Psychosomatic state improvement device and beauty method

Abstract

To provide a novel technique using an EMS.SOLUTION: Provided is a psychosomatic state improvement device having: a muscle stimulation unit including an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) electrode; and a control unit for outputting, to the muscle stimulation unit, a pulse signal emitted in a stimulation pattern for improving a target psychosomatic state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for improving mental and physical conditions using EMS, and a beauty method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in the fields of medicine and sports, there is known a method of applying Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to induce skeletal muscle contraction for the purpose of muscle building, incontinence management, etc. In addition, the use of EMS not only for muscle exercise but also for the purpose of promoting blood flow, muscle hypertrophy, and metabolism has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] There have also been inventions that combine EMS with a posture correction supporter, which is a type of health and medical device. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a posture correction device equipped with EMS electrodes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-142624 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-142716 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a new technology using EMS. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a mental and physical condition improving device having a muscle stimulation unit equipped with EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) electrodes, and a control unit that outputs a pulse signal emitted in a stimulation pattern that improves the mental and physical condition of a subject to the muscle stimulation unit. According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the mental and physical state of a subject to which the device of the present invention is applied.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the psychosomatic state relates to a psychological and / or mental state.

[0008] In a preferred form of the invention, the psychological and / or psychiatric condition relates to a long-term psychological and / or psychiatric condition.

[0009] In a preferred form of the invention, said long-term psychological and / or psychiatric condition is mental health.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of items selected from evaluation items relating to stress and mental disorders, and evaluation items relating to positive emotions are improved.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said psychological and / or mental state is a feeling of well-being.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mental and physical conditions are symptoms caused by female hormones.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the symptoms caused by female hormones are premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and / or menopausal symptoms.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mental and physical condition is a skin condition.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the skin condition is one or more of spots, wrinkles, pores, amount of melanin, and amount of redness.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mental and physical condition is a sleep-related indicator and / or edema.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mental and physical state is a state related to one or more of β-endorphin secretion, lactic acid secretion, blood pressure, work performance, serotonin secretion, an increase in 1,5-AG (1,5-anhydroglucitol), and BDNF (Brain derived neurotrophic factor) secretion; The control unit outputs a pulse signal generated in a stimulation pattern that promotes one or more of the following: secretion of beta-endorphin, secretion of lactic acid, lowering of blood pressure, improvement of work performance, secretion of serotonin, increase in 1,5-AG (1,5-anhydroglucitol), and secretion of BDNF (Brain derived neurotrophic factor).

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the improvement in work performance is an improvement or enhancement in one or more of work efficiency, labor productivity, judgment, thinking ability, attention, and concentration.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the muscle stimulator is attached to one or more of the following body parts: waist, calf, thigh, and shoulder.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a cosmetic method for improving skin condition, which includes a step of applying electrical muscle stimulation to the body (excluding medical procedures).

