CH711150B1 - Device for the regeneration and development of hand functions. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention pertains to the fields of medicine and developmental education and may be used in the rehabilitation and treatment of patients with central nervous system pathology, upper limb movement disorders, psychological and educational rehabilitation and correction, and developmental exercises. The apparatus for regeneration and development of hand functions comprising a hand exerciser (1), a control object (3) cooperating with the hand exerciser (1), a provisional information collection and processing unit, a personal computer (8) for collection , Processing and storage of the information, devices for optical (4) and acoustic (5) connection, additionally includes an adjustable means (9) for the placement of the user (10), on which with the possibility of regulating the position in the Horizontal is fixed at least from one side of the equipped with holding devices for the hand exerciser (1). The technical result in the solution of this task is the extension of the scope of the device - the developmental pedagogy, the enhancement of its functional possibilities in the field of medicine by determining the dynamics of the development of the joints and stretching movements of the hands, increasing the quality of life User (10).

Description

description

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION FOLLOWS The present invention belongs to the fields of medicine and developmental education and can be used in the rehabilitation and treatment of patients with central nervous system pathology, upper limb movement disorders, psychological and educational rehabilitation and correction as well be used in developmental exercises.

Background Art One of the most serious consequences of nervous system damage is the dysfunction of the hands, which plays an important role in limiting the daily lives of the patients. Restoring movement in the hands remains a burning issue for sufferers of injuries and illnesses, requiring a solution on a new theoretical and technical level.

The effectiveness of rehabilitation measures is significantly increased by the application of the biofeedback method. By biofeedback is meant a complex of procedures in which humans receive information about the state of certain physiological functions through a circuit of external feedback for the purpose of learning the "conscious" control of these functions. Biocontrol with feedback allows the patient to gain control (self-control) via parameters of any movement, to induce and fix their changes in the required direction. In particular, the return of the information about the characteristics of the movements of the patient improves the possibility of his control over them. The most effective is the application of biofeedback for the regeneration of movement functions in patients with sensory disorders. The additional use of the sense of sight for the perception of the characteristics of their movements allows these patients to balance the lack of information supply via the heads of surface and depth sensitivities. The use of biofeedback can also significantly improve the voluntary control of movement in patients with apraxia who are disturbed by the possibility of arbitrary, targeted actions due to damage to the cerebral cortex.

In the market for modern medical devices, devices with biofeedback for the treatment and rehabilitation of the upper extremities are widely represented. For example, «HandTutor» (www.meditouch.co.il) «Hand of Hope» (http://www.rehab-robotics.com), «Gloreha» (www.gloreha.coni), «Amadeo» (http: // turomotion.com). These devices are designed only for the medical field of application; they have a high relationship between price and function. In addition, they represent a playful form of visual biofeedback in the form of video games, and a longer-term occupation of the user with computer games generates and challenges the gambling addiction, which has a negative effect on his mental state. In these devices, systems are lacking in determining objective factors (atmospheric conditions) that significantly affect the treatment and rehabilitation process, and thus do not allow for correction of these processes depending on these factors.

A practice toy for the development of finger motor technology, protected by the Russian utility model 97267, published on 10.09.2010 is known. The toy contains a shell of planar material and a filler therein. The shell is made of flat, propylene-like material, which is divided into hermetically closed sections, the size of which is smaller than a fingertip. The sections are distributed over the sleeve in a corresponding order and protrude from one or both sides of the sleeve. As the filler air was used, with each section is filled, each section is designed with the possibility of destruction by the pressure of the finger of a hand, at least that of a child. A disadvantage of the exercise toy is the lack of biofeedback. As a result, the interest in and the result of dealing with this exercise machine is low.

Known is a device for the development of finger motor technology, protected by the Russian Patent 2 290 909, published on 10.01.2007.

The device for the development of the finger motor includes a housing located in the spring mechanism. The spring mechanism consists of a number of leaf springs, which are designed with the possibility of their exchange and the displacement along recordings in the housing. The leaf springs have protruding parts from the housing. The free ends of the leaf springs are connected to elements for controlling a puppet. Disadvantage of the known device is the impossibility to collect, process and store information about the dynamics of the development of finger motor technology on electronic data carrier. As a result, it does not allow the results of the rehabilitation exercises to be analyzed and predicted. Furthermore, it lacks a system for determining environmental parameters that affect the processes of treatment, regeneration, and development of hand functions, and thus does not provide a means for correcting these processes depending on these factors.

Known is the robotic rehabilitation system ReoCo (manufacturer: Motorika, Israel) for the functional therapy of the upper extremities with extended biofeedback. This device is intended for the development and enhancement of locomotor functions and grasping functions ([email protected]).

