RU234767U1 - Finger trainer for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, as well as training the eye muscles - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to medicine, to the field of neurology, neuropsychology, and ophthalmology, and can be used in rehabilitation departments of neurological clinics when conducting classes on restoring the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia, as well as for training the eye muscles in order to prevent visual impairment when working on a computer and classes aimed at improving visual acuity in various diseases associated with impaired functioning of the eye muscles. The utility model is a structure consisting of a retainer (1) made with the possibility of placement and fixation on the end part of one of the fingers of the hand and having the shape of a thimble, in the upper part of which a control element (2) is fixed, designed to concentrate the gaze and control the eye movement of the student during the exercise. Thus, the claimed "Finger Trainer" is an easy-to-manufacture and easy-to-use compact device that provides the possibility of conducting classes aimed at working with both the central and peripheral sections of the visual analyzer. The use of the "Finger Trainer" expands the possibilities of classes on restoring the impaired process of eye movements and training the eye muscles due to the fact that, starting from the first classes, the work process is carried out using an external tool that facilitates the control of eye movements and training of the eye muscles, and the process of classes itself becomes more interesting and attractive for those involved.

Description

The utility model relates to medicine, to the field of neurology, neuropsychology, and ophthalmology, and can find application in rehabilitation departments of neurological clinics when conducting classes on restoring the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia, as well as for training eye muscles for the purpose of preventing visual impairment when working on a computer, and classes aimed at improving visual acuity in various diseases associated with impaired functioning of the eye muscles.

The process of eye movements is one of the necessary components that ensure the functioning of the human visual analyzer, in the functioning of which the normal functioning of the eye muscles plays an important role.

The visual analyzer is a complex neuroreceptor system that perceives and analyzes visual stimuli. The visual analyzer includes three sections: peripheral (eye), conductive (optic nerve, visual and subcortical nerve formations) and central (visual zone of the cerebral cortex) (Dictionary "Correctional Pedagogy and Special Psychology". Visual analyzer, found on the Internet at https://correction_pedagogy.academic.ru/741/Зрительный_ансалатор).

One of the disorders of the central part of the visual analyzer is visual agnosia, which occurs when the occipital and frontal parts of the cerebral cortex are damaged, as a result of which patients have difficulty perceiving "noisy" images of objects and things, and with more severe damage to the occipital parts of the cerebral cortex, real objects and things.

The process of visual perception has a complex structure and can be disrupted due to damage to its various components.

One of the important components necessary for the normal functioning of visual perception is the process of eye movements that trace the contour of the perceived object or subject, and perform a number of other complex movements during the perception of various objects and subjects (Yarbus A.L. The Role of Eye Movements in the Process of Perceiving Images. Moscow: Nauka, 1965).

In the cerebral cortex there are two oculomotor “centers” that control gaze movements: the posterior “center” is located in the parietal-occipital regions of the cerebral cortex and serves for the reflex regulation of gaze movements, ensuring the act of fixation and tracking of a moving point, and the anterior “center” is located in the middle regions of the premotor zone (Brodmann’s area 8) and is the apparatus that regulates voluntary translation of the eyes and active search movements of the gaze (Luria A.R. Lectures on General Psychology, St. Petersburg: Piter, 2006).

Currently, various methods are used for training in restoring the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia.

Thus, the method of M.G. Khrakovskaya is known, designed to restore the process of eye movements, their optical-motor activity in neurological patients with visual perception disorders. At the early stages of work on this method, tasks are used aimed at restoring eye movements according to automated reading algorithms: from left to right and top to bottom, line by line. Gradually, during the lessons, the volume of visual information and the complexity of the tasks increase. This type of tasks allows to increase the readiness for perception due to the regulation of movement and fixation of the gaze. Then, tasks are used aimed at identifying and classifying the details of objects according to specified visual features, etc. (Khrakovskaya M.G. Optimization of neuropsychological rehabilitation strategies using the example of restoring visual gnosis.//Neurorehabilitation-2009: Proceedings of the I International Congress. - M., 2009. - P. 48).

The disadvantages of this method when used for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, as well as training the eye muscles are:

a) this technique is based on the use of automated eye movement algorithms, without the use of any additional external means that make it easier for the patient to control eye movement;

b) this technique provides the ability to restore eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material;

c) this technique helps train the eye muscles that ensure eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material.

