WO2017047810A1

WO2017047810A1 - Sensory stimulation suppression system and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2017047810A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/077649
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正孝坂根
Original assignee: 株式会社医進伝新
Priority date: 2015-09-17
Filing date: 2016-09-20
Publication date: 2017-03-23
Also published as: JPWO2017047810A1

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides a sensory stimulation suppression system 100 and apparatus 200 whereby true brain rest is easily achieved. A sensory stimulation suppression system is provided with a bed 102, a light shield (eye mask 112), and a sound insulator (earmuffs 122). The bed has a support surface 102A for supporting a user 2 who is lying down. The light shield blocks or mitigates at least a portion of light stimulation entering the eyes of the user, and the sound insulator blocks or mitigates at least a portion of sound stimulation entering the ears of the user. The user lying down on the bed can use the light shield and the sound insulator in integrated fashion. A sensory stimulation suppression apparatus is provided with a bed 202 and a light/sound shield (movable cover 212) attached to an end part of the bed on a head side thereof. Through use of the sensory stimulation suppression system and apparatus, it is possible to reduce the risk of concussion and the like which can occur in contact sports competition.

Description

Sensory stimulus suppression system and device

The present invention relates to a sensory stimulus suppression system and apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sensory stimulus suppression system for reducing risk that may occur in the brain due to competition by assisting contact athletes in providing an environment in which sensory stimulation is suppressed, and Relates to the device.

Attention is paid to the danger of brain concussion in sports involving intense physical collisions (collectively referred to as “contact sports” in this application), including American football, rugby, ice hockey, soccer and the like. Concussions are attributed to the impact of the athlete on the head in intense matches and harsh practice (collectively referred to as “competition”) and are considered brain trauma.

There are various subjective symptoms of concussion, such as loss of consciousness and convulsions, as well as forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, sleepiness and nausea, which may appear as pain in the neck (neck) (Non-patent Document 1). ). In the past, subjective symptoms were emphasized for the determination of concussion, and their onset and disappearance were often used as judgment materials. However, for example, the ratio leading to loss of consciousness is only about 10% of concussion, so concussion can be missed only by diagnosis based on subjective symptoms alone. Furthermore, if there is a situation where the brain is once again subjected to a strong impact (second impact syndrome) immediately after the first concussion or a state close to it, it is likely to cause irreversible damage and even death. . The risk of missing a concussion is enormous.

In the current contact sports field, meticulous attention is being paid such as doctors observing the competition without relying on subjective symptoms. For example, in a game such as a ball game, based on observations by doctors, etc., if a player who is playing is monitored to see if he or she is shocked by the head, or if the behavior is suspected of concussion Is also considering taking the competitor out of the competition. In addition, the specific management procedures adopted when a shock is applied to the head and the above subjective symptoms develop and concussion is diagnosed, or when suspected concussion occurs due to mild manifestation of the above subjective symptoms, etc. is there. One of them is to observe the progress and gradually restore the activity level from the resting state over several days or more. A typical example of the management procedure including this is adopted by World Rugby, the international headquarters of Rugby Union (“Graduated return to play (GRTP) program” Non-Patent Document 2).

In addition to the risks associated with acute symptoms, the chronic effects of concussion are regarded as a problem. It is known that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) develops after many years of competition involving frequent collisions that repeatedly receive shocks on the head. In CTE, there are cases in which neurocognitive functions such as memory impairment occur and personality changes, and there have been reports of cases that interfere with daily life. In fact, according to statistics of NFL (National Football League) retired players in the United States, it is pointed out that the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc.)) is about three times higher. At present, there is no known method for definitively diagnosing whether or not CTE has been reached other than by confirming atrophy of the hippocampus or amygdala of the brain by pathological anatomy after death.

慢性 The problem of the chronic side is a general tendency that athletes are less interested in side effects such as sequelae and analgesics. In particular, the top players in contact sports have been active and involved in competition for a long period of more than 10 years, but in reality the life after retirement is longer. Nevertheless, we often lean toward judgments that prioritize playability for the time being over long-term health.

Sufficient attention should always be given to the impact on the head, which can cause concussion, in order to reduce the various risks in acute and chronic as described above.

On the other hand, in competitions in various sports, cooling-down treatment is adopted to quickly remove the fatigue of the body that has been abused after play and speed up recovery. For example, a method of speeding up recovery by cooling such as icing or ice bath (ice bath) is known. Or the recovery suit which can apply a heating, cooling, and a massage to each part of a body in order to recover a body from fatigue is also disclosed (patent document 1). Furthermore, a tank capable of floating a human body in a liquid for the purpose of relaxation and blocking the human sense is disclosed (Patent Document 2).

US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0283276 European Patent Application No. 0024855 International Publication No. 2005/087156 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-529267)

The treatment required when it is diagnosed that a concussion has occurred or is suspected of having a concussion is an absolute rest at first, followed by a rest that allows some activity. In this case, resting is not enough to avoid physical activity such as running, riding a bicycle, swimming, etc. Especially for absolute rest, an act that may increase the level of brain activity Also included are “Brain Resting” that suppresses such activities as schoolwork, homework, reading, watching TV, and playing video games (Non-Patent Document 1). When there is concussion or suspicion, absolute rest after confirming disappearance of symptoms is required for adults at least 24 hours. In fact, body rest / brain rest for a minimum of 24 hours constitutes the first stage of the rehabilitation stage of gradual return to competition (GRTP) (Non-Patent Document 2).