[0021] In a preferred form of the invention, the body is the area below the neck.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body is one or more of the hips, calves, thighs, and shoulders.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the skin condition is one or more of spots, wrinkles, pores, amount of melanin, and amount of redness. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus capable of improving the mental and physical state of a subject.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a cosmetic method for improving skin conditions using EMS can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mental and physical condition improving device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a graph showing the results of improvement in menopausal symptoms in the intervention group (EMS treatment), showing that some of the menopausal symptoms improved when the stimulation intensity was high. [Diagram 3] 1 is a graph showing the results of improvement in work performance in the intervention group (EMS treatment), showing that work performance improves when stimulation intensity is high. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing the results of promoting blood pressure reduction in the intervention group (EMS treatment, Case) and the control group (Control). [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph showing the results of measuring blood 1,5-AG (1,5-anhydroglucitol) levels in the intervention group (EMS treatment, Case) and the control group (Control). [Figure 6] This is a graph showing the results of measuring blood BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) levels in the intervention group (EMS treatment, Case) and the control group (Control). [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows the VAS evaluation items used in the psychological evaluation in a single intervention study. [Figure 8] 1 is a graph showing the improvement in psychological state evaluated by the shortened version of POMS2 in the intervention group (EMS treatment) and the control group (walking). [Figure 9] 1 is a graph showing the improvement in psychological state evaluated by VAS in the intervention group (EMS treatment) and the control group (walking). [Figure 10]1 is a graph showing the results of electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements indicating comfort, concentration, and stress in an intervention group (EMS treatment) and a control group (walking). [Figure 11] 1 is a graph showing the results of electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements indicating comfort, liking, and stress in the intervention group (EMS treatment) and the control group (walking). [Figure 12] 1 is a graph showing the results of measuring the amount of β-endorphin in the blood in the intervention group (EMS treatment) and the control group (walking). [Figure 13] 1 is a graph showing the results of measuring blood lactate levels in the intervention group (EMS treatment) and the control group (walking). [Figure 14] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between heart rate load and plasma serotonin level in the intervention group (EMS treatment). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] <Mental and physical condition improvement device> The present invention relates to an apparatus for improving mental and physical conditions using EMS. EMS is an abbreviation for Electrical Muscle Stimulation. The mental and physical conditions to be improved in the present invention include both the physical and psychological conditions of the subject who utilizes the device of the present invention.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the physical and mental state improved in the present invention is a psychological state and / or mental state. Examples of the psychological state and / or mental state include stress and mental disorders such as anger, hostility, depression, depression, tension, anxiety, irritability, exhaustion, restlessness, depression, bothersomeness, inability to concentrate, feeling gloomy, sadness, and positive emotions such as boldness, determination, motivation, alertness, exhilaration, elation, activity, happiness, and comfort (comfortable, exhilarating, and exhilarating). In addition, examples of the psychological state and / or mental state include awakening and concentration (a sharpened state).

[0029] The mental and physical condition improving device of the present invention can improve preferably one or more of the above-mentioned psychological and / or mental conditions, and more preferably two or more, three or more, five or more, eight or more, ten or more, fifteen or more, or twenty or more.

[0030] The psychological state and / or mental state in the present invention may be one evaluated by either a subjective evaluation or an objective evaluation. In the present invention, a form including a psychological state and / or mental state evaluated by a subjective evaluation is preferable, and a form including both a psychological state and / or mental state evaluated by a subjective evaluation and a psychological state and / or mental state evaluated by an objective evaluation is also preferable.

[0031] The method of evaluating the psychological and / or mental state in the present invention is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a questionnaire method. The subjective psychological and / or mental state of the evaluation subject can be evaluated using a questionnaire method. The evaluation using the questionnaire method in the present invention includes not only a form in which questions are written on paper, but also a form in which questions are displayed on electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets. The question format in the questionnaire method is preferably a certified scale method, and more preferably a numerical rating method. For example, a format in which the subject is asked to select one rating from a multi-level evaluation item such as "1. Almost never / 2. Sometimes / 3. Often / 4. Almost always" regarding a certain mental and physical state is preferable.

[0032] Furthermore, examples of objective evaluation techniques include measurement of the physiological state of the subject to be evaluated. For example, it is preferable to measure heart rate and brain waves.

[0033] For example, the psychological and / or mental state can be assessed using a shortened version of the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition (POMS2) or a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The POMS2 measures the subject's mood using seven scales - anger-hostility, confusion-embarrassment, depression-depression, fatigue-lethargy, tension-anxiety, vigor-vitality, and friendliness - as well as a TMD score that represents an overall negative mood state. VAS is an evaluation method that corresponds to the graphic rating method, which is a form of rating scale method. In VAS, participants rate the subjective degree of each question by placing a mark on a line shown on the answer sheet.

[0034] In addition, stress and mental disorders can be evaluated, for example, using the Simple Occupational Stress Questionnaire. The simple occupational stress questionnaire evaluates three areas: "work stress factors," which is an item related to the causes of psychological burdens on workers in the workplace; "mental and physical stress responses," which is an item related to subjective mental and physical symptoms caused by psychological burdens; and "support from surrounding workers," which is an item related to support for the worker by other workers in the workplace. In the present invention, it is preferable to evaluate the above-mentioned "mental and physical stress responses" as an evaluation of stress and mental disorders. In addition, there are two types of occupational stress questionnaires: a 57-item version and a simplified version with 23 items. The psychological state and / or mental state in the present invention may be one evaluated using the 57-item version.