Also known is the method of L.S. Tsvetkova, designed to restore reading in case of disorder of the process of eye movements. This method is based on the use of an additional external means, controlling the patient's gaze and facilitating the implementation of the disordered process of eye movements. As this means, a special cardboard frame is used, which is placed on the word, leaving the whole word or several of its letters visible, which the patient must read, then the frame gradually moves along the line from word to word, leading the patient's gaze and including in the work his preserved kinesthetic sensations (Tsvetkova L.S. Restorative training in local brain damage. Moscow, Pedagogy, 1972).

The disadvantages of this method when used for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, as well as training the eye muscles are:

a) this technique is intended only for the restoration of eye movements in case of reading process disorders;

b) this technique provides the ability to restore eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material;

c) this technique helps train the eye muscles that ensure eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material.

Also known is the method of L.E. Selyavko, designed to restore the impaired process of eye movements based on the "Methodological manual "Linear simulator for group classes to restore the impaired process of eye movements and voluntary attention in neurological patients" (Patent RU 109874 S, 07/24/2018).

This manual contains sheets with working material that provide the ability to perform exercises aimed at implementing the process of eye movements in various directions: horizontal, vertical and diagonal. At the same time, a pointer is used as an external means that facilitates the patient's implementation of the impaired process of eye movements (Selyavko L.E. Neuropsychological manual "Linear simulator for classes on restoring the impaired process of eye movements and voluntary attention" Methodical almanac "Neurorehabilitator" No. 1. Moscow: Publishing house "Sputnik +", 2020. - P. 52-55).

The disadvantages of this method when used for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, as well as training the eye muscles are:

a) this technique provides the ability to restore eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material;

b) this technique helps train the eye muscles that ensure eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material.

Thus, the methods discussed above help train the eye muscles that ensure eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material, and are not intended to train the eye muscle (ciliary muscle) that ensures clear perception of objects located in space at different distances from the patient.

The ciliary muscle (ciliary muscle) is an internal muscle of the eye that has a ring-shaped form and provides accommodation for viewing objects at different distances (Wikipedia. Ciliary muscle, found on the Internet at https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Цилиарная_мыца).

Accommodation is the eye's adaptation to clearly see objects at different distances by focusing the image on the retina. When looking at an object at a close distance, signals are sent to the brain due to its unclear image on the retina. Excitation from the oculomotor nerve is transmitted to the ciliary muscle, which contracts, due to which the ciliary body ring narrows, the tension of the zonule weakens, and the lens, especially its anterior surface, becomes more convex. The refractive power of the eye increases, and the image of a close object becomes clear. When the visual axis of the eye is transferred to a distant object, irritation of the oculomotor nerve ceases, the ciliary muscle relaxes, the ciliary body ring expands, the zonule of Zinn is stretched and the lens takes on a flatter shape (Great Russian Encyclopedia. Accommodation, found on the Internet at https://bigenc.ra/c/akkomodatsiia-aba563).

Along with methods based on the use of printed materials, various devices and trainers are used to restore the impaired process of eye movements.

Thus, from the existing level of technology, a device is known: “A simulator for exercises to restore eye movements in patients of a neurological clinic with a disorder of the visual perception process” (Patent RU 153548 U1, 27.07.2015).

Structurally, this device is a plastic frame in which a sheet with working material in the form of various images (objects, labyrinths, etc.) is installed, and an eye movement control element (made of metal with magnetic properties) is installed on the surface of the sheet being used, under which a magnet is located.

When using this device, the patient moves the magnet so that the eye movement control element moves along the contours or other parts of the image being used, while tracking its movement with his gaze.

Thus, this device provides the ability to work on restoring the process of eye movements in the plane of the sheet with the working material. However, eye movement is a more complex process, providing visual perception not only in the plane, but also in real three-dimensional space.

The disadvantages of this device when used for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, as well as training the eye muscles are:

a) this device provides the ability to restore eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material;

b) this device helps train the eye muscles that ensure eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material, but is not intended for training the ciliary muscle;

c) the need to use additional materials in the form of sheets with working materials.

To train the ciliary muscles of the eyes, various sets of exercises are used, one of which is, for example, the set "Visual exercises for relaxation and training of the ciliary muscle", which includes the following exercises: a) a mark with a diameter of 1.5-2 cm is applied to the window glass, and the practitioner, being at a distance of 30-35 cm from the window glass, must move his gaze from the mark to some object located outside the window at a distance of at least 5 meters, and back; b) the practitioner must stretch his hand forward and look at the tip of his index finger, after which he slowly moves his finger towards his nose, without taking his eyes off it, until the finger begins to double; c) the practitioner places the finger of the right hand at the level of the face, at a distance of 25-30 cm from the eyes and looks with both eyes at the tip of the finger for 5 seconds, covering the left eye with the hand for 5 seconds, after which he removes the palm and again looks at the finger with both eyes for 5 seconds, then changes hands (Ophthalmological Center. Eye exercises - training the ciliary muscle, found on the Internet on 03/20/2025 at https://optika-r.ru/zdorove-glaz/uprazhneniya-dlya-glaz-trenirovka-tsiliarnoy-myshtsy/).