In contact sports, the brain is likely to be impacted due to frequent collisions. Nevertheless, at the actual competition site, the impact on the heads of all competitors is not completely recognized by the competitors and the surrounding supervisors, and the support system from the surroundings is always perfect. It is also not realistic. In addition, there are symptoms that are difficult to detect even if they occur, such as the above-described impairment to the neurocognitive function, or that symptoms become apparent only after a long period of time. In addition, there are many symptoms whose causal relationship is not always clear or can only be explained by epidemiological methods. For example, five stages of rehabilitation stages are defined which spend 24 hours or more in each stage for the stage return to the competition (Non-Patent Document 2). However, when concussion actually occurs, it has been reported that abnormal findings continue in fMRI (functional magnetic resonance) even after 7 weeks have passed since the disappearance of subjective symptoms (non-patent document) 3). As described above, it is not always sufficient to judge the influence caused by the impact on the brain based only on the subjective symptoms. Further, even if the abnormality is in the initial stage, if it is prolonged or prolonged, it may become a hotbed of the CTE described above. In the future, more aggressive measures will be required. From a preventive point of view, it is easy to deal with both concussion and head impacts that can occur more frequently but less frequently than those that lead to suspected concussion. It is requested to introduce means.

In addition, the brain is excited during intense competitions, harsh training, etc. and for a certain period of time, even if it is not impacted during the competition, in addition to the hippocampus and amygdala, DLPFC (dorsal lateral) The prefrontal cortex) may be damaged. Damage caused by the state of excitement is in common with the impact on the brain in that it is difficult to detect. It is desirable that damage caused by such an arousal state be avoided as much as possible, or appropriately treated including preventive measures.

However, treatment for shock to the head and treatment for damage caused by excitement are appropriately performed during and after competition, because subjective symptoms are recognized and concussion is diagnosed, or concussion is seen from medical findings. At present, there are only limited cases such as when diagnosed as suspicious or when observation from a medical point of view has been sufficiently made and actually detected. For example, even if an appropriate procedure is taken for resting the brain as a routine habit every time a competition is finished, no specific means such as a simple technique or device has been found.

An object of the present invention is to solve at least some of the problems described above. That is, the present invention provides an environment in which appropriate measures including a preventive viewpoint can be easily performed by providing a system or device that can be easily used after a competition by a contact sports athlete who can receive an impact on the head. This will contribute to the health and well-being of athletes who work on these competitions.

The inventor of the present application paid attention to the fact that there is no known easy method for realizing brain rest immediately after finishing the contact sports competition. Furthermore, what has been mentioned so far for the rest of the brain is only the method of suppressing the act of not being able to observe from outside, that is, the voluntary act of not studying, doing homework, reading, watching TV, or playing video games. We also paid attention to the fact that we stayed in Rather, in order to achieve ideal brain rest at a more fundamental level (referred to as “true brain rest” in this application), the brain cannot be observed from the outside or the person himself / herself is unaware. It is expected that it will be effective to block or alleviate as much as possible what can be a stimulus for For this reason, it is effective to block or alleviate as much as possible either or both of stimulation through vision and stimulation through hearing, and effectively suppress stimulation caused by gravity. The inventor of the present application is particularly effective in blocking or alleviating sensory stimulation through eyes and ears, which are visual and auditory sensory organs in a state where stimulation by gravity is suppressed ("sensory blocking"). I came up with a hypothesis. In order to expect recovery from brain trauma or to prevent the impact on the neurocognitive function due to the impact on the head, it is necessary to have true brain rest at the earliest possible stage immediately after the competition. It will be useful to realize. The head here refers to the part of the body that houses the brain inside the tip from the neck.

Especially from a preventive point of view, as long as there are frequent collisions, it can be said that the possibility of trauma to the brain is always assumed as the worst case regardless of the possibility of external observation and the presence or absence of subjective symptoms. . In addition, if the brain becomes excited, it can cause inflammation in the brain. Therefore, regardless of whether concussion or suspicion of concussion is observed, and whether or not brain inflammation has actually been confirmed, the adverse effects on neurocognitive function itself are assumed to be a health risk, and Taking the preventive measures above is rather a realistic approach. If accurate diagnosis is difficult, it is assumed that the impact on the brain and inflammation of the brain due to competition will have a negative effect, and that such a situation may have occurred during the competition. It can be said that immediately after finishing the competition, it would be effective to habituate a treatment that should be called “switching off” of the brain. As well as dealing with fatigue by cooling down, stretching exercise, icing, ice bath, etc., which are performed after the competition as a treatment to recover the body from fatigue, it is true immediately after the competition of contact sports by an easy-to-use method. If the rest of the brain can be easily realized, the widespread adverse effects caused by the impact on the brain and inflammation of the brain can be prevented. From this point of view, the present invention has been completed by the inventors of the present application in consideration of the usefulness of a coping method that is readily and easily practiced.