[0035] Positive affect can be assessed, for example, using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). PANAS evaluates the emotions and moods of the subject through evaluation of a total of 16 items, including 8 positive emotion items and 8 negative emotion items. In the present invention, the "total positive emotion", which is the total value of the evaluation items for positive emotion, can also be an item related to the psychological state and / or mental state in the present invention.

[0036] The psychological and / or mental conditions improved in the present invention are preferably long-term psychological and / or mental conditions. A preferred example of the long-term psychological and / or mental conditions is mental health. The long-term psychological and / or mental conditions are preferably evaluated by the Occupational Stress Simple Questionnaire and / or the PANAS. In the present invention, "mental health" refers to long-term mental health caused by transient stress and various other factors, and refers to a continuous and chronic psychological state, not a transient one. Preferred examples of items to be evaluated in mental health are the items listed above under "stress / mental disorders" and "positive emotions." In the present invention, mental health may be evaluated by either subjective or objective assessment. The improvement of mental health in the present invention is preferably an improvement of a plurality of the above-mentioned items related to the subjective and / or objective assessment, and more preferably an improvement of a plurality of the above-mentioned items related to the subjective assessment.

[0037] In addition, the psychological and / or mental state improved in the present invention may be a transient psychological and / or mental state, such as stress, mental disorders, comfort, a sense of happiness, etc.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the mental and physical conditions improved in the present invention are symptoms caused by female hormones. Symptoms caused by female hormones preferably include premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal disorders.Specifically, PMS symptoms include moodiness, sadness, depression, gloominess, anxiety, tension, irritability, anger, conflict with others, etc.Symptoms of menopausal disorders include fatigue, general menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, sweating, etc.

[0039] In the present invention, the symptoms caused by female hormones are preferably symptoms evaluated by subjective evaluation. In addition, the method for evaluating symptoms caused by female hormones in the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably a questionnaire method, which allows the evaluation of subjective symptoms of the subject. The question format in the questionnaire method is preferably a certified scale method, and more preferably a numerical rating method.

[0040] Evaluation of PMS symptoms can be performed, for example, using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP), or a shortened version of the DRSP. The symptoms of menopausal disorders can be evaluated, for example, by the Simplified Menopausal Index (SMI) questionnaire.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the mental and physical condition improved in the present invention is skin condition. Preferred examples of skin conditions include blemishes, wrinkles, pores, amount of melanin, and amount of redness, and it is preferable that the composition improves one or more of these, more preferably two or more, more preferably three or more, more preferably four or more, and even more preferably five or more.

[0042] The skin condition can be measured using an existing skin diagnostic device.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the mental and physical conditions improved in the present invention are indicators relating to sleep.

[0044] The sleep-related indices are preferably symptoms assessed by subjective evaluation. In addition, the method of evaluating the sleep-related index in the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably a questionnaire-based evaluation, which allows evaluation of subjective symptoms of the subject.

[0045] The sleep-related index is preferably an index related to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The indices relating to sleep that are improved in the present invention are preferably indices relating to sleep quality, sleep onset time, and sleep duration. In addition, the "sleep quality" that is improved in the present invention is preferably sleep quality in a broad sense based on the overall evaluation of PSQI.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the mental and physical condition improved in the present invention is edema. Swelling can be evaluated by measuring the extracellular water (ECW) of the body. In the present invention, improvement of edema is preferably achieved by reducing the ECW value. Swelling can also be evaluated using ECW / TBW (Total Body Water). In this case, improvement of edema is preferably achieved by reducing the ECW / TBW value. In addition, the present invention preferably improves swelling in the lower limbs of the body.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, the mental and physical condition improved in the present invention is the secretion of β-endorphin. In this embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus for improving the secretion of β-endorphin. More preferably, the mental and physical condition improving device according to this embodiment is a device for improving the secretion of β-endorphin in the blood.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment, the mental and physical condition improved in the present invention is the secretion of lactic acid. In this embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus for improving the secretion of lactic acid. More preferably, the mental and physical condition improving device according to this embodiment is a device for improving the secretion of lactic acid in the blood.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the mental and physical condition improved in the present invention is blood pressure. In this embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus for lowering blood pressure.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment, the mental and physical state improved in the present invention is work performance. In this embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus for improving work performance.