Learning on the robotic platform ReoCo is based on numerous repetitions of functionally oriented patient movements and the backlash against them. Internal feedback is provided through sensory channels, external feedback on visual shape, control (targeting) and training. The exercises to restore the ability of the hand to reach out to objects and perform movements that are inherent in a healthy hand.

Disadvantages of the system are the limited scope (the medicine) and close functional possibilities (only development and reinforcement of locomotor and gripping functions).

[0011] Next, according to the present invention, according to the technical character and achievable result, selected as a prototype, the device for rehabilitation, protected by the Russian patent 2 282 430, published on 27.08.2006.

The device comprises a spring-based hand exerciser, a strain gage, a personal computer for the collection, processing and storage of information and a puppet. The puppet is connected to the exerciser. The exerciser and the strain givers are under the patient's hand.

Disadvantages of the known device are its limited scope - the medicine - and the insufficient efficiency due to the lack of a way to determine the dynamics of the change of joint areas of the hands as an important yardstick in the implementation of treatment and rehabilitation for the regeneration and development of hand functions , Also, the device does not allow to determine the dynamics of the stretching movement of the hands.

Summary of the Invention The object of the present invention is the development of a new, more effective device for the regeneration and development of hand functions with biofeedback.

The technical result in the solution of this problem is in the extension of the scope of the device - the development-promoting pedagogy, the increase of their functional capabilities in the field of medicine by determining the dynamics of the development of the joints and the stretching movements of the hands, the increase the quality of life of the user.

The stated result is achieved by a device for the regeneration and development of the hand functions according to claim 1. The device for the regeneration and development of the hand functions of a user's hand includes a hand exerciser with strain givers, a control object cooperating with the hand exerciser, a unit for collecting and processing preliminary information, a personal computer for collecting, processing and storing the information; a device for optical and acoustic connection, in addition an adjustable means for placement of the user, on which is mounted with the possibility of regulating the position in the horizontal at least from one side of the hand-held hand-held trainer. As a control object, the device may contain a puppet.

The adjustable means for the placement of the user may additionally contain panels for the display of visual information.

The hand exerciser may include at the free ends of leaf springs of finger-side additional replaceable elements having a different degree of roughness and density for the stimulation of the tactile receptors.

As a strain sensor, the device may contain two-point strain givers.

As a control object, the device may additionally include a selection of puppet kits.

The apparatus may additionally include a system for non-contact gesture control of the personal computer in three-dimensional space.

The device may additionally contain elements for the preparatory training of fine motor skills of the fingers.

Listing of the Drawings of the Drawings The above and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description with reference to the drawing of the drawings.

In Fig. 1, the inventive device for the regeneration and development of the hand functions is shown.

Fig. 2 shows a hand exerciser

Fig. 3 shows a kit of puppets in different colors.

Detailed Description of the Invention The device for the regeneration and development of the hand functions includes a hand exerciser 1 with handheld devices 2, a control object 3, an optical 4 and acoustic handset 5 device, a collection unit 6 and provisional processing of information, ambient environment parameters 7, a personal computer 8 for collection, processing and storage of the information, adjustable means 9 for placement of the user 10 with protruding armrests 11 for placement under the right or and) a left hand with the ability to adjust the horizontal position and attach the hand exerciser to the control object 3, visual information panels 12, a contactless gesture control system 13 of the personal computer 8, preparatory training elements 14 Fine motor skills of the fingers. The hand exerciser 1, in turn, contains two-point strain gauges 15, leaf springs 16, fingers 17 and interchangeable elements 18 for stimulating the tactile receptors.

The device for regeneration and development of the hand functions is used as follows.

The adjustable means 9 for the placement of the user, as well as the adjustment of the horizontal position and attachment of the hand exerciser allow to adjust the device to a comfortable position for a specific user 10, resulting in performing exercises for treatment and Development is very important. The panels 12 allow them to draw or apply background illustrations to increase the attractiveness, interest, and content of performing treatment and development - promoting exercises, and hence the result of success, depending on their material in different ways (metal panel magnets, wooden panel tacks) , The motivation of the user for the exercises and their effectiveness are increased. The use of a control object 3 interacting with the hand exerciser 1 in the device makes it possible to implement a kinematic model for the development of finger motor technology with the control parameters of the visual and acoustic feedback. The use of a puppet as control object 3 combines two methods: the movement (mechanical) regeneration and development of hand motor skills and the art therapeutic method of psychotherapy - playing with a puppet. In this case, the puppet can be considered as a projection object for transmission and expression of emotions. In the device according to the invention, the puppet is used in the form of one of the biofeedback control parameters. The user is provided with an audible and tactile controllable signal via two-point extensometer 15 and a visually controllable signal - movement of the puppet reproduced in the visual communication device, whereby a mirror, a video camera with monitor, a video projector with screen can be used - made available. The puppet acts as an externally controllable object that allows the user's movements to be brought out and thus made more controllable by the consciousness, offering the opportunity to more effectively use the principles of biofeedback.

