Device for detecting electrical conductivity Device for detecting electrical conductivity

Abstract

An apparatus (30) for detecting electrical conductivity between a subject (41) and an apparatus (1) for electrically stimulating the subject (41) is described. The apparatus (30) comprises a first electrical contact (51) adapted to contact the skin of the subject (41) at a first location (42) and a second electrical contact (52) adapted to contact the skin of the subject (41) at a second location (43). A processor (21) is also included, having an output coupled to the first electrical contact (51) and an input coupled to the second electrical contact (52), and an output device (26) coupled to the processor (21). The processor (21) is configured to output an alternating voltage signal (40) to the first electrical contact (51) and to receive a response signal from the second electrical contact (52). The processor (21) is further configured to either: (a) in response to the received response signal, send an output signal to the output device (26), the output signal corresponding to the received response signal and being indicative of the electrical conductivity between the apparatus (1) and the subject (41) in use; or (b) if the voltage amplitude of the response signal received by the processor (21) is below a threshold value, send an output signal to the output device (26), the output signal being indicative that the electrical conductivity between the subject (41) and the apparatus (1) is below the threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for detecting electrical conductivity, and more particularly to a device for detecting the electrical conductivity between a subject and a device for electrically stimulating the subject. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical stimulation of subjects to improve circulation is known. In particular, electrical stimulation of the feet and legs of subjects to improve venous blood flow is known and reported in the art. For example, Kaplan, RE et al., “Electrical foot stimulation and implications for prevention of venous thromboembolic disease” (Thrombosis and haemostasis, 2002, Vol. 88, No. 2, pp. 200-204), describes experimental results performed on subjects in which mild electrical stimulation was applied to the muscles of the calf or foot. Analysis showed increased venous blood flow in the femoral vein and popliteal fossa on the side of the subject to which electrical stimulation was applied compared to the unstimulated side.

[0003] Furthermore, W. Man, IO et al. reported in "Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on foot / ankle volume during standing" (Med Sci Sports Exerc., April 2003, 35(4), pp. 630-634) that neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the calf muscles in subjects prevented the increase in foot and ankle volume typically experienced after prolonged standing. They concluded that neuromuscular electrical stimulation provides a method to reduce lower limb swelling in subjects whose muscle-venous pumps cannot be fully activated.

[0004] The study by Faghri, PD et al., entitled “Electrical stimulation-induced contraction to reduce blood stasis during arthroplasty” (IEEE Trans Rehabil Eng., March 1997, 5(1), pp. 62–69), reported data suggesting that continuous electrical stimulation-induced contraction can improve calf circulation in subjects by inducing physiological muscle pumps. This, in turn, would lead to improved venous circulation and reduced blood stasis, for example, during total hip and / or knee surgeries. The authors argue that this technique provides better protection during surgery against deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) compared to commonly used continuous compression devices and techniques.

[0005] Faghri, PD et al.'s "Venous hemodynamics of the lower extremities in response to electrical stimulation" (Arch Phys Med Rehabil., July 1998, 79(7), pp. 842-848) concluded from experiments that periodic single electrical stimulation-induced calf muscle contractions produce significant muscle pump function and can be used to improve venous blood flow and reduce stasis in the calf, while continuous electrical stimulation-induced contractions can improve peripheral perfusion of the calf and induce physiological venous muscle pumps.

[0006] Anderson, SI et al., in their paper "Chronic transcutaneous electrical stimulation of calf muscles improves functional capacity without inducing systemic inflammation in claudicants" (Eur J Vase Endovasc Surg., February 2004, 27(2), pp. 201-209), reported that chronic electrical stimulation of muscles is an effective treatment for relieving intermittent claudication. This technique, by targeting and activating small muscle groups, does not produce a significant systemic inflammatory response.

[0007] US 5,358,513 discloses a method of neuromuscular stimulation for preventing venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The method involves applying electrical stimulation to a subject via electrodes attached to the anterior aspect of the subject's knee, adjacent to the common peroneal nerve. The electrical stimulation is applied as a sequence of pulse-modulated sine waves.

[0008] Recently, US 6,615,080 disclosed a method for neuroelectrical stimulation of the muscles of a subject's foot to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and lower extremity edema. The method involves applying electrical pulses to the muscles of the foot, specifically a square wave pattern with variable frequency, duration, intensity, ramp time, and on / off cycle. The electrical stimulation is applied to the sole of the subject's foot to reduce blood pooling in the veins of the foot.

[0009] Devices for electrical stimulation of subjects are known and commercially available. In particular, devices for applying electrical stimulation to the feet of subjects (especially to the plantar muscles) are known and commercially available. An example of such a device is available from Actegy Limited in the UK and described in UK Patent Application No. 2493904. Circulation Booster TM .

[0010] The device disclosed in GB2493904A includes a disc with a pair of electrical contact pads on one side and a rocker element on the opposite side. In use, the user (or subject) places their foot on the pads and the rocker element contacts the floor or ground, allowing the device to rock back and forth on the rocker element. Variable-intensity electrical stimulation is then delivered to the user's foot muscles through the pads to induce repetitive contraction and relaxation of the leg muscles. The advantage of the rocker element is that it allows the disc to rock back and forth (or pivot), thus allowing the user's foot to move around the ankle joint during the electrical stimulation cycle.

