Apparatus for stimulating a muscle of a subject

Abstract

A method and apparatus for stimulating a muscle of a subject are provided. The apparatus comprises a signal generator for generating an electrical pulse signal of a frequency and a current amplitude for inducing contractions in the muscle, and an electrode apparatus for applying the signal to nerves associated with the muscle to be stimulated or adjacent the muscle of the subject for stimulating the muscle. The frequency and current amplitude of the electrical pulse signal are selected so as to maximize the bulk of the muscle being subjected to the contractions so as to generate a shivering phenomenon therein.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for stimulating a muscle of a subject, and in particular, to such apparatus for inducing cardiovascular training effects in a subject and for inducing relatively significant calorie usage that may bring about weight loss in the subject over time. The invention also relates to a method for stimulating a muscle in a subject for inducing cardiovascular training effects in a subject, and for inducing relatively significant calorie usage that may bring about weight loss in the subject. As a subject's weight change is a function of caloric intake as compared with caloric expenditure over time, the invention allows for a significant increase in caloric expenditure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] According to the invention there is provided apparatus and method for stimulating a muscle of a subject for inducing cardiovascular training effects in a subject, and for inducing relatively significant calorie usage tha...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0002] According to the invention there is provided apparatus and method for stimulating a muscle of a subject for inducing cardiovascular training effects in a subject, and for inducing relatively significant calorie usage that may bring about weight loss in the subject. As a subject's weight change is a function of caloric intake as compared with caloric expenditure over time, the invention allows for a significant increase in caloric expenditure.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention the pulse signal generated by the signal generator is defined by appropriate predetermined parameters for minimising discomfort to the subject. It is well known that the application of a relative high intensity electrical pulse to a subject may result in a discomfort to the subject. The typical response to this discomfort has been to provide various devices using a very low intensity pulse for a short application period. However, it is just these parameters and short periods that result in an ineffective product. The present invention allows for pulses having sufficient intensity and appropriate other parameters to burn a substantial amount of calories without discomfort to the subject.

[0016] Using a relatively large charge per pulse would normally be painful if applied through standard skin electrodes. This is because the current density would be relatively high and therefore risk stimulating pain receptors. In order to utilise the larger current required in this application it is therefore necessary to use large electrodes which minimise the current density at the skin. The larger electrodes have the further advantage of distributing the current in the subcutaneous tissue more widely, thereby increasing the probability of recruiting more nerves and hence muscle fibers.

Problems solved by technology

In the past it has generally been believed that muscle stimulation by electrical pulse signals was ineffective for inducing cardiovascular training effects in a subject, and for inducing relatively significant calorie usage to bring about weight loss in the subject.

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