JP5081252B2 - Brain function maintenance improvement device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a brain function maintenance / improvement device for maintaining and improving brain function by giving a user a cognitive task.

  In recent years, the use of cognitive tasks has been attracting a great deal of attention in order to examine the frontal cortex function (attention and judgment) of the elderly, which tends to decline. Known types of cognitive tasks also referred to as “brain training” include delay tasks, struggle tasks, Go / NoGo test, Stroop test, N-back test, trail making test, and the like. By repeatedly executing such a cognitive task, it is possible to suppress a decrease in brain function or to maintain and improve brain function.

  Among the above cognitive tasks, a particularly representative one is the Stroop test with a history of more than 70 years. This Stroop test presents "non-linguistic information (ink color)" together with "language information (colored characters)" that are frequently used every day. Use a phenomenon (Stroop effect) that slows reaction time compared to the case of presenting only color patches. For example, a color letter “Aka” written in “green” ink is presented, and the subject is asked to answer the ink color, ie “green”. If the time (reaction time) from the task presentation to answering is measured, the time from task presentation to response when only green color patches are presented and “green” is answered is delayed. According to comalli et al. (1962), it has been confirmed that the reaction time in the Stroop test tends to be slower at the age of 65 or more than from the late teens to the early 40s. Therefore, the brain function level can be determined by the Stroop test.

Of the other cognitive tasks, the delayed task is a task in which the correct answer position is shown and then the correct answer position is applied after a certain delay time. .
In addition, the struggle task is to perform an operation different from the operation that enters the sight, for example, when the operation of hitting the desk with a hand once in the video is performed. Alternatively, when the action of tapping twice in the video is performed, the action of tapping once is performed.

  In the Go / NoGo test, for example, the button is pressed (or kept pressed) only when the lamp is lit red, and is not pressed when the lamp is not lit or when another color is lit. The back test, for example, presents numbers 1 to 4 on the monitor at 1.8-second intervals, and when the number appears, it makes the previous n number respond, and the trail making test, for example, 1 to 25 It is a test that connects written numbers as quickly as possible.

  In addition, it is said that exercise such as walking is effective in maintaining and improving brain functions such as cognitive functions in the elderly. It has also been demonstrated that exercise has a brain activation effect, particularly an effect of maintaining and improving cognitive function in the elderly (see Non-Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, it is known that the oscillating-type exercise device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an effect of increasing muscle strength in the trunk and thigh. In addition, it is known that exercise using such an oscillating type exercise device is an improvement in basal metabolism by improving autonomic nerve activity, or a light aerobic exercise with an oxygen consumption of 2-3 Mets. (Refer nonpatent literature 2).
JP 2001-286578 A Colcombe S, Kramar AF, “Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: a meta-analytic study”, Psychological science, Vol.14 No.2 p125-130 (2003) Izumi Mihara, Naoto Shirasawa, Akihiro Michimori, Toshio Moriya, “Exercise Effect of Passive Training Machine“ Joba Diet Exa ””, Proceedings of the 19th Symposium on Biophysiological Engineering, p.299-302 (2004)

  The present invention provides a brain function maintenance and improvement device that can more effectively perform maintenance and improvement of brain function.

A brain function maintenance and improvement device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an oscillating exercise device that provides a user with a dynamic oscillating stimulus, a data storage unit that stores at least one cognitive task, and a cognitive task for the user. And a control unit that reads the recognition task from the data storage unit and transmits the recognition task to the user through the task notification unit while giving the other dynamic rocking stimulus to the user . The control unit matches or disagrees the timing of transmitting the recognition task to the user based on a detection signal related to the swing operation of the swing type exercise device .

  In the present invention, the brain function maintenance / improvement device gives a cognitive task during a swinging motion using a swinging motion device that can move in one place without moving the body. Therefore, a cognitive task can be performed while providing a movement effect to the user's body by the other dynamic swing stimulation. Therefore, it is possible to effectively perform reflexes and brain training, and to increase the continuity of exercise because the cognitive task is performed while exercising.

It is a schematic functional block diagram of the brain function maintenance improvement device of one embodiment. It is a schematic operation | movement flowchart of the brain function maintenance improvement apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of an example rocking | fluctuation type exercise device with which the brain function maintenance improvement apparatus of FIG. 1 is equipped. It is a graph which shows the difference of the reaction time by the presence or absence of rocking | fluctuation motion. It is a wave form diagram which shows the muscle activity state in rocking | fluctuation exercise | movement. (A)-(d) is a schematic block diagram which shows the Example of the leg operation | movement detection means (input part) arrange | positioned at a rocking | swiveling type exercise device. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the Example of the other leg movement detection means (input part) arrange | positioned at another rocking | swiveling type exercise device. (A)-(d) is a schematic block diagram which shows the Example of the upper limb motion detection means (input part) arrange | positioned at a rocking | swiveling type exercise device. (A), (b) is a schematic block diagram which shows the Example of another upper limb motion detection means (input part). It is a schematic block diagram which shows the Example of a non-contact operation | movement detection means (input part). It is a schematic block diagram which shows the Example of the visual stimulation means (a task alerting | reporting part, a result alerting | reporting part) arrange | positioned at a rocking | fluctuation type exercise device. It is a schematic flowchart of the brain function level calculation process using the representative value of reaction time / answer information. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of FIG. It is a schematic flowchart of a brain function level calculation process using the task achievement time. It is a schematic flowchart of a brain function level calculation process using a task selection unit.

Explanation of symbols

  1: Main body, 2: Seat (movable part), 3: Drive part, 10: Brain function maintenance and improvement device, 12: Oscillation type exercise device, 14: Data storage part, 16: Problem notification part, 18: Control part, 20: input unit, 22: reaction time measurement unit, 24: answer determination unit, 26: brain function level calculation unit, 28: task achievement time measurement unit, 30: result notification unit, 32: storage unit, 34: task selection unit .

