after the start of the TUG test through a first sensor included in a chair seated by the test subject for TUG test Sensing a second left and right balance when standing up; And analyzing the behavior of the examinee based on the first left and right balance and the second left and right balance.

Analyzing the behavior of the test subject in the TUG test method according to an embodiment may analyze a weight shift phenomenon when the test subject stands up based on a difference between the first left and right balance and the second left and right balance.

In the TUG test method according to an embodiment, analyzing the behavior of the test subject may analyze the sitting posture of the test subject based on the first left and right balance.

According to an embodiment, the TUG test apparatus may automatically perform and measure a dynamic TUG test for balance. In addition, by measuring the time for each operation as well as the total time taken to complete all movements through the TUG inspection device, it is possible to effectively check which movement the subject is difficult to perform, and furthermore, load cells arranged on the left and right of the chair seat can be checked. Through this, it is possible to check whether there is a problem with the use of the left and right sides of the subject's body. In other words, it is possible to analyze the behavior of the test subject by dividing six sections through the TUG test device, and measure the unidirectional direction of the test subject's center of gravity when standing up.

According to an embodiment, the test subject works by using the first left and right balance of the test subject before the start of the TUG test and the second left and right balance when the test subject stands up from the chair after the start of the TUG test through load cells disposed on the left and right sides of the chair seat. The phenomenon of weight distraction can be effectively analyzed.

1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining a TUG inspection apparatus according to an embodiment.
3 is a view showing a chair and a footrest according to an embodiment.
4 is a diagram for describing a TUG inspection according to an embodiment.
5 is a view showing an example of a chair according to an embodiment.
6 is a diagram illustrating a TUG inspection method according to an embodiment.

Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only, and may be changed in various forms and implemented. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to a specific disclosure form, and the scope of the present specification includes changes, equivalents, or substitutes included in the technical idea.

Although terms such as first or second may be used to describe various components, these terms should be interpreted only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it is to be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but other components may exist in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to designate that the described feature, number, step, action, component, part, or combination thereof exists, but one or more other features or numbers, It is to be understood that the presence or addition of steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof does not preclude the possibility of preliminary exclusion.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical or scientific terms, used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant technical field. Terms as defined in a commonly used dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and should not be interpreted as an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in this specification. Does not.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific structural or functional descriptions below are exemplified for the purpose of describing the embodiments only, and the scope of the embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the content described in the text. Those of ordinary skill in the related art can make various modifications and variations from these descriptions. In addition, the same reference numerals shown in each drawing denote the same member, and known functions and structures will be omitted.

1 and 2 are diagrams for describing a TUG inspection apparatus according to an embodiment.

The TUG test is a commonly used evaluation test to determine the dynamic risk of falls in the elderly. It is the simplest form of activity observation and has a high correlation with falls. For example, the time until the test subject sits in a chair and prepares for the test, rises from the chair at the same time as the start signal, turns around the turnaround point 3m ahead, and sits back on the chair at the starting point may be measured. If the measured time exceeds 12 seconds, it can be diagnosed as having a high risk of falling of the subject. This TUG test can be automatically performed through the TUG test device described below. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1, the TUG inspection apparatus according to an embodiment includes a chair 110, a footrest 120, a guide rail 130, and a return point 140, and further includes a chair 150 for an examiner. May be. The TUG inspection device can perform 6 detailed motion analysis and center of gravity analysis when standing and sitting. Here, the six detailed movements are 1) standing up in the chair 110 where you sat down, 2) walking to the turning point 140 after standing up, 3) walking in a semicircle at the turning point 140, 4) turning point 140 ) To the chair 110, 5) a motion of turning in place on the footrest 120 after reaching the chair 110, and 6) a motion of sitting on the chair 110 again.

The chair 110 includes a first sensor that senses the left and right balance of the subject seated for the TUG test. The first sensor may include load cells respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the seat of the chair 110. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

The footrest 120 is connected to the chair 110 and includes a second sensor that senses whether the feet of the examinee seated on the chair 110 are in contact. The second sensor may be a load cell or piezoelectric sensor disposed on the left and right sides of the footrest 120, respectively. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

The guide rail 130 may serve as a guide when the test subject walks between the chair 110 and the return point 140. For example, the guide rail 130 may include an image sensor, a depth sensor, and the like to take a picture of the test subject's walking.

The return point 140 may be a center where the test subject walking from the chair 110 turns half a turn. For example, an image sensor, a depth sensor, etc. may also be included in the turning point 140 to capture a semicircular walking motion of the subject.

The examiner's chair 150 may be omitted according to embodiments, and may be a chair in which the examiner supervising the TUG examination can sit.

