WO2012086202A1

WO2012086202A1 - Joint support brace and rehabilitation device

Info

Publication number: WO2012086202A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/007172
Authority: WO
Inventors: 保佐喜眞; 淳司神成
Original assignee: 株式会社ｕＤｅｓｉｇｎ
Priority date: 2010-12-22
Filing date: 2011-12-21
Publication date: 2012-06-28
Also published as: JPWO2012086202A1

Abstract

The disclosed joint support brace (101) is provided with a pair of support members (102) arranged on both sides of a joint, a pair of first arms (103) rotatably provided on the support members (102), a pair of second arms (104) rotatably provided on the support members (102), and at least one connecting member (105) which connects said support members, said first arms, or said second arms. The joint support brace is further provided with an acceleration sensor (112), a recording means (115) which records acceleration data outputted from the acceleration sensor (112), and an external output means (116) which externally outputs the acceleration data, and can be easily adjusted according to the individual symptoms and characteristics of a patient with a joint disorder, allowing effective rehabilitation.

Description

Joint support orthosis and rehabilitation device

The present invention relates to a joint support device used for a joint of a human body, particularly a knee joint.

The joint support device is widely used for treatment of joint dysfunction or for rehabilitation after treatment, or for prevention of joint dysfunction.
The present inventor has proposed a joint support device that is easy to wear and can sit straight even when worn (Patent Document 1).
In addition, regarding orthoses, it has also been proposed to detect limb movement information using various sensors to regulate, control, and promote limb movement. For example, it is disclosed to change the load for bending and stretching of the extremities in an orthosis or rehabilitation device based on the output of various sensors (position sensor, myoelectric sensor, acceleration sensor, temperature sensor) (Patent Document 2: No. 1 in particular) 90 pages and 99 figures).
In particular, appliances used for treatment and rehabilitation are supplied to patients in the following procedure. First, the patient sees a doctor. Then, the doctor selects the type of the brace based on the diagnosis result and prescribes the brace. Based on this prescription, a prosthetic limb orthotic with a national qualification molds a part requiring the orthosis, manufactures an orthosis suitable for each patient, and attaches the orthosis to the patient. In addition, for the equipment that can be removed by the patient, guidance will be given on attachment / detachment. Then, when the doctor confirms the suitability of the brace, the bracelet is formally supplied to the patient. Thereafter, rehabilitation by doctors and specialists is carried out by wearing a brace.
As described above, since the orthotic requires specialized knowledge for adjustment and wearing, appropriate guidance from a doctor or a prosthetic orthosis is necessary.

JP 2000-5247 A JP 9-502366 A

In this way, orthotics are manufactured, mounted, and adjusted under the guidance of experts, but it is difficult to know whether or not the orthopedic orthosis that the patient is wearing is correct and the effect cannot be expected. There are some cases of incorrect wearing.
In addition, although the prosthetic orthotics are adjusted by the prosthetic brace initially, wear the brace as the muscles and luxuries drop over time or the thickness and type of clothing changes depending on the season. The size and shape of the part changes. Nevertheless, there is also a problem that a patient who has once obtained a brace cannot use the brace as it is without receiving any necessary guidance or adjustment, and thus cannot obtain a treatment or rehabilitation effect.
Furthermore, although the proper wearing state slightly changes immediately after the wearing of the brace and at the end of the day even during the day, it is not realistic to always have an expert wait for adjustment of the brace.
In addition, as described above, the orthosis requires adjustment by an expert in accordance with the degree and condition of the patient's disorder, but it is difficult to quantify what adjustment is performed. Therefore, even if the adjustment is automated using various sensors, satisfactory results are not always obtained.

Therefore, the present invention can easily determine whether or not the joint support device has been correctly mounted, can output information that contributes to the adjustment of the device for patients and specialists, and further, an appropriate correction effect, An object of the present invention is to provide a joint support device capable of obtaining a rehabilitation effect. More specifically, using the acceleration data and pressure data that are the output of the acceleration sensor and pressure sensor provided on the joint support device, the state of walking of the wearer of the joint support device is analyzed, and based on this The purpose is to determine whether the attachment is correctly performed or whether the joint support device is correctly adjusted. Furthermore, it aims at adjusting the pressure which a joint support device applies to each site | part of a human body based on the analysis result of this data, and obtaining an appropriate correction effect and rehabilitation effect.

The joint support device of the present invention is provided with a pair of support members respectively disposed on both sides of the joint, a pair of first arms rotatably provided on the support member, and a support member rotatably provided. A joint support device comprising a pair of second arms and at least one connecting member for connecting the supporting members to each other, the first arms to each other, or the second arms to each other. , An acceleration sensor, recording means for recording acceleration data output from the acceleration sensor, and external output means for outputting the acceleration data to the outside.
Here, the acceleration sensor is provided in the joint support device, and measures acceleration according to the movement of the wearer's knee and outputs acceleration data when the patient is wearing the joint support device.
Alternatively, the support device of the present invention is provided with a pair of support members respectively disposed on both sides of the joint, a pair of first arms rotatably provided on the support member, and a support member rotatably provided on the support member. A joint support device comprising a pair of second arms and at least one connection member that connects the support members, the first arms, or the second arms. And a pressure sensor, recording means for recording pressure data output from the pressure sensor, and external output means for outputting the pressure data to the outside.
Here, the pressure sensor is provided at a position where the joint support device touches the patient's human body, and the degree of the joint support device relative to the knee, thigh, lower limb, etc. of the patient wearing the joint support device. It detects whether pressure is applied.
Further, the external output means outputs at least acceleration data or pressure data output from the acceleration sensor or pressure sensor, or outputs acceleration data or pressure data recorded in the recording means to an externally connected device. is there.

Hereinafter, the term “claim” refers to a claim as filed.
According to the inventions of claims 1 and 17, the acceleration data output from the acceleration sensor is data reflecting the state of walking of the wearer of the joint support device, and can be stored in the recording means. Using this data, it is possible to know the state of mid- and long-term walking and changes in walking, and to easily adjust the joint support equipment. In addition, since the acceleration data can be output to the outside by an external output means, this data is analyzed by an information processing device and displayed on a monitor etc. to observe or analyze the wearer's short- to medium- to long-term walking. In addition, the pressure application means provided in the joint support device can be adjusted using the analysis result, or output to the rehabilitation device to perform rehabilitation under the optimum conditions.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the acceleration sensor is provided on the outer surface of the support member, it is possible to measure the change in the acceleration in the walking direction most efficiently with respect to the movement of the front and rear legs.
According to the inventions of claims 3 and 17, as in the case of claim 1, the pressure data output from the pressure sensor is data reflecting the walking state of the wearer of the joint support device and is stored in the recording means. Therefore, it is possible to know the state of walking in the medium to long term and changes in walking using this data, and to easily adjust the joint support device. In addition, since the pressure data can be output to the outside by an external output means, this data is analyzed by an information processing device and displayed on a monitor etc. to observe or analyze the wearer's short- to medium-long-term walking. In addition, the pressure application means provided in the joint support device can be adjusted using the analysis result, or output to the rehabilitation device to perform rehabilitation under the optimum conditions.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the pressure applying means is provided, the pressure of the joint support device can be easily adjusted. In addition, since the pressure sensor is provided on the surface of the pressure applying unit that contacts the human body, it is possible to know how much pressure is actually applied to the joint as a result of the application of pressure by the pressure applying unit.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the O leg and the X leg are used for correction and treatment, the O leg and the X leg can be corrected and treated effectively by supporting the three points.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the pressure sensor is provided on the surface that contacts the back side of the thigh of the belt, it is possible to best detect the pressure change with respect to the movement of the front and rear legs.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, acceleration data or pressure data can be analyzed to obtain information useful for adjusting the state of walking of the patient and the joint support equipment.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the pace information relating to the timing of carrying the left and right feet is generated only from the acceleration data or pressure data which is the output of the acceleration sensor or pressure sensor of the joint support device attached to one foot. Is something that can be done.
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, since the pressure can be adjusted by the pressure applying means based on the analysis result obtained by the information processing apparatus, the pressure applied to the joint is automatically set to the optimum condition for the wearer. It can be changed.
According to the inventions of claims 10 and 18, the acceleration data output from the acceleration sensor is data reflecting the state of walking of the wearer of the joint support device, and can be analyzed by the analysis means. It is possible to know whether the patient is wearing the joint support brace correctly. In addition, it is possible to know the state of walking in the medium to long term and changes in walking.
According to the inventions of claims 11 and 18, the pressure data output from the pressure sensor is data reflecting the walking state of the wearer of the joint support device, and can be analyzed by the analysis means. It is possible to know whether the patient is wearing the joint support brace correctly. In addition, it is possible to know the state of walking in the medium to long term and changes in walking.
According to the twelfth and nineteenth aspects of the present invention, the pace information relating to the timing of carrying the left and right feet only from the acceleration data or pressure data that is the output of the acceleration sensor or pressure sensor of the joint support device worn on one foot. Can be generated.
According to the invention described in claim 13, since the pressure can be adjusted by the pressure applying means based on the analysis result obtained by the analyzing means, the pressure applied to the joint is automatically set to the optimum condition for the wearer. Can be changed automatically.
According to the invention described in claim 14, the acceleration data or pressure data obtained by the joint support device is analyzed, and the pressure applied to the joint by the pressure applying means is set to the optimum condition for the wearer to perform rehabilitation. It is something that can be done.
According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, since the assist means is provided, an optimum resistance can be added without placing a heavy burden on the joint, and safe rehabilitation can be performed.
According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the pace data relating to the timing of carrying the left and right feet is generated only from the acceleration data or pressure data which is the output of the acceleration sensor or pressure sensor of the joint support device worn on one foot. Is something that can be done.