  Hereinafter, the brain function maintenance improvement device 10 of one embodiment is explained based on an accompanying drawing. The inventors of the present invention have found an effect of speeding up the recognition judgment when a swinging stimulus is applied to the body using a swinging type exercise device.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a brain function maintenance / improvement device 10. The apparatus 10 is an oscillating exercise apparatus 12 (for example, the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 to be described later) that gives a user another dynamic oscillating stimulus, a data storage unit 14 that stores a cognitive task, and transmits the cognitive task to the user. Control unit 16 and a control unit for reading a recognition task from the data storage unit 14 and transmitting the recognition task to the user through the task notification unit 16 while giving the swing dynamic exercise device 12 other dynamic swing stimulation. Part 18. According to this device 10, during the user's swing motion by the swing type exercise device 12, the control unit 18 transmits the recognition task from the data storage unit 14 to the user through the task notification unit 16. That is, the device 10 allows the user to perform a cognitive task while providing a rocking stimulus (exercise effect) to the user's body. The oscillating motion device 12 is not limited to the device shown in FIG. 3, and for example, the structure shown in Patent Document 1 or other structures can be adopted.

  Preferably, the brain function maintenance / improvement device 10 includes an input unit 20 that receives a user's answer to the cognitive task transmitted to the user, and the control unit 18 receives the user's answer through the input unit 20. The input unit 20 includes, for example, a switch that can be operated by the user, a voice recognition unit that recognizes the user's voice, an image recognition unit that recognizes the user's operation captured as a video, and a method of moving the answering unit held by the user. A motion recognition unit or the like that is detected by an acceleration sensor arranged in the answering machine can be used, but is not limited thereto. An embodiment of the input unit 20 will be described later in detail.

  The control unit 18 includes a reaction time measurement unit 22 connected to the input unit 20, and the measurement unit 22 until the answer is input to the input unit 20 after the recognition task is transmitted to the user by the task notification unit 16. The reaction time is measured using, for example, a timer (not shown) provided inside.

  The control unit 18 further includes an answer determination unit 24 that receives a user's answer through the input unit 20. The data storage unit 14 stores not only a cognitive task (task data) given to the user but also a correct answer (correct data) for the cognitive task. The answer determination unit 24 determines the correctness / incorrectness of the user's answer by comparing the user's answer input to the input unit 20 with the corresponding correct answer in the data storage unit 14, and answer information indicating the determination result Is generated. For example, the answer determination unit 24 counts the number of erroneous answers to the cognitive task with a counter (not shown), and generates the count as answer information.

  In this case, the answer determination unit 24 preferably determines the validity of the answer information and the reaction time data based on the reaction time (time from task presentation to answer input) measured by the reaction time measurement unit 22. Is good. For example, if the answer is not input even after the maximum determination time has elapsed since the assignment was given to the user, the assignment may not have been recognized by the user (for example, the reported assignment has been heard). high. Therefore, if there is no response input even after the maximum determination time is exceeded, the response determination unit 24 performs a time-out process and discards the response information and reaction time data for the task. At this time, it is desirable to notify the user of a timeout. On the other hand, if an answer is input before the minimum judgment time (for example, less than 200 msec) has elapsed since the task was given to the user, the task is given before the task is given due to the limit of human reaction speed (for example, notification) There is a strong question that the user responded (without listening to the assigned task). Accordingly, if there is an answer input before the minimum judgment time, the answer determination unit 24 determines that the answer input is illegal or erroneous operation, and similarly discards the reaction time data and answer information for the task. . At this time, it is desirable for the user to perform a timeout process (notification that the input has not been performed properly). In this way, by judging the validity of the data (answer and response time) based on the maximum judgment time or the minimum judgment time, it is possible to avoid delay in notification of the next problem and to obtain more accurate data thereafter. Can be used for processing.

  The control unit 18 further includes a brain function level calculation unit 26. The calculation unit 26 evaluates the user's brain function level based on at least one of the reaction time measured by the reaction time measurement unit 22 and the answer information generated by the answer determination unit 24. This brain function level serves as an index indicating a decrease in function due to aging of brain function. The calculation unit 26 may evaluate the brain function level using only the reaction time required for answering one task, but preferably, by combining the reaction time and the answer information, More precise brain function level information can be generated.

  The brain function level may be generated after the end of one task, but preferably it is generated after the end of a plurality of tasks. The brain function level can be statistically evaluated by generating the brain function level information after repeating the task a plurality of times. Further, when the same task is repeatedly given (or different tasks are periodically given), since the difficulty level is increased if the time interval for notification (that is, the task giving interval) is shortened, generally, the number of wrong answers increases. For this reason, brain training can be effectively performed according to the level of the user. In this case, the calculation unit 26 can easily derive the brain function level by referring to the table shown in Table 1 below, for example. The following table derives the brain function level based on the combination result of the reaction time and the response information after repeating a plurality of tasks. In Table 1, the shorter the reaction time and the smaller the number of wrong answers, the higher the brain function level. In this way, more accurate results can be obtained by considering not only the reaction time but also the number of erroneous answers (answer information).

さらに、脳機能レベル情報を複数回の課題の終了後に生成する場合、好適には、算出部２６は、それらの課題に対する反応時間／回答情報の代表値（例えば、平均値、中央値、最大値、最小値、偏差）を求め、その代表値に対応する脳機能レベルを、例えばテーブルから導出するのがよい。このような代表値を利用することで、その代表値の種類に応じて、目的の脳機能により合致した脳機能レベルを表現することができる。このような代表値を利用した脳機能レベル算出方法については、後で詳しく述べる。

Further, when the brain function level information is generated after the completion of a plurality of tasks, the calculation unit 26 preferably uses a representative value (for example, average value, median value, maximum value) of reaction time / response information for these tasks. , Minimum value, deviation), and a brain function level corresponding to the representative value may be derived from, for example, a table. By using such a representative value, a brain function level that matches the target brain function can be expressed according to the type of the representative value. A brain function level calculation method using such representative values will be described in detail later.