[0051] In the present invention, improving work performance preferably refers to improving presenteeism and absenteeism, and specifically refers to improving or enhancing one or more of work efficiency, labor productivity, judgment, thinking ability, attention, and concentration.

[0052] Presenteeism refers to a state in which a worker's productivity is reduced due to health problems, even if the worker has not yet been absent from work. Absenteeism refers to absence from work due to health problems (sick leave, sick leave).

[0053] In the present invention, the work performance improved is preferably, for example, an evaluation value of the WHO Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (WHO-HPQ).

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mental and physical condition improved in the present invention is the secretion of serotonin. In this embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus for improving the secretion of serotonin. More preferably, the mental and physical condition improving device according to this embodiment is a device for improving the secretion of serotonin in the blood.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mental and physical condition improved by the present invention is an increase in 1,5-AG (1,5-anhydroglucitol). In this embodiment, the present invention is a device for increasing 1,5-AG. More preferably, the mental and physical condition improving device according to this embodiment is a device for increasing 1,5-AG in the blood. The mental and physical condition improving device of this embodiment can be used to prevent or suppress the deterioration of blood sugar control.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mental and physical condition improved in the present invention is secretion of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In this embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus for improving secretion of BDNF. More preferably, the mental and physical condition improving device according to this embodiment is a device for improving the secretion of BDNF in the blood. The mental and physical condition improving device of this embodiment can be used to improve cognitive function.

[0057] The mental and physical condition improving device of the present invention may improve one or more of the above-mentioned mental and physical conditions, but it is more preferable that it improves more than one of the above-mentioned mental and physical conditions.

[0058] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the mental and physical condition improving device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mind and body condition improving device of the present invention when applied to the human body. The mental and physical condition improving device of the present invention comprises a muscle stimulation unit equipped with EMS electrodes, and a control unit that outputs a pulse signal emitted in a stimulation pattern that improves the mental and physical condition of a subject to the muscle stimulation unit.

[0060] The control unit supplies the muscle stimulation unit with a current capable of electrically stimulating the human skeletal muscle. The muscle stimulation unit transmits the pulse signal output from the control unit to the human body and can be configured with a known device. Examples of the muscle stimulation unit include, for example, wiring, electrode pads, or a combination of these. The mental and physical condition improving device of the present invention preferably includes a plurality of EMS electrodes. Preferably, the mental and physical condition improving device of the present invention includes an EMS electrode pair. The plurality of electrodes may be separate from each other or may be integrated. For example, when two electrodes, a first electrode and a second electrode, are used as the plurality of electrodes, the first electrode and the second electrode may be separate from each other or may be integrated. The plurality of electrodes may be configured so as to be integrated or separated. This causes electrical stimulation to be supplied to the target human body from the muscle stimulation unit via the multiple electrodes.

[0061] In addition, the control unit is preferably a computer having an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage medium such as a ROM (read only memory) storing a control program, and a working memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). In this case, the current supply pattern to the muscle stimulation unit is realized by the CPU or the like executing the control program.

[0062] In one embodiment, the control unit has a processor, a memory, and a pulse signal supplying means. Each of these means can be configured using, for example, an integrated circuit or other circuits. The control unit outputs a pulse signal from the pulse signal supplying means by, for example, executing a program by the processor. The program executed by the processor may be, for example, stored in the memory of the control unit in advance, or the user or the program operating in the control unit may be obtained from an external device of the mental and physical condition improving device, such as a server device on the Internet.

