RU2329778C1 - Stimulating posture corrector - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention refers to medical equipment, specifically to traumatology and orthopaedics, neurosurgery, as well as to neuropathology, and is designed for signalling of spine repositioning in saggital or frontal plane and can be applied for correct posture skill acquisition, incorrect posture prevention and correction, treatment of spinal orthopaedic diseases and mobile deformations. Stimulating posture corrector consists of sensor, indicator unit, corrector elements body fasteners and control unit. Sensor is mounted on elastic base fixed along spine and/or patient trunk. Elasticity coefficient of base material is no more than 1500 N/mm². Control unit distinguishes character and dimension of deformation detected by sensor. Stimulating corrector of the second design version several sensors mounted on several bases.

EFFECT: improved efficiency of spinal stimulation; increase of medical effect due to possibility of local spine deformation evaluation; easy-to-use; effective spinal stimulation for the purpose of prevention and treatment of incorrect posture, as well as saggital and frontal, and/or rotational spinal mobile deformation.

15 cl, 1 ex, 4 dwg

Description

The invention relates to medical equipment, namely to traumatology and orthopedics, neurosurgery, as well as neuropathology, and is intended to signal a change in the position of the human spine in the sagittal or frontal plane and can be used to develop the skill of correct posture, prevention and correction of functional disorders of posture, treatment orthopedic diseases and mobile spinal deformities.

Diseases of the spine occupy 2-3 place among the diseases that cause disability of patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The frequency of significant spinal deformities in the population is up to 5%.

There are various constructions of posture correction simulators that were created with the aim of increasing the effectiveness of conservative treatment of deformities and diseases of the spine (RU, patent No. 2081646, class A63B 71/06, A41D 13/12. Publ. 1997.06.20) [1], (RU, patent No. 2103955, class A61F 5/00. Publ. 1998.02.10) [2].

To accomplish the tasks, there are various posture correction exercise machines in which special sensors are used, and various materials are used for their manufacture. One of the posture corrector simulators contains clothes, means for controlling the position of the body’s body, including a sensing element connected in series, a power supply and an alarm device located on the clothes [1]. In the posture corrector, the sensing element is fixed to clothing in the area of the back bend, and the signaling device is connected to the sensitive element. The main disadvantages of this posture correction simulator are the method of fixing on clothes, a significant likelihood of a “false” response due to pressure on the sensing element, as a result of which the simulator has a significant error. In addition, the simulator corrector signals only about deformation in the sagittal plane and does not inform about the magnitude of the deformation.

The closest in technical essence and the achieved result is a posture simulator-corrector, consisting of a sensitive element, a display unit and devices for fixing the simulator elements to the patient [2].

However, this design has several disadvantages. The disadvantages of the proposed exercise machine-posture corrector include the method of attachment using a neck strap, the presence and bulkiness of the mechanical part of the device, the inability to assess the deformation of the spine in the local area.

The technical result to which the present invention is directed is to increase the therapeutic effect, ease of use of the posture correction simulator and effective training of the spine in order to prevent and treat improper posture, as well as sagittal and / or frontal and / or rotational mobile deformity of the spine.

The specified technical result is achieved by the fact that in the posture correction exercise machine, consisting of a sensing element, an indication unit and a device for fixing the simulator elements on a patient, according to the invention it is additionally equipped with a control unit, while the sensitive element is located on an elastic base, which is fixed along the spine and / or the patient's body, and the elastic modulus of the material from which is made elastic base, not more than 1500 N / mm ^2, wherein the control unit allows to distinguish characterized ep and the amount of strain occurring in the sensor element.

In the exercise machine-corrector posture on an elastic base can be used several sensitive elements.

As the material for the elastic base, an elastic material can be used, for example, polyethylene, polyethylene foam, polypropylene, polypropylene foam, polyurethane, polyurethane foam, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, teflon, polystyrene, silicone, PVC, including free-foamed PVC, or composite material.

Strain sensors and / or piezoelectric sensors, and / or light and photocells, and / or fiber optic, and / or induction and / or mechanical sensors can be used as a sensitive element in the posture simulator.