That is, in one aspect of the present invention, a bed having a support surface that supports a user who lies on the body, a light shield that blocks or alleviates at least part of light stimulation that enters the user's eyes, A sound insulator that blocks or alleviates at least a part of the sound stimulus that enters the ear, and the user lying on the bed uses the light shield and the sound insulator together with the bed. A possible sensory stimulus suppression system is provided.

In the sensory stimulus suppression system of the above aspect, it is preferable that the support surface of the bed can take an inclined position in which the head of the user who lies on the body is lowered downward.

In the sensory stimulus suppression system of the above aspect, the support surface of the bed can select at least two positions, an inclined position where the head is lowered downward by a predetermined angle from a horizontal position and the horizontal position. It is preferable that it is.

The sensory stimulus suppression system of the above aspect further includes a suit that covers at least a part of the user's body, and further provides at least one of cooling and pressurizing actions to at least a part of the covered body. It is preferable that the user can wear the suit and lie on the bed.

In the sensory stimulus suppression system according to the aspect including a suit, the suit further includes a hood surrounding at least a part of the user's head, and at least one of the light shield and the sound insulator is realized by the hood. Preferably.

In the sensory stimulus suppression system according to any one of the above aspects, the stimulation caused by the smell entering the mouth or nose of the user is blocked or alleviated, or the chemical substance in the air is suppressed or prevented from being sucked by the user. It is preferable that the user further includes a mask and that the user lying on the bed can further use the mask.

The sensory stimulus suppression system according to any one of the above aspects further includes a heartbeat detection unit that detects a heartbeat of the user by any one of sound, vibration, or an electrical signal, and the heartbeat detection unit includes the bed, the light shielding It is more preferable to detect the heartbeat of the user who uses the device and the sound isolator integrally.

In another aspect of the present invention, a sensory stimulus suppression device is also provided. That is, in the present invention, a bed having a support surface for supporting a user who lies on the body and the end of the bed close to the head side for the user, and at least light stimulation that enters the eyes of the user. A light sound shield that blocks or mitigates a part and blocks or mitigates at least part of a sound stimulus that enters the user's ear, and lies on the bed. However, there is provided a sensory stimulus suppression device that can use the light sound shield integrally.

The user of the sensory stimulus suppression system or device of each of the above aspects is typically a contact sports athlete. A typical scene in which the user uses the system or apparatus is immediately after finishing the contact sport game or practice ("competition"). In use, the user sits in a supine position or the like on the support surface of the bed in a state where the light stimulus entering the eye and the sound stimulus entering the ear are both blocked or alleviated. Thereby, it is possible to realize an environment in which sensory stimulation is suppressed or adjusted, that is, an environment in which true brain rest is easily obtained. The sensory stimulus suppression system or apparatus of the above aspect is used to assist the user in providing an environment in which sensory stimulation is suppressed. The inventor of the present application speculates that among the sensory stimuli, light stimuli that enter the eyes and sound stimuli that enter the ears may impair brain rest. In addition to lying on the support surface of the bed as at bedtime, in addition to stimuli caused by gravity, the brain unconsciously tensions the body when taking a posture such as standing or sitting. It is possible to suppress stimulation to the brain and brain activity by balancing the above. For this reason, if you can block at least part of the light and sound stimuli while lying on your bed, or if you can block these stimuli as much as possible, you can achieve true brain rest. It becomes easy to do. In addition, various devices are preferable for the rest of the brain. The bed above includes any support structure that can be adopted by a person to lie down, including mats installed on appropriate floors, carpet surfaces, and other bedding, such as futons and shruffs. A supporting structure such as a suspended hammock, a plate material, or a stacked bed of two or more levels may be used. Furthermore, the building itself and the structure which loaded them on the vehicle are also included, such as a bed integrated with a building, and a private room in which a structure such as a building is partitioned and a floor surface is used as a bed. Further, in the case of assuming a plurality of users, an assembly including any combination described here is also included in the bed mode in the present application.

Light shields can reduce light irritation to the eyes, such as eye masks and goggles, sun visors that cover the front of helmets, face masks, caps that can hide your eyes, towels, etc. Refers to goods and components. A plate covering a substantial portion of the field of view in front of the eye can also be included in the light shield. Similarly, the sound insulator also refers to any equipment or member that can attenuate external noise, such as earmuffs, earplugs, helmets that cover the ears, headphones or earphones that stop the sound generator, and ambient sound with the sound generator. Including headphones and earphones with a mute function enhanced by a canceling operation that generates a sound pressure opposite to that of the sound pressure signal. A plate that can substantially reduce external sound by partitioning the sound transmission path may be included in the sound isolator. Furthermore, the light shield and the sound insulator may be an integrated article or separate articles.

When the support surface of the bed is directed to an inclined position in which the head of the user lying down is lowered downward from the horizontal position by a predetermined angle, the stimulation exerted by gravity on the user's brain can be further reduced. it can. For this reason, coupled with the blockage of light stimulation and sound stimulation, a more favorable environment for true brain rest is provided. However, it cannot be said that it is preferable that the bed always takes an inclined position for arbitrary reasons such as user's preference. Therefore, a bed that can select a representative position of a tilt position tilted by a predetermined tilt angle and a horizontal position is useful for a sensory stimulus suppression system. Further, the predetermined angle is preferably in the range of 3 ° to 9 °, for example, and more preferably substantially in the vicinity of 6 °. Furthermore, when the light sound shield is attached to the end portion close to the head side of the bed, light stimulation and sound stimulation are effectively blocked for the user who lies on the bed, which is preferable for true brain rest. The environment can be realized more easily. In particular, the light sound shield used in the sensory stimulus suppression device is a member that performs both the function of the light shield and the function of the sound shield. A cover made of a plate or a plate material that can substantially reduce light and sound from the outside by partitioning the light and sound transmission paths can also be included in the light sound shield.