The disadvantages of these exercises when used for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, as well as training the eye muscles are:

a) these exercises are not intended for training in restoring impaired eye movement processes;

b) these exercises provide training only for the ciliary muscles of the eyes;

c) in these exercises, the fingers of the hand are used as an element for concentrating the gaze of the practitioner and controlling the process of eye movement.

The use of fingers as an external means for concentrating the gaze and controlling the process of eye movement of the practitioner is also widely used in various other sets of exercises aimed at training the eye muscles, for example, in the set "The Best Exercises for Restoring Visual Acuity", which includes the following exercises based on the use of fingers: a) direct your gaze forward, wait a few seconds, then bring the index finger of one hand closer to the center of the face at a distance of 20 cm from the eyes, and then slowly direct your gaze to the tip of the phalanx of the finger and hold it for 5-6 seconds; b) raise your straight arms forward at head level, then hold your attention on the tip of the finger of one hand, and, without moving it, slowly bring the finger closer to the face until its phalanx begins to double; c) place the index finger of one hand at head level, 20-30 cm from the eyes and focus your gaze on the tip of the finger, holding it for 5-6 seconds, then cover one half of the face with the palm of the other hand and continue to look at the index finger with the unclosed eye, then perform the exercise with the other hand; d) slowly move the index finger of the right hand from side to side and follow its movement with your gaze, focusing on its tip, without moving your head (Serchenko O.G. The best exercises for restoring visual acuity, found on 03/20/2025 on the Internet at https://uteka.ru/articles/sovety/uprazhneniya-dlya-vosstanovleniya-zreniya/).

The disadvantages of using the fingers as an external means of concentrating the gaze and controlling eye movement during exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movement, as well as training the eye muscles, are:

a) the fingers have an elongated cylindrical shape, making it difficult to concentrate the gaze on them;

b) concentration of the gaze on the fingers is also made difficult by the fact that the fingers, being part of the hand, are not separated from it by any clear boundary;

c) the means of concentrating the gaze in various exercises is either the whole finger of the hand or its parts (fingertip, finger phalanx), which introduces uncertainty into the performance of these exercises.

Along with the exercises discussed above, various devices and trainers are also used to train the ciliary muscles of the eyes, using external means to concentrate the gaze and control the process of eye movement of those involved.

Thus, from the existing level of technology, the device “Trainer for the correction of presbyopia” is known (RU 138750 U1, 20.03.2014).

Structurally, this device is a hollow tube with a diameter of 15 mm and a length of 240 mm with a longitudinal slot, while the tube has plugs installed on both sides, and a ball with a diameter of 12 mm is placed inside, designed to concentrate the gaze and control the movement of the eyes of the person practicing.

When exercising with this device, the practitioner takes the device in his hands and places it perpendicularly at a distance of 15-30 cm from the eyes, so that the ball is visible in the tube slit. By rocking the tube along the longitudinal axis, the patient sets the ball in motion. The ball moves in the direction from the eyes and back, at a speed that the practitioner regulates so as to ensure the convergence of the axes of the eyes and bifixation of the ball as it approaches without discomfort. The closer the distance and the slower the speed of the ball, the more effective the effect on the ciliary muscles.

By continuously monitoring the ball moving forward and backward perpendicularly to the eyes for a short period of time and by using it daily and repeatedly, it has a direct effect on the ciliary muscles, restoring their tone and correcting vision in presbyopia.

Thus, this device provides the ability to train the ciliary muscles of the eyes due to the ability to freely move the ball in the cavity of the tube and track its movement through a longitudinal slit.

The disadvantages of this device when used for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, as well as training the eye muscles are:

a) this device is not intended for exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes;

b) this device is intended for training only the ciliary muscles

eye;

c) the range of motion (working stroke) of the ball, which provides the possibility of training the ciliary muscle, is equal to the length of the tube, which is 240 mm;

d) the need to hold the device with both hands, which complicates its use for neurological patients with impaired movement in one hand;

d) the difficulty of conducting classes with bedridden neurological patients.

Also known from the existing level of technology is the device “Trainer for exercises to restore eye movements in patients with visual-object agnosia” (Patent RU 160587 U1, 03/27/2016).

