Electronic therapeutic device

Abstract

An electronic treatment device (200) includes a plurality of electrodes that contact a part of a user's body, and a control device (205) that performs treatment of the part by applying a pulse train wave composed of a plurality of continuous waves of pulses to the plurality of electrodes. The control device (205) outputs a first pulse train wave including a plurality of pulses having a first amplitude, and after outputting the first pulse train wave, repeatedly outputs a second pulse train wave including a plurality of positive pulses having a second amplitude and a third pulse train wave including a plurality of negative pulses having a third amplitude. The first amplitude is greater than the second amplitude and the third amplitude.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an electronic therapeutic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, an electronic therapeutic device that alleviates stiffness and pain has been known. Such an electronic therapeutic device brings an electrode into contact with a part of a patient, and outputs an electric signal to a muscle or the like through the electrode, thereby applying stimulation.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-514043 (Patent Literature 1) discloses a stimulation device. The stimulation device transmits a complex stimulation pattern to selected electrodes, and corrects the complex stimulation pattern based on a signal received from a sensor interface.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-514043

[0006] However, there are nerve fibers called myelinated nerves having a myelin sheath around an axon and unmyelinated nerves not having a myelin sheath. There is a treatment method that stimulates the unmyelinated nerves by flowing a current through a needle, thereby causing an analgesic effect. However, a general electric stimulation with a conventional electrode stimulates thick myelinated nerves and excites them, and it is difficult to effectively excite thin unmyelinated nerves. SUMMARY

[0007] An object of an aspect of the present application is to provide an electronic therapeutic device that can suppress excitation of myelinated nerves and more effectively excite unmyelinated nerves.

[0008] An electronic therapeutic device is provided in one example of the present application, which includes a plurality of electrodes that come into contact with a part of a user's body, and a control device that performs treatment of the part by applying a pulse train wave composed of a plurality of continuous waves of pulses to the plurality of electrodes. The control device outputs a first pulse train wave including a plurality of pulses having a first amplitude, and repeatedly outputs a second pulse train wave including a plurality of positive pulses having a second amplitude and a third pulse train wave including a plurality of negative pulses having a third amplitude after the first pulse train wave is output. The first amplitude is larger than the second amplitude and the third amplitude.

[0009] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress excitation of myelinated nerves and more effectively excite unmyelinated nerves.

[0010] In another example of the present application, the first amplitude is 29 mA / cm 2 The above current density corresponds to the amplitude.

[0011] According to the above configuration, it is possible to further improve the suppression effect of excitation of myelinated nerves.

[0012] In another example of the present application, the repetition frequency of the pulses included in the first pulse train wave is 100 kHz or less.

[0013] With the above configuration, the inhibitory effect on the excitation of myelinated nerves can be further improved.

[0014] In another example of the present application, the length of the first pulse train wave is 20 ms or more.

[0015] With the above configuration, the inhibitory effect on the excitation of myelinated nerves can be further improved.

[0016] In another example of the present application, the second amplitude, the length of the second pulse train wave, the third amplitude, and the length of the third pulse train wave are set in such a manner that the total area of each positive pulse included in the second pulse train wave and the total area of each negative pulse included in the third pulse train wave become the same.

[0017] With the above configuration, the total net charge applied to the user can be made zero. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an electronic therapeutic device according to the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 is a diagram showing one example of the appearance of an electronic therapeutic device.

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing one example of the hardware configuration of an electronic therapeutic device.

[0021] Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining a pulse train wave for treatment.

[0022] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the current density corresponding to the amplitude of the preceding pulse train wave and the excitation threshold value.

[0023] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the carrier frequency of the preceding pulse train wave and the excitation threshold value.

[0024] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pulse train length of the preceding pulse train wave and the excitation threshold value.

[0025] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing one example of the processing steps of an electronic therapeutic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, identical parts are given identical reference numerals. Their names and functions are also identical. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0027] [Application Example]

[0028] Referring to Figure 1 An application example of the present application will be described. Figure 1 is a view showing an electronic treatment device 200 according to the present embodiment.

