MUSCLE TRAINING SYSTEM

Abstract

A system provided with a gas-pressure type muscular strength training belt eliminates a tube that connects a gas supply source and a gas bag in the belt, thereby solving various problems caused by the presence of the tube. A muscular strength training system 1 that is used to train muscles by applying a predetermined pressure to a specific part of a user's limbs to restrict blood flow to the user's muscles without stopping the blood flow, the system including: a band member 10 configured to be wrapped around the specific part; a gas bag 20 placed inside the band member 10; and a gas supply source 110 for supplying gas to the gas bag 20, wherein: the system 1 is configured to apply pressure to the specific part based on an amount of gas in the gas bag 20; and the gas supply source 110 is configured to directly supply gas to a gas supply port 91 that communicates with the gas bag 20 and is integrally attached to the band member 10.

Claims

1. A muscular strength training system that is used to train a user's muscles by applying a predetermined pressure to a specific part of the user's limbs to restrict blood flow to the muscles without stopping the blood flow, the system comprising: a band member configured to be wrapped around the specific part; a gas bag placed inside the band member; and a gas supply source for supplying gas to the gas bag, wherein: the system is configured to apply the pressure to the specific part based on an amount of gas in the gas bag, and the gas supply source is configured to directly supply gas to a gas supply port that communicates with the gas bag and is integrally attached to the band member.

2. The muscular strength training system according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit configured to control an operating state of the gas supply source; and an operation unit configured to be operated by the user to transmit a wireless control signal to the control unit, wherein the operating state of the gas supply source is controlled by the control unit based on the wireless control signal.

3. The muscular strength training system according to claim 1, further comprising: hook and loop fasteners configured to maintain a loop shape formed by wrapping the band member around the specific part; and a buckle connected to one end of the band member, wherein the other end of the band member is passed through the buckle, the band member is folded back, and the hook and loop fasteners are joined together to maintain the loop shape.

4. The muscular strength training system according to claim 3, wherein the band member is elastic.

5. The muscular strength training system according to claim 2, further comprising: hook and loop fasteners configured to maintain a loop shape formed by wrapping the band member around the specific part; and a buckle connected to one end of the band member, wherein the other end of the band member is passed through the buckle, the band member is folded back, and the hook and loop fasteners are joined together to maintain the loop shape

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a muscular strength training system (including a plan view of band members) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the band member illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of the band member illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a part of FIG. 1 taken along the line IV-IV.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of the band member illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a control device of a muscular strength training system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a remote operation device of the muscular strength training system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the use of the band member illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a first method of using the muscular strength training system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second use method (vessel strengthening method) of the muscular strength training system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a time chart illustrating an example of the change over time of the pressure applied to a specific part of a user in the second use method of the muscular strength training system illustrated in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings.

Configuration of System

[0029] First, the configuration of a muscular strength training system (hereinafter, referred to as the present system) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The present system 1 is used to train muscles by applying a predetermined pressure to a specific part of a user's limbs to restrict blood flow to the user's muscles without stopping the blood flow, and includes a band member 10 (FIGS. 1 to 3, and the like) configured to be wrapped around a specific part of the user, a gas bag 20 (FIG. 4, and the like) placed inside the band member 10, a control device 100 (FIG. 6, and the like), a remote operation device 200 (FIG. 7, and the like), and the like.

[0030] It is possible to adopt a plurality of band members 10 (for example, four so that pressure is applicable to both hands and both feet of a person performing the pressurized muscle strength training (user). The number of band members 10 does not necessarily have to be four, but may be any number as long as there is more than one. The number of band members 10 for arms and band members 10 for legs need not necessarily be the same.

[0031] The length and width of the band member 10 can be appropriately set according to the length of the outer circumference of the part (specific part) to be wrapped around. For example, for the band member 10 for an arm, the length may be set to about 40 cm, taking into account the length of the outer circumference of a specific part of the arm (about 26 cm), and the width may be set to 2.5 to 3.0 cm. In addition, for the band member 10 for a leg, the length may be set to about 70 cm, taking into account the length of the outer circumference of a specific part of the leg (about 45 cm), and the width may be set to 5.0 to 6.0 cm.