1 is an external perspective view of a joint support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Side view of the main part of the joint support device Schematic showing how the joint support brace is worn Configuration diagram of joint support device and information processing apparatus Measurement diagram showing the relationship between the output of the acceleration sensor of the joint support device and walking Measurement chart showing the relationship between the pressure sensor output of the joint support device and walking Explanatory drawing which showed operation | movement of the joint support brace Explanatory drawing which showed other operation | movement of the joint support device. The block diagram of the joint support device in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention Explanatory drawing which showed operation | movement of the joint support brace External appearance perspective view of the rehabilitation apparatus in the third embodiment of the present invention Configuration diagram of the rehabilitation device Explanatory drawing showing the operation of the rehabilitation device

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101

Joint support apparatus

102L,

102R Support member

103L,

103R 1st arm

104L, 104R 2nd arm 105 Connecting

member

106, 107, 108 Support point 109 1st belt 110 2nd belt 111 3rd belt 112 Acceleration sensor 113 Pressure adding means 114 Pressure sensor 115 Recording means 116 External output means (transmission / reception means)
117 CPU
118 Battery 201 Information Processing Device 202 Reception Unit (Transmission / Reception Unit)
203 recording means 204 CPU
205 Information output means 501 Rehabilitation device 514 Assist means

(Embodiment 1)
A. Configuration of Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the joint support device of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a joint support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The joint support device 101 according to the present embodiment is used for treatment or correction of osteoarthritis of the knee caused by the O-leg or the X-leg by being attached to the knee joint. In the present embodiment, an example in which the O-leg wearer wears on the right foot is shown. That is, FIG. 1 is a view of the joint support device mounted on the right leg of the wearer with the O-leg viewed from the front right oblique direction toward the joint support device (that is, the view seen from the left oblique direction of the wearer). ). The joint support device 101 includes a pair of

support members

102L and 102R, a pair of

first arms

103L and 103R, a pair of

second arms

104L and 104R, a connecting member 105, a first belt 109, a second belt 110, It consists of a third belt 111.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the support member 102L of the joint support device of FIG. 1 as viewed from the left side, and is used to describe the joint support device side control device provided on the support member 102L.
Hereinafter, the entire configuration of the joint support device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The

support members

102L and 102R are composed of a pair of members disposed on the left and right sides of the knee joint. The support member 102L is configured to be larger than the support member 102R as shown in FIG. 2 in order to mount various electronic components described later.

The

first arms

103L and 103R are a pair of plate-like or rod-like members extending from the

support members

102L and 102R above the knee joint. The

support members

102L and 102R and the

first arms

103L and 103R are fixed rotatably at a fulcrum 106 formed of, for example, a rivet.

The

second arms

104L and 104R are a pair of plate-like or rod-like members extending from the

support members

102L and 102R below the knee joint. The

support members

102L and 102R and the

second arms

104L and 104R are fixed to be rotatable at a fulcrum 107 formed of, for example, a rivet. In addition, in order to prevent a rebound knee, the

first arms

103L and 103R and the

second arms

104L and 104R are configured not to be opened more than a certain angle relatively. For example, if the

first arm

103L, 103R and the

second arm

104L, 104R interfere with each other when the opening angle exceeds a certain angle, the

first arm

103L, 103R and the

second arm

104L, 104R are not shown. The rotation is restricted by interference with a stopper. Specifically, the fixed angle is preferably about 110 ° to 130 °.

The connecting member 105 is a plate-like or rod-like member that connects the pair of

support members

102L and 102R. The connecting member 105 is fixed to the supporting

members

102L and 102R at a fulcrum 108. Since the connecting member 105 is configured with a curve passing through the back side of the knee, it does not get in the way when walking, sitting on a chair, or sitting down. The connecting member 105 holds the left and

right support members

102L and 102R, the

first arms

103L and 103R, and the

second arms

104L and 104R together. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 105 connects the

support members

102L and 102R to each other. However, the connecting member 105 may connect the

first arms

103L and 103R or the

second arms

104L and 104R. . Or you may provide two or more so that two thru | or all three may be connected among these.
In addition, you may comprise the connection member 105 so that it may pass along the front side of a knee. Further, the connecting member 105 may not be a rod shape but may be a planar shape. In particular, when passing through the front side of the knee, in order to avoid interference with the kneecap, a protector-like shape with a hole in the portion corresponding to the kneecap may be used.
Furthermore, the

support members

102L and 102R, the

first arms

103L and 103R, the

second arms

104L and 104R, and the connecting member 105 may be formed by combining any combination. This case is also included in the “pair” concept. “A pair” does not mean physically separate members, but only a pair is functionally sufficient. For example, the

support members

102L and 102R and the connecting member 105 may be integrally formed, and the

first arms

103L and 103R and the

second arms

104L and 104R may be rotatably fixed thereto. Further, the

first arms

103L and 103R and the

second arms

104L and 104R may be directly fixed so as to be freely rotatable. In this case, portions corresponding to the

support members

102L and 102R are not necessary, but even in this case, members that support them, such as screws, correspond to the

support members

102L and 102R.

The

support members

102L and 102R are made of iron or aluminum alloy. The

first arms

103L and 103R and the

second arms

104L and 104R are also made of iron or aluminum alloy, but a material made of reinforcing fibers such as carbon or glass fiber may be used. In particular, as described later, when the

first arms

103L and 103R and the

second arms

104L and 104R function as pressure applying means for the joint, it is preferable to use a material that is easily plastically deformed and has some elasticity.

The first belt 109 is a member for fixing the joint support device 101 to the thigh. The first belt 109 uses a stretchable material such as cloth or rubber, and is fixed to the other ends of the

first arms

103L and 103R with pins or the like. In addition, a hook-and-loop fastener is provided at the end, and can be detachably fastened to the thigh. As a result, the joint support device 101 can be fixed to the thigh, and stress is applied in the direction of correcting the O leg to the thigh by the pressure applying means 113 described later for correcting the O leg. be able to. In the present embodiment, specifically, stress is applied from the first arm 103R side toward the thigh.

The second belt 110 is a member for fixing the joint support device 101 to the crus. Similar to the first belt 109, the second belt 110 uses a stretchable material such as cloth or rubber, and is fixed to the other ends of the

second arms

104L and 104R with pins or the like. Moreover, a hook-and-loop fastener is provided at the end, and can be detachably fastened to the lower leg. As a result, the joint support device 101 can be fixed to the crus and stress is applied in the direction of correcting the O leg to the crus by the pressure applying means 113 described later for correcting the O leg. be able to. In the present embodiment, specifically, stress is applied from the second arm 104R side toward the crus.