If each of these sensory stimulus suppression systems or devices are installed in a locker room of a competition facility, for example, it is easy to perform treatment to achieve true brain rest for a certain period of time regardless of the presence or absence of concussion. Can be implemented. Such treatment is typically performed immediately after a contact sport competition. That is, after finishing a day's competition or after completing a unit of competition, the above-described treatment is performed before and after the competition is finished and the body is cooled down to recover from fatigue. A sensory stimulus suppression system or device can also be used to perform the above procedure while the competition is interrupted or only after a short period of time has elapsed after the competition.

By using the sensory stimulus suppression system or apparatus according to any aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily realize an environment suitable for true brain rest, which greatly contributes to the health and welfare of athletes in contact sports. It becomes.

It is a mimetic diagram showing a certain sensory stimulus suppression system in a certain embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows another sensory stimulus suppression apparatus in a certain embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the structure of the sensory stimulus suppression system containing the suit in one embodiment of this invention, and is equipped with a suit (FIG. 3A) and a hooded suit (FIG. 3B).

Hereinafter, embodiments of a sensory stimulus suppression system and apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, unless otherwise specified, common parts or elements are denoted by common reference numerals throughout the drawings. Also, the drawings are not shown with the scale of each part maintained.

1. Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sensory stimulus suppression system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sensory stimulus suppression system 100 includes a bed 102, an eye mask 112, and an earmuff 122. The bed 102 has a support surface 102 </ b> A that supports the user 2. The eye mask 112, which is a light shield, blocks or alleviates at least part of the light stimulus that enters the eyes of the user 2. The earmuff 122, which is a sound insulator, blocks or alleviates at least part of the sound stimulus that enters the user 2's ear. A user 2 who is a contact sports player lays his / her body on the support surface 102A through a mattress 104 and a pillow 106 provided as appropriate, and uses a blanket 108 as necessary. Instead of the pillow 106, a mattress 104 provided with a headrest (not shown) can be used. In order for the user 2 who may be affected by the impact on the head to obtain brain rest, it is effective to appropriately support the neck and cervical spine with the pillow 106 and the headrest. The pillow 106 may incorporate a refrigerant path (not shown) for cooling and cool the lower surface of the user's head.

At that time, the user 2 can use the eye mask 112 and the earmuff 122 together with the bed 102 while lying on the bed 102. Thereby, the user 2 can block or alleviate at least a part of each of the light stimulus and the sound stimulus entering his / her eyes and ears while suppressing the stimulation caused by gravity and thereby reducing the activity of the brain. The eye mask 112 typically covers both eyes of the user 2 and is placed on both ears, or fixed to the head and continuously covered with the field of view. The eye mask 112 is made of a light blocking material that effectively suppresses light stimulation from entering the eyes. The ear muff 122 is in contact with the head surface of the peripheral portion of each ear of the user 2 and is urged by elasticity so as to sandwich the head at the position of both ears, and by closing the periphery of each ear with a peripheral pad, The sound transmission path to the outside world is blocked, and a sound shielding space is formed in the space toward each ear. For this reason, the ear muffs 122 are made of a sound insulating material that can continuously reduce external sound reaching the ear. In addition to the ear muff, the sound insulator of the present embodiment may be an ear plug. The shape, mounting pressure, and material of the eye mask 112 and the earmuff 122 provide functions of light shielding and sound insulation, and, for example, a comfort level that does not detract from the attention that the user 2 is wearing. It is devised so as to provide the user 2 with comfort enough to forget to wear it. In order to fabricate the eye mask 112 and the ear muff 122, known methods that perform these functions can be employed. The light shielding device and the sound insulation device according to the present embodiment can be implemented even in a configuration other than the separate article such as the eye mask 112 and the earmuff 122. For example, it is made in a form that covers the head completely like a helmet that is worn when riding a motorcycle, etc. to protect the head, and it is integrated so as to shield or mitigate light and sound stimulation to the eyes and ears Those having a structured structure are also useful.

The sensory stimulus suppression system 100 can provide the user 2 with an environment in which the sensory stimulus is adjusted. The sensory stimulus adjustments provided herein typically block light and sound stimuli as much as possible, and also reduce stimuli due to gravity. Stimulation caused by gravity thus reduced includes stimulation to the brain by unconsciously tensing the body or balancing the body when taking a posture such as standing or sitting.

