RU2148981C1 - Device for rehabilitation of locomotor system under conditions of weightlessness - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medical engineering, particularly, electronic pneumatic devices. SUBSTANCE: device has two pneumatic shoes, each is made as sole with flexible arch support and multi-channel reduction cup. Pressure source is coupled to receivers of minimum and maximum pressure connected to pressure pickups which outputs are connected to microprocessor. Loading elements are made in the form of three pneumatic modules two of which are positioned in toe part, and one module is arranged in heel part of arch support in anatomically characteristic zones of foot. Each pneumatic module is shaped as a pneumatic capsule. Pneumatic capsule is essentially chamber with membrane which surface is positioned on one level with arch support surface, and electropneumatic transducer connected to it and to relative of minimum and maximum pressure and to microprocessor. Each of reduction cups is coupled to minimum pressure receiver. In this case, pressure source is manufactured in the form of minicompressor connected to microprocessor. EFFECT: optimized action on local zones of feet. 2 cl, 8 dwg

Description

 The invention relates to medical equipment, namely to devices for the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system of the astronauts in zero gravity, and can be used to increase muscle tone, vertical stability, prevent muscle atrophy and other motor abnormalities by affecting the mechanoreceptors of the feet and the state of the peripheral circulatory system of the legs .

 The invention can be used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes during the period of inactivity and when performing space flights.

 The device can be used for the rehabilitation of people with a sedentary image of professional activity, for example, for pilots, drivers, drivers, etc.

 The main reason for these violations is the decrease in supporting loads and the associated change in the influx of afferentation, which plays an important role in maintaining the tone of the postural muscles and, in particular, the muscles of the leg and foot. An additional factor determining the development of motor disorders is a change in the structure and functions of the supporting apparatus of the foot, associated with a decrease in the rigidity of the muscles of the leg and foot.

 A device is known for influencing the state of the peripheral circulatory system and mechanoreceptors of the feet, comprising a sole, an elongated and curved protrusion located near the base of the toes, a protrusion located on the arched part and in the center of the foot, and a protrusion located in the place corresponding to the center of the heel .

 Each protrusion contains a magnet protruding above the surface of the protrusion. In this case, the pressing protrusions and the outsole are made as a whole of synthetic resin (soft and elastic material) to ensure elastic deformation with the sole of the foot (USSR Author's Certificate N 638241, 1978).

 However, the known device is ineffective in its effect on the state of the peripheral circulatory system of the legs in zero gravity. Its effect is manifested when walking and running.

 A device is also known for a therapeutic effect on the lower extremities, comprising a lower part of the shoe, on the inner surface of which pressure protrusions are made at anatomically characteristic points. Magnets for contact with the foot are placed on the pressing protrusions in the respective cavities. In addition, the device has a means for providing longitudinal vibrations of the magnets in its cavities, made in the form of a profiled strip of ferromagnetic material, on which a magnetizing winding is connected, connected to an alternating electric signal generator (USSR Author's Certificate N 1299560, 1987).

 The specified device can be used for the rehabilitation of prolonged inactivity, to provide stimulation of the anatomically characteristic zones of the foot. However, this device does not provide compensation for support unloading and does not take into account changes in the supporting properties of the foot in the pathogenesis of motor disorders caused by weightlessness; does not provide prevention of weightlessness-induced changes in the structural and functional properties of the foot and other motor disorders.

 A device for the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system of patients with stagnation of venous blood in the lower extremities, comprising a compression cuff with sections, tubes, a pneumatic valve, consisting of a commutator and mode switch, receiver (USSR Author's Certificate N 1811834, 04/30/93). The disadvantages of this device include the fact that it does not affect the foot and does not create supporting loads.

 The closest analogue of the proposed device for the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system in zero gravity conditions, containing two pneumatic boots, each of which is made in the form of a sole with an elastic arch support and a compression cuff connected to a pressure source, load elements installed in the arch support (In the book. "Aerospace medicine "I. B. Kozlovskaya et al., Moscow-Kaluga 1979, part 1 p. 18).

 The known device is intended for the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system of astronauts in zero gravity by "some" compensation of the support unloading of the feet. However, the known device has insufficient functionality to optimize the preventive effect on the mechanoreceptors of the feet, as well as on the peripheral circulation of the limbs.

 The objective of the present invention is to provide a highly effective device for the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system of the astronauts under zero gravity by optimizing the impact on the local zones of the feet with the help of modern precision electron-pneumatic systems and based on the studied patterns of mechanoreceptors of the feet and peripheral circulation of the limbs.