As such, the TUG test apparatus may automatically perform and measure a dynamic TUG test for balance. In addition, by measuring the time for each operation as well as the total time taken to complete all the operations through the TUG test device, it is possible to effectively test which operation the subject is difficult to perform, and furthermore, the first placed on the chair 110 It is also possible to check whether there is a problem with the use of the left and right sides of the subject's body through the sensor. In other words, it is possible to analyze the behavior of the test subject by dividing six sections through the TUG test device, and measure the unidirectional direction of the test subject's center of gravity when standing up.

In addition, load cells may be disposed on the left and right sides of the seat of the chair 110 so that the test subject can precisely examine the motion of standing up from the chair 110 and the motion of sitting on the chair 110. In addition, walking from the chair 110 to the turning point 140 or walking from the turning point 140 to the chair 110, a semicircle walking motion at the turning point 140, and returning to the chair 110 and turning in place to sit Images captured by the camera may be used for analysis.

Referring to FIG. 2, an example for explaining a TUG inspection process according to an embodiment is shown. The test subject 210 sits on the chair 230 before starting the TUG test, and the sitting posture of the test subject 210 may be analyzed through the load cells disposed on the left and right sides of the seat of the chair 230. For example, the test subject 210 may sit on the chair 230 so that the center of gravity is in the center, without being biased in any one of the left and right directions. Alternatively, the test subject 210 may sit on the chair 230 with a center of gravity skewed in one of the left and right directions.

An indication 250 may be displayed that the TUG test is to be started. For example, to start the TUG test, the'Start' button displayed on the tablet PC can be pressed, and when the'Start' button is pressed, '3', '2', '1', and'start' are displayed in sequence on the screen. However, for the first 3 seconds, it can be confirmed whether the sitting posture of the subject 210 is inclined to either side.

When the TUG test start instruction 250 is displayed, the test subject 220 may stand on the chair 230. Even when the test subject 220 stands up from the chair 230, the left and right balance of the test subject 220 is measured through the load cells of the chair 230, and based on the difference between the left and right balance when sitting and the left and right balance when standing up. The weight shift phenomenon when the test subject 220 stands up may be analyzed. For convenience of explanation, the left and right balance measured by the load cell may be referred to as a first left and right balance when sitting, and a second left and right balance when standing up.

For example, if there is no difference between the first left and right balance and the second left and right balance, for example, if the first left and right balance is skewed to the left by a specific value, but the second left and right balance is also skewed to the left by a specific value, the subject 220 You can see that) performs the action of standing up in the center. Alternatively, if there is a difference between the first left and right balance and the second left and right balance, for example, if the first left and right balance is skewed to the left by a specific value, but the second left and right balance is in the center without being biased to either side, the test subject 220 Since the right foot was stronger than the left foot, it can be seen that the weight was shifted to the right. It could be an analysis technique based on the behavior of trying to stand up with the stronger of your feet.

Standing up, the test subject 220 performs a straight walk for about 3 m toward the return point, and at this time, it can be seen that the test subject 220 has started a straight walk through a second sensor provided on the scaffolding 240. In addition, when the test subject 220 returns to the return point and reaches the chair 230, it stands on the footrest 240, so that the test subject 220 ends the straight walking returning through the second sensor and sits on the chair 230. You can see that the turn motion has started. When the in-place turn operation is finished, since there is no change in the detection value of the second sensor, a point in time of the in-place turn operation can be specified, and it can be seen that the sitting operation has started from that time. In addition, when the first sensor provided in the chair 230 detects the physical contact of the subject 210, the end of the sitting motion and the end of the TUG test may be detected. Depending on the embodiment, the end of the sitting operation may be identified through a separate sensor provided on the back of the chair 230.

3 is a view showing a chair and a footrest according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, a chair 310 according to an embodiment may include two load cells 311 and 312 disposed on the left and right sides of the seat, respectively. Through the two load cells 311 and 312, the center of gravity of the subject in a sitting state and a standing state may be analyzed. The scaffold 320 may include two load cells or piezoelectric sensors 321 and 322 respectively disposed on the left and right sides. It may be determined whether the foot of the test subject is in contact with the footrest 320 through the two load cells or piezoelectric sensors 321 and 322.

In one embodiment, the chair 310 and the footrest 320 may have a structure that can be folded when not in use. Since the chair 310 and the footrest 320 have a structure that overlaps each other, the storage volume can be minimized and portability can be improved when the TUG test is not performed.

4 is a diagram for explaining a TUG test according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, several steps included in the TUG test according to an embodiment are shown.