[0063] The subject uses the mental and physical condition improving device by attaching it to any part of the body. The subject attaches the muscle stimulating unit of the mental and physical condition improving device to the body and receives stimulation emitted from the electrodes of the muscle stimulating unit. The muscle stimulating unit is not particularly limited as long as it is in a form that is easy to attach to the body, and can be, for example, in a belt-like (band-like) form. The part where the device is worn is not particularly limited, and the device can be worn on the face, ankles, legs (calves, thighs), buttocks, abdomen, chest, back, arms, shoulders, neck, face, etc. In this embodiment, it is preferable to apply the device to the area below the neck of the subject. Specific examples of preferable application parts include one or more of the waist, calves, thighs, and shoulders. In particular, by attaching the device to the area below the neck and providing stimulation, the mental and physical condition improving device of the present invention can also be suitably used to improve the condition of the facial area (for example, skin condition) that is distant from the area where it is attached.

[0064] The current (pulse signal) emitted by the muscle stimulator is a signal that imitates the nerve signal output from the brain to the muscle. When the pulse signal is applied to the human body, the muscle understands that it has received a command from the brain to perform a specific movement, and performs the movement according to the pulse signal as the movement commanded by the brain. For example, in the case of the muscles of the arms and legs, an example of the movement includes bending and straightening the arms and legs.

[0065] The pulse signal generated by the muscle stimulation unit is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the conditions for improving the mental and physical state, and includes rectangular waves as well as signals other than rectangular waves such as trapezoidal waves and triangular waves. The polarity of the pulse signal may be positive or negative.

[0066] The current conditions in the mental and physical condition improving device of the present invention can be set appropriately depending on the purpose of improvement, and the pulse frequency can be selected from the range of 3 to 50 Hz. In addition, a plurality of frequencies may be combined in order to apply electrical muscle stimulation to the target. As an example, when applying low stimulation, the pulse frequency may be 3 to 10 Hz, or may be 3 to 5 Hz. When applying high stimulation, the pulse frequency may be 10 to 30 Hz, or may be 15 to 25 Hz.

[0067] <Beauty method> The present invention also relates to a cosmetic method for improving skin condition, comprising the step of applying electrical muscular stimulation to the body of a subject. The step of applying electrical muscular stimulation in the cosmetic method of the present invention does not include a medical procedure, but is an act carried out for cosmetic purposes. Here, the term "medical procedure" in the present invention refers to the procedure in which a doctor (including a person under the instructions of a doctor) performs surgery, treatment, or diagnosis on a human being.

[0068] In the cosmetic method of the present invention, the body part to which muscle stimulation is applied is preferably the region below the neck. Preferred examples of the region below the neck include the lower back, calves, thighs, and shoulders. In the cosmetic method of the present invention, facial skin condition can be improved by applying electrical muscle stimulation to the area below the neck, which is away from the face.

[0069] The skin condition improved by the cosmetic method of the present invention is preferably one or more of the following: age spots, wrinkles, pores, amount of melanin, and amount of redness, more preferably two or more, even more preferably three or more, still more preferably four or more, and even more preferably five or more.

[0070] The cosmetic method of the present invention can be carried out using the above-mentioned mental and physical condition improving device. A preferred embodiment of the method for imparting electrical muscular stimulation in the cosmetic method of the present invention is as described above in the <Mental and Physical Condition Improving Device>. EXAMPLES

[0071] The EMS treatment test carried out by the present inventors will be described below. The present invention has been made based on the following experimental results, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0072] In addition, the tables and figures relating to the results of this example show the average value (± standard error) of the evaluation value or measurement value for each item. In this example, data processing was performed with the significance level set at p<0.1.

[0073] [1] Long-term intervention trial (randomized controlled trial) (1) Subjects Twenty-nine working women aged 20-44 (with stable menstrual cycles with an average cycle length of 25-31 days) who scored 13 or more on the short version of the DRSP were randomly divided into two groups, the control group (Control, n=14) and the intervention group (Case, n=15) in the PMS study. Of these, 13 in the control group and 14 in the intervention group completed the study. In addition, 30 working women aged 45-55 (those with irregular menstrual cycles or complete menopause) with an SMI score of 26 or more were randomly divided into two groups, a control group (Control, 15 people) and an intervention group (Case, 15 people) for the menopausal disorder study. Of these, 14 people in the control group and 15 people in the intervention group completed the study. In addition, the subjects in both studies were those who did not have sufficient exercise habits and were not accustomed to using EMS.