 Considering the accumulated experience of using pneumatic effects on the local zones of the feet, the basic principles of optimizing the impact on them were chosen.

 1). Two-level principle.

 Changing any one parameter P + min (minimum level), P + max (maximum level) of pressure leads to a non-additive response of mechanoreceptors of the feet and blood circulation of the lower extremities.

 2). Impulse principle.

 With pulsed pneumatic action, adaptation develops to a lesser extent than continuous.

 3). The principle of increment exposure.

 Scientists have come to the conclusion that the behavior of the polar medium is a common physical mechanism of action of mechano-, thermo-, photo-, electro- and chemoreceptors.

 The polar medium (spatially isolated structures of specialized highly sensitive receptors of the bodies of Vater Pacini) has a unique property - it only responds to the increment of exposure and does not form an "output" signal in the case of stationary exposure, i.e. in accordance with the terminology of automatic systems, polar receptors exclude redundancy of information already at the level of primary converters (sensors).

 The task of optimizing the impact on the local zones of the feet and on the feet of the legs as a whole was solved due to the fact that the device for the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal apparatus of the astronauts in zero gravity conditions contains two pneumatic boots, each of which is made in the form of a sole with elastic arch support and a multi-chamber cuff crimp connected to a pressure source, load elements connected to a pressure source, receivers of minimum and maximum pressure, connected to pressure sensors, the outputs of which are connected They are equipped with a microprocessor, while the load elements are made in the form of three pneumomodules, two of which are located in the forefoot, and one is located in the heel of the arch support in the anatomically characteristic zones of the foot, each pneumomodule is made in the form of a pneumocapsule, which is a chamber with a membrane whose surface located at the same level with the arch support surface, and an electropneumatic transducer connected to it, connected by pipelines to the receivers of minimum and maximum pressure and microprocess rum.

 Each of the compression cuffs is connected to a minimum pressure receiver.

 The pressure source is made in the form of a minicompressor connected to a microprocessor.

 The device comprises a touch keyboard and a liquid crystal display connected to a microprocessor.

 In FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a pneumatic boot (side view).

 In FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the air boot (front view).

 In FIG. Figure 3 shows the arrangement of load elements in the anatomically characteristic zones of the foot.

 In FIG. 4 shows the location of the structural organization of the bodies of Vater Pacini on the foot.

 In FIG. 5 shows a pneumocapsule.

 In FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a device.

 In FIG. 7 shows the connection of pneumatic boots with a control unit.

 In FIG. 8 shows diagrams of pressure changes in pneumatic capsules.

 The invention is as follows.

Under zero gravity, changes occur in the functioning of the following systems:
1) changes in the sensory apparatus of the foot.

In zero gravity conditions, there is an increase in the vibrational sensitivity of the supporting receptors, which is expressed in a decrease in perception thresholds in all supporting zones of the foot;
2) changes in the muscular apparatus of the lower leg.

Stay in zero gravity causes a change in the speed-power properties of the leg muscles, especially anti-gravity muscles;
3) changes in the supporting apparatus.

As a result of the effect of weightlessness, the geometric parameters of the foot change;
4) changes in posture regulation.

 Stay in zero gravity causes a shift in the center of gravity, a violation of vertical stability.

The decrease in gravitational loads causes the following disorders of the musculoskeletal system:
- decrease in muscle tone;
- violation of vertical stability;
- change in the structure of locomotor acts;
- muscle atrophy;
- change the geometric parameters of the foot.

 One of the reasons for these shifts is a decrease in supporting loads and the associated change in the influx of supporting afferentation, which plays an important role in maintaining the tone of the postural muscles and, in particular, the muscles of the leg and foot. An additional factor determining the development of motor disorders is a change in the structure and functions of the supporting apparatus of the foot, due to a decrease in the rigidity of the muscles of the leg and foot.

 The removal of supporting loads is accompanied by a pronounced decrease in the lateral stiffness of muscles, especially antigravity, involved in maintaining a vertical posture, both at rest and at maximum tension. A decrease in muscle stiffness, in turn, causes a number of effects, in particular, a decrease in maximum strength and muscle contractions, a decrease in muscle stiffness observed in hypokinesia and weightlessness, and, accordingly, a complication of the processes of regulation of vertical posture and walking. Violation of vertical stability and locomotion is associated with shifts in the properties of the mechanoreceptor apparatus of the feet, which plays a significant role in the mechanisms of postural and locomotor regulation.