  The data storage unit 14 preferably stores a plurality of cognitive tasks having different difficulty levels or contents. In this case, the calculation unit 26 may generate brain function level information corresponding to the level of the user based on the type of cognitive task presented to the user or a combination of answer information / reaction time of a plurality of different cognitive tasks. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 18 further includes a task achievement time taken for the user to complete one or more cognitive tasks using an internal timer (not shown) (reaction time measuring unit 22). The task achievement measuring unit 28 to be measured is provided. The brain function level calculation unit 26 may generate the brain function level information using the task achievement time measured by the measurement unit 28 instead of the reaction time and answer information as described above. The brain function level calculation method using the task achievement time will be described in detail later. Of course, the calculation unit 26 may generate the brain function level information by combining the task achievement time and the answer information / reaction time.

  Connected to the brain function level calculation unit 26 are a result notification unit 30 that notifies the brain function level derived by the calculation unit 26 and a storage unit 32 that stores brain function level information of each user. After completion of the task, the calculation unit 26 may present only the current brain function level information through the result notification unit 30, but the previous (or past) brain function level information of the user accumulated in the storage unit 32. It is more preferable to present them together. By doing so, the user can clearly know the improvement / decrease in his / her brain function level from the previous brain function level information. In addition, it is good to memorize | store not only the brain function level information but the reply information used for the preparation, reaction time, and / or task achievement time in the memory | storage part 32. FIG. In this case, the result notifying unit 30 can notify not only the brain function level information but also answer information, reaction time, and / or task achievement time. The timing for notifying the user of these results through the result notification unit 30 may be after the input of an answer to each task or after the completion of a plurality of tasks.

  As the task notification unit 16 and the result notification unit 30, a speaker that emits sound (auditory stimulation means) may be used, or a display (for example, an operation panel 36 connected to the control unit 18 as shown in FIG. 1) is used. It may be a display device (visual stimulation means). Alternatively, instead of or in addition to such auditory stimulation and visual stimulation, for example, sensory stimulation means using vibration and / or olfactory stimulation means using scent may be provided. That is, the type of stimulation means (stimulation apparatus) used for each of the notification units 16 and 30 is not limited as long as it can clearly communicate the cognitive task and the evaluation result (brain function level) to the user. Examples of the notification units 16 and 30 will be described in detail later. The task notification unit 16 may also serve as the result notification unit 30, and the data storage unit 14 may also serve as the storage unit 32.

  When a plurality of cognitive tasks having different difficulty levels or contents are stored in the data storage unit 14, preferably, the control unit 18 further selects a task for selecting at least one of the tasks to be presented to the user. The part 34 may be included. The task selection unit 34 selects at least one task based on an instruction given from the user through the operation panel 36, for example. The control unit 18 takes the selected task from the data storage unit 14 and presents it to the user through the task notification unit 16. Note that the task selection unit 34 automatically assigns the current task according to the user's level based on the previous or past brain function level information accumulated in the storage unit 32 instead of the user's instruction through the operation panel 36. You may choose. Of course, at least one of the plurality of tasks may be selected at random. The operation of the assignment selection unit 34 will be described in detail later.

  Preferably, the control unit 18 is further connected with a swing sensor 38 for detecting a swing operation of the swing type exercise device 12 (specifically, an operation of the seat 2 described later shown in FIG. 3). Is good. In this case, based on the detection signal of the swing sensor 38, the control unit 18 can make the recognition task notification timing coincide with the swing operation of the seat 2, or vice versa. In addition to the swing sensor 38, a speed sensor that detects the speed of the swing operation may be connected to the control unit 18. By using these sensors that detect the movement of the device 12 and combining the timing, speed, and / or pattern of the swing movement with the cognitive task presented to the user, the difficulty level of the task and the stimulation to the nerve can be reduced. Can be varied. For example, the control unit 18 can change the difficulty level of the cognitive task by changing the passive movement of the device 12 according to the answer to the cognitive task, or by linking the notification and the rocking rhythm.

  In FIG. 1, the configuration of the brain function maintenance / improvement device 10 is shown for each function. However, the control unit 18 and a plurality of functional units (the data storage unit 14, the task notification unit 16, the input unit 18, the result notification) connected thereto. The unit 30, the storage unit 32, the operation panel 36, and the swing sensor 38) are provided integrally with the swing type exercise device 12. Of course, a separate controller including the control unit 18 and a plurality of functional units may be provided.

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of an oscillating exercise device 12 as an example. The swing type exercise device 12 gives the user an exercise of balance exercise by giving the user another dynamic swing stimulus at one place without causing the user to move the body. The apparatus 12 includes a main body 1 and a seat 2 that is attached to the upper portion of the main body 1 and serves as a movable portion on which a user sits. The seat 2 has a shape simulating a horse's back and heel, and its upper surface is formed as a seating surface. A drive unit 3 that drives the seat 2 is housed inside the main body 1. The driving unit 3 drives the seat 2 so as to perform a swinging motion in which the seat 2 draws an “eighth-shape” when viewed from above, for example, from above the device 12. The drive unit 3 includes a motor 40 (FIG. 1) connected to the seat 2, and uses an eccentric mechanism and a link mechanism (not shown) based on the rotation of the motor 40, similarly to the one described in Patent Document 1 above. Then, the seat 2 is swung. The motor 40 is driven by the control unit 18 via the motor drive circuit 42 (FIG. 1).

  On both sides of the front end portion of the seat 2 are disposed reins 6 (handles) that are rotatably connected around a central axis along the left-right direction of the seat 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the reins 6 are formed in a semicircular arc shape, for example. Further, an operation panel 36 is provided on the upper surface of the front end portion of the seat 2. As described above, the operation panel 36 is electrically connected to the control unit 18 (see FIG. 1). In addition, a pair of heels 7 and 7 on which both sides of the seat 2 can be hung are suspended from both sides of the seat 2.

  The configuration of the oscillating motion device 12 described above does not limit the present invention, and other configurations and driving methods may be employed. For example, the swing type exercise device 12 may be accompanied by a vertical motion of the seat 2 in addition to the swing motion of the seat 2. “An oscillating motion device that provides other dynamic oscillating stimuli” is intended to mean a device that controls the longitudinal and lateral movements, left and right movements, vertical movements, and / or combinations thereof of a movable part such as the seat 2. doing.