According to an embodiment, the start button may be pressed on the tablet PC before starting the TUG test. When the start button is pressed, '3', '2', '1', and'start' are sequentially displayed on the screen of the tablet PC, during which the center of gravity of the test subject can be measured. Here, the tablet PC is an example for convenience of explanation, and may be implemented as various types of products such as personal computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, smart phones, televisions, smart home appliances, intelligent cars, kiosks, wearable devices, etc. .

When'start' is displayed, the examinee can start the motion to stand up from the chair. Even while the examinee stands up from the chair, the center of gravity of the examinee can be measured through a load cell provided in the chair. The stand-up motion of the test subject may be analyzed based on a time difference from the time point in which the test subject's center of gravity is not detected in the load cell to the time the test subject removes the foot from the footboard for a straight walking motion.

Further, a motion of a test subject standing up from a chair walking to a predetermined return point may be analyzed based on a time difference between a time difference from the point when the test subject removes the foot from the footrest for the straight walking motion to the point at which the test subject reaches the return point. Further, based on the time difference between the test subject's starting point of turnaround and reaching the end of the point of turnaround by turning the return point halfway, a motion of walking in a semicircle at the point of return of the testee may be analyzed. In addition, the second linear walking motion of the test subject may be analyzed based on a time difference from the end of the turning point to the time when reaching the chair (or the time when the test subject's foot contact is detected again by the second sensor provided on the footrest). For this motion analysis, an image photographed of the subject may be used. In other words, one or more cameras for photographing an examinee may be disposed, and by analyzing an image captured by the corresponding camera, the start time and the end time of each step can be identified, so that the motion analysis for each step can be performed.

In addition, based on a time difference from the point when the contact of the testee's foot is detected again by the second sensor provided on the footrest to the point at which the weight of the testee who is on the footrest is the highest, the motion of the test subject's turn in place may be analyzed. This is to use the fact that the test subject's measured weight is the largest at the time when the turn operation is completed. Alternatively, the motion of the test subject's turn in place may be analyzed based on a difference in time from the point when the second sensor detects the contact of the subject's foot again to the point at which the second sensor finally senses the change in contact with the subject's foot. This is because the examinee has to move both feet continuously during the in-place turn operation, but when the in-place turn operation is completed, there is no need to move both feet any more.

In addition, from the time when the weight of the test subject on the footrest is the highest (or the time when the contact change of the test subject's foot is last detected by the second sensor), the body contact of the test subject is detected by the third sensor included in the backrest of the chair. The sitting motion of the test subject may be analyzed based on the time difference until the time point. Alternatively, if the third sensor is not separately provided, a time difference between the first sensor and the time when the subject's body contact is sensed may be used to analyze the sitting motion of the subject.

When the completion of the sitting motion is detected, the TUG test is automatically completed, and the subject's behavior can be analyzed. As the time difference calculated in each step is smaller, the test subject has acted agilely, and it may be determined that the test subject does not have any difficulty in performing the operation according to the step.

5 is a view showing an example of a chair according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, an example of a chair 510 proposed according to an embodiment is shown. For the chair 510, since the above description may be applied as it is, a more detailed description will be omitted.

6 is a diagram illustrating a TUG inspection method according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, a TUG test method performed by one or more processors included in the TUG test apparatus according to an embodiment is illustrated.

In step 610, the TUG test apparatus uses the first sensor included in the chair seated by the test subject for the TUG test to determine the first left and right balance of the test subject before the start of the TUG test, and when the test subject stands up from the chair after the start of the TUG test. The second left and right balance is sensed.

In step 620, the TUG test apparatus analyzes the behavior of the test subject based on the first left and right balance and the second left and right balance. The TUG test apparatus may analyze a weight shift phenomenon when the test subject stands up based on a difference between the first left and right balance and the second left and right balance. The TUG test apparatus may analyze the sitting posture of the test subject based on the first left and right balance.

Since the above-described matters through FIGS. 1 to 5 are applied to each of the steps shown in FIG. 6 as they are, a more detailed description will be omitted.

The embodiments described above may be implemented as a hardware component, a software component, and/or a combination of a hardware component and a software component. For example, the devices, methods, and components described in the embodiments include, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate (FPGA). array), programmable logic unit (PLU), microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions, such as one or more general purpose computers or special purpose computers. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications executed on the operating system. In addition, the processing device may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of software. For the convenience of understanding, although it is sometimes described that one processing device is used, one of ordinary skill in the art, the processing device is a plurality of processing elements and/or a plurality of types of processing elements. It can be seen that it may include. For example, the processing device may include a plurality of processors or one processor and one controller. In addition, other processing configurations are possible, such as a parallel processor.