The selection of puppet kits of different colors allows the user to independently select and assemble a puppet according to his age and psychological condition. The color palette and the figure of the puppet give a specialist (psychologist) the opportunity, on the basis of previously created tests, e.g. Lüscher test to determine the psychological state of the user as an important factor that influences the processes of regeneration and development of the hand functions, and if necessary to perform its correction from negative to positive state.

During assembly of the puppet, the user develops the motor skills of the fingers and trains the tactile receptors on the fingertips, thereby developing the cerebral cortex where the signals from the tactile receptors arrive. In parallel with the regeneration and / or development of finger motor skills, the language of the user is also being developed as the Brave centers and the motor centers in the human brain intermesh.

The shape of the puppet and its color spectrum are entered by means of the software in the personal computer 8 during the entire treatment cycle and / or the development exercises. This provides the opportunity to make the dynamics of changing the psychological state of the user and, if necessary, its correction using special methods.

The tactile sensations are some of the first sensations of living organisms. In humans, the signals from the tactile receptors on the fingertips go directly into the cerebral cortex. The tactile receptors stimulate, regenerate and / or develop the cerebral cortex. The leaf spring 16 of the hand exerciser 1 present at the free ends and the interchangeable elements 18 for stimulating tactile receptors of different roughness and density associated with the finger puppet controls also enhance the device's functional capabilities and enhance its effectiveness in treatment and management development exercises.

Based on the design possibilities, the electronics used and the corresponding software, the hand-held working with springs hand-held prototype according to the prototype allows to control in real time information about the dynamics of Beugebewegungen the hands, analyze and store. For a complete regeneration and development of the hand functions, the information about the dynamics of the flexion movements is needed. The present in the presented hand exerciser 1 two-point extensometer 15 allow to control both flexion, and stretching movements. The acquisition of the information is also needed for the correction of rehabilitation and development exercises. This feature substantially extends the functional capabilities of the device.

Some of the most important parameters that characterize the functional state of the hands are the joint angles between their different parts. The use of the personal computer's non-contact gesture control system 13 in the three-dimensional space enables specific articulation angles to be determined in the course of treatment and / or developmental exercises, and thus the dynamics of change in the range of motion of the hands. Joint angle data is also entered into the personal computer, allowing for the ability to determine their change in real time both during the course of the exercises themselves and throughout the entire exercise cycle, and, if necessary, correcting treatment and / or treatment applications Development. In addition, the contactless gesture control system 13 makes it possible to quickly input information about the functional state of the user's hands into the personal computer.

At present, several technologies for non-contact gesture control of computers in three-dimensional space have been developed. The functional principle of the CtestIC Microchip Techne Lody system (www.microchip.com/cotest/CtestlC) is the analysis of changes in the characteristics of the electric field caused by the movement of the hands. The technology offered by Elli Ptic Labs is based on the use of ultrasound and a group of sensitive microphones to determine the position and movement of the hands near the computer screen. Leap Motion technology uses infrared sensors that track the movements of the user's hands with unprecedented accuracy (0.01mm) and display them on the monitor screen. The use of a system for non-contact gesture control in three-dimensional space expands the functional capabilities of the device, which system can be used both in connection with the device itself and separately for other tasks.

To increase the effectiveness and the efficiency of the exercises on the presented device, it is necessary to "loosen up" and "warm up" the fingers beforehand. For this warm water, warm sand and special exercises are usually used together. For this purpose, the elements 14 can also be used for the preliminary training of the finger motor. For these elements spring washers of different geometry and different colors are used. The rings are made of materials of different elasticity. According to a given algorithm, they must be put together into a chain or chains must be taken apart into their individual parts. In addition, various hand expanders, staples of different size and elasticity or other constructions can be used as such elements.

The elements 14 for the preliminary training of motor skills of the fingers can be used both as part of the presented device as well as separately.

It should be noted that the interaction between the individual elements of the device takes place either by cable, wireless connection or combined.

The device allows both individual and group exercises to perform the regeneration and development of the hand functions.

In addition, the device allows for the development of appropriate methods, a diagnosis (including early detection) of various diseases associated with disorders of hand functions, a diagnosis of the condition of the nervous and muscular apparatus of the hands and an analysis and prognosis of regeneration and Development of the hand functions.