The sensing element can be located on an elastic base with the possibility of movement.

The sensing element may have a protective casing made, for example, of metal or a polymeric material.

The control unit may be configured to divide the amplitude range of the bends of the spine into several sections.

The control unit allows you to smoothly or discretely change the amplitude and / or frequency response of the signal output to the display unit.

As an indication unit, elements of light and / or sound and / or tactile notification can be used.

The display unit may include an electronic computer.

The display unit may include a device for electrical muscle stimulation.

To fix the elements of the simulator on the patient, belts, belts, lacing, and / or Velcro tape (contact tape), and / or mechanical locks can be used.

The device for fixing the elements of the simulator on the patient can be equipped with shoulder straps.

The device for securing the elements of the simulator may include clothes, for example, a T-shirt, T-shirt, vest, etc., on which there is a pocket for placing an elastic base with a sensitive element.

From the control unit, information is transmitted to the display unit via a channel or channels of wired or wireless communication.

The control unit may have a device that stores the characteristics of the sensitive element.

Control unit parameters can be set via an electronic computer via a local or global network (Internet).

If it is necessary to record changes in the position of the spine in several planes, this technical result is achieved by the fact that in the posture simulator-corrector, consisting of a sensitive element, an indicating unit and a device for fixing the simulator elements to the patient, according to the invention it is additionally equipped with a control unit, has several sensitive elements located on elastic bases that are fixed along the spine and / or torso of the patient, and the modulus of elasticity of the material of which the elastic bases are made, not more than 1500 N / mm ² , and the control unit allows you to distinguish between the nature and magnitude of the deformation that occurs on the sensitive elements.

As a material for elastic substrates, an elastic material can be used, for example polyethylene, polyethylene foam, polypropylene, polypropylene foam, polyurethane, polyurethane foam, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, teflon, polystyrene, silicone, PVC, including free-foamed PVC, or composite material.

Strain sensors, and / or piezoelectric sensors, and / or light and photocells, and / or fiber optic, and / or induction and / or mechanical sensors can be used as sensitive elements in the posture simulator.

Sensitive elements can be located on elastic bases with the possibility of movement.

Sensitive elements may have a protective casing made, for example, of metal or a polymeric material.

The control unit may be configured to divide the amplitude range of the bends of the spine into several sections.

The control unit allows you to smoothly or discretely change the amplitude and / or frequency response of the signal output to the display unit.

As an indication unit, elements of light and / or sound and / or tactile notification can be used.

The display unit may include an electronic computer.

The display unit may include a device for electrical muscle stimulation.

To fix the elements of the simulator on the patient, belts, belts, lacing, and / or Velcro tape (contact tape), and / or mechanical locks can be used.

The device for fixing the elements of the simulator on the patient can be equipped with shoulder straps.

The device for securing the elements of the simulator may include clothes, for example, a T-shirt, T-shirt, vest, etc., on which there are pockets for placing elastic bases with sensitive elements.

From the control unit, information is transmitted to the display unit via a channel or channels of wired or wireless communication.

The control unit may have a device that stores the indicators of sensitive elements.

Control unit parameters can be set via an electronic computer via a local or global network (Internet).

Figure 1-4 shows various embodiments of the exercise machine-corrector posture and its components.

Figure 1 presents a block diagram of a simulator-posture corrector.

Figure 2 shows a cross section of the elastic element, the location on it of the sensitive element and the protective casing.

Figure 3 (A-D) shows the possible amplitude and frequency response of the signal output to the display unit depending on the magnitude of the deformation on the elastic element (A is the position of the norm, there is no signal, B is moderate deformation, the signal is present, C is the pronounced deformation , a signal of a larger amplitude and a different frequency, G is the position of the deflection of the spine, a signal of a different amplitude and frequency).

Figure 4 (A-D) presents possible versions of devices for fixing the elastic base and the sensitive element of the posture corrector (A - posture corrector is made for the lumbar and transitional spine, B - posture corrector is made for the chest spine, B - the posture corrector-simulator includes several elastic bases and sensitive elements, G - clothes were used in the device to fix the elements of the simulator).