The third belt 111 is a member for fixing the joint support device 101 to the thigh. Similarly to the first belt 109, the third belt 111 uses a stretchable material such as cloth or rubber, and a middle portion of the

first arms

103L and 103R via a leaf spring or directly with a pin or the like. It is fixed. In addition, a hook-and-loop fastener is provided at the end, and can be detachably fastened to the thigh. The third belt 111 is wound around the thigh closer to the knee joint than the first belt 109, and thus has an effect of preventing the displacement of the joint support device 101 being worn. It is. In addition, when walking on a normal flat ground, the force that feeds the foot forward from the back of the thigh can be applied to the thigh, and the effect of facilitating getting the foot forward is also exhibited.

The acceleration sensor 112 measures acceleration according to the movement of the knee of the wearer of the joint support device 101 and outputs acceleration data. In the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 112 has two-channel outputs and can measure accelerations in the front-rear direction (x direction) and the left-right direction (y direction) as shown in FIGS. Respective outputs are ax and ay. The acceleration sensor 112 is provided on the outer surface of the support member 102L. Since this position is the position closest to the knee, the movement of the knee in the x and y directions can be reliably detected. The acceleration sensor 112 may be provided on the support member 102R at a symmetrical position, or may be provided on the

first arms

103L and 103R and the

second arms

104L and 104R.

The pressure applying means 113 applies pressure from the side to the thigh, the vicinity of the knee joint, and the lower limb in order to correct the O leg and the X leg. In the present embodiment, the pressure applying means 113 is provided at three points on the inner surface side of the support member 102L, the first arm 103R, and the second arm 104R for correcting the O-leg. That is, in FIG. 1, the pressure applying means 113 includes a pad and a screw for fixing the pad to the support member 102L, the first arm 103R, and the second arm 104R. Then, by rotating the screw by applying a screwdriver to, for example, a plus groove cut in the head of the screw, the relative distance between the support member 102L, the first arm 103R, the second arm 104R, and each pad is changed. The pressure on the thigh, knee and lower limbs can be adjusted. The pressure applying means 113 provided on the support member 102L directly applies pressure to the knee joint, but the same effect can be obtained by applying pressure to the upper thigh of the knee. In this sense, it can be said that the pressure applying means 113 provided on the support member 102L applies pressure from the side to the vicinity of the knee.

The principle of correction using the joint support device 101 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the bone of the right leg of the patient with the O-leg viewed from the front and the state where the joint support device 101 of the present embodiment is mounted. As shown in FIG. 3, the joint of the right leg of the O-leg patient is inflamed by the cartilage of bones inside the right leg interfering with each other. In order to eliminate this interference, the three pressure applying means 113 respectively apply pressure toward the inside. That is, specifically, the pressure applying means 113 provided on the first arm 103R and the second arm 104R is used as a fulcrum with the pressure applying means 113 provided on the support member 102L as a fulcrum. By applying pressure to the joint, the joint is deformed in a direction that excludes interference between the femur and the tibia. As a result, pain during walking of the patient can be reduced, and further, by prompting walking in this state, muscles can be applied without any interference between the bones, and the bones of the knee joint do not interfere with each other. It is possible to protect the knee joint in a good state.
Here, the support member 102R, the first arm 103L, and the second arm 104L do not contribute to applying pressure directly to the thigh and the lower limbs, and can be omitted. In this case, the support member 102R, the first arm 103L, and the second arm 104L are not “a pair”, but if any member having a different shape exists at a corresponding position, the concept of “a pair” is used. included. Further, even when no member is present at the corresponding position, it is included in the joint support device 101 and is included in the present invention if the sensor technology of the present invention is applied.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, it is needless to say that a device with three-point support in principle is included in the joint support device 101 of the present invention.

Note that, as in the present embodiment, it is not necessary for the pressure applying means 113 to be composed entirely of screws and pads. For example, only the pad may be fixed to the support member 102L, and the screw and the pad may be provided only on the first arm 103R and the second arm 104R. This is because the pressure applying means 113 provided on the support member 102L functions as a fulcrum.
Further, only the pad is fixed to the support member 102L, and only the pad is provided also to the first arm 103R and the second arm 104R, and pressure adjustment is performed by plasticizing the first arm 103R and the second arm 104R. You may carry out by making it deform | transform. In this case, the pressure applying means 113 includes a pad provided on the support member 102L, a pad provided on the first arm 103R, the first arm 103R itself, a pad provided on the second arm 104R, and a second It becomes the arm 104R itself.
Furthermore, the first arm 103R and the second arm 104R may not be provided with pads, and the pressure adjustment may be performed by plastically deforming the first arm 103R and the second arm 104R. In this case, the pressure applying means 113 is a pad provided on the support member 102L, the first arm 103R itself, and the second arm 104R itself.
The other pressure applying means 113 is driven by an air bag device or a motor in addition to adjusting the pressure by manually tightening a screw or manually plastically deforming the first arm 103R and the second arm 104R. Thus, the pressure may be adjusted.

The pressure sensor 114 detects pressure applied to the knee, thigh, lower limb, and the like by the joint support device 101. In the present embodiment, the pressure applying means 113 is provided on the support member 102L, the first arm 103R, and the second arm 104R. Desirably, the upper surface of each pressure applying means 113, that is, the pressure applying means 113 is a human. It is provided on the surface in contact with the thigh and the like. By providing in such a place, it is possible to know how much pressure is applied to the knee joint, thigh, and lower limb by the pressure applying means 113. Of course, it is sufficient if the pressure applied by the pressure applying means 113 is provided at a position where it can be directly and indirectly measured, without being provided directly on the surface in contact with the human body.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the third belt 111 is also provided on the surface that contacts the back side of the thigh. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pressure sensors 114 are provided at four locations. The pressure application means 113 on the support member 102L, the pressure application means 113 on the first arm 103R, the pressure application means 113 on the second arm 104R, and the output of the pressure sensor 114 provided on the third belt 111 are respectively shown. Let P1, P2, P3, and P4.
Instead of the third belt 111, a pressure sensor 114 may be provided on the surface of the first belt 109 that contacts the back side of the thigh. Further, when there are no screws and pads, the support member 102L, the first arm 103R, and the second arm 104R themselves serve as the pressure applying means 113, and therefore the pressure sensor 114 may be provided directly on the inner side surfaces thereof.
In the present embodiment, the joint support device 101 includes both the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114, but only one of them may be used depending on the required analysis result. That is, in the present invention, the term “acceleration sensor 112 or pressure sensor 114” is a concept that includes both the case of providing either one and the case of providing both.

The recording means 115 records acceleration data and pressure data output from the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114. The recording unit 115 includes a semiconductor memory or the like. For example, a normal DRAM can be used. Desirably, an SRAM or the like can be used so that data can be retained without power supply. Various removable memories such as an SD card can also be used. If a removable memory is used, it becomes easy to move acceleration data and pressure data, which are outputs of the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114, to other devices, and such a memory itself is an external output means 116 described later. Will function as well.

The external output means 116 outputs acceleration data and pressure data output from the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114 directly or outputs the acceleration data and pressure data recorded in the recording means 115 to an externally connected device. It is. The external output means 116 can be a normal wired communication means or wireless communication means. For example, in the case of wired communication means, those using Ethernet or USB standards can be mentioned. Since the USB standard has a power line, a battery 118 described later can be charged simultaneously with communication. Examples of wireless communication means include those using various cellular phone standards and IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n standards. With various cellular phone standards, it is also possible to send data directly to distant prosthetics and doctors. Since the communication standards listed here are bidirectional communication means, when these standards are used, they function not only as outputs but also as transmission / reception means. When an external device or information processing apparatus is a mobile phone, the external output means 116 may be a contact type and may be a support member 102L having a shape that allows the mobile phone to be fitted or mounted.