[0032] An outer surface (outwardly exposed surface) 13 of the band member 10 is provided with a first hook and loop fastener 50 and a second hook and loop fastener 60, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like. The first hook and loop fastener 50 and the second hook and loop fastener 60 maintain the loop shape of the band member 10 when pressure is applied to the muscle, and correspond to the shape-maintaining members in the present invention. The first hook and loop fastener 50 is provided from near one end 11 of the band member 10 to about 80% of the total length of the band member 10, and the second hook and loop fastener 60 is provided from near the other end 12 of the band member 10 to about 20% of the total length of the band member 10. The band member 10 is made of a material (for example, neoprene rubber) that is water-repellent, water-resistant, and quick-drying, as well as elastic.

[0033] The gas bag 20 is an airtight elongated bag that is elastic at least in the length direction thereof. The gas bag 20 may be made of elastic rubber, similar to the rubber bags used in manchettes, for example, although this is not necessarily the case. The gas bag may also be constructed of an elastic synthetic resin such as polyurethane. The gas bag 20 is connected to a compressor 110 (described below) of the control device 100 via a belt-side connection port 91 (described below) of a connecting member 90 and a connection port 111 (described below) of the control device 100. Gas is fed into the gas bag 20 from the compressor 110, and the gas inside the gas bag 20 is drawn out by a valve 112 of the compressor 110 (described below). Such control of gas in and out of the gas bag 20 is carried out by a control unit 120 of the control device 100 (described below).

[0034] The length of the gas bag 20 is a specific length corresponding to the length of the outer circumference of the wrapped part (specific part). For example, for the band member 10 for an arm, it is possible to adopt the gas bag 20 with a length of about 26 cm, which corresponds to the length of the outer circumference of a specific part of the arm, and for the band member 10 for a leg, it is possible to adopt the gas bag 20 with a length of about 45 cm, which corresponds to the length of the outer circumference of a specific part of the leg.

[0035] A buckle 40 is used to fold the band member 10 back through the other end 12 of the band member 10 when winding the band member 10, and is connected to one end 11 of the band member 10 via the connecting member 90. The connecting member 90 is a member for connecting one end 11 of the band member 10 to the buckle 40, and may be made of a flexible material such as artificial leather. The connecting member 90 has the belt-side connection port 91 that is connected to the connection port 111 of the control device 100 (described below), as illustrated in FIG. 1. The belt-side connection port 91 communicates with the inside of the gas bag 20, and through this belt-side connection port 91, gas (air in the present embodiment) is fed into the gas bag 20 or the gas in the gas bag 20 is drawn out to the outside. In other words, the belt-side connection port 91 corresponds to the gas supply port in the present invention.

[0036] For example, when attaching the band member 10 for the arm to the base of the user's arm, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the band member 10 is first wrapped around the base of the arm (specific part) to form a loop shape, and then the other end 12 of the band member 10 is passed through the buckle 40 attached to one end 11 of the band member 10 to fold back the band member 10 and maintain the loop shape of the band member 10 by using the first hook and loop fastener 50 and the second hook and loop fastener 60. When gas is fed into the gas bag 20 while the band member 10 is attached to the base of the user's arm (specific part) in this manner, the band member 10 tightens the muscles and exerts pressure. Conversely, if the gas in the gas bag 20 is drawn out in that state, the pressure exerted by the band member 10 on the muscle is reduced. In FIG. 8, the control device 100 is not illustrated.

[0037] Inside the band member 10, outside the gas bag 20, a plurality of plate-like small pieces 70 are placed at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the band member 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The plate-like small piece 70 is a member for regulating inwardly the direction of expansion of the gas bag 20, which is expanded by being filled with gas. The plate-like small piece 70 is made of a hard material (for example, synthetic resin, and the like) that is able to perform such functions. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the plurality of plate-like small piece 70 that present a rectangular shape in plan view are adopted, but the planar shape of the plate-like small pieces 70 is not limited thereto, and the planar shape of each plate-like small piece 70 may be different. The transverse length (dimension in the width direction of the band member 10) of the plate-like small piece 70 may be set in the range of 60 to 100% of the width of the band member 10, and the longitudinal length (dimension in the length direction of a belt 1) of the plate-like small pieces 70 may be set at the same level as the transverse length thereof.