[0029] Referring to Figure 1 The electronic treatment device 200 includes a control device 205, which is a main body portion, and a pair of pads 270 for attaching to a treatment site (e.g., a knee). The control device 205 is electrically connected to the pads 270 by electric wires. The protector 40 is a knee protector that covers the entire knee of the user.

[0030] The electronic treatment device 200 is a low-frequency treatment device that performs treatment such as alleviating pain of the knee of the user and relaxing stiffness of the shoulder by supplying a low-frequency pulse current. The frequency of the low-frequency pulse current is, for example, 1 Hz to 1200 Hz.

[0031] The pad 270 has a sheet-like shape and is attached to the body of the user. A plug corresponding to an electrode (not shown) formed on the other face (a face in contact with the body) is provided on one face (a face not in contact with the body) of the pad 270. The electrode is formed of, for example, a conductive gel-like material or the like.

[0032] The control device 205 controls a pulse voltage applied to the electrodes of the pair of pads 270 in contact with a site (e.g., a knee) of the body of the user. The control device 205 performs treatment of the site by applying a pulse train wave composed of a plurality of continuous waves of pulses to the electrodes of the pads 270.

[0033] Specifically, the control device 205 outputs a pre-pulse train wave 310 including a plurality of pulses having a large amplitude, and thereafter, outputs a main pulse train wave including a plurality of pulses having a small amplitude. The main pulse train wave is a pulse train wave including pulses for treatment of the site, and is composed of a positive pulse train wave 320 including a plurality of pulses of positive polarity (positive pulses) and a negative pulse train wave 330 including a plurality of pulses of negative polarity (negative pulses). The positive pulse train wave 320 and the negative pulse train wave 330 are repeatedly output. In this way, after the pre-pulse train wave having a large amplitude is output, the main pulse train wave having a small amplitude is output, whereby excitation of myelinated nerves can be suppressed, and unmyelinated nerves can be effectively stimulated. Details of the reason for this will be described later.

[0034] By the above control, in the electronic therapeutic device in which a pair of pads are attached to a treatment site to perform treatment, the non-medullary nerve can be effectively stimulated by suppressing the excitation of the medullary nerve.

[0035] [Configuration Example]

[0036] (External Appearance)

[0037] Figure 2 is a diagram showing one example of the external appearance of the electronic therapeutic device 200. Referring to Figure 2 , the electronic therapeutic device 200 includes a control device 205, a pair of pads 270, and an electric wire 280 for electrically connecting the control device 205 and the pads 270.

[0038] The plug 282 of the electric wire 280 is connected to the plug of the pad 270 side, and the electric wire 280 is inserted into the socket of the control device 205, thereby connecting the control device 205 and the pad 270. In addition, in a case where the polarity of the electrode formed in one of the pads 270 is positive, the polarity of the electrode formed in the other pad 270 becomes negative.

[0039] The control device 205 is provided with an operation interface 230 composed of various buttons, and a display 260. The operation interface 230 includes a power button 232 for switching the power on / off, a mode selection button 234 for selecting a treatment mode, a treatment start button 236, and an adjustment button 238 for adjusting the intensity of electric stimulation. In addition, the operation interface 230 is not limited to the above configuration, and for example, can be configured to further include other buttons, a dial, a switch, and the like.

[0040] The intensity of electric stimulation, the remaining time of treatment, the treatment mode, the installation state of the pad 270, and the like, or various information are displayed on the display 260.

[0041] (Hardware Configuration)

[0042] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing one example of the hardware configuration of the electronic therapeutic device 200. Referring to Figure 3 , the control device 205 of the electronic therapeutic device 200 includes a processor 210, a memory 220, an operation interface (I / F) 230, a power supply section 240, a waveform generation output device 250, and a display 260. The control device 205 is connected to a pair of pads 270.