In order to effectively reduce the stimulation caused by gravity, for example, the support surface 102A of the bed 102 lowers the horizontal position P0 that is parallel to the horizontal surface such as the floor surface and the head of the user 2 downward. Adjustment is possible so that the inclination position P1 of the direction can be taken. Typically, as shown in FIG. 1, the inclination angle θ is a non-zero inclination position P1, and the value of the inclination angle θ at that time is in the range of about 3 ° to 9 ° from the horizontal position P0, more typically. Specifically, the head is lowered downward by 6 °. In addition, since the inclination of 6 ° with the head below is an angle that simulates the distribution of body fluids in the absence of gravity, stimulation due to gravity can be minimized. However, the bed 102 can also be made so that the support surface 102A can also select the horizontal position P0. For example, the bed 102 has an orientation (inclination) of the support surface 102A between the horizontal position P0 and the inclined position P1. Any mechanical structure that can be changed) is adopted. This mechanical structure includes, for example, a structure in which the inclination of the support surface 102A can be changed as necessary by a simple configuration change or setting operation such as replacement of the support leg or expansion / contraction of the support leg. . It is also advantageous when implementing the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 that the inclination of the support surface 102A can be easily changed by, for example, mounting a manual or automatic lift mechanism. The configuration that can change the orientation of the support surface 102A between the horizontal position P0 and the inclined position P1 is useful in several respects. First, the horizontal position P0 can be set when the mood of the user 2 used at the inclined position P1 deteriorates. That is, it is advantageous in that the change in the physical condition of the user 2 can be dealt with more finely than in the case where the inclination of the support surface 102A is fixed at the inclined position P1 and cannot be adjusted, for example. Another reason is that it becomes possible to cope with the difference (individual difference) for each user actually used. Such individual differences may occur to such an extent that the inclined support surface 102A has an effect of minimizing the stimulation caused by gravity, and in addition, arbitrary circumstances for each user such as preferences. Can also be included.

A typical installation place of the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 is an arbitrary place that is easy for the user 2 to use immediately after a competition of contact sports, for example, a locker room of a stadium or another room adjacent to the stadium. The From the viewpoint of enhancing the effects of the eye mask 112 and the earmuff 122, the installation location of the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 is indoors, the interior lighting is turned off or only minimally turned on, or the space is sound-insulated from the outside. It is preferable.

The treatment for realizing true brain rest in the description of the present application may be referred to as “brain cooling down” in accordance with the expression “cooling down” for recovering the limb from fatigue. However, it should be noted that this cooling down of the brain is not a treatment that takes heat away from the brain and cools it down. For example, a technique for adjusting the brain temperature via the nasal cavity is disclosed (Patent Document 3). Unlike this, “cooling down the brain” in this application focuses on the nature of the brain that may increase the activity level by information, and as much information as possible from the external world via sensory organs and nerves that are input to the brain. It means to cut off.

2. Embodiment 2
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a sensory stimulus suppression device 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The sensory stimulus suppression device 200 includes a bed 202 and a movable cover 212 attached to an end portion close to the head side of the bed 202. The bed 202 has the same characteristics as the bed 102 shown in FIG. 1 except that the movable cover 212 is attached. The movable cover 212 is arranged around an axis drawn in the depth direction of the paper surface of FIG. 2, that is, around a rotation support shaft (not shown) located in the head end side of the support surface 202A. It is pivotally mounted. The movable cover 212 is made of a member such as a metal plate or a resin plate that can exhibit at least some light shielding properties and sound insulation properties, and an additional member that enhances the sound insulation properties is also arranged as necessary. For example, the inner wall of the movable cover 212 is colored in a dark color so as to absorb light. When the movable cover 212 is in the closed position P4, the top 2 of the user 2 taking the supine position (the left direction in the drawing), the left and right direction (the back and front of the drawing), and the front direction (upward on the drawing) are movable It is blocked by the cover 212. Further, when the movable cover 212 is turned up around the pivot axis, the movable cover 212 takes the open position P3. When the user 2 lies down in the open position P3 and the movable cover 212 is then moved to the closed position P4, the movable cover 212 surrounds almost the entire periphery of the user 2's head. The movable cover 212 illustrated as an example in FIG. 2 has a shape in which the overall shape is a cylindrical shape cut by two surfaces along the axis, and the axis of the cylinder is laid in the depth direction of the paper surface. The movable cover 212 is hollow inside, and is composed of a light blocking and sound insulating plate member only in the portion of the cylindrical surface and two surfaces (two surfaces parallel to the paper surface) crossing the axial direction of the column. The positions of the two surfaces cut along the axis are open. For this reason, when the user 2 looks around, a gap in which the movable cover 212 does not exist in the direction of his / her leg may be recognized. In such a sensory stimulus suppression device 200, the movable cover 212 serves as a light sound shield that functions as both a light shield and a sound shield. In the sensory stimulus suppression device 200 provided with the movable cover 212, the effect of blocking or mitigating the light stimulus and the sound stimulus can be obtained to some extent without using the eye mask 112 and the earmuff 122 shown in FIG. The user 2 can also use the eye mask 112 and the earmuff 122 when the user 2 feels that the light blocking function and the sound blocking function in the sensory stimulus suppression device 200 are insufficient. Also in the sensory stimulus suppression device 200, if the support surface 202A of the bed 202 can select the horizontal position P0 and the inclined position P1, it is advantageous because the stimulation to the brain due to gravity can be minimized. is there. In accordance with the purpose of use of the sensory stimulus suppression device 200, the movable cover 212 is devised so that the user 2 does not easily hit the head unexpectedly. For example, it is also useful that cushions are attached if necessary. A typical installation location of the sensory stimulus suppression device 200 is the same as that of the sensory stimulus suppression system 100.