[0038] In addition, the tape 80 is attached to the outer surface of the plate-like small piece 70 inside the band member 10. The tape 80 is a band-shaped member extending in the width direction of the band member 10, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and the ends thereof are attached to each of the two ends of the band member 10 in the width direction. The tape 80 is made of a non-stretchable material (for example, cloth or synthetic resin membrane material). The length of the tape 80 (dimension in the width direction of the band member 10) may be set to be approximately the same as the width of the band member 10, and the width of the tape 80 (dimension in the length direction of the band member 10) may be set to be shorter than the longitudinal length of the plate-like small piece 70. The tape 80 is fixed to the outer surface of the plate-like small piece 70 at the approximate center of the length direction thereof. The tape 80 is fixable to the plate-like small piece 70, for example, by gluing, welding, or stitching.

[0039] A pressure-sensitive element 30 is attached to an inner surface 14 of the band member 10, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The pressure-sensitive element 30 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure applied to a specific part based on the amount of gas in the gas bag 20 while the band member 10 maintains the loop shape thereof. The electrical signals output from each of the 30 pressure-sensitive elements are sent to the control device 100 via a signal line 31 (FIG. 6) to be used in the calculation of the pressure. A plurality of pressure-sensitive elements 30 (for example, eight) are placed at predetermined intervals in a part of the band member 10 that has a length corresponding to the length of the outer circumference of the part to be wrapped around (specific part).

[0040] The control device 100 has a thin housing 101 that includes a small computer system with a CPU that performs various types of processing and a memory with recorded control programs, and is integrally attached to the band member 10 via the connecting member 90, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. The control device 100 functions to control the pressure exerted by the band member 10 on a specific part of the user by controlling the supply amount and discharge amount of gas to and from the gas bag 20, and to calculate the pressure based on the electrical signals sent from each pressure-sensitive element 30. The housing 101 of the control device 100 is also removable from the band member 10 so that, for example, if either the band member 10 or the control device 100 deteriorates, the deteriorated component is replaceable by removing the control device 100 from the band member 10.

[0041] The control device 100 has a supply and discharge control unit (compressor 110 and control unit 120) that controls the supply amount and discharge amount of gas to and from the gas bag 20 to apply pressure to a specific part with the band member 10, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The compressor 110 and control unit 120 in the present embodiment are housed in the housing 101, which has an abbreviated rectangular shape. The housing 101 is large enough (for example, 7 to 8 cm long, about 4 to 5 cm wide, and about 2 to 3 cm thick) to be attached to the connecting member 90 of the band member 10. The shape of the housing 101 is not limited to a rectangular shape, but it is possible to adopt other shapes attachable to the band member 10. Recent technological innovations have made it possible to reduce the weight of the control device 100, including the housing 101, the compressor 110, the control unit 120, and all other components, to about 65 g. It is preferable to place a sound-absorbing material such as glass wool or urethane foam material inside the housing 101 (especially, around the compressor 110) to prevent the operating sound of the compressor 110 from leaking outside.

[0042] The compressor 110 of the control device 100 has the function of taking in gas (air in the present embodiment) from the surroundings thereof and sending the gas to the outside through the connection port 111, which corresponds to a gas supply source in the present invention. The compressor 110 is also provided with a valve 112, which can be opened to discharge the gas inside the compressor 110 to the outside. The compressor 110 has the connection port 111, which is directly connected to the gas bag 20 via the belt-side connection port 91 (FIG. 1). If the compressor 110 sends gas, gas is supplied to the gas bag 20, and if the compressor 110 opens the valve 112, gas is removable from the gas bag 20. The valve 112 does not necessarily have to be provided in the compressor 110; it is sufficient if the valve 112 is provided in one of the paths from the compressor 110 to the gas bag 20.