[0074] In the study, the subjects in the PMS study and the menopausal disorder study underwent the following tests and surveys prior to the intervention study. (1) Survey on stress and mental health (Simple Occupational Stress Questionnaire (created by the Ministry of Labor)) (2) Survey of positive and negative affect (The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule; PANAS) (3) Measurement of various blood components by blood sampling (4) Sleep quality assessment (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)) (5) Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) short version (only conducted on 29 subjects in the PMS study) (6) Calculation of Simplified Menopausal Index (SMI) (only for 30 subjects in the menopausal disorder study) (7) Measurement of extracellular water (ECW) in both legs (8) Evaluation of work performance (WHO-HPQ: WHO Health and Work Performance Questionnaire) (9) Facial Skin Image Analysis (VISIA Evolution) (10)Body composition (Inbody770)

[0075] After pre-intervention testing and surveys, the intervention group was asked to carry out EMS at home for eight weeks. In addition, the device that generates the stimulation frequency EMS is a band-shaped device that contains electrodes that generate electrical stimulation. The subject was asked to wear the band around both thighs and the torso (at the height of the navel), and stimulation was given to the thighs, abdomen, and back. Afterwards, the same tests and investigations were carried out as before the intervention.

[0076] (2) Results <Stress and mental health problems> In the intervention group, there was a statistically significant decrease in the evaluation scores for multiple items in the Simple Occupational Stress Survey shown in Table 1, or the change (Δ) from before to after the intervention was statistically significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group. These results show that EMS treatment improved the subjects' stress and mental disorders.

[0077] [Table 1]

[0078] <Positive emotions> In the intervention group, the evaluation scores for multiple PANAS items shown in Table 2 increased with statistical significance, or the change (Δ) from before to after the intervention increased with statistical significance in the intervention group compared to the control group. Note that "Positive Emotion_Total" in Table 2 indicates the total evaluation score in the PANAS evaluation. These results show that EMS treatment promotes the subjects' positive emotions.

[0079] [Table 2]

[0080] <Sleep quality> In the intervention group, several of the PSQI evaluation values ​​shown in Table 3 were statistically significantly reduced, or the change (Δ) from before to after the intervention was statistically significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group. These results indicate that EMS treatment improved the subjects' quality of sleep.

[0081] [Table 3]

[0082] <pms> In the intervention group, for several DRSP items shown in Table 4, the evaluation scores decreased with a statistical significance, or the change (Δ) from before to after the intervention decreased with a statistical significance in the intervention group compared to the control group.

[0083] [Table 4]

[0084] The above-mentioned improvement items are mainly related to mental symptoms. In other words, it shows that it can be preferably used for improving the mental symptoms of PMS.

[0085] <Menopausal symptoms> In the intervention group, the SMI values ​​shown in Table 5 were statistically significantly reduced, or the change (Δ) before and after the intervention was statistically significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group. In addition, in the items of overall SMI evaluation value, facial hot flashes, and sweating tendency, evaluation values ​​were significantly reduced when the EMS stimulation intensity (pulse amplitude) was 21 or higher, compared to when the stimulation intensity was 20 or lower (Figure 2). These results show that relatively high-intensity EMS treatment can improve the subjects' menopausal symptoms.

[0086] [Table 5]

[0087] <Swelling> In the intervention group, the average ECW values ​​of both legs, as shown in Table 6, were statistically significantly reduced, and the change (Δ) before and after the intervention was statistically significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group. In other words, it was shown that EMS treatment improved swelling.

[0088] [Table 6]

[0089] <Work performance> When the EMS stimulation intensity was 21 or higher, the WHO-HPQ evaluation score increased significantly compared to when the stimulation intensity (pulse amplitude) was 20 or lower (Figure 3). This result indicates that relatively high-intensity EMS treatment can improve the work performance of the subjects.