 Under normal conditions, the supporting apparatus is configured in such a way that the average physiological loads on the foot correspond to the muscular range of load characteristics of the receptors. This range and its threshold values are determined by the state of mechanoreceptors (Fater-Pacini bodies). Changes in the threshold are accompanied by a shift in the range of physiologically additional loads and, accordingly, a deterioration in the quality of regulation of processes based on this reception.

 The device for the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system under zero gravity according to this invention contains two pneumatic boots 1, each of which is made in the form of a sole 2 with elastic arch support 3 and a multi-chamber compression cuff 4 connected to a pressure source 5 made in the form of a minicompressor.

 Receivers connected to a pressure source 5 of minimum 6 and maximum 7 pressure receivers connected to pressure sensors 8, the outputs of which are connected to microprocessor 9, are introduced into the device.

 The load elements are made in the form of three pneumatic modules 10, two of which are located in the forefoot, and one is located in the heel of the arch support in the anatomically characteristic zones of the sole.

 Each pneumatic module 10 is made in the form of a pneumatic capsule 11, which is a chamber 12 with a membrane 13, the surface of which is located at the same level with the surface of the instep 3, and an electropneumatic transducer 14 connected to it, connected to a minimum 6 and maximum 7 pressure receivers connected to pressure sensors 8 the outputs of which are connected to the microprocessor 9.

 Each of the compression cuffs 4 is connected to a receiver of minimum pressure 6, while the pressure source 5 is made in the form of a minicompressor connected to the microprocessor 9. The device contains a touch keyboard 15 and a display 16 connected to the microprocessor 9.

 Minicompressor 5, microprocessor 9, touch keyboard 15, display 16, receivers of minimum 6 and maximum 7 pressure with pressure sensors 8 inside them are combined into a single electron-pneumatic unit 17 that provides operation, control and monitoring of the impact on the support areas of the feet (Fig. 4 )

The multi-chamber compression cuff 4 of the arch of the foot provides a preload of the foot to the arch support 3 and the relationship of the system:
"Pressure in a multi-chamber cuff <---> pneumocapsules <---> local zones of the sole of the foot"
The proposed device allows you to radically modify the prevention of compensation of the supporting unloading of the feet.

 By selecting the algorithms, frequency, minimum and maximum levels of pneumatic effects, the activation mode of the support zones of the feet of the person is provided in order to increase the effectiveness of the impact on the receptor apparatus of the feet, the state of the peripheral circulatory system, muscles, as well as to provide compensation for the supporting unloading of the feet.

 According to the present invention, the effect on the feet is carried out using electron-pneumatic units mounted in the arch support and located in the anatomically characteristic zones of the foot.

 The advantage of this principle of pneumatic action is its high efficiency of activation of the receptor apparatus of the foot.

 Multi-chamber compression cuff 4 is made in a form that allows you to cover the arch of the foot and ankle joint. It is connected using fasteners 18 with the sole 2 of the air boot and is made of rubberized fabric.

 Structurally, each pneumatic module 10 is made in the form of a single pneumatic assembly, consisting of a pneumatic capsule 11 and an electro-pneumatic transducer 14. The pneumatic capsule consists of a chamber 12, a rubber membrane 13 and a nozzle 19. Two pneumatic inlets of the electro-pneumatic transducer 14 are connected by polyvinyl chloride tubes with receivers of minimum 6 and maximum 7 pressure, a polyvinyl chloride tube is connected to the fitting 19 of the pneumatic capsule 11. Each pneumatic capsule functions separately.

 Receivers are made in the form of capacities in which fixed and current values P + min and P + max are created. To measure the pressure in the receivers, miniature pressure sensors are placed (for example, type MPX-5050 from Motorola), the signal from which goes to a microprocessor (for example, Intel 87C51GB).

 The control signals from the microprocessor output are fed to an electropneumatic converter (for example, ISV-M5 from Festo).

 The microprocessor sets the pressure in the receivers P + min P + max, algorithms, amplitudes, shape, duration and phase shift of the air pulses in each of the pneumocapsules of the left and right pneumatic boots.

 The touch keyboard and display associated with the microprocessor provide task and control of the modes of influence on the feet.

 The device operates as follows.

The device is programmed with exposure algorithms for three operating modes:
A. Standing
B. Walking
C. Jogging.