This device is a handle movably fixed on a flat stand, in the upper and lower parts of which two groups of telescopically connected tubes are placed, while the end of the central tube, located in the lower part of the handle, is connected to the stand, and at the end of the central tube, located in the upper part of the handle, a ball with a diameter of 10-20 mm is fixed, designed to concentrate the gaze and control the process of eye movement of the patient.

During the exercises, this device is placed on the surface of the table, and the ball is raised to a height corresponding to the eye level of the patient, who, holding the handle with one hand, begins to slowly move the ball, tracking its movement with his gaze.

This movement can be carried out in a plane either parallel or perpendicular to the patient’s face, or be of a more complex circular nature with periodic alternation of the direction of rotation.

Along with this, the patient, holding the stand of the device with one hand, smoothly lifts the ball with the handle with the other hand (moving the lower tubes apart) above eye level, after which he lowers it below eye level in a similar manner, as a result of which vertical movements are added to the trajectory of the ball's movement.

Thus, this device provides the ability to continuously track a ball with the gaze, performing complex movements in three spatial coordinates.

An important feature of this device is that it provides the ability to work aimed at both restoring the process of eye movements, implemented under the control of the oculomotor “centers” of the brain, which are part of the central section of the visual analyzer, and work aimed at training the eye muscles, which are part of the peripheral section of the visual analyzer.

The disadvantages of this device when used for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, as well as training the eye muscles are:

a) the possibility of using this device only if there is a horizontal surface;

b) the need to hold the handle with one hand and the stand of the device with the other, which complicates its use for neurological patients with impaired movement of one of the hands;

c) the difficulty of conducting classes with bedridden neurological patients;

d) the ability to perform only relatively simple movements with the ball: left-right, up-down, perpendicular to the eyes, in a circle;

d) the dimensions of the device, which has a stand, do not allow the patient to have it with him to conduct exercises in various conditions.

In order to overcome the shortcomings of the above-mentioned devices and training devices, a device called “Finger Trainer for Exercises to Restore the Disturbed Process of Eye Movements, as well as Training the Eye Muscles” (hereinafter referred to as “Finger Trainer”) has been developed. It is an easy-to-use and compact device that provides the ability to conduct exercises aimed at both restoring the process of eye movements (implemented under the control of the oculomotor “centers” of the brain, which are part of the central section of the visual analyzer), and exercises aimed at training the eye muscles (which are part of the peripheral section of the visual analyzer).

The tasks that the declared technical solution is aimed at solving are:

a) the versatility of the “Finger Trainer”, which provides the possibility of conducting exercises aimed at both the central and peripheral sections of the visual analyzer, which allows it to be used in various areas of medical rehabilitation;

b) providing the opportunity to conduct classes on the restoration of the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia;

c) providing the opportunity to train the eye muscles to prevent visual impairment when working on a computer;

d) providing the opportunity to train the eye muscles to improve visual acuity in various diseases associated with dysfunction of the eye muscles;

d) the use of an external means in the form of a control element, the shape and size of which facilitate the concentration of gaze and control of the eye movement process;

e) maintaining and enhancing interest in classes through the use of a new device that makes the class process more attractive and interesting;

g) increasing the range of motion of the control element to improve the effectiveness and variety of exercises to restore eye movements and more effectively train the ciliary muscles of the eyes;

c) ensuring the ability of the control element of the “Finger Trainer” to perform various movements along trajectories of varying degrees of complexity in three spatial coordinates;

i) the possibility of using the “Finger Trainer” in various conditions, in the absence of a horizontal surface, for example, during walks;

c) ensuring the ability to hold the “Finger Trainer” during exercise with one hand;

l) providing the opportunity to conduct independent studies using the “Finger Trainer”;

m) the compactness of the “Finger Trainer”, which makes it possible to carry it with you.

The technical result of the claimed utility model is an expansion of the arsenal of devices intended for work aimed at both the central and peripheral sections of the visual analyzer, implemented due to the design elements and compactness of the claimed "Finger Trainer", providing the possibility of conducting classes on the restoration of the impaired process of eye movements with a wide contingent of neurological patients with visual agnosia, including bedridden patients and patients with impaired movement of one of the hands, as well as classes on training the eye muscles for the prevention of visual impairment when working on a computer, and classes on training the eye muscles to improve visual acuity in various diseases associated with disorders of the eye muscles.

This technical result is achieved due to the fact that the “Finger trainer” contains a structure consisting of a retainer, designed with the possibility of placement and fixation on the end part of one of the fingers of the hand, and having the shape of a thimble, in the upper part of which a control element is fixed, designed to concentrate the gaze and control the movement of the eyes of the person exercising during the exercise.