[0043] The control unit 120 of the control device 100 controls various configurations such as the compressor 110. The control unit 120 controls the gas pressure in the compressor 110 to a predetermined value by driving the compressor 110 with the valve 112 closed to send gas (air) to the gas bag 20, or by opening the valve 112 in the compressor 110 to remove the gas in the gas bag 20. In other words, the control unit 120 controls the compressor 110, including opening and closing the valve 112.

[0044] The control device 100 also has a calculation unit 130 that calculates the pressure based on the electrical signal output by the pressure-sensitive element 30, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The calculation unit 130 calculates the average value of pressure based on a plurality of electrical signals sent from each pressure-sensitive element 30 via the signal line 31.

[0045] The control device 100 also has an information recording unit 140 for recording various types of information, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The information recording unit 140 is configured to record various types of information, such as the pressure set for each user, and to erase the recorded information. The control unit 120 of the control device 100 is able to control the supply amount and discharge amount of gas to and from the gas bag 20 to apply the pressure read from the information recording unit 140 to a specific part with the band member 10.

[0046] The control device 100 also has an information reception unit 150 for receiving various types of information via wireless communication, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The information reception unit 150 is configured to receive control commands transmitted via wireless communication from the remote operation device 200. The control unit 120 controls the pressure exerted by the band member 10 on a specific part (for example, the base of the user's arm) by controlling the supply amount and discharge amount of gas to and from the gas bag 20 based on control commands received via the information reception unit 150.

[0047] The control device 100 also has a display unit 160 for visually displaying (outputting) various types of information, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The display unit 160 is for displaying various types of information such as the pressure calculated by the calculation unit 130. In the present embodiment, the display unit 160 adopts a display screen displayed on one surface of the housing 101, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Instead of (or together with) the display unit 160 for visually displaying various types of information, an audio output unit may be provided for audio output of various types of information.

[0048] The remote operation device 200 functions to transmit control commands to the control device 100 integrally attached to the band member 10 via wireless communication (to transmit wireless control signals) when operated by the user in a predetermined manner. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the remote operation device 200 includes a control unit 210 for integrated control of various configurations, an operation unit 220 for input of various kinds of information, an information transmission unit 230 for transmission of various kinds of information, and a display unit 240 for visual display of various kinds of information.

[0049] The operation unit 220 is used to input various operation commands and to input various kinds of information such as specific pressure. The information transmission unit 230 is configured to transmit control commands to the control device 100 integrally attached to the band member 10 via wireless communication under the control of the control unit 210. The display unit 240 is configured to display various kinds of information entered by the operation unit 220 (for example, information regarding the ON/OFF of the compressor 110 of the control device 100) and to display information corresponding to a control command (for example, the pressure to be applied to a specific part of the user's limbs). Instead of (or together with) the display unit 240 for visually displaying various types of information, an audio output unit may be provided for audio output of various types of information. It is also possible to adopt the operation unit 220 that allows audio input of various operation commands, and the like.

Muscle Strengthening Method

[0050] Next, the flowchart in FIG. 9 is used to describe a first method of using the present system 1 (muscle strengthening method through pressurization and light exercise).

[0051] First, the user wraps the band member 10 around at least one of the limbs (for example, the left upper arm including the biceps muscle) near the heart (specific part), including the muscles for which muscle strengthening is desired, and attaches the band member 10 to the specific part by creating a loop shape (belt attachment step: S1). In this case, the band member 10 is folded back through the buckle 40 attached to one end 11 of the band member 10 and the other end 12 of the band member 10, and the loop shape of the band member 10 is maintained by using the first hook and loop fastener 50 and the second hook and loop fastener 60.

[0052] Next, the user operates the compressor 110 of the control device 100 integrally attached to the band member 10 via the connecting member 90 by operating the operation unit 220 of the remote operation device 200, and applies a specific pressure to a specific part of the user with the band member 10 by controlling the supply amount and discharge amount of gas to and from the gas bag 20 under the control of the control unit 120 of the control device 100 (pressurization step: S2). The calculation unit 130 of the control device 100 calculates the pressure applied to the muscles based on the electrical signal output from the pressure-sensitive element 30 (pressure measurement step: S3). The control unit 120 of the control device 100 displays the pressure calculated by the calculation unit 130 on the display unit 160 (pressure display step: S4).