The posture correction exercise machine consists of a sensitive element 1, a control unit 2, an indication unit 3 and a device for fixing the elements of the exercise machine 4 to the patient. The sensing element 1 is located on the elastic base 5, which is fixed along the spine and / or torso of the patient. The elastic modulus of the material of which the elastic base is made is not more than 1500 N / mm ² . The choice of materials with the specified modulus of elasticity is due to the need to most accurately record the bending strain in the installation zone of the sensitive element. The control unit 2 allows you to distinguish between the nature and magnitude of the deformation that occurs on the sensitive element 1, which allows you to distinguish several positions in which the spine may be.

In the exercise machine-corrector posture can be used several elastic bases 5 (pigv). This is necessary in order to determine changes in the position of the spine in several planes. So, an elastic base located on the lateral and / or posterior-lateral surface of the body will respond to changes in the spine in the frontal plane, for example, with scoliosis.

As the material for the elastic base, an elastic material can be used, for example, polyethylene, polyethylene foam, polypropylene, polypropylene foam, polyurethane, polyurethane foam, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, teflon, polystyrene, silicone, PVC, including free-foamed PVC, or composite material. The choice of these materials is determined by the requirements for stiffness and reliability of the elastic base 5. Subsequently, the elastic base is insulated with a hygienic material.

As the sensing element 1 in the posture simulator-corrector, strain gauges and / or piezoelectric sensors, and / or light and photocells, and / or fiber optic, and / or induction, and / or mechanical sensors can be used.

Several elastic elements 1 can be used on each elastic base 5. Such an arrangement of sensitive sensors allows locally recording changes in each area where the sensitive elements are located (Fig. 4 B, C).

The position of the sensing element 1 on the elastic base 5 may vary. This allows you to configure the simulator-corrector when changing the position of the deformation of the spine.

The sensing element 1 has a protective casing 6 made, for example, of metal or a polymeric material. A protective casing is necessary to prevent damage to the sensing element (figure 1, 2).

The control unit 2 allows you to divide the entire range of the amplitude of the bends of the spine into several sections. For example, you can highlight the normal position, the position of the deflection, several positions of increased flexion of the spine (figure 3).

The control unit 2 allows you to smoothly or discretely change the amplitude and / or frequency response of the signal output to the display unit 3. So, for example, when using the warning display unit in the display unit, the signal is not generated in the normal position of the spine, a signal of a certain intensity appears when bending is strengthened or tonality, with greater bending - a signal of greater volume and / or other tonality.

As an indication unit 3, elements of light 7 and / or sound 8 and / or tactile 9 alerts can be used.

The display unit 3 may include an electronic computer 10. Using an electronic computer allows dynamic monitoring of the condition of the spine.

Indication unit 3 may include a device for electrical stimulation of muscles 11. The use of a device for electromyostimulation will allow stimulation of the extensors of the back with increased deformation of the spine (Fig. 1).

To fix the simulator elements on the patient, we used belts 12, belts 13, lacing 14, and / or Velcro tape (contact tape) 15, and / or mechanical locks 16. Connection through the listed elements provides convenience when fixing the simulator-corrector, and also allows you to perform fine-tuning the parameters of the corrector simulator for the patient.

In the device for fixing the elements of the simulator on the patient there are shoulder straps 17. The use of shoulder straps is necessary to fix the simulator-corrector in case of location of spinal deformity in the thoracic region (Fig. 4 B, C).

The device for securing the elements of the simulator includes clothing 18, for example, a T-shirt, T-shirt, vest, etc. In this case, pockets 19 are fixed to the rear and / or rear-side surface of the clothes, into which the elastic base 5 with the sensing element 1 is placed (FIG. 4 D).

From the control unit 2, information is transmitted to the indicating unit 3 via a channel or channels of a wired 20 or wireless 21 communication.

The use of wireless communication reduces the bulkiness of the connections between the blocks of the simulator-corrector (figure 1).

The control unit may have a device 22 that stores the characteristics of the sensitive element. This device is necessary to monitor the change in the position of the spine over time.

The settings of the control unit can be carried out through an electronic computer on a local or global network (Internet) 23. Using a local or global network will allow you to remotely control the parameters of the posture corrector (Fig. 1).