[0043] The processor 210 is typically a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Multi Processing Unit), or the like, which is a computation processing section. The processor 210 functions as a control section that controls the operation of each section of the electronic therapeutic instrument 200 by reading and executing a program stored in the memory 220. The processor 210 realizes each process (step) of the electronic therapeutic instrument 200 described later by executing the program.

[0044] The memory 220 is realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, or the like. The memory 220 stores a program executed by the processor 210, or data used by the processor 210, or the like.

[0045] The operation interface 230 receives an operation input to the electronic therapeutic instrument 200, and is constituted by various buttons as described above. If the various buttons are operated by the user, a signal based on the operation is input to the processor 210.

[0046] The power supply section 240 supplies power to each constituent section of the electronic therapeutic instrument 200. As the power supply, for example, an alkaline dry cell, or a secondary cell such as a lithium ion cell, nickel hydrogen cell, or the like, is used, and the cell voltage is stabilized to generate a drive voltage supplied to each constituent section.

[0047] The processor 210 controls the voltage applied to the pad 270 by the waveform generation output device 250 to perform treatment of the treatment site. Specifically, the waveform generation output device 250 outputs, through the pad 270, an electric current that flows to the treatment site of the user's body, in accordance with an instruction of the processor 210. The waveform generation output device 250 includes a step-up circuit, a voltage adjustment circuit, an output circuit, a current detection circuit, or the like.

[0048] The step-up circuit steps up the power supply voltage to a prescribed voltage. The voltage adjustment circuit adjusts the voltage stepped up by the step-up circuit to a voltage corresponding to the electric stimulation intensity. Specifically, in the electronic therapeutic instrument 200, adjustment of the electric stimulation intensity can be set in a prescribed number of levels (for example, 20 levels) by the adjustment button 238. The processor 210 receives a set input of the electric stimulation intensity by the adjustment button 238, and instructs the waveform generation output device 250 (voltage adjustment circuit) to adjust to a voltage corresponding to the received electric stimulation intensity.

[0049] The output circuit generates a treatment waveform (pulse waveform) corresponding to the treatment mode in accordance with the voltage adjusted by the voltage adjustment circuit, and outputs the treatment waveform to the pad 270 (electrode) through the electric wire 280. Specifically, if the user performs an operation such as switching of the treatment mode, change of the electric stimulation intensity, or the like by the operation interface 230, a control signal corresponding to the operation content is input from the processor 210 to the output circuit. The output circuit outputs the treatment waveform in accordance with the control signal.

[0050] A plurality of treatment modes are prepared in advance in the electronic treatment device 200. As the treatment modes, in addition to the usual "rubbing", "tapping", "pressing" modes and the like, a treatment mode for suppressing the excitation of myelinated nerves and more effectively stimulating non-myelinated nerves and causing an analgesic effect (hereinafter also referred to as "treatment mode M") is prepared.

[0051] The output circuit is capable of generating electrical stimulation corresponding to each mode by varying the waveform of the pulse (including the pulse width, the pulse interval, the frequency, the output polarity) and the like. The output circuit adjusts the electrical stimulation intensity by varying the amplitude of the pulse voltage.

[0052] The current detection circuit detects the value of the current flowing between a pair of the pads 270, and inputs a signal indicating the detected value to the processor 210. The processor 210 is capable of detecting whether the pads 270 are mounted to the user or not by using the current value input from the current detection circuit. For example, the processor 210 determines that the plurality of electrodes are in contact (i.e., a pair of the pads 270 are mounted to the user) if the current value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and determines that at least one of the plurality of electrodes is not in contact (i.e., at least one of a pair of the pads 270 is not mounted to the user) if the current value is less than the predetermined value.

[0053] The display 260 is constituted by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various information according to the instruction from the processor 210.

[0054] (Regarding the pulse train wave)

[0055] The pulse train wave used in the treatment mode M will be described more specifically.