[0053] The user then confirms, by viewing the display unit 160, whether the pressure measured in the pressure measurement step S3 (measured pressure) matches the pressure entered at the operation unit 220 (set pressure). If the measured pressure does not match the set pressure, the user adjusts the tightening force of the band member 10 while grasping the other end 12 of the band member 10 through the buckle 40 to make the measured pressure match the set pressure (pressure adjustment step: S5). After confirming that the measured pressure matches the set pressure, the user maintains the loop shape of the band member 10 by using the first hook and loop fastener 50 and the second hook and loop fastener 60. This results in the same pressure as the set pressure being applied to desired muscles.

[0054] The user then performs light exercise while maintaining the loop shape of the belt 1 (maintaining a constant pressure exerted by the belt 1 on the muscles). By maintaining the pressure actually applied to the specific part at a constant level, the blood flow to the muscle can be inhibited consistently and appropriately, allowing for safe muscle strengthening (exercise step: S6). The present system 1 eliminates the need for a flexible tube, which was conventionally required to supply gas from the compressor 110 to the gas bag 20, and allows for any exercise. Thus, light exercise here may include any kind of exercise, such as playing catch.

Vessel Strengthening Method

[0055] Next, the flowchart in FIG. 10 and the time chart in FIG. 11 are used to describe a second method of using the present system 1 (vessel strengthening method).

[0056] First, control data for vessel strengthening is created (control data creation step: S11). The control device 100 in the present embodiment is configured to perform two modes: setting mode and training mode. Creation of control data is done in the setting mode. The input as to whether the setting mode or the training mode should be selected is performed by the operation unit 220 of the remote operation device 200. When information on whether to select the setting mode or the training mode is input from the operation unit 220 of the remote operation device 200, a signal regarding the information is sent wirelessly to the control device 100 via the information transmission unit 230. Upon receiving that signal via the information reception unit 150, the control unit 120 initiates the setting mode or training mode.

[0057] The control unit 120 of the control device 100 is able to create control data by operating the operation unit 220 of the remote operation device 200 when the setting mode is being executed. The information entered by the operation unit 220 of the remote control device 200 is sent to the control unit 120 of the control device 100 via the information transmission unit 230 and the information reception unit 150 as described above. The control unit 120 creates control data based on the input information and sends the data to the information recording unit 140. The information recording unit 140 records the data. The control data is data that indicates how the gas pressure in the compressor 110 should be changed over time. Instead of creating control data each time, representative (or generic) control data may be recorded in the information recording unit 140 in advance when the control device 100 is shipped.

[0058] After the control data is created in the control data creation step S11, as in the first method of using the system, the band member 10 is attached to the specific part by wrapping the band member 10 around at least one of the limbs near the heart (specific part), including muscles for which muscle strengthening is desired, creating a loop shape (belt attachment step: S12). In this state, little or no pressure is applied to the specific part. In this state, the control device 100 is placed in training mode to perform vascular training. Once the training mode is initiated, the person performing the vascular training selects the control data for himself/herself by operating the operation unit 220 of the remote operation device 200 (control data selection step: S13). When information on which control data to select is input by the operation unit 220 of the remote operation device 200, this information is sent to the control unit 120 of the control device 100 via the information transmission unit 230 and the information reception unit 150. The control unit 120 reads the control data selected by this information from the information recording unit 140 and controls the compressor 110 based on the read control data (pressurization and depressurization control step: S14).

[0059] The time chart in FIG. 11 is used to describe how the pressurizing and depressurizing operations are realized in the pressurization and depressurization control step S14. In the present embodiment, the pressure (proper pressure) to be given to the arms of the vascular training person shall be 150 to 160 mmHg, and the proper pressure for the legs shall be 250 to 260 mmHg.