Next, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a schematic operation of the brain function maintenance improving device 10 will be described.
In step 100, the control unit 18 takes in the recognition task from the data storage unit 14. In step 102, the control unit 18 detects whether or not the user is performing a swing motion, that is, whether or not the seat 2 is swinging. For example, the control unit 18 detects a swinging operation by operating a start button or the like or by an output of the swinging sensor 38. When detecting the swing motion, in step 104, the control unit 18 notifies the user of the cognitive task through the task notification unit 16.

  In step 106, the control unit 18 starts the timer of the reaction time measuring unit 22 and waits for an input of an answer to the notified task from the user. When the user's answer is input to the input unit 20 in step 108, the control unit 18 stops the timer of the reaction time measuring unit 22 in step 110. The reaction time measuring unit 22 supplies the measured value of the timer, that is, the time from the task presentation to the answer input (reaction time) to the answer determining unit 24.

  In step 112, the control unit 18, preferably the answer determination unit 24, determines whether or not the user's reaction time is less than the minimum determination time (for example, 200 msec). If the reaction time is 200 msec or more, then in step 114, the answer determination unit 24 determines whether or not the reaction time is less than or equal to the maximum determination time.

  If the reaction time is less than the minimum determination time (YES in step 112) or exceeds the maximum determination time (YES in step 114), the answer determination unit 24 performs time-out processing in step 116 to the user (for example, Timeout is notified through the issue notification unit 16. When the reaction time is within the appropriate time range, the control unit 18, preferably the answer determination unit 24 writes the reaction time data in the storage unit 32 in step 118.

  In step 120, the control unit 18, specifically the answer determination unit 24, determines whether or not the user's answer is incorrect. If the user's answer is incorrect, in step 122, the answer determination unit 24 counts up the answer as an incorrect answer and writes the number of the incorrect answer as answer information in the storage unit 32 (or stored in the storage unit 32). Update the answer information).

  In step 124, the control unit 18 determines whether or not all cognitive tasks have been completed. If there is a task that has not been notified yet, the process returns to step 100 and steps 100 to 122 described above are repeated.

  If all the cognitive tasks have been completed, the control unit 18, specifically the brain function level calculation unit 26, in step 126, reads the reaction time data and / or answer information from the storage unit 32 and generates brain function level information. To do.

FIG. 4 shows the difference between the reaction time A when a repetitive cognitive task is given without performing a rocking motion and the reaction time B when the same cognitive task is given while performing a rocking motion. Yes.
As an example, as shown in Table 2, voice notification is used for the recognition task here. The user presses the right (blue) button when instructed by a male voice, and presses the right (blue) button even when instructed by a male voice as "hidari". ”Is pressed, the left (red) button is pressed, and when the female voice is“ hidari ”, the left (red) button is pressed. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the average reaction time when the task is repeatedly given about 80 times and the brain is trained is clearly shorter in the case of applying the other dynamic oscillation stimulus.

なお、認知課題に対する反応時間は、課題の難易度にもよるが、他動的揺動刺激を与えながらの方が５０−１００ｍｓｅｃ程度速くなっている。揺動刺激によって脳が活性化され、脳や神経を使う作業に良い影響が現れるためと考えられる。従って、身体運動を行いながら反射神経や脳のトレーニングも効果的に行うことができる。

The reaction time for the cognitive task is about 50-100 msec faster while applying the other dynamic rocking stimulus, although it depends on the difficulty level of the task. This is thought to be because the brain is activated by the swinging stimulus, and the work that uses the brain and nerves has a positive effect. Therefore, reflexes and brain training can be effectively performed while performing physical exercise.

Also, it should be noted that the passive movement using the oscillating exercise device 12 is a movement task that keeps the posture constant, so there is no difficulty in using the cognitive task together.
In addition, as shown in Table 2 above, when using four types of notification voices of “migi” for male voice, “hidari” for male voice, “migi” for female voice, and “hidari” for female voice, The unit 20 includes input means including, for example, a right (blue) button and a left (red) button. In this case, the task notification unit 16 asks the user to press the right (blue) button regardless of the content when the voice is male and to press the left (red) button regardless of the content when the voice is female. Instruct. Since the blue button is on the right, “right” indicates a matching condition and “left” indicates a mismatch condition in a male voice. On the contrary, since the red button is on the left, “right” indicates a mismatch condition and “left” indicates a match condition in a female voice.

In any case, according to the brain function maintenance and improvement device 10 of one embodiment, reflexes and brain training can be performed while performing rocking motion.
When notifying the cognitive task using voice, the number of voices (tasks) to be notified is not limited to four, and the difficulty level can be changed by increasing the number of voice types. In addition, the content of the assignment and the answer rules can be created in various ways. For example, if it is made like Table 3, the difficulty of a recognition task will become higher than the thing of Table 2.

また、表４のように、ある音声（課題）に対しては反応しないことを要求する、「反応抑制」課題を作成することもできる。

Moreover, as shown in Table 4, it is also possible to create a “reaction suppression” task that requires no response to a certain voice (task).

また、表５は、ある音声（課題）が現れるまでボタンを押し続けることを要求する、「持続判断」課題の例である。

Table 5 is an example of a “continuation determination” task that requires that the button be held down until a certain voice (task) appears.

上述した、表２〜表５に示す認知課題はいずれも、前頭葉の脳血流を変化させるなど脳活性を促す報知刺激である。

The above-described cognitive tasks shown in Tables 2 to 5 are notification stimuli that promote brain activity such as changing cerebral blood flow in the frontal lobe.

  As described above, the brain function maintenance improvement device 10 gives the user a cognitive task while the user performs the swinging motion while riding on the seat 2 performing the swinging motion. Oscillating motion stimulates muscle nerves to generate muscle activity, and at the same time periodically stimulates the brain to activate posture by naturally performing posture control. FIG. 5 is an example of muscle activity of various parts of the body that occurs during the rocking motion. By giving the user a predetermined cognitive task while performing this rocking motion, reflexes and brain training can be effectively performed.