[0056] Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the pulse train wave used for treatment. Referring to Figure 4 , the pre-pulse train wave 310 is formed of a plurality of pulse waves generated continuously with a pulse repetition period Ta. The repetition frequency of the pulse included in the pre-pulse train wave 310 is set to Fa (= 1 / Ta), and the amplitude of the pulse (the amplitude of the pre-pulse train wave 310) is set to Am1. In addition, the pulse train length of the pre-pulse train wave 310 (i.e., the length of the pulse train wave) is set to L1. Hereinafter, the repetition frequency of the pulse included in the pulse train wave will also be referred to as the "carrier frequency".

[0057] After the output of the pre-pulse train wave 310, the main pulse train wave including the positive pulse train wave 320 and the negative pulse train wave 330 is output. In the example of Figure 4 , the main pulse train wave is output after a certain period elapses after the output of the pre-pulse train wave 310, but the main pulse train wave can be output immediately after the output of the pre-pulse train wave 310.

[0058] A positive pulse train 320 is formed by generating multiple positive pulses continuously with a pulse repetition period Tb. The carrier frequency of the positive pulses contained in the positive pulse train 320 is set to Fb (=1 / Tb), and the amplitude of the positive pulses (the amplitude of the positive pulse train 320) is set to Am2. Furthermore, the pulse train length of the positive pulse train 320 is set to L2. A negative pulse train 330 is formed by generating multiple negative pulses continuously with a pulse repetition period Tb. That is, the carrier frequency of the negative pulses contained in the negative pulse train 330 is Fb, which is the same as the carrier frequency of the positive pulse train 320. Furthermore, the amplitude of the negative pulses (the amplitude of the negative pulse train 330) is set to Am3, and the pulse train length of the negative pulse train 330 is set to L3.

[0059] The area of ​​each positive pulse is "amplitude Am2 × positive pulse width", and the area of ​​each negative pulse is "amplitude Am3 × negative pulse width". The widths of both positive and negative pulses are the same. Furthermore, the total area of ​​all positive pulses contained in the positive pulse train 320 (i.e., the sum of the areas of all positive pulses) is set to be the same as the total area of ​​all negative pulses contained in the negative pulse train 330 (i.e., the sum of the areas of all negative pulses). This allows the total net charge applied to the user to be effectively zero (i.e., balancing the amount of positive and negative charge).

[0060] In this embodiment, the carrier frequencies of both the positive and negative pulses are set to the same value, Fb (e.g., 10 kHz). Therefore, the amplitudes Am2 and Am3, and the pulse train lengths L2 and L3 are set such that the total area of ​​each positive pulse is the same as the total area of ​​each negative pulse. Specifically, the amplitudes Am2 and Am3 are set to be the same (e.g., the same as the current density "1 mA / cm²"). 2 "With a comparable amplitude," the pulse train lengths L2 and L3 are also set to be the same (e.g., 5ms). The repetition period of the main pulse train wave (i.e., comparable to L2+L3) is, for example, 10ms, and the repetition frequency is 100Hz. In addition, since the electronic therapy device 200 is a low-frequency therapy device, the repetition frequency is within the range of 1Hz to 1200Hz.

[0061] Here, refer to Figures 5 to 7 The method for setting the amplitude Am1, carrier frequency Fa, and pulse train length L1 of the pulses contained in the pre-pulse train 310 is explained.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the relationship between current density and excitation threshold corresponding to the amplitude of the preceding pulse train. Figure 5 In this process, the carrier frequency of the pre-pulse train is set to 100kHz and the pulse train length is set to 20ms, so that the amplitude changes in accordance with the current density.

[0063] Referring to Figure 5 , the threshold of excitation is an index indicating the degree of inhibition of the excitation of the myelinated nerve. It is indicated that the higher the threshold of excitation, the more difficult it is to excite the myelinated nerve (i.e., the more the excitation of the myelinated nerve is inhibited).