The software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, configuring the processing unit to behave as desired or processed independently or collectively. You can command the device. Software and/or data may be interpreted by a processing device or to provide instructions or data to a processing device, of any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device. , Or may be permanently or temporarily embodyed in a transmitted signal wave. The software may be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be specially designed and configured for the embodiment, or may be known and usable to those skilled in computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. -A hardware device specially configured to store and execute program instructions such as magneto-optical media, and ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of the program instructions include not only machine language codes such as those produced by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the embodiment, and vice versa.

Components described in the embodiments are programmable logic elements such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), processors, controllers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Logic Element), other electronic devices, and hardware components including one or more of a combination thereof. At least some of the functions or processes described in the embodiments may be implemented by software, and the software may be recorded on a recording medium. Components, functions, and processes described in the embodiments may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described by the limited drawings, a person of ordinary skill in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order from the described method, and/or components such as a system, structure, device, circuit, etc. described are combined or combined in a form different from the described method, or other components Alternatively, even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent, an appropriate result can be achieved.

Claims (14)

In the TUG test apparatus for performing a TUG test of a test subject,
A chair including a first sensor for detecting the left and right balance of the test subject seated for the TUG test and a third sensor for detecting whether the test subject is seated
Including,
The first sensor includes load cells disposed on the left and right sides of the seat of the chair, and the third sensor is disposed on the backrest of the chair,
At least one of a motion of standing up in a chair of the test subject performing the TUG test and a motion of sitting in a chair is analyzed based on at least one of the first sensor and the third sensor,
TUG inspection device.
The method of claim 1,
Based on the difference between the first left and right balance of the test subject before the start of the TUG test and the second left and right balance when the test subject stands up from the chair after the start of the TUG test, the weight shift phenomenon when the test subject stands up is analyzed. ,
TUG inspection device.
The method of claim 1,
The sitting posture of the test subject is analyzed based on the first left and right balance of the test subject before the start of the TUG test,
TUG inspection device.
The method of claim 1,
Footrest including a second sensor connected to the chair and sensing whether the feet of the examinee seated on the chair are in contact
Including more,
The stand-up motion of the test subject is analyzed based on a time difference from a time when the left and right balance is not detected by the first sensor to a time when one foot of the test subject is detected by the second sensor,
TUG inspection device.
The method of claim 1,
Footrest including a second sensor connected to the chair and sensing whether the feet of the examinee seated on the chair are in contact
Including more,
After the second sensor detects that the testee's foot has fallen, the test subject's turn in place is performed based on a time difference from the time when the contact of the testee's foot is detected again to the time when the contact change of the testee's foot is finally detected. Analyzed,
TUG inspection device.
The method of claim 5,
The sitting motion of the test subject is based on a time difference from the time when the contact change of the test subject's foot is last sensed by the second sensor to the time when the physical contact of the test subject is detected by the third sensor included in the backrest of the chair. Analyzed,
TUG inspection device.
The method of claim 5,
The sitting motion of the test subject is analyzed based on a time difference from the time when the contact change of the test subject's foot is last detected by the second sensor to the time when the body contact of the test subject is detected by the first sensor,
TUG inspection device.
The method of claim 1,
Based on the first left and right balance of the test subject before receiving the start signal of the TUG test detected by the first sensor and the second left and right balance when the test subject who received the start signal of the TUG test stands up in the chair, The behavior of the test subject is analyzed,
TUG inspection device.
The method of claim 1,
The left and right balance of the test subject indicates whether the center of gravity of the body of the test subject is shifted to either right or left,
TUG inspection device.
The method of claim 1,
Footrest including a second sensor connected to the chair and sensing whether the feet of the examinee seated on the chair are in contact
Including more,
The second sensor includes a load cell or a piezoelectric sensor respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the footrest,
TUG inspection device.
The method of claim 1,
The motion of the test subject standing up from the chair walking to a predetermined turning point, walking in a semicircle at the turning point, walking from the turning point to the chair, and turning the test subject who has reached the chair to sit in the chair At least one of
Analyzed based on the image taken of the test subject,
TUG inspection device.
In the TUG test method performed by the TUG test device,
Receiving a signal detected from at least one of a first sensor included in a chair seated by the test subject and a third sensor disposed on a backrest of the chair for TUG inspection; And
Analyzing at least one of a motion of standing up in a chair of the test subject and a motion of sitting in a chair performing the TUG test based on the received signal
Including,
The first sensor includes a load cell disposed on the left and right sides of the seat of the chair to sense the left and right balance of the seated subject.
TUG test method.
The method of claim 12,
Weight when the test subject stands up based on the difference between the first left and right balance of the test subject seated in the chair before the start of the TUG test and the second left and right balance when the test subject stands up from the chair after the start of the TUG test Where the pull phenomenon is analyzed,
TUG test method.
The method of claim 13,
The sitting posture of the test subject is analyzed based on the first left and right balance,
TUG test method.

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