RU2181275C1 - Electromechanical vertebral training device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medical engineering. SUBSTANCE: device has fixed casing, bed connected to it through carriage member, driving unit and control unit. The carriage is mounted to enable one to do reciprocating harmonic or straight line or complex movements mainly in the perpendicular direction with respect to the vertebral column. The bed has recesses of anatomical shape for placing lower extremities into them. The control unit is remote control panel having keyboard for controlling procedure duration, bed height relative to the casing, carriage motion speed, amplitude and trajectory. The control unit is manufactured on the microprocessor base connected to commutation circuit through an input/output group. The commutation circuit is mounted in the device casing and connected to electromechanical driving unit having electric motor. The device also has electromagnetic unions of transmission mechanisms, electromagnetic union for changing bed height and power supply source. EFFECT: maintained vertebral column wave movement. 4 cl, 5 dwg

Description

 The invention relates to medicine and is used for mechanical action on the spine in order to treat osteochondrosis, radiculitis, most forms of spinal curvature, poor posture, etc. The invention will find application for eliminating disorders of the digestive organs, improper metabolism, overweight, vegetovascular dystonia, physical inactivity, insomnia, stress.

State of the art
Millions of people at a certain age begin to experience pain and discomfort in the back. The causes of many diseases are directly related to lack of mobility, lack of sufficient physical activity, and lack of exercise. Many patients often have to undergo numerous examinations that do not reveal any disease in them, and doctors diagnose vegetovascular dystonia. Studies have shown that 80% of the problems caused by chronic diseases are associated with the spine.

 Methods of exposure to the spine in order to eliminate its disorders are known and widely used in domestic and foreign medical practice for a long time. The most common of these methods are spinal traction using mechanical and hydraulic (underwater traction) means. However, all the means for implementing these methods are complex and cumbersome, they are used only in medical hospitals.

 For example, a device is known for underwater traction of the spine (USSR author's certificate 1718923), which solves the problem of increasing its relaxation by dosing the frequency of traction. This device contains a bath, a loading mechanism in the form of an inclined shield pivotally mounted on the bath wall with a load and an inflatable tank located on the foot end, as well as a rack with a dynamometer (load batcher) and rocker.

 Axillary stops and the pelvic girdle placed on an inclined shield are elements of the patient's fixation.

 Another device of the same principle of operation is described in the USSR author's certificate 1637802, it provides immersion and lifting of the patient from the bath, changing his position to the vertical and vice versa, and uses complex hydromechanical means.

 A mechanical device for the treatment of spinal diseases includes a device according to the USSR author's certificate 1653771, which ensures that the patient is in a physiologically favorable position for manual therapy in conditions of natural relaxation of the spine. The device comprises a frame with legs and a two-profile support bed with flat and radially curved surfaces along the length. Depending on the area of the spine subjected to stretching, the patient is placed on a curved surface and the head is fixed using the Glisson loop, the shoulder section using the chest belt, the lumbar region using the pelvic belt, which is connected by a flexible rod through a dynamometer with the lumbar-thoracic spine traction mechanism .

 The document of the USSR 1337084 describes a device for mechanical stresses used for compression loading of the spinal column, it contains a base with a fixed platform and guides on which a moving platform with a hinge and a pelvic section is placed. A load mechanism is connected to the movable platform by means of traction, dynamometer and spring. On the pelvic section are placed the elements of the pelvis fastening in the form of two pelvic stops with grips, an intermediate stop is located on its longitudinal axis, on the fixed platform there are two shoulder stops with grips. As is obvious, all these tools are complex and cumbersome, and they harshly affect the patient.

 International application 94/06392 describes a device including a frame that can be made free-standing or mounted on a wall, means for supporting the upper part of the user's torso on the frame, and a holder for supporting the lower part. The holder is made in the form of a base on which the user can stand or sit. The user assumes a position in which he is essentially fully supported, and gravitational forces act on him. The foot support is movable in the horizontal plane. In accordance with the invention, the upper body is suspended and subject to gravitational forces, and the legs placed on the platform oscillate with a low frequency. The degree and direction of oscillatory movements are controlled by remote control. During use of the device, the spine is straightened and blood circulation increases in areas where the voltage is especially high. In chronic diseases, exposure to a warm bath or the use of heat fluxes is most effective.

 When using the device according to document WO 95/03027, the spine bends with a longitudinal force exerting on the legs through the pelvic region, while there are displacements of the components of the spine, and the back muscles are tensed.