[0064] The amplitude of the main pulse train wave when the activity potential of the myelinated nerve is detected (the myelinated nerve is excited) is confirmed in a state where the pre-pulse train wave is not applied (hereinafter, also referred to as "reference amplitude As"). The threshold of excitation corresponding to the amplitude at this time is defined as "100%". For example, the amplitude Ax1 of the main pulse train wave when the myelinated nerve is excited is confirmed after the pre-pulse train wave having an amplitude corresponding to the current density of "10 mA / cm 2 " is applied. The threshold of excitation at the current density of "10 mA / cm 2 " is expressed by "(Ax1 / As) x 100%". According to the graph 500, the threshold of excitation is 100% in the case where the current density is 10 mA / cm 2 , and thus it is shown that the amplitude Ax1 is the same as the reference amplitude As. Therefore, it is known that the excitation of the myelinated nerve is not inhibited in this case.

[0065] On the other hand, for example, the amplitude Ax2 of the main pulse train wave when the myelinated nerve is excited is confirmed after the pre-pulse train having an amplitude corresponding to the current density of 29 mA / cm 2 is applied. According to the graph 500, the threshold of excitation is 120% in the case where the current density is 29 mA / cm 2 , and thus the amplitude Ax2 is 1.2 times the reference amplitude As. Specifically, in the case where the current density corresponding to the amplitude of the pre-pulse train wave is 29 mA / cm 2 , the myelinated nerve is not excited if the amplitude of the main pulse train wave is not increased more (specifically, by 20%) than in the case where the pre-pulse train wave is not applied. Therefore, it is known that the excitation of the myelinated nerve is inhibited in this case.

[0066] According to the graph 500, the inhibitory effect of the excitation of the myelinated nerve is not confirmed below 10 mA / cm 2 , but if it becomes more than 10 mA / cm 2 , the inhibitory effect starts to be confirmed. If it is more than 33 mA / cm 2 , the threshold of excitation exceeds 300%, the inhibitory effect of the excitation of the myelinated nerve sharply increases, and thereafter, it is saturated.

[0067] Here, even if the amplitude of the preceding burst wave is changed, the amplitude of the main burst wave at which the activity potential of the non-medullated nerve (i.e., non-medullated nerve excitation) is detected is substantially the same. Therefore, if the amplitude of the preceding burst wave is set appropriately, the excitation of the myelinated nerve is suppressed, and as a result, the non-medullated nerve excitation can be made without exciting the myelinated nerve. In addition, if design errors and the like are taken into consideration, it is considered that the excitation of the myelinated nerve is suppressed and the non-medullated nerve is effectively excited if the excitation threshold is 120% or more in practical use. Therefore, it is preferable that the amplitude Ami of the preceding burst wave 310 be set to 29 mA / cm 2 The amplitude corresponding to the current density described above.

[0068] Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the carrier frequency of the preceding burst wave and the excitation threshold. In Figure 6 , the current density corresponding to the amplitude of the preceding burst wave is set to 29 mA / cm 2 , the pulse length is set to 20 ms, and the carrier frequency is varied.

[0069] Referring to Figure 6 , for example, the amplitude Ayi of the main burst wave at which the myelinated nerve is excited after the preceding burst wave having a carrier frequency of "300 kHz" is applied is confirmed. The excitation threshold at this time is expressed by "(Ayi / As) x 100%". According to the graph 600, in the case where the carrier frequency is "300 kHz", the excitation threshold is 100%, and therefore the amplitude Ayi becomes the same as the reference amplitude As. Therefore, in this case, the excitation of the myelinated nerve is not suppressed.