3. Modification 3-1. Modification 1: Addition of Suit The sensory stimulus suppression system 100 of the first embodiment and the sensory stimulus suppression device 200 of the second embodiment are also useful in combination with a cooling down technique for recovering the limb from fatigue. If the user 2 using the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 uses a suit that promotes recovery by pressurization in addition to stretching exercise, icing, ice bath, etc., real brain rest and body cooling down are realized. Can be performed simultaneously. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of sensory

stimulus suppression systems

300A and 300B including a suit. The sensory

stimulus suppression systems

300A and 300B are respectively provided with

suits

130A and 130B in addition to the same configuration as the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 (FIG. 1).

Suits

130A and 130B worn by the user cover at least a part of the body, and provide cooling and / or pressurization and / or actions to at least a part of the covered body. In the suit 130 </ b> A shown in FIG. 3A, a fluid path (not shown) for cooling and pressurization is formed in the thickness of the sleeve panel 132 that contacts the periphery of the upper arm portion of the user 2. A fluid path (not shown) for cooling and pressurization is formed inside the thickness of the body panel 134 to be contacted. The cooling / pressurizing fluid module 136 stores the cooling and pressurizing fluid that passes through the sleeve panel 132 and the body panel 134 in the suit 130A, adjusts the temperature, and further circulates and pressurizes the fluid. Typical fluids used in this case are air, water, a mixed fluid thereof, and the like.

In addition, when a new perception such as a feeling of pressure is generated by the suit 130A, the effect of blocking the stimulation to the brain of the sensory stimulus suppression system 300A may be reduced. For this reason, the conditions for operating the suit 130A for cooling and pressurization are selected within the range of the purpose of obtaining true brain rest without inhibiting the function of the sensory stimulus suppression system 300A to block the sensation. In another typical mode of use, the suit 130A is cooled and pressurized within a range that does not cause irritation when combined with the tactile sensation that inevitably occurs as long as the body lies on the bed. In yet another typical use mode, the cooling and pressurization by the suit 130A are used under conditions suitable for exhibiting the effect of recovering from fatigue caused by the suit 130A alone. It is also useful that the cooled pressurized fluid module 136 is attached to, for example, the bed 102 as part of the sensory stimulus suppression system 300A.

3 is another part of the sensory stimulus suppression system 300B, and further includes a hood 138 surrounding a part of the head in addition to the above-described configuration of the suit 130A. The hood 138 is configured to cover both ears of the user 2, for example, and reduces sound stimulation to a certain extent. At this time, the earmuff 122 can be used as an option. In the first embodiment, a suit that employs another form of hood is also useful. For example, a hood (not shown) having an eye mask function that covers the eyes so as to reduce light stimulation can also be employed.

Similar to the sensory

stimulus suppression systems

300A and 300B described in the form of adding the

suits

130A and 130B to the sensory stimulus suppression system 100, the same suit can be employed in the sensory stimulus suppression device 200 shown in FIG. .

3-2. Modification 2: Addition of Mask In the sensory

stimulus suppression systems

100, 300A and 300B and the sensory stimulus suppression device 200 (hereinafter referred to as the sensory stimulus suppression system 100) according to the first and second embodiments, the mask 140 (FIG. 1) is arbitrarily selected. It is also useful to block or alleviate irritation caused by odors entering the mouth or nose of the user 2 or to suppress or prevent any chemical substance from being inhaled by the user 2. For example, if the mask 140 contains an adsorbent such as activated carbon, the effect of suppressing irritation to the brain is high. This eliminates the possibility of olfactory stimuli acting on the brain and inhibiting true brain rest. In addition, since stimulation by chemical substances acting on the brain through the nasal cavity has the property that the influence on the brain appears relatively strongly, the addition of the mask 140 inhibits transmission of stimulation to the brain, not limited to olfaction. Is advantageous. For these purposes, various types of masks such as a deodorant mask, a dust mask, and a gas mask can be used as the mask 140.

3-3. Modification 3: Execution of Heart Rate Measurement In both Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 of the present invention, it is useful to measure a user's heart rate. In heart rate measurement, acquisition and monitoring of heart rate data (“heart rate monitoring”) is performed. By adopting heart rate data acquisition and monitoring, it is possible to expect effects such as firstly being able to observe a relaxing effect and secondly being able to detect an increase in heart rate caused by increased anxiety and stress. . In a typical use mode, every time the competition is finished and the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 is used, the heart rate measurement is measured, and the normal monitoring is performed in which the numerical value is recorded in association with the user. If the user is relaxed, the heart rate decreases or stabilizes, and a specific fluctuation occurs during sleep. Such a degree of relaxation can be employed, for example, for setting the tilt position or horizontal position of the bed 102. If an abnormality is observed in the heart rate, the user may have been damaged in any part of the body, including the brain, for any reason, including competition, or the sensory blockage is not intended. The possibility of causing an impact can be questioned. For this reason, it is useful to provide a heart rate measurement function in the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 or the like that can be easily used after competition.