 Another analogue is the device according to domestic patent document 1439776. When the vibrator is turned on, vibrations are transmitted through the flexible traction and the pelvic girdle to the patient's spine. In the case of displacement of the pelvic girdle, the movement of the trolleys keeps the tensile force constant, which ensures stabilization of the vibration effect on the patient’s spine. The device allows you to accurately dose exposure and adjust the technique, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the treatment of diseases. However, rigid fixation of the upper part of the body does not allow to gently act on the spine in a gentle mode and to avoid pain. On this device, as on all the ones described above, it is impossible to obtain a wave-like physiological displacement of the spine, to increase blood formation and oxygen supply to the spine, and relaxation of muscles and organs is impossible.

 The closest to the claimed device can be recognized as an electromechanical simulator manufactured by the ELMAZ plant (see the instruction manual) and includes a base, a foot bed for locating legs, a vibrator drive, and a carriage. This device, however, does not provide displacement of the legs in the transverse direction, it vibrates the body part located on the lodgement in the vertical direction, the frequency of oscillations created by this device is high. It does not provide wave-like movement of the spine, which is most favorable for restoring the functions of organs, and thus, the effectiveness of this device is low.

 The claimed invention, in contrast to these known solutions, acts on the spine in a manner similar to how traditional oriental massage acts on the spine. Due to the transverse movement of the feet, the spine bends in a wave-like and soft manner, the frequency of exposure corresponds to its natural frequency. The application of the invention will correct any curvatures and seals that are present in almost any modern person.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention solves the problem of creating a compact device for everyday use with the aim of therapeutic and preventive effects on the spine. The invention provides a mild destructive effect on the salt deposits that occur in every adult patient; when using it, there is no need to resort to the services of expensive massage procedures and long and hard physical exercises. Oscillation of the intervertebral discs leads to the removal of constriction and congestive effects, there is a training of the intervertebral ligaments.

 The principle of operation of the device is the rhythmic swinging of the feet of a person lying on his back. Fluctuations through the hip joint are transmitted to the spine and cause it to bend in waves.

 The technical result achieved by using the invention is to provide wave-like movement of the spine and thereby increase the therapeutic effectiveness of the effect on the spine.

 It was found that using the device only for 15 minutes a day will allow the spine to normalize without physical costs and maintain its normal condition for a long time.

 The invention is also aimed at improving ease of use and the possibility of using the device by a wide range of people at home. The device is compact and quite convenient for transportation, so it can be used on trips without interrupting the treatment process.

 As you know, the body consists of 70 different types of cells. Cells are similar to a chemical plant; complex chemical reactions are constantly carried out in them. To carry out these reactions, cells need oxygen delivery, otherwise they "strike". When using the invention, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the opening of the bronchioles and, consequently, to an increase in the oxygen supply to the lungs, the blood supply to the lungs improves, as a result of which the level of oxygen in the lungs rises, which in turn helps to activate the metabolism in the cells.

 Only two organs are capable of producing the globulin of the immune system; in adulthood, the task of producing globulin completely passes to the spine. Using the invention activates the spine and it begins to produce a large amount of globulin. Increasing the level of globulin in the body enhances immune defense, which makes it easier to overcome or avoid diseases. Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow contained in the vertebrae, as well as in the spleen. The hematopoietic function of the spleen is limited due to its exposure to adverse internal and external influences. In this regard, the spine becomes more important. The side-to-side movement of the spine created by the invention activates the sympathetic nervous system and helps to strengthen the hematopoietic function of the spine, thus helping to overcome anemia.

 The technical result is achieved due to the fact that in the electromechanical simulator containing a stationary body, a lodgement connected to it through the carriage, an electromechanical drive and control means, the carriage is installed with the possibility of reciprocal harmonic movements in a direction substantially transverse to the spine, the lodgement is made with hollows of anatomical shape for placement of the lower extremities in them, and the controls are an external control panel, on the torus contains a control keyboard that allows you to adjust the duration of the procedures, the height of the cradle relative to the housing, the speed, amplitude and trajectory of the carriage, and the associated control unit, a group of inputs and outputs connected to a switching circuit connected to the electromechanical drive installed in the housing and power supply unit.

 An additional technical result is achieved due to the fact that the carriage is installed with the possibility of rectilinear movements.

 In addition, the carriage can be installed with the possibility of circular movements or movements along the curve in the form of a figure eight.

 The electromechanical drive contains an electric motor, means for activating the gears of the rectilinear and complex movements of the carriage, and means for changing the height of the lodgement.

 In addition, the electric motor through the gearbox and the first electromagnetic clutch and the first gear wheel is connected with rotatable arcs connected by a coupler, on which an axis is rigidly connected with the slide moving the carriage.

 The electric motor through a gearbox, a second electromagnetic clutch and a second gear wheel is connected with counter-rotating arcs connected by a screed made with the possibility of changing the length, in which the axis is rigidly connected with the slide moving the carriage.