[0090] <Skin condition> In the intervention group, the scores for skin conditions (spots, wrinkles, noticeable pores, brown spots, red spots, and UV spots) shown in Table 6 were statistically significantly reduced, or the change (Δ) from before to after the intervention was statistically significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group. These results showed that EMS treatment improved the skin condition of the subjects.

[0091] [Table 7]

[0092] <Blood Pressure> In the intervention group, EMS treatment reduced the subjects' blood pressure with a statistically significant decrease (Figure 4, top). Blood pressure also decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group (Figure 4, bottom). These results indicate that EMS treatment promotes a reduction in the subjects' blood pressure.

[0093] <Other items> Blood tests showed that the amount of 1,5-AG (1,5-anhydroglucitol) in the blood of the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group (Figure 5). This suggests that EMS treatment can prevent the deterioration of blood sugar control in the subjects. In addition, the amount of circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the intervention group was significantly increased compared to the control group (Figure 6). This suggests that EMS treatment may improve the subjects' cognitive function.

[0094] [2] Single-intervention study (crossover comparative study) Sixteen subjects were selected from the intervention group in the long-term intervention study and randomly divided into two groups. Next, the subjects' blood pressure was measured, blood samples were taken, and psychological evaluations were performed, and each group performed a task. During the tasks, brain waves and heart rates were continuously measured. The evaluation methods and equipment used were as follows: Blood pressure measurement: HEM 705 IT Fuzzy Psychological assessment: POMS2 (Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition) short version, VAS (see Figure 7 for assessment items) · Brainwave measurement: Dentsu Science Jam_Sensitivity Analyzer Heart rate measurement: POLAR_Verity Sense

[0095] One group (8 participants) received EMS treatment according to a 14-minute program on the first day as a task. EMS treatment was performed using the same device as described above in [1]. The other group (8 participants) performed approximately 30 minutes of walking on an indoor treadmill instead of EMS treatment as a task. After a one-week washout period, on the second day each group performed the same tasks, with the tasks switched.

[0096] After performing the task, the above measurements and evaluations were performed in the same manner as before performing the task. The results are shown in Figures 8 to 14.

[0097] <Mental state> As shown in Figure 8, the EMS intervention group showed a decrease in the scores for the items "anger, hostility, depression, disappointment, tension, anxiety, and overall negative state." Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the EMS intervention group saw an increase in the scores for all VAS evaluation items (comfortable, refreshing, alert, stressless, focus (sharp), elation, mental activation, and happiness). In particular, no differences were observed in the control group for the items "stressless, focus (sharp), and happiness," and a decrease in the scores was confirmed only in the EMS intervention group. These results indicate that 14 minutes of EMS can produce an improvement in psychological state that is equal to or greater than that of 30 minutes of walking.

[0098] Furthermore, electroencephalogram measurements before and after the task confirmed improvements in the categories of comfort, concentration, and stress (Figure 10). In particular, no difference was observed in the "comfort" category in the control group, with improvement confirmed only in the EMS intervention group. Furthermore, electroencephalogram measurements during the task showed that the EMS intervention group had significantly better scores in the categories of "comfort, like, and stress" than the control group (Figure 11). In other words, EMS treatment improved psychological states related to comfort, concentration, stress, etc., and it can be said that the state during the task was more comfortable, favorable, and stressless than walking.

[0099] <Blood components> As shown in Figure 12, it was shown that the secretion of beta-endorphins in the blood increased only in the EMS intervention group. In addition, the increase in beta-endorphins in the EMS intervention group was significantly greater than in the control group (walking). From these results, it can be inferred that EMS treatment induces the secretion of beta-endorphins, improving stress and psychological state.

[0100] As shown in Figure 13, the amount of lactate secreted from the blood increased only in the EMS intervention group (Figure 13, left). It was also clear that the amount of lactate secreted increased as the strength of the EMS stimulation increased (Figure 13, right). And, as shown in Figure 14, in the EMS intervention group, the higher the heart rate load during EMS treatment, the higher the plasma serotonin level. In this way, it became clear that EMS treatment increases the secretion of multiple factors that contribute to mental and physical state.