[0070] On the other hand, for example, the amplitude Ay2 of the main burst wave at which the myelinated nerve is excited after the preceding burst wave having a carrier frequency of "100 kHz" is applied is confirmed. According to the graph 600, in the case where the carrier frequency is "100 kHz", the excitation threshold is 120%, and therefore the amplitude Ay2 is 1.2 times the reference amplitude As. Specifically, in the case where the carrier frequency of the preceding burst wave is "100 kHz", the myelinated nerve does not excite if the amplitude of the main burst wave is not increased more (specifically, by 20%) than in the case where the preceding burst wave is not applied. Therefore, it is known that in this case the excitation of the myelinated nerve is suppressed.

[0071] According to the graph 600, in the case where the carrier frequency is 200 kHz or more, the suppression effect of the excitation of the myelinated nerve is not confirmed, but if it becomes less than 200 kHz, the suppression effect is confirmed. If it is less than 90 kHz, the excitation threshold exceeds 300%, the suppression effect of the excitation of the myelinated nerve increases sharply, and thereafter saturates.

[0072] Here, even if the carrier frequency of the preceding pulse train wave is changed, the amplitude of the main pulse train wave of the myelin sheath nerve excitation is substantially the same. Therefore, if the carrier frequency of the preceding pulse train wave is appropriately set, the myelin sheath nerve excitation is suppressed, and as a result, the non-myelin sheath nerve excitation can be made without the myelin sheath nerve excitation. Further, it is preferable that the carrier frequency Fa of the preceding pulse train wave 310 be set to 100 kHz or less corresponding to the excitation threshold value of "120%".

[0073] Figure 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the pulse train length of the preceding pulse train wave and the excitation threshold value. In Figure 7 , the current density corresponding to the amplitude of the preceding pulse train wave is set to 29 mA / cm 2 , the carrier frequency is set to 100 kHz, and the pulse train length is changed.

[0074] Referring to Figure 7 , for example, the amplitude Azl of the main pulse train wave at the time of the myelin sheath nerve excitation after the preceding pulse train wave having the pulse train length of "1 ms" is applied is confirmed. The excitation threshold value at this time is expressed by "(Azl / As)xlOO%". According to the graph 700, in the case where the pulse train length is "1 ms", the excitation threshold value is 100%, and therefore the amplitude Azl and the reference amplitude As become the same. Therefore, in this case, the myelin sheath nerve excitation is not suppressed.

[0075] On the other hand, for example, the amplitude Az2 of the main pulse train wave at the time of the myelin sheath nerve excitation after the preceding pulse train having the pulse train length of "20 ms" is applied is confirmed. According to the graph 700, in the case where the pulse train length is "20 ms", the excitation threshold value is 120%, and therefore the amplitude Ay2 is 1.2 times the reference amplitude As. Specifically, in the case where the pulse train length of the preceding pulse train wave is "20 ms", if the amplitude of the main pulse train wave is not increased by 20% compared to the case where the preceding pulse train wave is not applied, the myelin sheath nerve does not excite. Therefore, it is known that in this case the myelin sheath nerve excitation is suppressed.

[0076] According to the graph 700, as the pulse train length becomes larger than 1 ms, the suppression effect of the myelin sheath nerve excitation becomes significant. If the pulse train length becomes 40 ms or more, the excitation threshold value increases to 125%, and thereafter saturates. Here, even if the pulse train length of the preceding pulse train wave is changed, the amplitude of the main pulse train wave of the non-myelin sheath nerve excitation is substantially the same. Therefore, if the pulse train length of the preceding pulse train wave is appropriately set, the myelin sheath nerve excitation is suppressed, and as a result, the non-myelin sheath nerve excitation can be made without the myelin sheath nerve excitation. Further, it is preferable that the pulse train length Ll of the preceding pulse train wave be set to 20 ms or more corresponding to the excitation threshold value of "120%".

[0077] The amplitude, carrier frequency, and burst length of the preceding burst wave and the main burst wave are examined. As exemplified in the above, let the amplitude, carrier frequency, and burst length of the main burst wave be 1 mA / cm 2 , 10 kHz, and 10 ms, respectively. If reference is made to Figures 5 to 7 , in order to obtain the inhibitory effect on the excitation of myelinated nerves, it is necessary to make the amplitude of the preceding burst wave larger than 10 mA / cm 2 , make the carrier frequency smaller than 200 kHz, and make the burst length larger than 1 ms.