  In addition, since a repetitive cognitive task is given directly in conjunction with a swinging stimulus, monotony during cognitive training can be eliminated. Furthermore, the continuity of exercise can be improved.

[Example of input unit 20]
6A to 6D show various embodiments of detection means (input unit 20) for detecting the movement of the user's lower limb. In FIG. 6, the structure of the oscillating exercise device 12 (FIG. 3) is shown in a simplified manner. Incidentally, the “lower limb” used in the present specification intends at least a part of the lower body of the user, and includes a leg (foot), knees, and toes.

  6A shows the pressure sensor 52 disposed on at least one of the right side surface and the left side surface of the seat 2 (for example, a portion surrounded by a dotted line 6A in FIG. 3). The pressure sensor 52 is a load sensor (referred to as a load cell) that detects the pressure received from the user's crotch (thigh) that sandwiches both side surfaces of the seat 2, that is, a load. It supplies to the time measurement part 22 and the answer judgment part 24). When the load detection value exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 18 determines that the user's answer has been input.

  FIG. 6B shows the angle sensor 54 disposed at the connecting portion (for example, the portion surrounded by the dotted line 6 </ b> B in FIG. 3) between the seat 2 and the flange 7. The angle sensor 54 detects the movement of the user's knee (knee) with the foot placed on the heel 7 and supplies the detected angle value to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 determines that the user's answer has been input when the detected angle value exceeds the threshold value.

  FIG. 6C shows a pressure sensor 56 (for example, a load cell) arranged in a stepped portion of the rod 7 (for example, a portion surrounded by a dotted line 6C in FIG. 3). The pressure sensor 56 detects the force (load) that steps on the rod 7 and supplies the detected load value to the control unit 18. When the load detection value exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 18 determines that the user's answer has been input.

  FIG. 6 (d) shows the contact sensor 58 arranged at the stepping portion of the rod 7. For example, the contact sensor 58 is configured by a contact switch that detects physical contact with a user's foot (for example, the sole of the foot), and supplies a contact detection signal to the control unit 18 when contact is detected. The control unit 18 determines that the user's answer has been input based on the contact detection signal. The contact sensor 58 is not limited to contact with the sole of the foot, and may be disposed at a position for detecting contact with another lower limb portion such as the instep or knee.

  FIG. 7 shows the lower limb motion detection means 62 arranged in another swing type exercise device 12A. In the device 12A of FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to the same functional units as those of the device 12 of FIG. This device 12A does not have the heel 7 like the device 12, and a base device 60 on which a user can put his / her foot is attached to the lower part of the main body 1. The lower limb motion detection means 62 is, for example, a contact sensor (contact switch) disposed on the base device 60, and detects physical contact with the user's toes or soles. A pressure sensor may be used instead of the contact sensor. In FIG. 7, the contact sensors 62 and 62 are disposed at two locations (areas indicated by oblique lines) on the base device 60, but one or three or more contact sensors (for example, four or eight) may be disposed. Good. The control unit 18 determines that a user's answer has been input based on a contact detection signal from each contact sensor 62.

  If the lower limb motion detection means of FIGS. 6 and 7 is used, the user can consciously use the lower limb, which is rarely performed with conscious of complex motion, during the swinging motion. Therefore, the difficulty level of the task can be increased or adjusted. For this reason, it is possible to effectively maintain and improve the agility and balance in the brain function, particularly in the operation using the lower limbs.

  FIGS. 8A to 8D show various embodiments of detection means (input unit 20) for detecting the movement of the user's upper limb. In addition, in FIG. 8, the structure of the rocking | swiveling type exercise device 12 (FIG. 3) is simplified and shown. Incidentally, the “upper limb” used in the present specification intends at least a part of the upper body of the user, and includes an arm, an elbow, a palm, and a finger of a hand.

  Fig.8 (a) shows the operation switches 64 and 64 arrange | positioned on the reins 6 (handle). The operation switches 64 and 64 are used for the user to perform a pressing operation. Each operation switch 64 supplies a switch operation signal to the control unit 18 (the reaction time measurement unit 22 and the answer determination unit 24) in response to the pressing operation. The control unit 18 determines that the user's answer has been input based on the switch operation signal. One or three or more operation switches may be arranged on the reins 6.

  FIG. 8B shows a tension detection sensor 66 arranged in another reins 6A (handle) attached to the seat 2 so as to be movable up and down and rotatable. The tension detection sensor 66 can be constituted by an acceleration sensor, for example. The acceleration sensor 66 detects an acceleration when the reins 6 </ b> A is lifted up (or pushed down) by the user, and supplies the detected acceleration value to the control unit 18. When the acceleration detection value exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 18 determines that the user's answer has been input. In place of or in addition to the acceleration sensor 66, an angle sensor for detecting the rotation of the reins 6A may be arranged. In the configuration in which the movement and rotation of the reins 6A are combined, the user can be requested to perform a plurality of operations related to the reins 6A, so that it is possible to present a cognitive task with a high degree of difficulty.

  FIG. 8C shows the sensor unit 68 fixed to the lower base plate 1 a of the main body 1 and connected to one end of the string 70. The sensor unit 68 includes an acceleration sensor. A handle 72 is attached to the other end of the string 70. The acceleration sensor (68) detects the force (acceleration) that the user operates the handle 72 to pull the string 70, and supplies the detected acceleration value to the control unit 18. When the acceleration detection value exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 18 determines that the user's answer has been input. As shown in FIG. 8D, the acceleration sensor may be arranged not in the lower base plate 1a but in a swinging device 74 that is attached to the rear portion of the main body 1 and swings within a predetermined range.