In the preferred version of the “Finger Trainer”, the control element is made in the form of a three-dimensional geometric figure.

In the preferred version of the “Finger Trainer”, the control element is made in the form of a flat geometric figure.

In the preferred version of the “Finger Trainer”, the control element is made in the form of an object.

In the preferred version of the “Finger Trainer”, the control element is made in the form of an image of an object.

In the preferred version of the "Finger Trainer", the control element is designed as a symbol.

The essence of the utility model "Finger trainer for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, as well as training the eye muscles" is explained by drawings, which depict:

Fig. 1 - general view of the "Finger Trainer";

Fig. 2 - bottom view of the "Finger Trainer".

The claimed “Finger Trainer” (see Fig. 1, 2) is a device in the form of a structure consisting of a retainer (1), designed with the possibility of placing and fixing it on the end part (corresponding to the distal (nail) phalanx) of one of the fingers of the person exercising, and having the shape of a thimble, in the upper part of which a control element (2) is rigidly fixed, designed to concentrate the gaze and control the movement of the eyes of the person exercising during the exercise.

The term "finger" means "using the fingers of the hand" (Encyclopedia "Runiversalis". Dictionary: finger, found on the Internet at https://руни.рф/Словарь:пилчиовый).

The term "fixator" refers to "a device that secures or fixes something in a desired position" (Wiktionary. Fixator, found on the Internet at https://ru.wiktionary.org/wiki/fixator).

The term "thimble" refers to "a cap worn on the finger to protect it from being pricked by a needle when sewing" (Wiktionary: Thimble, found on the Internet at https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Наперсток).

Gaze - direction, focus of the eyes towards someone or something (Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language by Efremova. Gaze, found on the Internet at https://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/efremova/146522/B3op).

The dimensions of this particular "Finger Trainer" indicated below are not features that narrow the scope of legal protection, as they may change during the process of its creation.

The retainer (1) can be made of plastic or metal and has the shape of a thimble, which is a cylinder or a truncated cone, which are hollow and have no lower base.

A cylinder is a body that consists of two circles (called bases), combined by parallel translation, and all segments connecting the corresponding points of these circles (Cylinder, found on the Internet at https://uztest.ru/abstracts/?idabstract=99).

A truncated cone is a solid of revolution formed by rotating a rectangular trapezoid about a lateral side perpendicular to the bases. (Truncated cone. https://uztest.ru/abstracts/?idabstract=85&ysclid=m8glxyjy86164235562).

The upper part of the retainer (1) can be made in the form of a flat round surface with rounded corners or in the form of a hemisphere.

The dimensions of the retainer (1) must ensure reliable fixation of the “Finger Trainer” on the end part of one of the fingers of the exerciser’s hand, which is achieved by tightly fitting the retainer (1) or by its elasticity (if the retainer (1) is made of plastic).

The height of the retainer (1) is 20-30 mm, the internal diameter at its bottom is 15-20 mm, and the wall thickness is 1-2 mm.

In the upper part of the retainer (1) a control element (2) is rigidly fixed (e.g. by means of an adhesive connection), designed to concentrate the gaze and control the eye movement of the person exercising (a patient with impaired eye movement or visual acuity, as well as a person training vision) during the performance of exercises aimed at restoring the impaired process of eye movement or training the eye muscles.

The control element (2) can be designed as:

a) a three-dimensional geometric figure, for example, a sphere, a polyhedron (dodecahedron, icosahedron, spherical polyhedron), etc.;

b) a flat geometric figure, for example, a circle, a polygon (hexagon, octagon), etc.;

c) a three-dimensional object, such as an apple, a flower, etc.;

d) a flat image of an object, for example, an image of an apple, an image of a flower, etc.;

d) a symbol, for example, a number, letter, hieroglyph, etc.;

e) any other object that provides the ability to concentrate the gaze and control the eye movement of the student during the course of the lesson.

The term "polyhedron" refers to a closed surface made up of polygons. There are different types of polyhedrons, for example, a dodecahedron is a twelve-sided polyhedron, an icosahedron is a twenty-sided polyhedron, etc. (Wikipedia. Polyhedron, found on the Internet at https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Многогранник).

The term "spherical polyhedron" refers to a tessellation on a sphere in which the surface is divided by large arcs into bounded regions called spherical polygons. The best-known example of a spherical polyhedron is the soccer ball (Wikipedia. Spherical polyhedron, found on the Internet at https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Сферические бедник).