CPU 117 controls acceleration sensor 112, pressure sensor 114, recording means 115, and external output means 116. Further, when the pressure applying means 113 is constituted by means such as an air bag or a motor, this can also be controlled. These are connected by a bus (not shown) so that control signals and data can be freely transmitted. In the present embodiment, the CPU 117 does not need to be a general-purpose central processing unit in terms of computing power, and the output of the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114 is recorded in the recording unit 115 or output to the external output unit 116. As long as it has a minimum function. In this respect, the second embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the CPU 117 is required to have a calculation capability for performing various analyses.

The battery 118 supplies power to operate the acceleration sensor 112, the pressure sensor 114, the recording unit 115, the external output unit 116, and the CPU 117. The battery 118 is configured to be removable for replacement. In addition, by using an interface having a power line such as USB for the external output means 116, charging can be performed via the external output means 116 without removing the battery 118 from the joint support device 101 main body.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the joint support device side control device provided in the joint support device 101 described in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the information processing device 201 connected thereto. As described above, in the joint support device side control device, the acceleration sensor 112, the pressure sensor 114, the recording means 115, the external output means 116, and the CPU 117 are connected by a bus. Further, when the pressure applying means 113 is constituted by means such as an air bag or a motor and can be controlled by the CPU 117, it is also connected to the bus.
The information processing apparatus 201 processes acceleration data and pressure data output from the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114 of the joint support device 101, and outputs useful information for adjusting the pressure applying unit 113. Is. The information processing apparatus 201 includes a receiving unit 202, a recording unit 203, a CPU 204, and an information output unit 205, which are connected by a bus. The information processing apparatus 201 may be a specially designed dedicated apparatus, but it is also possible to use a normal notebook personal computer, desktop personal computer, mobile phone, mobile terminal having a mobile phone function, a game device, an electronic dictionary, or the like. .

The receiving unit 202 receives acceleration data and pressure data output from the external output unit 116, and various wired communication units and wireless communication units can be used in accordance with the external output unit 116. When normal wired communication means and wireless communication means are used, bidirectional communication for transmission and reception is possible instead of one-way only for reception. In this case, it functions as a transmission / reception means.
In addition, when a removable memory such as an SD card is used as the recording means 115, the SD card is a recording means 203 (to be described later) as long as the information processing apparatus 201 has a similar slot. The slot functions as receiving means 202.

The recording unit 203 holds acceleration data and pressure data received by the receiving unit 202. The recording means 203 can be configured by an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD or SDD in addition to a normal main storage device such as a DRAM. Further, as described above, removable recording means such as an SD card can be used.

CPU 204 is an analysis unit that analyzes acceleration data and pressure data received by the reception unit 202. The pressure data and the acceleration data include various information related to the motion of the patient's foot. The CPU 204 obtains useful information for adjusting the pressure to be applied to the thigh, knee joint, and lower limb using the joint support device 101 by analyzing the data through a program prepared in advance. Can do. The specific information to be obtained will be described later in section B.

The information output means 205 outputs the analysis result of the CPU 204. Specifically, the information output means 205 corresponds to a display device such as a liquid crystal display, various light emitting devices such as LEDs, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

B. Analysis Example of Embodiment 1 Next, an analysis example of the CPU 204 in the present embodiment will be described. The CPU 204 obtains pace information, body shaking information, and correction effect information based on acceleration data and pressure data that are outputs of the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114. Details will be described below.

(1) Step information The inventors of the present invention have found that the patient with pain in the foot due to knee osteoarthritis covers the painful foot, so that the intervals between the left and right feet are not uniform. Moreover, even if both feet are painful, the same tendency is observed because the feet on the more painful side are covered. Therefore, by detecting the pace of the left and right feet, it is possible to know whether or not the joint support device is correctly worn and the patient's knee pain is removed. Further, it is possible to know whether or not the adjustment of the brace is necessary by detecting a change in the pace of the left and right legs over the medium to long term.
However, in the past, it was thought that some sensor would need to be placed on each of the left and right feet in order to detect the pace of the left and right feet. However, the present inventors have found that the pace of the left and right feet can be obtained from the acceleration sensor provided on one foot or the output of the pressure sensor provided on one foot. This is because even if a patient has a joint support device only on one foot, the sensor on the left and right foot can be adjusted only with the sensor provided on the joint support device without providing any special sensor on the other foot. You can know the pace.

FIG. 5 is a measurement diagram showing the relationship between acceleration data ax in the X direction and walking. 301 is acceleration data ax in the front-rear direction (x direction), 302 is a differential value of ax, 303 is an output of a shock sensor provided on the back of the left foot, and 304 is an output of a shock sensor provided on the back of the right foot. The shock sensor provided on the left and right soles is for clarifying the relationship between the actual walking state and the acceleration data ax, and is not provided in the joint support device 101 of the first embodiment. . That is, it is not necessary to provide the joint support device 101 when actually used. The values 301 and 302 are actually values obtained by passing the output ax of the acceleration sensor 112 through a low-pass filter, and differential values thereof. By passing the low-pass filter, noise that is not related to the movement of the patient's foot can be cut off, which is useful for extracting data consisting only of the characteristics of the patient's foot movement.
It is suitable to see the amount of displacement of the object as the feature of human movement. In addition, measuring acceleration is easier than measuring speed and displacement itself, and is a parameter that includes displacement, so acceleration measurement is particularly suitable for observing moving objects. .

Since the shock sensor reacts when pressure is applied, the output rises rapidly when the left and right feet begin to touch each other, and reaches its maximum value when fully grounded. Therefore, the time when the output of the shock sensor rises from 303 and 304 is defined as the time when the left and right feet are put out, and the relationship between the waveforms of 303 and 304 and the waveform of 302 is observed. Then, the upper and lower peaks of the differential value of acceleration coincide with when the left and right feet are put out. This is presumably because the direction of the displacement vector suddenly changes when the foot wearing the joint support device 101 starts to contact the ground, and the acceleration changes most greatly. When the other foot not wearing the joint support device 101 is grounded, the center of gravity of the foot wearing the joint support device 101 moves to the other foot, and the acceleration change due to the shock due to the ground contact of the other foot is detected. This is considered to be because there is.
That is, by measuring the interval between the peaks of the differential value of acceleration, it is possible to know the timing for putting out the left and right feet. Specifically, the CPU 204 reads the acceleration data ax from the recording unit 203, performs low-pass filter processing, differentiates it, detects a peak, obtains a peak interval, and records this in the recording unit 203. If the left and right paces do not fall within a certain range, the right and left paces are not uniform, and a result indicating that the pace is abnormal is output.

According to the present embodiment, acceleration data is primarily recorded in the recording means 115 of the joint support device 101. Long-term acceleration data can be accumulated by increasing the capacity of the recording means 115 or periodically transferring acceleration data to the recording means 203 of the information processing apparatus 201 via the receiving means 202 and the external output means 116. Therefore, it is possible to know not only the pace at the time of wearing but also the change of the daily pace, the change of the pace of several days to several months, and in addition to whether the joint support device 101 is correctly attached, the joint support device 101 It is possible to know whether or not adjustment is necessary.

Next, it will be described that the left and right foot paces can be obtained from the pressure data which is the output of the pressure sensor 114. In the present embodiment, a total of four pressure sensors 114 are provided. While any pressure sensor 114 can be used to detect the pace, as shown in FIG. 1, P1, P2, and P3 are pressures applied in the y direction, whereas P4 is a pressure applied in the x direction. P4 is the best way to pick up the foot features. Therefore, it is desirable to obtain the pace information from the pressure data P4 provided so as to be located behind the thigh on the inner surface of the third belt 111.

FIG. 6 is a measurement diagram showing the relationship between the pressure data P4 and walking. 401 is an output P4 of pressure data provided on the third belt 111, 402 is a differential value of P4, 403 is an output of a shock sensor provided on the back of the left foot, and 404 is an output of a shock sensor provided on the back of the right foot. . As in the case of the acceleration sensor, the values 401 and 402 are actually values obtained by passing the pressure data P4 through a low-pass filter and differential values thereof. By passing the low-pass filter, noise that is not related to the movement of the patient's foot can be cut off, which is useful for extracting data consisting only of the characteristics of the patient's foot movement.