  If the upper limb motion detection means of FIG. 8 is used, the difficulty level of the task can be increased or adjusted by allowing the user to use the upper body while swinging. For this reason, it is possible to effectively improve and maintain the skill in the brain function, particularly the operation using the upper body.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an embodiment of other upper limb motion detection means (input unit 20) for detecting the motion of the palm or finger.
For example, FIG. 9A shows a plurality of operation switches 76 arranged on the seat 2. Here, a total of seven seats are arranged, five at the front of the seat 2 and two at the rear. Each switch 76 includes a contact sensor such as the contact sensor 62 (FIG. 7). The control unit 18 determines that a user's answer has been input based on a contact detection signal from each switch 76 (that is, a pressing operation with a palm or a finger). The number and position of the switches 76 are not limited to those shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9B shows a plurality of operation switches 86 arranged on a pair of handrails 82 and 84 located on both sides of the swing type exercise device 12. Here, five switches 86 are disposed on the right handrail 82, and similarly, five switches 86 are disposed on the left handrail 84. That is, the switch 86 is provided corresponding to the number of fingers. The handrails 82 and 84 are connected to the right and left support legs 88 and 90, respectively. Each switch 86 is configured by a contact sensor such as the contact sensor 62 (FIG. 7), for example, and the control unit 18 determines that a user's answer has been input based on a contact detection signal from each switch 86. According to the arrangement shown in FIG. 9B, it is possible to give the user a task similar to piano practice by regarding the left and right ten switches 86 as piano keys.

  If the upper limb motion detection means in FIG. 9 is used, the difficulty level of the task can be increased or adjusted by allowing the user to use the finger or the hand while swinging. Therefore, it is possible to effectively maintain and improve the brain function, particularly the skill in the operation using the finger. In particular, for example, an operation of pressing a keyboard type switch 86 as shown in FIG. 9B in accordance with an instruction is very effective for brain activity.

  FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of motion detection means (input unit 20) that detects a user's motion in a non-contact manner. This motion detection means includes, for example, a camera 92 and an interface 96 connected to the camera 92 via a communication line (may be wireless connection). The interface 96 is communicably connected to the control unit 18 (see FIG. 1) built in the oscillating exercise device 12 by wireless (may be wired). The camera 92 captures an image of the user's movement during the swinging motion, and wirelessly transmits the captured image data to the control unit 18 through the interface 96. The control unit 18 recognizes the user's operation as an “answer” for the given task by analyzing the imaging data.

  In this case, for example, the cognitive task may be given to the user using the display 94 connected to the interface 96. Examples of types of cognitive tasks using the display 94 and the camera 92 include the following.

    Flag raising (selection determination task): According to the instruction of the video displayed on the display 94 (or using sound using a speaker together), the user accurately raises or lowers the left and right hands. The camera 92 captures the movement of the user's hand (an operation that raises or lowers a flag), and sends the image data to the control unit 18 through the interface 96. In this lifting task, you can train quick judgment and accuracy of movement.

    Mottled (selection determination task): The user quickly moves his / her hand or foot to the location indicated by the video on the display 94 (or the sound of the speaker). The camera 92 captures the movements of the user's hands and feet. With this muffler, you can train quick judgment and accuracy of movement.

    Post-Janken (Memory, Judgment Task): The user quickly recalls the pose that wins (or loses) the janken instructed by the video on the display 94 (or the sound of the speaker) and performs the operation. The camera 92 captures the movement of the user's hand. In this task, you can train temporary memory of brain function.

    n-Back (memory, judgment task): The user stores numbers 1 to 4 randomly displayed on the display 94 at predetermined intervals (for example, intervals of 1.8 seconds). Remind me of my previous numbers. In this case, the voice response of the user is analyzed by a voice recognition device (non-contact detection means) including a microphone. Note that the camera 92 may capture the movement of the user's hand or foot and analyze the motion. This task can also be used to train temporary memory of brain functions.

  In this way, if non-contact motion detection means (camera 92 or the like) is used, various body motions can be detected as user responses. For this reason, the diversity of brain training can be increased.

Preferably, the input unit 20 includes at least one of upper limb motion detection means, lower limb motion detection means, and non-contact motion detection means.
[Example of Problem Notification Unit 16 (and Result Notification Unit 30)]
Visual stimulation means:
FIG. 11 shows an example of the visual stimulation means arranged on the seat 2 of the swing type exercise device 12. As shown in FIG. 11, the visual stimulation means includes a plurality of (for example, five) lamps 102 disposed in the front portion of the seat 2. Such visual stimulation using a plurality of lamps 102 is particularly useful as a configuration of the task notification unit 16 that notifies the user of a selection task. For example, the control unit 18 changes the position and lighting method of the lamp 102 to be lit according to the content of the selection task to be notified. Thereby, the selection task (cognitive task) can be visually notified to the user. As another configuration of the visual stimulation means, a display 94 as shown in FIG. 10 may be used. In this case, not only the selection task but also various recognition tasks can be notified by video. The display 94 can also be used as the result notification unit 30.

Auditory stimulation means:
An example of the auditory stimulation means is a speaker (for example, provided on the operation panel 36) that generates sound. The “sound” generated by the speaker includes human voice, mechanical voice, sound effect, music, BGM, and combinations thereof. The auditory stimulation means can be used for both the task notification unit 16 and the result notification unit 30.

Sensory stimulation means:
The “sensory stimulus” is a stimulus given to the user's body in a somatosensory manner. This “sensory stimulation” includes vibration stimulation, warming stimulation, and cooling stimulation. For example, in the case of vibration stimulation, as shown by a circle in FIG. 10, a plurality of (for example, four) vibrators 104 to 107 (vibration stimulation means) may be provided in the oscillating exercise device 12. Here, the vibrators 104 and 105 are respectively arranged at the front part and the rear part of the seat 2, and the vibrators 106 and 107 are respectively arranged on the left and right ridges 7 and 7. Such vibration stimulation using the vibrators 104 to 107 is particularly useful as the configuration of the task notification unit 16 that notifies the user of the selection task. For example, the control unit 18 changes the vibration position and the vibration method (strength, interval) according to the content of the selection task to be notified. On the other hand, in the case of a warm sensation or a cool sensation, for example, a warm / cool stimulation means (not shown) such as a heat generating device or a cooling device may be disposed on the seat of the seat 2. Even if such a warm / cool stimulating means is used, the selection task can be notified to the user.