For each of these modes, the following parameters are set:
P + min - the minimum level of pneumatic action, determined by the degree of fit of the pneumocapsules to the foot, and is approximately 5-15 kPa;
P + max - the maximum level of pneumatic action, determined by the pressure on the feet under normal conditions. The maximum pressure in pneumatic capsules can be realized up to 50 kPa overpressure.

 The operating range of frequencies of pneumatic action is 0-30 imp / min.

 Session time up to 12 hours of continuous exposure.

 Pnevmobotinki 1 put on the soles of the feet. They are connected by pipelines and cables (electric) of the pneumatic shoe 1 with the electron-pneumatic unit 17.

 Turn on the power of the electron-pneumatic unit 17. In the receivers of the minimum and maximum pressure, the set values are realized. The minimum pressure is applied to the compression chamber 4, as a result of which a more tight fit of the arch support to the surface of the foot is ensured.

 Using the touch keyboard 15 and the display 16 set the selected mode of operation.

 The impact on each of the local zones of the feet (Fig.3,4) is carried out using the rubber membrane 13 of the pneumatic module 10 mounted in the sole of the pneumatic boot.

 In accordance with the specified mode and its parameters, each electropneumatic transducer 14, controlled by the control unit 17, provides the issuance of pneumatic pulses, under the action of which elastic deformation ("trembling") occurs in the characteristic local zone of the foot through the membrane 13.

 The geometric arrangement of the characteristic local zones of the foot (Fig. 3), as well as the original algorithms of the waves of pneumatic action as a whole suggest the possibility of creating a traveling deformation wave (BVD) on the surface of the foot.

 Running waves of deformation are not obvious and non-trivial and have been used for centuries in animate and inanimate nature. (A.I. Dobrolyubov. Mechanisms on flexible and elastic elements. Minsk, 1984).

 The most important feature of the BVD is the transporting property, or mass transfer property. Apparently, the induced BVD provides the most effective activation of the mechanoreceptors of the feet, as well as the stimulation of the peripheral circulation of the legs.

 The beneficial effect of the device is not limited only to the foot. Its effect is reflected in other sectors of the musculoskeletal system, including the spine. Caused by BVD normalizes hemodynamics in the muscles of the lower leg and thigh. Since the musculoskeletal system is a supporting structure, changes in the gravitational load lead to a distorted spatial topographic position of the internal organs. Therefore, natural drainage is disrupted, foci of accumulation of unreduced decay products, vascular compression, which leads to poor blood supply, are formed. Due to the organization of the BVD in the characteristic zones of the feet, it becomes possible to restore the spatial topography of the internal organs. The stability of the achieved correction of their position is ensured by the restoration of normal posture and the elimination of deformations of the musculoskeletal system.

 Continuous stimulation of the local zones of the feet ensures a steady flow of information from the mechanoreceptors into the central nervous system under conditions of physical inactivity.

 This mode of afferent activity contributes to the continuous maintenance of muscle activity, providing a vertical posture of a person on two legs.

 The activity of the muscles of the body, extension of the lower extremities, the reaction of the sole are the main reactions to the information received during stimulation of the supporting receptors of the feet (for example, in accordance with the diagrams of Fig. 8).

 The device according to the present invention is a modern electron-pneumatic device using the latest operating principles in conjunction with precision electronic and electro-pneumatic components.

 The original constructive implementation provides effective stimulation of the support areas of the feet of a person.

 The application of the invention will improve the General condition and well-being of a person, increasing its performance. This is especially important in zero gravity.

 The application of the invention is another step in the knowledge of man as a complex biophysical system.

Claims (2)

 1. Device for the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system in zero gravity, containing two pneumatic boots, each of which is made in the form of a sole with an elastic instep and a multi-chamber compression cuff connected to a pressure source, load elements installed in the arch support, characterized in that respirators of minimum and maximum pressure connected to a pressure source are introduced, connected to pressure sensors that are connected to a microprocessor, while the load elements of each air the boot is made in the form of three pneumomodules, two of which are located in the toe, and one is located in the heel of the instep in the anatomically characteristic zones of the foot, each pneumomodule is made in the form of a pneumocapsule, which is a chamber with a membrane, the surface of which is located at the same level with the surface of the instep , and an electropneumatic transducer connected to it, connected to a minimum and maximum pressure receivers and a microprocessor, and each of the compression cuffs is connected to a minimum first pressure, wherein the pressure source is designed as a minikompressora connected to the microprocessor.  2. The device for the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system in zero gravity according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains a touch keyboard and a display connected to a microprocessor.

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