The term "polygon" refers to a geometric figure defined as a part of a plane bounded by a closed broken line. A polygon with three vertices is called a triangle, with four - a quadrilateral, with five - a pentagon, etc. (Wikipedia. Polygon, found on the Internet at https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Погогород).

The term "object" is understood as any specific material phenomenon perceived by the senses and thinking as something that exists separately. To see an object. Animate, inanimate object. To discover an object, etc. (Website Academician. Encyclopedic Dictionary. Object, found on the Internet at https://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/es/45885/продел).

The term "symbol" refers to a separate graphic sign in writing, such as a letter, number, etc. (Wiktionary. Symbol, found on the Internet at https://ru.wiktionary.org/wiki/symbol).

If the control element (2) is made in the form of a ball, its diameter can be 15-60 mm.

If the control element (2) is made in the form of some other three-dimensional geometric figure or in the form of an object, then its length, width and height are within 15-60 mm.

If the control element (2) is made in the form of a flat geometric figure, an image of an object or a symbol, then its width and height are within 15-60 mm, and the thickness is 2-8 mm.

The control element (2) can be made of plastic (transparent, translucent or opaque), rubber, wood, metal, glass or any other material.

The outer surface of the control element (2) can be matte or shiny.

In this case, a coating of any color or a coating in the form of a combination of several different colors can be applied to the outer surface of the control element (2). Also, various graphic elements in the form of dots, lines, geometric figures, symbols (letters, numbers), etc., which can be located in an arbitrary order, or in accordance with the appearance of any object or item, for example, a watch dial, can be applied to the outer surface of the control element (2).

If the control element (2) is made in the form of a three-dimensional geometric figure or object, it can be monolithic or hollow.

If the control element (2) is made of plastic in the form of a three-dimensional geometric figure or object and is hollow, it can be additionally equipped with internal illumination consisting of a light-emitting diode installed inside it and a battery (like a "tablet"), as well as a switch located, for example, in the center of its upper part. In this case, the illumination of the control element (2) is not a mandatory element of the "Finger Trainer" design.

Thus, the design elements of the “Finger Trainer” provide:

a) ease and convenience of fixing the device on the end of any finger of the left or right hand for the implementation of various exercises aimed at restoring the impaired process of eye movements or training the eye muscles;

b) the ability to implement various movements of the control element (2) of the device along various trajectories of any degree of complexity;

c) increasing and maintaining interest in classes to restore the impaired process of eye movements and training the eye muscles through the use of a new device;

d) the ability to use the device in various conditions, in the absence of a horizontal surface;

d) the possibility of conducting classes with a wide range of neurological patients due to the fact that the device is held with one hand;

e) the ability of the user to carry the device with him due to its compactness.

Work with the device "Finger trainer for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, as well as training of eye muscles" is carried out using methods determined by the tasks of restorative or training exercises.

Restoration of the process of eye movements in patients with visual agnosia The relevance of using the "Finger Trainer" during classes on restoring the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia is due to the fact that most existing trainers and manuals provide the ability to restore eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material, in contrast to which the "Finger Trainer" provides the ability to restore eye movements in real three-dimensional space.

Classes to restore the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia are conducted under the guidance of a neuropsychologist or other specialist in this field.

When conducting a course of exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, the specialist shows the patient various types of exercises, teaching him how to independently use the “Finger Trainer”.

The first type of exercises includes the simplest movements of the control element (2) in one conditional plane located in front of the patient's face at arm's length. For example, movements to the left and right, movements up and down, movements along the diagonals of a conditional rectangle, etc.

After the specialist has demonstrated these exercises, the "Finger Trainer" is placed and fixed on the end of one of the fingers (e.g., the thumb) of the patient's hand (e.g., the right one), after which the patient makes a slow, uniform movement of the control element (2) along these trajectories, tracks its movement with his gaze, without straining his eyes or moving his head. At the same time, the specialist monitors the correctness of the patient's performance of these exercises, so that the movements are smooth and calm, and the maximum deviation of the control element (2) is comfortable for the patient (this also applies to other types of exercises).

The second type of exercise is that the patient positions his hand with the "Finger Trainer" (fixed to the end of one of the fingers) so that the control element (2) is motionless in front of his face at arm's length. Then the patient, looking at the control element (2), makes smooth movements of the head to the left and right, up and down, etc. under the supervision of a specialist.

The third type of exercises is a more complicated version of the first type of exercises and includes more complex movements of the control element (2), which are performed in a conditional plane located approximately at arm's length in front of the patient's face. For example, movements in a circle (clockwise and counterclockwise), movements along the contour of a horizontally oriented figure eight (clockwise and counterclockwise), etc.