Olfactory stimulation means:
An example of the auditory stimulation means is a scent generator (not shown) that generates scent. Preferably, the scent generating device preferably generates a plurality of types of scents. In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 18 drives the scent generating device to present a selection task corresponding to the scent to the user.

  The task notification unit 16 (30) includes at least one of visual stimulation means, auditory stimulation means, sensory stimulation means, and olfactory stimulation means. There is no problem for the user to receive the above stimuli even while exercising, so while exercising, each of the brain related auditory, visual, somatosensory, olfactory, and temperature related Regions can be activated.

[Method of calculating brain function level using representative values of response time / response information]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the brain function maintaining and improving apparatus 10 (control unit 18) of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12, in step 200, the control unit 18 takes in the recognition task from the data storage unit 14.
Next, in step 202, the control unit 18 notifies the user of the cognitive task through the task notification unit 16 and prompts the execution of the task. Although not shown in detail for the sake of simplicity, the processing in step 202 includes the processing in steps 102 to 122 described above with reference to FIG. That is, the task is given during the user's rocking motion, and then reaction time data and answer information (for example, the number of incorrect answers) are generated and stored based on the user's answer input.

  In step 204, the control unit 18 determines whether all the cognitive tasks have been completed. If there is a cognitive task that has not been notified yet, the process returns to step 200. In the process of FIG. 12, the same or different cognitive tasks are repeatedly executed.

  When all the cognitive tasks have been completed (YES in step 204), the control unit 18, specifically the calculation unit 26, next reads the reaction time data and / or answer information from the storage unit 32 in step 206, At least one representative value related to the reaction time / answer information is calculated. For example, regarding the reaction time, the calculation unit 26 calculates an average value, median value, maximum value, minimum value, and deviation of the reaction time. In addition, regarding the answer information, the calculation unit 26 obtains an average correct answer rate, a variation in the number of wrong answers for each task, and the like. The calculation unit 26 stores the representative value thus obtained in the storage unit 32 (optional).

  Next, at step 208, the calculation unit 26 derives a brain function level corresponding to the representative value. In this case, it is preferable to use a table in which brain function levels are recorded in advance in association with various representative values because the brain function levels can be easily derived. However, without using a table, the brain function level may be derived by using a derivation formula that defines various representative values as variables.

The brain function level evaluation method of FIG. 12 has the following advantages.
The subject's reaction (reaction time and response content) includes fluctuations. For this reason, it is preferable to evaluate a brain function level, after repeating a subject in multiple times. In this case, if the brain function level information corresponding to the representative value derived from the reaction time group measured multiple times and the number of wrong answers is generated, the brain function level that matches the target brain function can be expressed. For example, when it is desired to evaluate the quickness of judgment, it is preferable to perform a task where the reaction speed is important multiple times, and to set the minimum value of the reaction time group as a representative value. On the other hand, when it is desired to evaluate the accuracy of judgment, it is preferable to perform a task requiring an accurate answer a plurality of times, and to set a small variation in reaction time and a correct answer rate as representative values. Therefore, if the evaluation method of FIG. 12 is used, the target brain function level can be evaluated according to the type of representative value.

  In the evaluation method of FIG. 12, the timing for calculating the representative value may be changed as shown in FIG. FIG. 13 replaces step 204 of FIG. 12 with a determination step 304 for determining whether or not a stop instruction instruction has been input from the user or the control unit 18. Other steps 300, 302, 306, and 308 are the same as steps 200, 202, 206, and 208 in FIG. In this process, the representative value can be calculated based on a plurality of measured values when, for example, a stop command is input from the user, even before the end of the specified final task.

[Brain function level calculation method using task achievement time]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the brain function maintenance / improvement device 10 (control unit 18) of FIG.

  In step 400, the task achievement time measurement unit 28 (FIG. 1) starts a timer operation. Next, in step 402, the control unit 18 takes in the recognition task from the data storage unit 14.

  Next, in step 404, the control unit 18 notifies the user of the cognitive task through the task notification unit 16, and prompts the execution of the task. Although not shown in detail for the sake of simplicity, the process of step 404 includes the processes of steps 102 to 122 described above with reference to FIG. That is, the task is given during the user's rocking motion, and then reaction time data and answer information are generated and stored based on the user's answer input.

  In step 406, the task achievement time measuring unit 28 determines that the elapsed time of the timer at the end of the current task (specifically, when the answer was last input) is all the specified tasks (one or more). It is determined whether or not the prescribed time given to achieve (task) has been exceeded. In addition, it is preferable that the specified time is set to be different depending on the type of task. If the elapsed time of the timer exceeds the specified time (YES in Step 406), the measuring unit 28 stops the timer in Step 416, and then in Step 418, the result notification unit 30 informs the user that “the task has not been achieved (ie, Time over) ". At this time, the measurement unit 28 supplies the elapsed time when the time is over to the calculation unit 26 (or stores it in the storage unit 32). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 414.

  If the elapsed time of the timer is within the specified time (NO in step 406), the control unit 18 determines in step 408 whether all the tasks have been completed. If there is an issue that has not been notified yet, the process returns to step 402 and steps 404 and 406 are repeated.

  If all the tasks have been completed (YES in Step 408), the measuring unit 28 stops the timer in Step 410, and then calculates the task achievement time in Step 412 (reads the elapsed time of the timer).

In step 414, the control unit 18, specifically, the calculation unit 26 derives a brain function level corresponding to the task achievement time measured by the measurement unit 28 (for example, from a table or a derivation formula).
According to the function level evaluation method of FIG. 14, the user is required to achieve the task within the specified time, and the notification of “task not achieved” is performed in that case. There is an advantage that can be improved.

[Operation of assignment selecting unit 34]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the brain function maintaining and improving apparatus 10 (control unit 18) of FIG.