For the heart rate monitoring function described above, for example, a heart rate sensor 160A serving as a heart rate detection unit is disposed on the bed 102 of the sensory stimulus suppression system 100. The heart rate sensor 160A has, for example, an air bag installed on the lower surface, inside, or upper surface of the mattress 104, detects pressure fluctuations with a microphone, and outputs heartbeat, fetal movement, breathing sound, and the like as electrical signals. . If this electric signal is appropriately processed, the heart rate can be determined. A similar heartbeat detection unit may be installed in the sensory stimulus suppression device 200. The heart rate sensor 160B shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B functions as a heart rate detection unit that is attached to the arm of the user 2 and detects a heart rate transmitted through the artery of the arm. The above-described advantages are also obtained by performing heart rate measurement by directly contacting the user's 2 body directly or indirectly through clothes.

The user 2 can easily realize true brain rest by using the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 described with reference to FIGS. For example, it is easy to arrange such a sensory stimulus suppression system 100 or the like in or near a locker room of a stadium. This allows contact sports athletes to habitually cool down the brain not only when there is concussion or suspicion but also when there is no subjective symptom, and prophylactically suppress neurocognitive decline It becomes possible. The embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 are not mutually exclusive, and any combination can be adopted. For example, in the sensory stimulus suppression apparatus 200, it is also useful to employ the

suit

130A or 130B or the mask 140 in addition to or without employing the eye mask 112 and the earmuff 122.

Heart rate sensor

160A or 160B uses the above-described air bag, uses a pressure sensor for measuring blood pressure by wrapping around the wrist, or makes an electrode similar to ECG acquisition contact the body surface Any one can be adopted. Furthermore, it is also useful to assist the function of the sensory stimulus suppression system 100, 300 or the sensory stimulus suppression device 200 by providing any additional equipment. For example, if the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 or the like is equipped with a general-purpose communication terminal such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), a commercial power supply or other power supply line, the cooling operation of the cervical vertebra pillow (not shown) is combined with an appropriate cooling unit. It is possible to facilitate treatment or to reduce the body temperature by blowing air by driving a fan (not shown) or the like.

4). Next, a method for setting conditions (treatment conditions) when using the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described. Among these treatment conditions, for example, the time for treatment with the sensory stimulus suppression system 100, the time from the end of the competition until the start of treatment with the sensory stimulus suppression system 100, the frequency and frequency, and the support surface 102A in the inclined position Including the tilt angle θ when using the bed 102, the performance of the eye mask 112 and the earmuff 122, the presence and performance of the mask 140, and any combination thereof. In the case of the sensory stimulus suppression device 200, the light and sound blocking performance of the movable cover 212 is included. These specific treatment conditions can be determined by techniques similar to the epidemiological techniques employed to investigate the unknown relationship between factors and symptoms. Hereinafter, the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 will be described as an example.

An example of a method for determining treatment conditions is a comparison between groups. Typically, subjects are a large number of players (eg, American football or rugby players), and the subjects are divided into two or more groups. Is called. These two groups were investigated to form a group that physically cools the body in the range below the head and does not use the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 (normal cooling-down group), and a normal cooling-down group and a control group. A typical example is a group (brain cooling down group) using the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 that is treated according to the treatment condition to be performed. A typical treatment condition is the time to use the sensory stimulus suppression system 100. Then, evaluation measurement is performed for each member of both the normal cooling down group and the brain cooling down group. For the measurement, any method capable of measuring whether or not deterioration of the neurocognitive function can be suppressed can be employed. For example, an index for a neurocognitive function that can be detected even when the intensity of an impact applied to the head is high and causes concussion or when the suspicion does not occur is measured for both groups. Specifically, each member of both groups is quantitatively evaluated using a neurocognitive function evaluation software capable of sensitively detecting a slight decrease in neurocognitive function. This software can perform a test that is similar to, but more sensitive to, a test for determining dementia, for example, systematically measuring and recording a subject's reaction time. Such measurements should themselves be avoided before having the subject use the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 in the treatment condition being investigated, as it is itself a stimulus to the brain. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the subject is divided into a normal cooling down group and a brain cooling down group, each member of the normal cooling down group receiving normal cooling down, and each member of the brain cooling down group receiving brain. Cooling down is performed, and each member is measured after a predetermined time. In order to determine the degree of recovery, it is useful to make separate measurements before and during the competition. If there is no significant difference in the measured values indicating the degree of recovery of neurocognitive function in the comparison between the normal cooling-down group and the brain cooling-down group, The conclusion is that the treatment conditions adopted are insufficient. For example, if each treatment condition is the predetermined time, it can be said that time is insufficient to find a significant difference. Conversely, if a significant difference is found in the degree of recovery, it can be concluded that the treatment condition at that time is one of the effective conditions for cooling down the brain. With this process, it is possible to determine a treatment condition (for example, a minimum time of treatment) in which an effect is recognized using the sensory stimulus suppression system 100. In this determination, objectivity can be ensured by adopting a statistical hypothesis testing method as necessary. In order to ensure objectivity, the setting of the control group can be changed. For example, in the “brain cooling down group”, it is also useful to construct a control group in which only the presence or absence of cooling down of the brain is changed as physical cooling of the body.