[0078] Therefore, in order to obtain the inhibitory effect on the excitation of myelinated nerves, although the carrier frequency and burst length of the preceding burst wave can be the same as those of the main burst wave, it is necessary to make the amplitude of the preceding burst wave larger than that of the main burst wave. Therefore, the amplitude Ami of the preceding burst wave 310 is set to be larger than the amplitude Am2 of the positive burst wave 320 and the amplitude Am3 of the negative burst wave 330.

[0079] (Processing Steps)

[0080] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing one example of the processing steps of the electronic therapeutic instrument 200. Figure 8 Each of the steps in

[0081] Referring to Figure 8 , the electronic therapeutic instrument 200 receives a treatment start instruction in the treatment mode M from the user through the operation interface 230 (step S10). The electronic therapeutic instrument 200 generates the preceding burst wave 310 and outputs it (step S12). The electronic therapeutic instrument 200 repeatedly outputs the main burst wave at a prescribed frequency (for example, 100 Hz) after outputting the preceding burst wave 310 (step S14).

[0082] The electronic therapeutic instrument 200 judges whether or not a prescribed period has elapsed after outputting the preceding burst wave 310 (step S16). The prescribed period is set to a period in which the inhibitory effect on the excitation of myelinated nerves by the preceding burst wave 310 can be maintained. Since the period in which the inhibitory effect can be maintained varies depending on the amplitude, carrier frequency, and burst length of the preceding burst wave 310, the prescribed period appropriate for the settings of the preceding burst wave 310 is set in advance.

[0083] In the case where the prescribed period has not passed (NO in step S16), the electronic therapeutic apparatus 200 executes the process of step S14. That is, the electronic therapeutic apparatus 200 repeatedly outputs the main pulse train wave. In the case where the prescribed period has passed (YES in step S16), the electronic therapeutic apparatus 200 executes the process of step S12. Specifically, the electronic therapeutic apparatus 200 stops the output of the main pulse train wave and outputs the pre-pulse train wave.

[0084] <OTHER EMBODIMENTS>

[0085] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration using a pair of pads 270 is described, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the configuration in which the electrode for the positive polarity and the electrode for the negative polarity are formed on one pad can be adopted.

[0086] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the user is treated by the electronic therapeutic apparatus alone is described, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the configuration in which the terminal device is wirelessly connected to the electronic therapeutic apparatus and the electronic therapeutic apparatus performs treatment according to the instruction from the terminal device can be adopted. In this case, the terminal device mainly functions as the operation interface 230 and the display 260 of the electronic therapeutic apparatus 200.

[0087] Specifically, the electronic therapeutic apparatus is of a wireless type, has a pad, a cradle, and a main body portion which are integrated at the time of use, and performs treatment by combining these components. The terminal device is, for example, a smartphone having a touch panel. The network for connecting the terminal device and the electronic therapeutic apparatus employs, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN (local area network), or another wireless communication method.

[0088] The terminal device instructs the wirelessly connected electronic therapeutic apparatus in various ways by using an installed application. In addition, the terminal device displays various information on the display and notifies the user of necessary information. The user gives various instructions to the terminal device by the touch panel, and the instructions are transmitted from the terminal device to the electronic therapeutic apparatus, whereby the various instructions are indirectly given to the electronic therapeutic apparatus. More specifically, the electronic therapeutic apparatus receives the instruction input from the user transmitted from the terminal device. For example, the terminal device receives a selection operation of a treatment mode and an operation for adjusting the intensity of the electric stimulation, and transmits a signal indicating the operation to the electronic therapeutic apparatus. The electronic therapeutic apparatus outputs a pulse wave corresponding to the selected treatment mode or adjusts the level of the intensity of the electric stimulation in accordance with the received signal.