[0101] In summary, 14 minutes of EMS treatment improved various psychological states to an extent equivalent to or greater than 30 minutes of walking, demonstrating that EMS is a more psychologically comfortable and preferable stimulus than walking, yet also brings about immediate improvements in psychological states equivalent to or greater than walking in a short period of time. It was also suggested that one of the mechanisms may involve the induction of beta-endorphin secretion by EMS.

[0102] [3] Summary The results of a single intervention study showed that EMS improves psychological states such as anger, hostility, depression, low mood, tension, anxiety, stress, exhilaration, alertness, concentration, elation, activity, and happiness. The results of a long-term intervention study showed that the long-term effects of EMS include improvements in stress, various mental disorders, positive emotions, PMS symptoms, menopausal symptoms, sleep, swelling, and work performance. The long-term intervention study also showed improvements in stress, various mental disorders, and positive emotions, making it clear that mental health can be improved by administering EMS continuously. From the above, it can be said that EMS can be used to improve the various mental and physical conditions mentioned above. [Industrial Applicability]

[0103] The present invention can be used for improving mental and physical conditions, such as in mental health care.< / pms>

Claims

1. A mental and physical condition improving device having a muscle stimulation unit equipped with EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) electrodes and a control unit that outputs a pulse signal emitted in a stimulation pattern that improves the mental and physical condition of a target to the muscle stimulation unit.

2. The apparatus for improving mental and physical condition according to claim 1 , wherein the mental and physical condition relates to a psychological state and / or a mental state.

3. 3. The apparatus for improving mental and physical state according to claim 2, wherein the psychological and / or mental condition relates to a long-term psychological and / or mental condition.

4. 4. The apparatus for improving mental and physical condition according to claim 3, wherein the long-term psychological and / or mental condition is mental health.

5. 5. The apparatus for improving a mental and physical condition according to claim 4, which improves a plurality of items selected from evaluation items relating to stress and mental disorders, and evaluation items relating to positive emotions.

6. 3. The apparatus for improving mental and physical condition according to claim 2, wherein the psychological and / or mental state is a sense of happiness.

7. 2. The apparatus for improving mental and physical condition according to claim 1, wherein the mental and physical condition is a symptom caused by female hormones.

8. 8. The apparatus for improving mental and physical conditions according to claim 7, wherein the symptoms caused by female hormones are premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and / or menopausal disorders.

9. The mental and physical condition improving device according to claim 1 , wherein the mental and physical condition is a skin condition.

10. The apparatus for improving a physical and mental condition according to claim 9 , wherein the skin condition is one or more of spots, wrinkles, pores, an amount of melanin, and an amount of redness.

11. The apparatus for improving mental and physical condition according to claim 1 , wherein the mental and physical condition is a sleep-related indicator and / or swelling.

12. The mental and physical state is a state related to one or more of secretion of β-endorphin, secretion of lactic acid, blood pressure, work performance, secretion of serotonin, increase in 1,5-AG (1,5-anhydroglucitol), and secretion of BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor); The apparatus for improving mental and physical condition according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs a pulse signal generated in a stimulation pattern that promotes one or more of the following: secretion of β-endorphin, secretion of lactic acid, lowering of blood pressure, improvement of work performance, secretion of serotonin, secretion of 1,5-AG (1,5-anhydroglucitol), and secretion of BDNF (Brain derived neurotrophic factor).

13. 13. The mental and physical condition improving device according to claim 12, wherein the improvement in work performance is an improvement or enhancement of one or more of work efficiency, labor productivity, judgment, thinking ability, attention, and concentration.

14. 14. The apparatus for improving a mind and body condition according to claim 1, wherein the muscle stimulation unit is attached to one or more body parts selected from the group consisting of a lower back, a calf, a thigh, and a shoulder.

15. A cosmetic method for improving skin condition, comprising a step of applying electrical muscle stimulation to the body (excluding medical procedures).

16. The cosmetic method according to claim 15, wherein the body is the area below the neck.

17. The cosmetic method according to claim 15, wherein the body is one or more of the hips, calves, thighs, and shoulders.

18. The cosmetic method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the skin condition is one or more of spots, wrinkles, pores, amount of melanin, and amount of redness.

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