[0060] FIG. 11 is a time chart illustrating changes over time in the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm by the band member 10 of the present system 1. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, first, the control unit 120 of the control device 100 controls the compressor 110 to increase the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from 0 mmHg to the limit pressure (about 350 mmHg) that causes a temporary hemostatic state over about 5 seconds, and maintain that limit pressure for about 10 seconds (first pressurization step). During the first pressurization step, the user confirms that a hemostatic state has been brought about at the base of his or her arm by visually examining the condition of his or her palm and measuring the pulse of his or her arm. Thereafter, the control unit 120 controls the compressor 110 to reduce the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from the limit pressure (about 350 mmHg) to 0 mmHg (that is, completely remove the pressure) over about 5 seconds, and maintains that state for about 10 seconds (first depressurization step).

[0061] Next, the control unit 120 of the control device 100 controls the compressor 110 to increase the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from 0 mmHg to about 280 mmHg over about 5 seconds, and maintain that pressure for about 15 seconds (second pressurization step). Thereafter, the control unit 120 controls the compressor 110 to reduce the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from about 280 mmHg to 0 mmHg (that is, completely remove the pressure) over about 5 seconds, and maintains that state for about 10 seconds (second depressurization step).

[0062] Next, the control unit 120 of the control device 100 controls the compressor 110 to increase the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from 0 mmHg to about 300 mmHg over about 5 seconds, and maintains that pressure for about 15 seconds (third pressurization step). Thereafter, the control unit 120 controls the compressor 110 to reduce the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from about 300 mmHg to 0 mmHg (that is, completely remove the pressure) over about 5 seconds, and maintains that state for about 10 seconds (third depressurization step).

[0063] Next, the control unit 120 of the control device 100 controls the compressor 110 to increase the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from 0 mmHg to about 320 mmHg over about 5 seconds, and maintain that pressure for about 15 seconds (fourth pressurization step). Thereafter, the control unit 120 controls the compressor 110 to reduce the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from about 320 mmHg to 0 mmHg (that is, completely remove the pressure) over about 5 seconds, and maintains that state for about 10 seconds (fourth depressurization step).

[0064] Next, the control unit 120 of the control device 100 controls the compressor 110 to increase the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from 0 mmHg to about 340 mmHg over about 5 seconds, and maintains that pressure for about 15 seconds (fifth pressurization step). Thereafter, the control unit 120 controls the compressor 110 to reduce the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from about 340 mmHg to 0 mmHg (that is, completely remove the pressure) over about 5 seconds, and maintains that state for about 10 seconds (fifth depressurization step).

[0065] The control unit 120 of the control device 100 then controls the compressor 110 to increase the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from 0 mmHg to about 360 mmHg, which exceeds the user's limit pressure, over about 5 seconds, and maintains that pressure for about 20 seconds (sixth pressurization step). In the sixth pressurization step, the user confirms that a temporary hemostatic state has not been brought about at the base of his or her arm by visually examining the condition of his or her palm and measuring the pulse of his or her arm. This means that by sequentially going through the second, third, fourth, and fifth pressurization and depressurization steps, nitric oxide produced from the vascular endothelial cells of the user's blood vessels has increased and the elasticity of the blood vessels has increased, resulting in an increase in the user's limit pressure (the pressure that causes a hemostatic state). The control unit 120 then controls the compressor 110 to reduce the pressure applied to the base of the user's arm from about 360 mmHg to 0 mmHg over about 5 seconds to complete the vascular training.

[0066] The above vessel strengthening method shows that by controlling the pressure applied by the band member 10 to alternately repeat a pressurization operation in which a predetermined pressure is applied to the base of the user's arm and a decompression operation in which the pressure applied to the base of the arm by this pressurization operation is completely removed, the nitric oxide produced from the vascular endothelial cells of the user's blood vessels is increased, thereby strengthening the blood vessels (increasing the elasticity of blood vessels).