  In step 500, the task selection unit 34 (FIG. 1) requests the user to select one or more cognitive tasks. For example, the task selection unit 34 displays a list of cognitive tasks stored in the data storage unit 14 (a plurality of cognitive tasks having different difficulty levels and contents) on the operation panel 36, and one or more items are selected from the list. Encourage the user to select a cognitive task.

  In step 502, the task selection unit 34 determines whether or not a cognitive task has been selected by the user. When the cognitive task is selected (YES in step 500), the process proceeds to step 504. In this step, the control unit 18 fetches the selected cognitive task from the data storage unit 14 and notifies it through the task notification unit 16. . Note that the processing in steps 504, 506, 508, 510, and 512 in FIG. 15 is the same as the processing in steps 200, 202, 204, 206, and 208 in FIG. That is, in the example of FIG. 15, the task selection unit 34 selects a plurality of different tasks or selects at least one task (same or different task) to be repeatedly executed in step 500. Request. After all selected tasks are completed (YES in step 508), the brain function level calculation unit 26 calculates a representative value based on the answer result (reaction time / answer information) of the user in step 510, Next, in step 512, a brain function level is derived based on the representative value.

  In the process of FIG. 15, the task selection unit 34 can allow the user to select a task that is more suitable for the user's level from among a plurality of cognitive tasks having different difficulty levels and contents. In addition, since the user himself can select a cognitive task, it is possible to perform brain function maintenance improvement training that matches the user's intention and motivation.

  In steps 500 and 502, the task selection unit 34 may cause the user to select a category of the cognitive task, and randomly extract one or more cognitive tasks belonging to the category. In this case, the user can train mainly on cognitive tasks belonging to poor categories.

  In steps 500 and 502, the task selection unit 34 automatically extracts a cognitive task that matches the user's level from the user's past reaction time, answer information, or brain function level stored in the storage unit 32. May be.

Claims (20)

A device for maintaining and improving brain function,
An oscillating-type exercise device that gives a user a passive oscillating stimulus;
A data storage unit storing at least one cognitive task;
A task notification unit for communicating a cognitive task to the user;
A control unit that reads a cognitive task from the data storage unit and transmits the cognitive task to the user through the task notification unit while giving the other dynamic rocking stimulus to the user;
Equipped with a,
The control unit makes the timing for transmitting the cognitive task to a user match or mismatch with the swing operation based on a detection signal related to the swing operation of the swing type exercise device. . An input unit for receiving a user's answer to the cognitive task conveyed to the user;
A reaction time measuring unit that measures a reaction time from the notification to the user by the task notification unit until the answer is received by the input unit;
The brain function maintenance improvement apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The data storage unit also stores correct answers to the cognitive task,
The said brain function maintenance improvement apparatus is further provided with the reply determination part which collates the said answer received by the said input part with the said correct answer, and produces | generates the reply information which shows the collation result. Brain function maintenance improvement device. A brain function level calculation unit that generates brain function level information according to the reaction time measured by the reaction time measurement unit;
A result informing unit for informing the user of the brain function level information;
The brain function maintenance improvement apparatus of Claim 2 or 3 further equipped with these. The control unit notifies the user of a plurality of the same or different cognitive tasks through the task notification unit,
The brain function level calculation unit obtains a representative value related to the reaction time based on the reaction time for each cognitive task measured by the reaction time measurement unit, and generates the brain function level information using the representative value. The brain function maintenance improvement apparatus of Claim 4 characterized by these. A brain function level calculation unit that calculates brain function level information according to the reaction time measured by the reaction time measurement unit and the answer information generated by the answer determination unit;
A result informing unit for informing the user of the brain function level information;
The brain function maintenance improvement device according to claim 3, further comprising: The control unit notifies the user of a plurality of the same or different cognitive tasks through the task notification unit,
The brain function level calculation unit calculates a representative value related to the reaction time based on the reaction time for each cognitive task measured by the reaction time measurement unit, and answers to each cognitive task generated by the answer determination unit 7. The brain according to claim 6, wherein a representative value related to the answer information is calculated based on the information, and the brain function level information is generated using the representative value of the reaction time and the representative value of the answer information. Function maintenance improvement device. The brain function maintenance and improvement device further includes a storage unit that accumulates the brain function level information,
The said result alerting | reporting part reads the past brain function level information accumulate | stored in the said memory | storage part, and alert | reports to a user with the present brain function level information, The any one of Claims 4-7 characterized by the above-mentioned. To improve brain function.   9. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein the control unit deletes the reaction time data when the reaction time measured by the reaction time measurement unit is too short and when the reaction time is too long. The brain function maintenance improvement apparatus of description. A task achievement time measurement unit that measures the time taken for the user to complete the cognitive task;
A brain function level calculation unit that generates brain function level information according to the achievement time;
The brain function maintenance improvement apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: In the data storage unit, a plurality of cognitive tasks having different difficulty levels or contents are stored,
The brain function maintenance improvement device further includes a task selection unit that selects at least one cognitive task to be presented to the user from a plurality of cognitive tasks stored in the data storage unit. The brain function maintenance improvement apparatus of any one of 10.   The brain function maintenance improvement device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the input unit includes a lower limb motion detection unit that detects a lower limb motion of the user.   The brain function maintenance improvement device according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the input unit includes an upper limb motion detection unit that detects an upper limb motion of the user.   14. The brain function maintaining and improving device according to claim 13, wherein the upper limb motion detecting unit includes a sensor that detects a motion of a user's finger.   The brain function maintenance improvement device according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the input unit includes a non-contact operation detection unit that detects a user's operation in a non-contact manner.   The brain function maintenance improvement device according to claim 1, wherein the task notification unit includes an auditory stimulation device.   The brain function maintenance improvement device according to claim 1, wherein the task notification unit includes a visual stimulation device.   The brain function maintenance improvement device according to claim 1, wherein the task notification unit includes a sensory stimulation device.   The brain function maintenance improvement device according to claim 18, wherein the sensory stimulation device includes a warm and cold stimulation device.   The brain function maintenance improvement device according to claim 1, wherein the task notification unit includes an olfactory stimulation device.

Images