The device for regenerating and developing the hand functions works as follows: The user 10, who has comfortably seated behind the adjustable means 9 for his placement, puts his hand on the support in front of the system 13 of the contactless gesture control system of the computer , The hand is scanned. This representation is transmitted to the personal computer 8 and recorded in it. Using a special software, the parameters of the joint angle of the hand are determined. These parameters are displayed on the display in the form of numbers and recorded in the memory of the computer 8. Then the user selects a set of spring washers based on his physical and psychological state, and forms a string from the rings according to a predetermined algorithm. Before that, heat treatments and various selected exercises can be performed. In this way, there is a preparatory training of the finger motor. The data on the rings (geometric parameters, elasticity, their number) is recorded in the computer 8. Then the user selects a selection of puppets and assembles a puppet based on his psychological state. The puppet data (type, color spectrum) is input to the computer 8 for storage. Then, the puppet is mounted on the hand exerciser 1, which is fixed on the protruding armrest 11. The user 10 begins to control the puppet according to a specific, previously developed method. The data on the effort of the fingers enter the unit 6 for the collection and preliminary processing of information and are then entered into the computer 8, are processed and displayed on the display in the form of graphics or histograms. In the course of the treatment and / or the developing exercises for the stimulation of the tactile receptors 16 interchangeable elements 18 with different roughness can be attached to the ends of the leaf springs. The degree of roughness data of the exchangeable elements 18 are also input to the computer 8. After the exercise on the hand exerciser 1 is a repeated measurement of the joint angle of the hand elements. In this way, the dynamics of their changes are determined and the

Effect of exercises tracked on the hand exerciser. The information from the two-point stretchers 15, the joint angle data, and individual user information are entered in the personal computer 8 throughout the treatment and / or training exercises in which it is processed and stored. The apparatus for regenerating and developing the hand functions can be made as follows: In the example of the present apparatus, the plate of the height-adjustable means 9 for the placement of the user is made of synthetic resin pressed wood, the corners of the plate are for exclusion rounded by injuries during the exercises, the frame is made of metal profiles with the dimensions 20 χ 20 mm. To change their height, the supports are designed as extendable supports. The panels 12 are made in two layers: the basis is plywood with a thickness of 5 mm, on which are fixed metal plates with a thickness of 0.5 mm. This constriction of the panels 12 makes it possible to fix background images with magnets on them. The kit used is a set of Burattino puppets with 8 colors. The data collection and preliminary processing unit 6 is composed on the basis of modules for data collection and remote control ADAM and ICOS.

For the determination of the dynamics of the change of the joint angle and fast input to the computer 8 of information about the functional state of the hands of the user, a system 13 for the contactless Ges-tensteuerunq the American company Leap Motion is used. The connection to the computer is made using a USB cable.

As replaceable elements 18 for the stimulation of the tactile receptors sandpaper of different grain size is used. The device uses highly miniaturized two-point strain sensors of the Sensotec type from Honeywell.

As elements 14 for the preliminary training of the finger motor, a set of rings of different diameter and different colors is used, which is made of spring wire of the type CHGSA different degrees of elasticity. In this way, a new, effective device for the regeneration and development of the hand functions is offered.

The device, compared to the prototype, substantially extends the field of application, substantially exceeds its functional capabilities and enhances the quality of life of the users.

Other variations of the implementation of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art that do not alter their nature as set forth in the present description. Accordingly, the invention is to be regarded as limited in scope only by the following claim.

Claims (8)

claims A device for the regeneration and development of the hand functions of a user's hand (10) comprising a hand exerciser (1) with strain givers, a control object (3) cooperating with the hand exerciser (1), the control object being usable as a control parameter of biofeedback, a unit (6) for the collection and processing of measurement data for the effort of fingers of the hand of the user (10) on the basis of the strain givers, a personal computer (8) for the collection, processing and storage of information containing the measurement data, reproduction devices (4 , 5) for the reproduction of visual and acoustic signals to enable visual and acoustic biofeedback, the device being characterized by additionally comprising an adjustable means (9) for placing the user, which armrests (11) for the Placement of the user (10), wherein at least one armrest (11) in the height is adjustable, on which the equipped with holding devices (2) for the hand-held hand exerciser (1) is attached; the reproducing apparatus being adapted to reproduce visual signals (4) for reproducing a movement of the control object (3); and wherein additional data on joint angles of the hand are present in the personal computer (8) to characterize the functional state of the user's hand (10). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustable means (9) for the placement of the user (10) additionally contains panels for the display of visual information. 3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hand exerciser (1) at the free ends of leaf springs (16) finger-side additionally replaceable elements (18) with a different degree of roughness and density for the stimulation of the tactile receptors of the user's fingers ( 10). 4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains as a strain sensor two-point strain transducer (15). 5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains as a control object (3) a puppet. 6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains a selection of puppet kits, from which the control object (3) is composable. 7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally includes a system which allows a contactless gesture control of the personal computer (8) by means of gestures in three-dimensional space. 8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains elements (14) for the preparatory training of fine motor skills of the user's fingers (10), wherein the elements comprise spring rings and / or hand expanders and / or brackets.