The fourth type of exercise is a more complicated version of the second type of exercise, and consists of the patient placing his hand with the "Finger Trainer" in such a way that the control element (2) is motionless in front of his face at arm's length. Then the patient, looking at the control element (2), makes more complex movements with his head, for example, in a circle (clockwise and counterclockwise), along the contour of a horizontally oriented figure eight (clockwise and counterclockwise), etc. under the supervision of a specialist.

The fifth type of exercises includes movements of the control element (2), which are carried out in a vertical plane perpendicular to the center of the patient's face. For example, linear movements from the patient's face and back, circular movements (clockwise and counterclockwise), etc.

The sixth type of exercises includes more complex trajectories of movements of the control element (2), carried out not in one plane, as in the first, third and fifth types of exercises, but in three-dimensional space. For example, movements along the contour of an imaginary ball or any other three-dimensional figure, etc.

The above-described types of exercises using the “Finger Trainer” differ in their degree of complexity and are included by the specialist in the training process gradually, taking into account the degree of impairment of the patient’s eye movement process and his ability to perform certain eye movements.

Each exercise is repeated by the patient, depending on his condition, from two to five times, with certain breaks, the duration of which is determined by the specialist.

As the patient achieves positive results in restoring the process of eye movements, a gradual increase in the number of exercises of the sixth type is carried out, which are distinguished by a more complex trajectory of movements of the control element (2).

Eye muscle training to prevent vision problems

The relevance of using the "Finger Trainer" for training the eye muscles for the purpose of preventing visual impairment is due to the fact that at present, work, study and other activities of most people are associated with a computer, the active use of which contributes to the emergence of computer vision syndrome.

Visual performance and visual fatigue of a computer user are closely related to the state of his accommodation (the ability of the visual apparatus to focus the gaze on objects located at different distances) and convergence (the convergence of the visual axes of both eyes on a fixed object) of the eye. The basis for the development of computer vision syndrome is the mechanism of overstrain of the accommodative apparatus of the eye. Due to the fact that text on electronic media is not presented in the form of solid lines, but consists of separate dots and pixels, images on electronic media and paper differ greatly and the eyes are not able to maintain focus. This leads to disruption of the work and uneven contraction of the muscle that provides accommodation (ciliary muscle) and the development of accommodation spasm (A.I. Oleynik. Computer vision syndrome, found on 03/20/2025 on the Internet at https://gkb-23.ru/tag/elektrostimulyatsiya-tsiliamoj-myshtsy/).

One of the ways to combat computer vision syndrome is visual gymnastics, based on regular performance of a set of exercises to relieve eye strain: a) look alternately to the right and left, focusing on each point for 1-2 seconds; b) look alternately up and down, focusing on each point for 1-2 seconds; c) perform circular eye movements, first clockwise, then counterclockwise; d) open and close your eyes quite intensively; d) look alternately diagonally up to the right and down to the left, up to the left and down to the right, focusing on each point for 1-2 seconds; e) bring the index finger of the hand closer to the nose, focusing the gaze on the tip of the finger, thus bringing the eyes to the nose and fixing the gaze for 1-2 seconds (Daria Lebedinets. How working at a computer affects vision, found on 03/20/2025 on the Internet at https://oft.nika-nn.m/articles/kak-rabota-za-kompyuterom-vliyaet-na-zrenie/?ysclid=m6xq31ajuc266778241).

The developed “Finger Trainer” facilitates the performance of this and similar sets of exercises based on eye movement, making their performance more convenient and comfortable due to the presence of a control element (2), which the practitioner follows with his gaze during the performance of these exercises.

In this case, the use of the “Finger Trainer” is particularly relevant for conducting visual gymnastics for neurological patients during classes on restoring impaired mental functions using computer technologies, which are widely used in the practice of neuropsychological rehabilitation of patients with organic brain damage (Selyavko L.E., Tsvetkova L.S. Computer technologies in rehabilitation training. Bulletin of Moscow University. Series 14, Psychology. 2006. No. 2. Pp. 71-78).

This is due to the fact that the visual system of neurological patients is more susceptible to the negative impact of a computer monitor and therefore needs rest and preventive training to a greater extent.

The use of the "Finger Trainer" during exercises aimed at training the eye muscles for the prevention of visual impairment is carried out through visual gymnastics exercises to overcome computer vision syndrome and various exercises similar to the exercises described above aimed at restoring the process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia.