 The electric motor through a gearbox, a third electromagnetic clutch and a third gear wheel is connected to a rotatable arc, to which a rotary axis is connected, the other end of which is rigidly connected to a slider moving the carriage.

 The following example of a specific implementation of a vertebral simulator allows us to explain in more detail the resulting technical result.

Description of drawings
The invention and the possibility of achieving a technical result is illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a vertebral simulator, in Fig. 2 is a general view of the device, in Fig. 3 is a part of a kinematic diagram of a device performing a rectilinear reciprocating movement, FIG. 4 is a part of the kinematic diagram for circular motions, and FIG. 5 is for movements in the form of a figure eight.

An example of a specific implementation of the invention
The vertebral simulator contains a stationary housing 1, in which a carriage 2 is connected, connected with a drive 3, which includes an electric motor 4 and a transmission mechanism 5 for converting the rotational movement of the shaft of the electric motor 4 into reciprocal harmonic movements of the carriage 2. The transmission mechanism is made, for example, in the form a mechanism containing arcs 8, 9 and 10, 11 and 12 connected to the motor shaft through the gearbox 6 and the gear wheel 7. The arcs through the hinges 13, 14 or 15 are respectively connected to the axes 16, 17 or 18. The axles, in turn, cut electromagnetic couplings 19, 20 or 21 are connected to a slider 22 that moves the carriage 2. When moving along a complex path, such as a circular or figure eight, the transmission mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the motor shaft through the gearbox, gear 7, coupler 24 (25) with hinges 14 (15), the axis 17 (18) of the coupling 20 (21), the slider 22. For the movement along the figure eight, the screed 25 is made with the possibility of changing the length, and the arcs 11, 12 are set so that they rotate counterclockwise. The carriage 2 is rigidly connected with the lodgement 26, which contains depressions 27 for accommodating the lower extremities, made in anatomical form and serving to fix the lower legs of the lower extremities when moving in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the human body, as well as during movements such as figure eight or circular motions. The principle of the simulator is the rhythmic swinging of the feet of a person lying on his back. The housing 1 of the device by means of an electric wire 28 is connected to an external control panel 29, in the housing of which there is a microprocessor-based control circuit 30 that provides on-off of the device, initial timer setting, adjustment of the carriage speed, adjustment of the central axis of the carriage lodgement relative to the plane of the simulator support ( stationary case of the device), adjustment of the amplitude of movement of the carriage relative to the axis of symmetry, setting the movement of the carriage in the plane of the support of the device constant trajectory, the inclusion of automatic operation of the simulator, in which process parameters are changed automatically. All changeable parameters correspond to the functional features of the user. The user controls the control panel 29 in his hand or places it in close proximity to himself in order to control the operation of the simulator during the exercises. On the remote control 29 there is a keyboard for setting operating modes 31 and a timer knob 32. In the housing 1, a switching circuit 33 is connected, connected to the inputs of the control panel 29, and the outputs to the drive 3, which includes an electric motor 4, electromagnetic couplings for moving the carriage, respectively, linear, circular and eight - 19, 20 and 21, as well as an electromagnetic coupling for changing the height of the tool tray 34. The power supply 35 (network or autonomous) is connected to the power inputs of the switching circuit 33. The switching circuit 33 is a conventional circuit, performing power electrically controlling the operation of the engine 4 (speed, direction of rotation, duration of operation, pauses, acceleration, deceleration) according to the instructions of the microprocessor 30 and the inclusion of couplings 19-21 and 34.

 The simulator is used as follows.

 Before treatment and after exercise, it is recommended to take a small amount of water to cleanse the body of toxins released during the session. The simulator is installed on a hard floor or couch. Using it on a spring mattress or bed does not give good results. Adjust the height of the lodgement placement depending on the anatomical features of the user and his fitness. The control panel 29 is placed next to the user's hand, and the lower legs are placed in the depressions 27 on the lodgement 26. The body is placed perpendicular to the apparatus, more precisely, the direction of movement of the carriage 2 with the lodgement 26. Three different poses are used to influence different sections of the spine and maximize unloading of its separate sections: arms along the body, arms under the head, arms extended above the head. After the adoption of a correct and comfortable posture, the apparatus is turned on by turning the timer knob 32 on the control panel 29 and the procedure time is set, bringing the pointer to the desired value. Previously, using the keyboard, set the operating mode - the trajectory of movement, speed (frequency), duration of pauses, etc. For best results, the muscles of the body should be relaxed. When the apparatus is operating, the legs make reciprocating movements, which are transferred to the spine through the hip joints. Following the movement of the legs, the spine makes smooth wave-like movements, while the vertebrae are gently shifted, intervertebral distances change, salt deposits formed on the intervertebral discs are gradually removed, blood rises to the spine and improves oxygen metabolism. The body is saturated with oxygen, but not deprived of it, as happens with intense physical work or exercise. The rhythmic movements of the spine contribute to blood formation, the spine during straight waves begins to straighten, the tendons and ligaments relax and stretch, the back muscles soften and their blood supply increases. Regular use of the simulator helps prevent salt deposition (calcination) in the spine, limiting its mobility and deformation.