Here, in the case of pressure, since the muscle is completely tensed when the foot is completely grounded, it is determined that the foot is completely grounded when the output of the shock sensor is the largest, and the waveforms of 403 and 404 and 402 Observe the relationship with the waveform. Then, it can be seen that the upper and lower peaks of the differential pressure value are almost the same as when the left and right feet are completely grounded. This is because when the foot is in contact with the ground, the muscles are tensioned to support the weight, so P4 has a high value while the foot on which the joint support device 101 is worn is completely in contact with the ground. It is because it outputs. On the other hand, when the other foot is completely grounded, the foot on the side wearing the joint support device 101 is floating in the air and the muscle tension is released, so P4 is a low value. Is output.
That is, it is possible to know the timing at which the left and right feet are completely grounded by measuring the interval between the pressure differential peaks. Specifically, the CPU 204 reads out the pressure data from the recording unit 203, performs low-pass filter processing, differentiates it, detects a peak, obtains a peak interval, and records this in the recording unit 203. If the left and right paces do not fall within a certain range, the right and left paces are not uniform, and a result indicating that the pace is abnormal is output. By taking longer recording time, it is possible to know not only the pace at the time of wearing but also the change in the daily pace and the change in the pace from several days to several months, as in the case of the acceleration sensor.
As described above, in order to extract pace information, it is only necessary to have at least one of acceleration data and pressure data. Of course, if acceleration data and pressure data are used together, more accurate pace information can be obtained.

(2) Body Shake Information A patient who has pain in his / her legs due to knee osteoarthritis performs an action of covering the painful leg as described above. One of the characteristics is that the pace is not uniform as described above. Furthermore, the present inventors have found that the patient with pain in the foot cannot walk straight and fast, and thus the shaking of the left and right bodies is larger than that of a healthy person. By detecting the shaking of the left and right bodies, it is possible to know whether or not the joint support device is correctly attached. In addition, it is possible to know whether or not the adjustment of the brace is necessary by detecting a medium-to-long-term change.

Acceleration data ay is used to detect left and right shaking of the body. When this ay is compared with a standard value measured in advance and stored in the recording means 203, if a shake of a certain level or more is detected, the joint support device is not properly mounted or adjusted. It can be judged that there is not. In addition, it is possible to know whether or not the adjustment of the brace is necessary by looking at the change in ay in the medium to long term.

Moreover, since the pressure data P1, P2, and P3 detect the pressure applied in the y direction, the change in the values of P1, P2, and P3 during walking increases when the left / right shaking of the body increases. Therefore, P1, P2, and P3 are compared with standard values measured in advance and stored in the recording means 203, and when a pressure change of a certain level or more is detected, the joint support device is not correctly mounted. It can be determined that the adjustment is not correct. In addition, it is possible to know whether or not adjustment of the brace is necessary by looking at changes in P1, P2, and P3 over the medium to long term.

(3) Correction effect information When the present inventor performs treatment and correction by applying pressure to the three points of the knee, thigh, and lower limbs using the brace as in the present embodiment, the knee joint or knee It has been found that the effect is most effective when the pressure applied to the vicinity of the joint is approximately equal to the sum of the pressure applied to the thigh and the pressure applied to the lower limb. That is, when the pressure sensor 114 of the present embodiment is used, the best effect can be expected when P1≈P2 + P3.
Therefore, by measuring the values of P1, P2, and P3 when the patient wears the joint support device 101, it is possible to determine whether or not the joint support device 101 is correctly worn. In addition, it is possible to know whether or not adjustment of the brace is necessary by looking at changes in P1, P2, and P3 over the medium to long term.
The appropriate values of P1, P2, and P3 are recorded and held in advance in the recording unit 203, and the information processing apparatus 201 is configured to issue an instruction to adjust the pressure of the joint support device while referring to these values. Yes. In addition, the appropriate value is changed as needed according to the characteristics of the patient with use as described later.

C. Operation and Use Mode of Embodiment 1
The operation of the joint support device of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the joint support device of the present embodiment.
First, the patient fixes the joint support device 101 to the leg using the first belt 109, the second belt 110, and the third belt 111, and turns on the power (S11). In addition to when the patient manually turns on the power, the power sensor is automatically turned on by linking the pressure sensor 114 and the power switch, or by linking the sensor that detects wearing on the person and the power switch. You can also.
Once worn, the patient begins walking. Then, the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114 start outputting acceleration data ax, ay and pressure data P1, P2, P3, P4 (S12). Such data is recorded in the recording means 115 under the control of the CPU 117 (S13).
Next, the data recorded in the recording unit 115 is transferred to the information processing apparatus 201 via the external output unit 116 according to the patient's instruction (S14). Such an instruction can be given when, for example, a transfer button (not shown) is pressed or a cable is inserted into a USB connection terminal which is an example of the external output unit 116. Moreover, you may transfer to the information processing apparatus 201 in real time via a wireless communication means.
The information processing apparatus 201 receives the detection value via the receiving unit 202 (S15). Then, it is recorded in the recording means 203 under the control of the CPU 204. The CPU 204 reads the detected value, analyzes it as described above, and obtains at least one of pace information, body shake information, and correction effect information (S16). Then, the analysis result is output to the information output means 205 (S17).
Using the above operation, the joint support device 101 and the information processing apparatus 201 of the present embodiment can be used as follows.

(1) Self-adjustment First, using the joint support device 101 and the information processing apparatus 201 of the present embodiment, the patient himself can adjust the joint support device 101.
For example, the usage method at the time of daily wearing will be described.
After getting up in the morning, the patient wears the joint support device 101 and walks around the room several times. Then, the user stops walking and sits down on a chair or the like, and connects the joint support device 101 and the information processing apparatus 201 with, for example, a USB connection cable. Thereby, acceleration data and pressure data are transferred to the information processing apparatus 201. The information processing apparatus 201 obtains pace information, body shake information, correction effect information, and the like from these detection values, and determines whether or not the joint support device 101 is correctly worn. For example, depending on the calculation result, “the position of the joint support device may be misaligned”, “the pressure on the thigh is insufficient”, “the pressure on the lower limb is insufficient A message such as “The pressure on the thigh is too high and the pressure on the lower limb is insufficient” is displayed on the monitor of the arithmetic processing unit 201. Furthermore, a message is output by voice.
According to this instruction, for example, when the mounting position is shifted, the patient remounts the joint support device 101 according to the mounting method displayed on the monitor. Alternatively, if there is a problem with pressure, the appropriate pressure is applied to the knee, thigh, and lower limbs by tightening or loosening the screws of the pressure applying means 113 made of, for example, a pad and screws, of the joint support device 101. In addition, adjustment is performed so that the joint support device 101 functions correctly.
As described above, according to this use example, the patient can surely correctly mount the joint support device 101 every day. It is also possible to make adjustments that reflect the state of leg muscles and clothing on the day.
When wireless is used for connection with the information processing apparatus 201, calculation is automatically started when a sufficient detection value is obtained, and a message can be displayed and output.

Next, a usage method using data accumulated in one day use will be described.
The patient uses the joint support device 101 of the present embodiment for one day. Accompanying this use, acceleration data and pressure data detected throughout the day are recorded in the recording means 115. When the day's use ends, the patient connects the joint support device 101 to the information processing apparatus 201 with a USB cable. Thereby, acceleration data and pressure data are transferred to the information processing apparatus 201. In addition, since the USB connection terminal has a power line, the battery 118 of the joint support device 101 is charged through the adapter of the information processing apparatus 201 in preparation for use the next day. The information processing apparatus 201 obtains pace information, body shake information, correction effect information, and the like from these data, and checks whether the joint support device 101 has functioned properly throughout the day's use. If the left / right pace is shifted or the left / right body shake increases after a while, it can be determined that the adjustment has been loosened with use. The appropriate value is updated, and the adjustment is performed based on the appropriate value at the next day's adjustment.
In this way, according to this use example, the appropriate value of pressure can be updated at any time using data throughout the day, and the pressure adjustment according to seasonal changes and individual symptoms and physical characteristics can be made every day. Is possible.