[0067] Various types of exercise may also be performed while performing the pressurization and depressurization control, which alternately repeats the pressurization and decompression steps in the second method of using the present system 1. This is because a flexible tube that was conventionally required to supply gas from the compressor 110 to the gas bag 20 is no longer necessary. For example, a user is able to perform baseball pitching or golf swinging with the band member 10 attached to a specific part of the arm or leg while performing pressurization and depressurization control. In golf, the user may play a round of 18 holes while attaching the band member 10 on a specific part of the arm or leg. In this case, for example, by performing the pressurization and depressurization control before the first driver shot on the first hole, the muscles are moderately relaxed and various hormones, including adrenaline, are secreted, which can contribute to an increase in distance. The pressurization and depressurization control can also be turned on and off depending on the situation, such as stopping the control just before hitting the putter. Thus, it has been illustrated that the combination of the pressurization and depressurization control and various types of exercise helps effectively promote rehabilitation after various illnesses and dramatically improve manic-depressive illnesses. Incidentally, it is known that when the user exercises, the muscles gradually become enlarged (pump up). If a conventional belt that simply applies a certain amount of pressure is used, there is concern that such pumping up may cause bleeding to stop, but in addition to the fact that the band member 10 is elastic, the present system 1 also has the advantage of being able to provide pressurization and depressurization control so that pumping up of the muscles does not cause bleeding to stop.

Effects

[0068] In the muscular strength training system 1 according to the embodiment described above, since the compressor (gas supply source) 110 for supplying gas to the gas bag 20 placed inside the band member 10 that is wrapped around a specific part of the user's limbs is configured to directly supply gas to the belt-side connection port (gas supply port) 91 that communicates with the gas bag 20, a flexible tube that was conventionally required to supply gas from the compressor 110 to the gas bag 20 is no longer necessary. Thus, there is no danger of the tube interfering with training. In addition, since the compressor 110 is integrally attached to the band member 10, the compressor 110 can be stored and carried together with the band member 10 when the present system 1 is not in use, which has the advantage of making it very easy to handle.

[0069] In the muscular strength training system 1 according to the embodiment described above, the user operates the operation unit 220 of the remote control device 200 to transmit a wireless control signal from the operation unit 220 to the control unit 120 of the control device 100 attached to the band member 10, and by controlling the control unit 120 with this wireless control signal, the operating state of the compressor 110 can be controlled. In other words, the user is able to remotely control the operating state of the compressor 110 (for example, operate the stopped compressor 110 or stop the operating compressor 110) by operating the operation unit 220 from a position away from the band member 10.

[0070] In addition, in the muscular strength training system 1 according to the embodiments described above, the user threads the other end (the end opposite one end 11 to which the buckle 40 is connected) 12 of the band member 10 through the buckle 40 connected to one end 11 of the band member 10 to form a loop of the band member 10, and pass the left arm through this loop, for example, and then fold back the band member 10 with the right hand to join the hook and loop fasteners 50 and 60 together, thereby maintaining the loop shape and fixing the band member 10 to the left arm. In other words, by adopting the buckle 40 and the hook and loop fasteners 50 and 60, the user is able to operate and fix the band member 10 wrapped around one arm (left arm) with his/her own one hand (right hand) without the help of others. By adopting this method of fixing the band member 10 by folding it back, the band member 10 is attachable to a specific part of the user's body without being bulky.

[0071] In addition, since the band member 10 in the muscular strength training system 1 according to the embodiment described above is elastic, the band member 10 can expand and contract according to the expansion and contraction of the user's muscles associated with exercise, making it possible to apply pressure in a stable manner.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and any design changes appropriately made to the embodiment by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the changes have the features of the present invention. In other words, each element, the disposition, material, condition, shape, size and the like included in the embodiment are not limited to those exemplified, and may be appropriately changed. Each of the elements in the embodiment may be combined as much as technically possible, and the combination is included in the scope of the invention as long as the combination includes the features of the invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0073] 1 . . . muscular strength training system [0074] 10 . . . band member [0075] 11 . . . one end [0076] 12 . . . the other end [0077] 20 . . . gas bag [0078] 40 . . . buckle [0079] 50 . . . first hook and loop fastener [0080] 60 . . . second hook and loop fastener [0081] 91 . . . belt-side connection port (gas supply port) [0082] 110 . . . compressor (gas supply source) [0083] 120 . . . control unit [0084] 220 . . . operation unit