The elastic base of the corrector simulator is made individually, or of several standard sizes. In the case of manufacturing an elastic base from a material with significant rigidity, the simulator-corrector also performs the function of a corset for external fixation of the spine. The device for fixing the elements of the simulator, including clothes, belts, belts and straps of the simulator-corrector, corresponds to the anatomical size of the patient and / or is adjustable in size.

Clinical example.

Patient P., 17 years old, was admitted to the clinic of the Military Medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov 02/03/2006 with a diagnosis of the consequences of Shoerman-Mau disease, C-shaped scoliosis of the transitional section of the kidney carrier of the II degree. The patient underwent a course of traditional conservative treatment (exercise therapy, FTL, etc.) and provided correction of the lumbar spine with the proposed simulator-corrector. Correction of spinal deformities using the proposed simulator-corrector was carried out for 6 months. As a result of the treatment, regression of kyphotic and scoliotic deformity was achieved, the sagittal balance of the spine improved.

Thus, the proposed simulator-posture corrector allows you to more effectively correct the mobile deformities of the spine, taking into account all the individual characteristics of the patient, as well as comfortable and convenient to use.

The posture corrector was tested on the basis of the Military Medical Academy. S.M. Kirova, St. Petersburg, for 20 patients. He showed effectiveness in the conservative treatment of patients with a veterinary profile with mobile kyphotic and scoliotic deformities.

Claims (15)

1. Posture corrector-trainer, consisting of a sensitive element, an indication unit and a device for fixing the trainer elements on a patient, characterized in that it is additionally equipped with a control unit, wherein the sensitive element is located on an elastic base, which is fixed along the spine and / or body patient, and the elastic modulus of the material from which is made elastic base, not more than 1500 N / mm ^2, wherein the control unit allows to distinguish the nature and amount of strain occurring at sensitive element. 2. The posture corrector-trainer according to claim 1, characterized in that an elastic material, for example, polyethylene, polyethylene foam, polypropylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyurethane foam, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, teflon, polystyrene, silicone can be used as a material for an elastic base , PVC, including free-foamed PVC, or composite. 3. The posture corrector-corrector according to claim 1, characterized in that strain sensors, and / or piezoelectric sensors, and / or light and photocells, and / or fiber, and / or fiber can be used as a sensitive element in the posture corrector. induction and / or mechanical sensors. 4. The posture corrector-trainer according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensing element is located on an elastic base with the possibility of movement. 5. The posture correction corrector according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensitive element has a protective casing made, for example, of metal or a polymeric material. 6. The posture correction exercise machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is configured to divide the range of amplitude of the bends of the spine into several sections. 7. The posture corrector-trainer according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit smoothly or discretely changes the amplitude and / or frequency response of the signal output to the display unit. 8. The posture corrector-trainer according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements of light and / or sound and / or tactile warning are used as an indication unit. 9. The posture correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit includes an electronic computer. 10. The posture correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit includes a device for electrical stimulation of muscles. 11. The posture corrector-trainer according to claim 1, characterized in that for fastening the trainer elements on the patient, belts, belts, lacing, and / or Velcro tape (contact tape), and / or mechanical locks are used. 12. The posture corrector-trainer according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for fixing the simulator elements on the patient has shoulder straps. 13. The posture corrector-trainer according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for securing the simulator elements includes clothes, for example, a T-shirt, T-shirt, vest, etc., on which there are pockets in which an elastic base with a sensitive element is placed. 14. The posture corrector-trainer according to claim 1, characterized in that information is transmitted from the control unit to the display unit via a channel or channels of wired or wireless communication. 15. The posture corrector-trainer, consisting of an indication unit, devices for fixing the trainer elements on the patient, characterized in that it is additionally equipped with a control unit, has sensitive elements located on elastic bases, which are fixed along the spine and / or body of the patient, and the elastic modulus of the material from which the elastic bases are made is not more than 1500 N / mm ² , and the control unit allows you to distinguish between the nature and magnitude of the deformation that occurs on the sensitive elements.

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