Furthermore, the usage method using the data accumulated by long-term use will be described.
The patient connects the joint support device 101 to the information processing device 201 when the daily use ends for charging. At this time, the data recorded in the recording unit 115 is transferred to the recording unit 203 of the information processing apparatus 201 every time. Therefore, if the joint support device 101 is continuously used, the information processing apparatus 201 accumulates data over a long period of time.
When the patient gives an instruction for long-term analysis to the information processing apparatus 201, the information processing apparatus 201 changes the pressure applied by the pressure applying means 113, changes in pace, and the left and right bodies based on the long-term data. Graph the change of the shaking and the change of walking speed. Thereby, the patient can know a change in walking due to the wearing of the joint support device 101. Furthermore, the joint support device 101 can be readjusted according to the degree of recovery, and the rehabilitation effect using the joint support device 101 can be grasped.

As described above, adjustments can be made from various viewpoints by using detection values for short-term (immediately after wearing), medium-term (use period of one day), and long-term (trial period of several weeks to several months) and rehabilitation. It is possible to grasp the effect and the degree of recovery of the medical condition.
The case where the patient himself / herself makes the adjustment has been described above. Next, adjustment by an expert such as a prosthetic orthosis or a doctor will be described.

(2) Adjustment by an expert The joint support device 101 according to the present embodiment can be used for adjustment by an expert, or can be used for grasping a rehabilitation effect and a degree of recovery of a medical condition.
For example, patients usually visit specialists such as doctors and prosthetics and orthotics regularly to receive various advice. On this occasion, the expert connects the information processing apparatus 201 possessed by the patient to the joint support device 101 of the patient, and acquires acceleration data and pressure data accumulated in the joint support device 101 of the patient. Then, it is possible to obtain pace information, body shake information, correction effect information, and the like from this detected value and check whether the joint support device 101 has been functioning properly since the last adjustment. Furthermore, the rehabilitation effect and recovery degree can be grasped. Based on this result, the expert can adjust the joint support device 101 as necessary, advise the patient on the walking method, or make changes to the rehabilitation program.

It should be noted that data can be automatically transferred from the joint support device 101 by using wireless means for the external output device 116 of the joint support device 101, for example, by using a telephone line. In this case, even if an expert is at a remote location, it is possible to grasp the patient's recovery degree and rehabilitation effect from such data, and it is also possible to give advice to the patient through a telephone or the like.

(3) Automatic adjustment In the above usage method, adjustment of the pressure applying means 113 of the joint support device 101 has been manually performed by the patient himself or a specialist. However, in this usage example, it is possible to automatically adjust the pressure applying means 113 and change the pressure using the pace information, body shake information, correction effect information, and the like obtained from the acceleration data and the pressure data.

First, in this method of use, the pressure applying means 113 shown in FIG. 4 includes a motor for driving a screw in addition to a pad and a screw, or an air bag means for forcibly sending air and applying pressure. It is necessary to become. That is, it is necessary that the pressure adjusting unit 113 can instruct pressure adjustment with an electric signal and can be driven by the electric power of the battery 118, in other words, the pressure applying unit 113 that can be controlled with the electric signal.
In addition, the external output unit 116 of the joint support device 101 and the reception unit 202 of the information processing apparatus 201 require functions as transmission / reception units capable of bidirectional communication instead of one direction. That is, in this usage method, the transmission / reception means 116 and the transmission / reception means 202 are provided.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.
The operation of this method of use is basically the same as in FIG. That is, the processing is the same up to the point where the CPU 204 obtains at least one of pace information, body shaking information, and correction effect information from the detected value (S16) and outputs the analysis result to the information output means 205 (S17). .
In this usage example, the CPU 204 further generates a command to change the pressure value applied by each pressure applying unit 113 from the pace information or the like (S18). Then, such a command is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 202 of the information processing apparatus 201 to the transmission / reception unit 116 of the joint support device 101 (S19, S20), and the CPU 117 of the joint support device 101 drives the pressure application unit 113 to generate necessary information. Pressure is applied (S21).

By operating in this way, the patient simply applies the appropriate pressure to the knee, thigh, and lower limbs by the pressure applying means 113 simply by connecting his / her joint support device 101 to the information processing apparatus 201. And it is not necessary to adjust the pressure manually.
And, not only in the short term (when wearing), but also in the middle term (use period of one day) and in the long term (use period of several weeks to several months), the appropriate pressure is automatically applied when the joint support device 101 is adjusted. Can be generated and adjusted.

(Embodiment 2)
A. Configuration of Embodiment 2 Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the joint support device of the present invention will be described.
The joint support device of the second embodiment realizes both functions of the joint support device and the information processing device of the first embodiment as a single unit. Therefore, since the joint support device of the second embodiment is a joint support device with an information processing device, an external information processing device is not necessary in principle.

The joint support device 101 of the second embodiment has substantially the same external configuration as that of the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the joint support device 101 includes a pair of

support members

102L and 102R, a pair of

first arms

103L and 103R, a pair of

second arms

104L and 104R, a connecting member 105, and a first belt 109. The second belt 110 and the third belt 111. Further, the sensor, the control circuit, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the information processing apparatus portion of the joint support device 101 includes an acceleration sensor 112, a pressure applying unit 113, a pressure sensor 114, a recording unit 115, an external output unit 116, and a CPU 117. Connected by bus.
The difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is the function of the CPU 117. That is, in the first embodiment, the CPU 117 is required to have at least a function of recording acceleration data and data in the recording unit 115 and outputting the data to the external output unit 116, and can analyze acceleration data and pressure data. The ability up to was not needed. This is because the CPU 204 of the information processing apparatus 201 is responsible for this function. However, the CPU 117 of this embodiment is required to have the function of the CPU 204 of the information processing apparatus 201, that is, the function as an analysis unit. That is, in the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 201 is not necessary, and all functions of the information processing apparatus 201 are included in the information processing apparatus portion of the joint support device 101.
Further, the pressure applying means 113 is not essential, but preferably has a motor for driving a screw in addition to the pad and the screw, or has an air bag means. In other words, it is desirable that the pressure application means 113 can instruct pressure adjustment from the CPU 117 by an electric signal and can be driven by the electric power of the battery 118, in other words, the pressure applying means 113 that can be controlled by the electric signal.
As in the first embodiment, the joint support device 101 has both the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114 in the present embodiment, but only one of them may be used depending on the required analysis result.

B. Analysis Example of Embodiment 2 The analysis example of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1. The difference is that, in the first embodiment, the CPU 204 of the information processing apparatus 201 is in charge of analysis as an analysis unit, but in this embodiment, the CPU 117 of the joint support device 101 is in charge of analysis as an analysis unit.

C. Operation and Use Mode of Embodiment 2 The operation of the joint support device of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the joint support device of the present embodiment.
First, the patient fixes the joint support device 101 to the leg using the first belt 109, the second belt 110, and the third belt 111, and turns on the power (S21). In addition to when the patient manually turns on the power, the power sensor is automatically turned on by linking the pressure sensor 114 and the power switch, or by linking the sensor that detects wearing on the person and the power switch. You can also.
Once worn, the patient begins walking. Then, the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114 start outputting acceleration data ax, ay and pressure data P1, P2, P3, P4 (S22). Such data is recorded in the recording means 115 under the control of the CPU 117 (S23). The CPU 117 reads out such data from the recording means 115, analyzes it as described above, and obtains at least one of pace information, body shaking information, and correction effect information (S24). Then, the analysis result is output to the information output means 205 (S25).
When the pressure applying means 113 that can be controlled by an electric signal is used, the CPU 117 may generate a command for changing the pressure value applied by each pressure adding means 113 from the pace information or the like (S26). Then, in accordance with such a command, the pressure applying means 113 applies a necessary pressure (S27).
Using the above operation, the joint support device 101 of the present embodiment can be used as follows.