At the same time, the main differences between classes aimed at training the eye muscles for the prevention of visual impairment in computer vision syndrome and classes aimed at restoring the process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia are:

a) shorter classes, conducted more regularly;

b) the use of additional exercises that promote better eye function: blinking, eye massage, etc.;

c) some increase in the number of exercises of the fifth and sixth types aimed at training the ciliary muscle.

All exercises performed using the “Finger Trainer” should be performed slowly, calmly, smoothly, without straining the eye muscles.

Along with exercises aimed at training the eye muscles to prevent visual impairment when working on a computer, the "Finger Trainer" can be used to prevent visual impairment during any other activity involving prolonged concentration of gaze on objects located close to the eyes, for example, when reading books, writing on a piece of paper, etc.

Eye muscle training to improve visual acuity

The relevance of using the "Finger Trainer" for training the eye muscles in order to improve visual acuity is due to the fact that various diseases associated with impaired functioning of the eye muscles have become widespread at present, the most common of which are myopia and presbyopia.

Eye muscle training sessions to improve visual acuity are conducted under the guidance of an ophthalmologist or other specialist in this field.

Currently, various exercise complexes are known, for example, "Exercises for vision restoration" that help improve visual acuity by performing special visual gymnastics, which includes a set of exercises aimed at restoring the tone of the eye muscles and improving the condition of the visual apparatus. Regular performance of these exercises helps relieve tension, saturate the eye tissue with oxygen. Thanks to visual gymnastics, visual acuity improves, tension in the frontal lobe of the head passes, and the tear ducts are stimulated. This visual gymnastics includes a blinking exercise, which improves blood circulation; an eye squeeze exercise, which helps relieve tension; eyelid massage, which improves the circulation of ocular fluid, etc. This complex also includes exercises that involve "drawing" with the eyes images of an "eight", arrows in different directions, the letter "S", etc. It is recommended to print these images on a sheet of paper and use them during the exercises as eye movement trajectories (Ophthalmological Clinic. V.A. Parshina. Exercises for vision restoration, found 03/20/2925 on the Internet at https://www.sfe.ru/info/stati/uprazhneniya-dlya-vosstanovleniya-zreni/).

The developed “Finger Trainer” facilitates the execution of this and similar sets of exercises (for example, the above-described set “The Best Exercises for Restoring Visual Acuity”) based on eye movements, making their execution more convenient and comfortable due to the presence of a control element (2), which the practitioner follows with his gaze during the execution of these exercises.

The use of the "Finger Trainer" during exercises aimed at training the eye muscles to improve visual acuity is carried out through visual gymnastics exercises to improve visual acuity, and various exercises similar to the exercises described above aimed at restoring the process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia and exercises to train the eye muscles to prevent visual impairment.

The main difference between training the eye muscles to improve visual acuity and training to prevent visual impairment is:

a) increasing the duration of classes;

b) increasing the number of additional exercises aimed at relieving tension, improving blood circulation in the eye, etc.;

c) increasing the number of exercises of the fifth and sixth types aimed at training the ciliary muscle.

Along with exercises aimed at restoring eye movements and training eye muscles, the stated “Finger Trainer” can be effectively used:

a) when conducting corrective and developmental classes with children who have disorders in the formation of the eye movement process;

b) when conducting classes with children to prevent visual impairment when working on a computer, as well as classes to improve visual acuity in cases of myopia;

c) when conducting rehabilitation sessions with neurological patients with alexia, whose reading difficulties are caused by a disorder of the eye movement process;

d) when conducting rehabilitation sessions with neurological patients with unilateral visual-spatial agnosia.

Thus, the declared “Finger Trainer” is a compact device that is easy to manufacture and convenient to use, providing the opportunity to conduct exercises aimed at working with both the central and peripheral sections of the visual analyzer.

The use of the "Finger Trainer" expands the possibilities of training in restoring the impaired process of eye movements and training the eye muscles due to the fact that, starting from the first lessons, the work process is carried out using an external tool that facilitates the control of eye movements and training the eye muscles, and the training process itself becomes more interesting and attractive.

Claims (6)

1. A finger trainer for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements, as well as training the eye muscles, characterized by the fact that it is a structure consisting of a retainer designed with the possibility of placement and fixation on the end part of one of the fingers of the hand and having the shape of a thimble, in the upper part of which a control element is fixed, designed to concentrate the gaze and control the movement of the eyes of the student during the exercise. 2. A finger trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the control element is made in the form of a three-dimensional geometric figure. 3. A finger trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the control element is made in the form of a flat geometric figure. 4. A finger trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the control element is made in the form of an object. 5. A finger trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the control element is made in the form of an image of an object. 6. A finger trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the control element is made in the form of a symbol.