 In more advanced cases and poor condition of the spine, advanced diseases and slagging of the body, it is advisable to establish an individual mode, for example, more complex trajectories of the legs, setting movements using the keyboard 31, and, therefore, a more complex waveform when the spine moves. When setting the motion along a complex path, the corresponding pair of electromagnetic couplings is turned on, which ensures the connection of the electric motor with the corresponding gear mechanism and this gear mechanism with the slider (see Figs. 4-5). The simulator provides for smooth adjustment of frequency modes in the range from 1 to 2 Hz in accordance with the natural frequencies of the spinal vibrations for people of different constitutional structures (as you know it is within such limits that the natural frequencies of this organ are located). For users with high or low blood pressure, suffering from anemia, there is a lightweight mode with pauses after several cycles of oscillation, which is also set on the control panel 29.

 Example 1. An experimental copy of the simulator was used for the rehabilitation of athletes 1.5-2 hours after the training or competition loads of the hockey team. After using the simulator, hockey players noted a wave-like surge of energy in the spine, a decrease in the feeling of muscle fatigue and stiffness, relaxation of the back muscles, and a decrease in pain in the thoracic and lumbosacral spine. The simulator is recommended by the Russian Hockey Federation for use to accelerate the rehabilitation processes of athletes.

 Example 2. Medical tests of the simulator were carried out on 14 patients with various pathologies and 22 healthy athletes tested. The first group included patients with osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine aged 28 to 64 years (9 men and 5 women). The second group consisted of 13 people with professional muscular overstrain of the back and lower extremities (athletes). The third group - 9 healthy subjects. Treatment outcomes were evaluated based on a patient report on a subjective pain rating scale. The procedures were carried out for 15 minutes daily with a total number of procedures up to 15. After the full course of treatment, the pain syndrome stopped in the vast majority of patients (up to 80%), or significantly decreased. The use of the apparatus in individuals whose labor activity is associated with limitation of movements, static position and tension of the muscles of the back, lower back and lower extremities has shown that the procedures performed relieve tension of the corresponding muscle groups, relieve pain syndromes associated with this, and improve mood. The best results were obtained for the second group of subjects. There were no complications associated with the use of the claimed simulator; patients and subjects did not show complaints about the poor tolerance of the procedures.

 The claimed invention has undoubted advantages over the prior art solutions, which are as follows.

 1. The invention provides training for the whole body, the device according to the invention can be used by everyone - men and women, the elderly and children. There are no restrictions related to the time, place and climatic conditions of use of this unit.

 2. The device is used in a prone position, there is no pressure or voltage.

 3. There is no injury possible with the use of manual massage. While lying down during an exercise, the user cannot fall, stretch his muscles, or injure himself in any other way. Heart rate remains the same, as does blood pressure. All this makes exercise on the simulator safe and effective.

 4. The simulator is simple and comfortable to use. For a modern person seeking to avoid unnecessary inconvenience, he is the easiest way to develop a habit of regular exercise.

 As studies have shown, 15 minutes of exercises on the simulator in its healing effect on the body correspond to 10 thousand steps.

 Various modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the limitation of the invention is determined only by the scope of the claims.

Claims (4)

 1. Electromechanical simulator containing a stationary housing, a lodgement connected to it through the carriage, an electromechanical drive made in the form of an electric motor, gearbox and gear, and a control panel, characterized in that the gear mechanism is made in the form of gears and gears connected to the motor shaft the wheel of arcs and couplers, which are respectively connected through the hinges to the axes, which are connected via electromagnetic couplings to the slide moving the carriage, while the coupler is made with the possibility of neniya length and arc mounted for counter-rotation.  2. The simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that the carriage is installed with the possibility of rectilinear movements in the transverse relative to the spine direction.  3. The simulator on PP. 1 and 2, characterized in that the carriage is installed with the possibility of circular movements or movements along a curve in the form of a figure eight in the transverse direction relative to the spine.  4. The simulator on PP. 1-3, characterized in that the lodgement is made with hollows of anatomical shape to accommodate the lower extremities.

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