(1) Self-adjustment First, the patient himself can adjust the joint support device 101 using the joint support device 101 of the present embodiment. Specifically, although it is the same as in the case of the first embodiment, since the information processing apparatus 201 is not passed in the present embodiment, a pressure change is instructed by the information output means 205 provided in the joint support device 101. In this case, if the joint support device 101 is provided with a monitor, it is difficult for the patient to see. Therefore, the information output means 205 is preferably a light emitting element such as an LED or a sound output device such as a speaker.
The method of use and effects are basically the same as in the first embodiment.

(2) Adjustment by an expert The joint support device 101 according to the present embodiment can be used for adjustment by an expert, or can be used for grasping a rehabilitation effect and a degree of recovery of a medical condition. Specifically, this is the same as in the first embodiment. In this case, since the CPU 117 of the joint support device 101 outputs analysis results such as pace information, body shake information, and correction effect information, an expert can simply connect a monitor or the like to the external output means 116 of the joint support device 101. It is possible to see the analysis results.

(3) Automatic adjustment In this embodiment, since the joint support device 101 itself analyzes data, it is more suitable than the first embodiment for controlling the pressure applying means 113 and automatically adjusting the applied pressure. ing.
The patient can wear his / her joint support device 101, walk for a while, and automatically apply appropriate pressure to the knee, thigh and lower limbs by the pressure applying means 113. There is no need for manual adjustment, and there is no need to connect to the information processing apparatus 201.

(Embodiment 3)
Below, 3rd Embodiment of the joint support device and rehabilitation apparatus of this invention is described.
The joint support device of the third embodiment is the same as the joint support device of the first embodiment or the joint support device of the second embodiment. A feature of the third embodiment resides in a rehabilitation device connected to the external output means 116 of the joint support device 101.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the rehabilitation apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 11 is an external view of the rehabilitation apparatus according to the third embodiment. The rehabilitation device 501 includes a main body 502, a right foot support base 503, and a left foot support base 504. Each of the right foot support base 503 and the left foot support base 504 includes a bottom plate that supports the calf back side of the lower limb portion and a pair of side walls 505 that support the inner side surface and the outer side surface of the lower limb portion. The main body 502 is provided with a total of four side walls 506 that support both the left and right thighs when the patient sits down. The

side walls

505 and 506 are provided with fixing belts so that the lower limbs and thighs of the patient do not come off or shift during rehabilitation. Further, the right foot support base 503 and the left foot support base 504 are located on the back side of the knee joint when the patient sits on the main body portion 502. The right foot support base 503 and the left foot support base 504 are fixed to the main body 502 so as to be rotatable in the direction of bending and extending the knee joint. Assist means 514 made up of a motor (not shown) for assisting the rotation is provided independently on the left and right.

On the side wall 506 of the main body 502, thigh pressure applying means 507L and 507R, and knee joint pressure applying means 508L and 508R are respectively the inner side surface and the outer side surface of the left and right thighs, and the inner side surface of the knee joint. And a portion corresponding to the outer side surface. Further, on the side wall 505 of the right foot support base 503 and the left foot support base 504, lower limb pressure applying means 509L and 509R are provided at portions corresponding to the inner side surface and the outer side surface of the left and right lower limb portions, respectively. The series of pressure applying means 515 applies pressure to the thigh, knee joint, and lower limb from the side in order to correct the O-leg and the X-leg.
The thigh pressure applying means 507L and 507R, the knee joint pressure applying means 508L and 508R, and the lower limb pressure applying means 509L and 509R are configured by an air bag which can adjust the pressure by supplying air with a motor. . Of course, other means such as a motor and a pad may be used as long as they can be electrically controlled.

A connection terminal 510 for connecting the joint support device 101 via a cable is provided on the side surface of the main body 502. For example, a USB connection terminal corresponds to this. The rehabilitation device 501 can read acceleration data and pressure data that are outputs of the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114 of the joint support device 101 via the connection terminal 510.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram illustrating an electrical system of the joint support device 101 and the rehabilitation device 501. The joint support device 101 is the same as that shown in FIG.
The rehabilitation device 501 analyzes acceleration data and pressure data output from the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114 of the joint support device 101, and based on the analysis result, the thigh pressure adding means 507L and 507R, the knee joint The pressure application means 508L and 508R for the lower limbs, a series of pressure application means 515 of the pressure application means 509L and 509R for the lower limbs, and the assist means 514 are controlled to rehabilitate the patient. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the rehabilitation device 501 includes a receiving unit 511, a recording unit 512, a CPU 513, an assist unit 514, thigh

pressure applying units

507L and 507R, knee joint

pressure adding units

508L and 508R, and a lower limb unit. It consists of a series of pressure applying means 515 of pressure applying means 509L and 509R, which are connected by a bus.
That is, electrically, the rehabilitation apparatus 501 has the same configuration as the information processing apparatus 201 of Embodiment 1 except for the assist unit 514 and the series of pressure applying units 515, and has the same function. Therefore, the description other than the CPU 513 is omitted, and only the assist means 514 and the series of pressure applying means 515 are described in detail.

The CPU 513 constitutes analysis means for analyzing the acceleration data and pressure data received by the reception means 511. The acceleration data and pressure data output by detecting the movement of the patient's foot with the pressure sensor 114 and the acceleration sensor 112 of the joint support device 101 include various information regarding the motion of the patient's foot. The CPU 513 obtains pace information, body shake information, and correction effect information as analysis results by analyzing the data through a program prepared in advance, as in the first embodiment. And using this, the pressure added to each of a series of pressure addition means 515 of the rehabilitation apparatus 501 is adjusted. Moreover, the assist means 514 is driven using this.

The assist means 514 drives the right foot support base 503 and the left foot support base 504 in a direction to assist the bending and stretching motion of the patient's foot based on the analysis result of the CPU 513. In the case of the present embodiment, the assist means 514 is composed of a motor (not shown). How much assistance is performed is adjusted by obtaining an appropriate pressure by the CPU 513 based on the pressure data and acceleration data. Of course, when recovery progresses and muscle strength training is performed as rehabilitation, the assist means 514 may be used in reverse to apply a force opposite to the bending and stretching exercise of the foot.

The series of pressure applying means 515 applies pressure to the sides of the thigh, knee joint, and lower limb based on the analysis result of the CPU 513. In the case of the O-leg, the thigh pressure applying means 507R, the knee joint pressure applying means 508L, and the lower limb pressure applying means 509R are driven to apply pressure in the direction of correcting the O leg. How much pressure is applied is adjusted by obtaining an appropriate pressure by the CPU 513 based on the acceleration data and the pressure data. In this way, each pressure applying means 515 applies pressure, so that pressure can be applied in the direction of correcting the O-leg, and rehabilitation can be performed in a state in which the knee joint is not excessively applied.

The operation of the rehabilitation device 501 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rehabilitation device of the present embodiment.
First, the patient fixes the joint support device 101 to the leg using the first belt 109, the second belt 110, and the third belt 111, and turns on the power (S31). In addition to when the patient manually turns on the power, the power sensor is automatically turned on by linking the pressure sensor 114 and the power switch, or by linking the sensor that detects wearing on the person and the power switch. You can also.
Once worn, the patient begins walking. Then, the acceleration sensor 112 and the pressure sensor 114 start outputting acceleration data ax, ay and pressure data P1, P2, P3, P4 (S32). Such output is recorded in the recording means 115 under the control of the CPU 117 (S33).
Next, the detection value recorded in the recording unit 115 is transferred to the rehabilitation device 501 through the external output unit 116 according to the patient's instruction (S34). For example, the transfer is started by connecting a USB connection terminal which is an example of the external output unit 116 and the connection terminal 510 of the rehabilitation apparatus 501 with a USB cable.

The rehabilitation device 501 receives data via the receiving unit 511 (S35). Then, it is recorded in the recording means 512 under the control of the CPU 513. The CPU 513 reads the data, analyzes it as described in the first embodiment, and obtains at least one of pace information, body shake information, and correction effect information (S36).
Further, the CPU 513 selects a series of pressure applying means 515 to be driven from the pace information or the like, and transmits a drive command to the selected series of pressure applying means 515 (S37). Upon receiving the command, the series of pressure applying means 515 applies pressure to the patient's thigh, knee joint, and lower limb in accordance with the drive command (S38).
Further, the CPU 513 transmits a drive command to the assist means 514 in accordance with the bending and stretching motion of the patient's lower limb (S39). Upon receiving the command, the assist means 514 assists the bending and stretching movement of the patient's lower limb in accordance with the drive command (S40).
Using the above operation, the rehabilitation device 501 of the present embodiment can be used as follows.