Ideally, these treatment conditions should include competition levels such as differences in the types of contact sports, differences in each competitor's position and practice menu, competition age, professional or amateur level, etc. It should be decided to reflect the differences in the competition, such as the competition history. Because of these differences, the frequency of impact to the head in the competition, the strength of the impact itself, the duration of the active life of the competition, and the like are different. Similarly, for example, when using protective equipment to avoid shocks, such as helmets in American football, and when there is a possibility of not using headgear, etc., as in rugby games, the above treatment conditions are set according to the detailed conditions. It is also preferable to determine so as not to be excessive or insufficient. However, due to the nature of preventive measures, priority is not high on precisely distinguishing differences in competition and avoiding excessive treatment. In the conventional guideline for brain rest, it is adopted to suppress acts such as reading that can be observed from the outside (Non-Patent Document 2), and in addition to that, stimulation is blocked and true brain rest is realized. It can be said that there is little need to assume until the treatment becomes excessive in the treatment of the embodiment.

As another measurement method, for example, it is possible to determine treatment conditions by measuring local cerebral blood flow (rCBF) at the time of execution of a predetermined task by fMRI. If the measurement of rCBF can be used to image a phenomenon in which the activity level is abnormally increased to compensate for the deterioration or recovery of acute neurocognitive function, or the brain function, the presence or absence of cooling down treatment of the brain This makes it easier to visually compare the differences, and for example, it is possible to set treatment conditions while deepening the player's understanding. About the applicability of these fMRI, since the example of the concussion has already been reported (nonpatent literature 3), it can carry out easily to those skilled in the art. In this fMRI measurement, comparison between the brain cooling down group and the normal cooling down group is useful. For example, if the blood flow rate obtained from the rCBF of a predetermined site by fMRI is obtained and the increase / decrease from the normal value of each competitor can be observed and measured, it is determined whether the investigated treatment condition can be said to have a significant effect. be able to. In heart rate monitoring, objective data related to concussion can be obtained through some mechanism by comparing heart rate data with some reference value or by looking at deviations from the person's past data. it can.

Also, as a result of the cooling down of the brain, recovery from fatigue or stress may become apparent rather than recovery of neurocognitive function. Even in that case, although not related to concussion, the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 and the like of the first and second embodiments are sufficiently useful, and treatment conditions therefor can be determined based on various measurement values.

For example, if a subjective evaluation value for fatigue or stress after a certain time is used, a subjective index for fatigue or stress can be obtained. Further, if the concentration of a marker substance related to sleep or the like (concentration of biomarkers), the concentration of lactic acid, and the heart rate at wake-up are used, the degree of recovery from fatigue can be used as an objective index. Typically, by performing the above-described comparison between groups for these indices, it is possible to determine conditions for the sensory stimulus suppression system 100 to exhibit a significant effect on recovery from fatigue or stress.

The embodiment of the present invention has been specifically described above. Each of the above-described embodiments and configuration examples are described for explaining the invention, and the scope of the invention of the present application should be determined based on the description of the claims. In addition, modifications that exist within the scope of the present invention including other combinations of the embodiments are also included in the scope of the claims.

The sensory stimulus suppression system of the present invention can be industrially used as equipment or sports equipment for sports facilities.

100, 300A, 300B Sensory stimulus suppression system 200 Sensory

stimulus suppression device

102, 202

Bed

102A, 202A Support surface 104 Mattress 106 Pillow 108 Blanket 112 Eye mask (light shield)
122 earmuff
130 Suit 132 Sleeve Panel 134 Body Panel 136 Cooling Pressurized Fluid Module 138 Hood 140

Mask

160A, 160B Heart Rate Sensor 212 Movable Cover (Light Sound Blocker)

Claims

A bed with a support surface to support the user lying down,
A light shield that blocks or mitigates at least a portion of the light stimulus entering the user's eyes;
A sound insulator that blocks or alleviates at least part of the sound stimulus that enters the user's ear, and the user lying on the bed places the light shield and the sound insulator together with the bed. Sensory stimulus suppression system that can be used as a unit.
The sensory stimulus suppression system according to claim 1, wherein the support surface of the bed can take an inclined position in a direction of lowering a user's head lying down.
The support surface of the bed is capable of selecting at least two positions of an inclined position where the head is lowered downward by a predetermined angle from the horizontal position and the horizontal position. Sensory stimulus suppression system.
A suit that covers at least a portion of the user's body and that provides at least one of cooling and pressurization to the covered body.
The sensory stimulus suppression system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user can wear the suit and lie down on the bed.
The suit further comprises a hood surrounding at least a portion of the user's head;
The sensory stimulus suppression system according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the light shield and the sound shield is realized by the hood.
A mask for blocking or mitigating irritation caused by an odor entering the mouth or nose of the user, or suppressing or preventing a chemical substance in the air from being sucked by the user; The sensory stimulus suppression system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user can use the mask more integrally.
A heart rate detecting unit that detects a heart rate of the user by sound, vibration, or an electrical signal, and the heart rate detecting unit integrally uses the bed, the light shield, and the sound insulator. The sensory stimulus suppression system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user's heartbeat is detected.
A bed with a support surface to support the user lying down,
It is attached to the end of the bed close to the head side for the user, blocks or alleviates at least part of the light stimulus that enters the user's eyes, and is used for sound stimulation that enters the user's ear. A device for suppressing sensory stimulation, comprising: a light sound shield that blocks or relieves at least a part of the light sound shield so that the user lying on the bed can use the light sound shield integrally.