[0089] (3) In the above-described embodiments, a program can also be provided that causes a computer to function and execute control as described in the above-described flowcharts. Such a program can also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a secondary storage device, a main storage device, a memory card, and the like that is attached to a computer, and provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can also be stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk that is built into a computer, and provided. Further, the program can also be provided by download through a network.

[0090] (4) The configuration exemplified in the above-described embodiments is one example of the configuration of the present application, and can be combined with other known technologies, can omit a part or the like, and can be configured by modification without departing from the spirit of the present application. Further, in the above-described embodiments, the processing or configuration described in the other embodiments can also be appropriately adopted and implemented.

[0091] [Postscript]

[0092] As described above, the present embodiment includes the disclosure described below.

[0093] [Configuration 1]

[0094] An electronic treatment device (200) includes a plurality of electrodes that contact a part of a user's body, and a control device (205) that performs treatment of the part by applying a pulse train wave composed of a plurality of continuous waves of pulses to the plurality of electrodes, the control device (205) outputting a first pulse train wave including a plurality of pulses having a first amplitude, repeatedly outputting a second pulse train wave including a plurality of positive pulses having a second amplitude and a third pulse train wave including a plurality of negative pulses having a third amplitude after outputting the first pulse train wave, the first amplitude being greater than the second amplitude and the third amplitude.

[0095] [Configuration 2]

[0096] The electronic treatment device (200) according to Configuration 1, the first amplitude is 29 mA / cm 2 The amplitude corresponding to the current density described above.

[0097] [Configuration 3]

[0098] The electronic treatment device (200) according to Configuration 1 or 2, a repetition frequency of the pulses included in the first pulse train wave is 100 kHz or less.

[0099] [Configuration 4]

[0100] The electronic treatment device (200) according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, a length of the first pulse train wave is 20 ms or more.

[0101] [Configuration 5]

[0102] The electronic therapeutic apparatus (200) according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4 is configured such that the second amplitude, the length of the second pulse train wave, the third amplitude, and the length of the third pulse train wave are set in such a manner that the total area of each positive pulse included in the second pulse train wave and the total area of each negative pulse included in the third pulse train wave are the same.

[0103] It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all aspects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present application is not indicated by the above description, but is indicated by the claims, and it is intended to include the meaning equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims.

[0104] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0105] 40 protector, 200 electronic therapeutic apparatus, 205 control device, 210 processor, 220 memory, 230 operation interface, 232 power button, 234 mode selection button, 236 treatment start button, 238 adjustment button, 240 power supply unit, 250 waveform generation output device, 260 display, 270 spacer, 280 electric wire, 282 plug, 310 front pulse train wave, 320 positive pulse train wave, 330 negative pulse train wave, 500, 600, 700 graph.

Claims

1. An electronic therapeutic device, characterized in that, The electronic therapy device has the following features: Multiple electrodes that come into contact with parts of the user's body; and The control device treats the affected area by applying a pulse train consisting of multiple pulses to the multiple electrodes. The control device outputs a first pulse train containing multiple pulses with a first amplitude, and determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed after the first pulse train was output. Without the specified period, a second pulse train containing multiple positive pulses with a second amplitude and a third pulse train containing multiple negative pulses with a third amplitude are repeatedly output. After the specified period has elapsed, the output of the second and third pulse trains is stopped, and the first pulse train is output. The specified period is set to maintain the inhibitory effect of the first pulse train on the excitation of myelinated nerves, wherein the first amplitude is larger than the second amplitude and the third amplitude. The repetition frequency of the pulses contained in the first pulse train is below 100kHz. The length of the first pulse train is more than 20ms.

2. The electronic therapeutic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second amplitude, the length of the second pulse train, the third amplitude, and the length of the third pulse train are set in such a way that the total area of ​​each positive pulse contained in the second pulse train is the same as the total area of ​​each negative pulse contained in the third pulse train.

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