First, a usage method using data accumulated in one day of use will be described.
The patient uses the joint support device 101 according to one embodiment. With this use, the daily acceleration data and pressure data are recorded in the recording means 115. When the day's use ends, the patient connects the joint support device 101 to the rehabilitation device 501 with a USB cable. Thereby, acceleration data and pressure data are transferred to the rehabilitation device 501. Further, since the USB connection terminal has a power line, the battery 118 of the joint support device 101 is charged through the power outlet of the rehabilitation device 501 in preparation for use the next day. The rehabilitation device 501 obtains pace information, body shake information, correction effect information, and the like from these data, and obtains appropriate pressures to be applied to the thigh, knee joint, and lower limb from this. As described above, if an appropriate value of pressure is obtained using data obtained throughout the day of use, the latest appropriate pressure corresponding to an individual's symptom and characteristics can be applied. Then, when the patient performs rehabilitation under this appropriate pressure, it is possible to perform effective rehabilitation that does not force the knee joint. That is, rehabilitation can be performed using the joint support device 101 in the daytime and using the rehabilitation apparatus 501 under the same conditions at night, and an effective rehabilitation program can be set up.

Furthermore, the rehabilitation device 501 calculates how much load is applied to the foot while wearing the joint support brace 101 from the pace information, body shake information, correction effect information, and the like. For example, the load applied during the rehabilitation using the rehabilitation device 501 is obtained from the wearing time of the joint support device 101, the walking time, the time when the pace is not constant, and the time when the body shake is generated. Appropriate assistance is provided by the assisting means 514 so that it does not take too much. In this way, in the daily rehabilitation program, it is possible to adjust so that the amount of load on the foot per day is constant, and it is possible to form a reasonable rehabilitation program.

Next, a usage method using data accumulated by long-term use will be described.
The patient connects the joint support device 101 to the rehabilitation device 501 when charging is finished every day for charging. At this time, the data recorded in the recording unit 115 is transferred to the recording unit 512 of the rehabilitation apparatus 501 every time. Therefore, when the joint support device 101 is continuously used, the rehabilitation device 501 accumulates data over a long period of time.
When the joint support device 101 and the rehabilitation device 501 are used, the muscles can be applied with the joints returned to the correct positions, and the joints are fixed at the correct positions, and the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis are improved. To do. The CPU 513 analyzes the effect of rehabilitation from the data, and gradually reduces the pressure applied by the series of pressure applying means 515 and gradually reduces the assist amount of the assist means 514 so that the patient himself Rehabilitate by actively moving your leg. Thereby, the further rehabilitation effect can be expected.

As described above, the rehabilitation function of the rehabilitation device 501 has been mainly described. However, the rehabilitation device 501 has the same function as the information processing device 201 of the first embodiment, and is similar to the first embodiment. It is also possible to display various information and to instruct the patient to wear it.

Although the joint support device 101 described so far has been based on the joint support device described in Patent Document 1 by the inventors, the present invention is not limited to this type of joint support device. In other words, the present invention can be applied to a joint support device using three-point support, and other joint support devices can also be used for suitability and adjustment of the device using the acceleration sensor 112 or the pressure sensor 114 of the present invention. It is possible. In particular, the present invention using pace information can be applied to any joint support device. Moreover, it can be used also in a prosthetic limb and the joint support device of this case is a concept including a prosthetic limb in this respect.

The present invention can be used not only for joint support devices used for knees, but also for joint support devices used for joints of the human body or animal body, and for artificial limbs such as artificial hands and artificial legs.

Claims

A pair of support members respectively disposed on both sides of the joint;
A pair of first arms rotatably provided on the support member;
A pair of second arms rotatably provided on the support member;
It is a joint support device provided with these support members, these first arms, or at least one connection member that connects these second arms,
An acceleration sensor,
Recording means for recording acceleration data output from the acceleration sensor;
A joint support device comprising an external output means for outputting the acceleration data to the outside.
The joint support device according to claim 1, wherein the acceleration sensor is provided on an outer surface of one of the support members.
A pair of support members respectively disposed on both sides of the joint;
A pair of first arms rotatably provided on the support member;
A pair of second arms rotatably provided on the support member;
It is a joint support device provided with these support members, these first arms, or at least one connection member that connects these second arms,
A pressure sensor;
Recording means for recording pressure data output from the pressure sensor;
An articulation support device comprising an external output means for outputting the pressure data to the outside.
Pressure adding means for applying pressure to the periphery of the joint;
The joint support device according to claim 3, wherein the pressure sensor is provided on a surface of the pressure applying unit that contacts the human body.
The pressure applying means is provided on at least one inner surface side of the pair of support members and inner surfaces of the first arm and the second arm connected to the other support member. The joint support device according to claim 4.
A belt for fixing the joint support brace to the thigh;
The joint support device according to claim 3, wherein the pressure sensor is provided on a surface of the belt that contacts the back side of the thigh.
Receiving means for receiving the acceleration data or the pressure data from the external output means of the joint support device according to claim 1 or 3,
Analyzing means for analyzing the acceleration data or the pressure data;
An information processing apparatus comprising: information output means for outputting an analysis result of the analysis means.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the analysis unit extracts pacing information related to a timing of carrying left and right feet from the acceleration data or the pressure data.
The joint support device according to claim 4, wherein the pressure applying means applies pressure based on an analysis result of the analyzing means of the information processing apparatus according to claim 7.
A pair of support members respectively disposed on both sides of the joint;
A pair of first arms rotatably provided on the support member;
A pair of second arms rotatably provided on the support member;
It is a joint support device provided with these support members, these first arms, or at least one connection member that connects these second arms,
An acceleration sensor,
Recording means for recording acceleration data output from the acceleration sensor;
An articulation support device comprising analysis means for analyzing the acceleration data.
A pair of support members respectively disposed on both sides of the joint;
A pair of first arms rotatably provided on the support member;
A pair of second arms rotatably provided on the support member;
It is a joint support device provided with these support members, these first arms, or at least one connection member that connects these second arms,
A pressure sensor;
Recording means for recording pressure data output from the pressure sensor;
An articulation support device comprising analysis means for analyzing the pressure data.
12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the analysis unit extracts pace information relating to a timing of carrying left and right feet from the acceleration data or the pressure data.
The joint support device according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising pressure applying means for applying pressure based on an analysis result of the analyzing means.
Receiving means for receiving the acceleration data or the pressure data from the external output means of the joint support device according to claim 1 or 3,
A rehabilitation apparatus comprising: an analysis unit that analyzes the acceleration data or the pressure data; and a pressure addition unit that applies a pressure based on an analysis result of the analysis unit.
15. The rehabilitation apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising assist means for assisting a bending and stretching operation of a lower limb based on the analysis result of the analysis means.
15. The rehabilitation apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the analysis means extracts pace information relating to a timing of carrying left and right feet from the acceleration data or the pressure data.
A joint support device or prosthetic limb used for joint correction, treatment, prevention;
An acceleration sensor or pressure sensor;
Recording means for recording acceleration data or pressure data output from the acceleration sensor or the pressure sensor;
A joint support device or prosthesis comprising an external output means for outputting the acceleration data or the pressure data to the outside.
A joint support device or prosthetic limb used for joint correction, treatment, prevention;
An acceleration sensor or pressure sensor;
Recording means for recording acceleration data or pressure data output from the acceleration sensor or the pressure sensor;
A joint support device or prosthesis comprising an analysis means for analyzing the acceleration data or the pressure data.
19. The joint support device and prosthetic limb according to claim 18, wherein the analysis means extracts pace information relating to a timing of carrying left and right feet from the acceleration data or the pressure data.