[0011] However, it has been recognized that the effectiveness of electrical stimulation is significantly affected by the conductivity between the user's foot and the electrical contact pad. In extreme cases, it has been found that the effectiveness of electrical stimulation can be minimal or even non-existent when the conductivity is low. Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for detecting the conductivity between a subject and a device for electrically stimulating the subject, the apparatus comprising:

[0013] (i) A first electrical contact, adapted to contact the subject’s skin in a first position during use;

[0014] (ii) A second electrical contact, adapted to contact the subject’s skin in a second position during use;

[0015] (iii) A processor having an output coupled to a first electrical contact and an input coupled to a second electrical contact;

[0016] (iv) Output devices coupled to the processor; and

[0017] The processor is configured to output an alternating voltage signal to a first electrical contact and receive a response signal from a second electrical contact; and the processor is further configured to: (a) in response to the received response signal, send an output signal to an output device, the output signal corresponding to the received response signal and indicating the conductivity between the device and the subject in use; or (b) if the voltage amplitude of the response signal received by the processor is below a threshold, send an output signal to an output device indicating that the conductivity between the subject and the device is below a threshold.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for detecting the conductivity between a subject and a device for electrically stimulating the subject, the method comprising:

[0019] (i) The first electrical contact is brought into contact with the subject's skin at a first position;

[0020] (ii) Bring the second electrical contact into contact with the subject's skin at the second position;

[0021] (iii) Apply an alternating voltage signal to the first electrical contact;

[0022] (iv) Receive a response signal at the second electrical contact; and

[0023] The processor is configured to output an alternating voltage signal to a first electrical contact and receive a response signal from a second electrical contact; and the processor is further configured to: (a) in response to the received response signal, send an output signal to an output device, the output signal corresponding to the received response signal and indicating the conductivity between the device and the subject in use; or (b) if the voltage amplitude of the response signal received by the processor is below a threshold, send an output signal to an output device indicating that the conductivity between the subject and the device is below a threshold.

[0024] The output device may include at least one of the following: a visual display device; an auditory signal output device; a tactile signal output device; and a wireless data signal output device. The wireless data signal output device may operate on one or more wireless network protocols, such as those based on the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. Or Wi-Fi. For example, wireless data signal output devices may include... Transmitter.

[0025] In one example of the invention, where the output device includes a wireless data signal output device, the wireless data signal output device can be adapted to be coupled to a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, via a wireless transmission link during use.

[0026] Preferably, the mobile device includes at least one of the following: a visual display device; an auditory signal output device; and a tactile signal output device. At least one of the visual display device, the auditory signal output device, and the tactile signal output device is adapted to generate a user output signal in response to an output signal received by the mobile device from a processor via a wireless data signal output device.

[0027] Typically, alternating voltage signals can include square wave voltage signals.

[0028] Preferably, the amplitude of the alternating voltage signal is less than about 20V, more preferably, the amplitude is less than about 10V, even more preferably, the amplitude is less than or equal to about 5V, and most preferably, the amplitude is 1V to 5V.

[0029] Typically, the threshold corresponds to the amplitude of the response signal, which is less than 50% of the output alternating voltage signal, preferably less than 35% of the output alternating voltage signal, and more preferably less than 30% of the output alternating voltage signal. Most preferably, the threshold corresponds to the amplitude of the response signal between 20% and 30% of the output alternating voltage signal. In one example, the threshold may correspond to the amplitude of the response signal between 23% and 26% of the output alternating voltage signal.

[0030] In one example of the invention, when the amplitude of the output alternating voltage signal is approximately 3V, the threshold corresponds to the amplitude of the response signal in the range of approximately 0.7V to 0.8V.

[0031] Preferably, the device is adapted such that the first and second electrical contacts are adapted to contact the subject's skin, thereby placing the first and second positions on different limbs of the subject. More preferably, the first and second positions are on different lower limbs of the subject, even more preferably, the first and second positions can be on different lower legs of the subject, and most preferably on different feet of the subject. In one example of the invention, the first and second positions can be on the sole surfaces of different feet of the subject.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for electrically stimulating a subject, the apparatus comprising means according to the first aspect and any optional features of the first aspect; and an electrical stimulation device adapted to apply an electrical stimulation voltage to muscles of a body part of the subject during use.

[0033] The processor may have an output coupled to the electrical stimulation device to enable the processor to control the electrical stimulation voltage. Alternatively, the device may also include another processor coupled to the electrical stimulation device to control the electrical stimulation voltage.

[0034] Typically, electrical stimulation devices are adapted to stimulate the muscles of a subject's limbs. Preferably, the electrical stimulation device is adapted to stimulate the muscles of a subject's lower limbs, such as at least one of the muscles of the subject's legs and feet.

[0035] Typically, an electrical stimulation device includes a first electrical stimulation contact surface and a second electrical stimulation contact surface. Typically, the first and second electrical stimulation contact surfaces are electrically isolated from each other. Preferably, the first and second electrical stimulation contact surfaces are adapted to contact a subject's first limb and second limb, respectively, during use. In one example of the invention, the first and second electrical stimulation contact surfaces are adapted to contact a subject's first foot and second foot, respectively, during use.

[0036] The device may include a housing. The first and second electrical stimulation contact surfaces may be located on the exterior of the housing.

[0037] Preferably, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are located on the outer surface of the device. More preferably, the first electrical contact is located on the first electrical stimulation contact surface, and the second electrical contact is located on the second electrical stimulation contact surface. Even more preferably, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are located within or embedded in the respective first and second electrical stimulation contact surfaces.

[0038] Preferably, at least a portion of the contact surfaces of the first and second electrical contacts protrude outward from the plane defined by the respective first and second electrical stimulation contact surfaces. Therefore, at least a portion of the contact surfaces of the first and second electrical contacts are raised above the level of the respective first and second electrical stimulation contact surfaces.

[0039] Typically, the first and second electrical contacts are electrically isolated from their respective first and second electrical stimulation contact surfaces. The first and second electrical contacts may be surrounded by an electrically insulating material to electrically isolate them from their respective first and second electrical stimulation contact surfaces.

[0040] Typically, an electrical stimulation device also includes a voltage supply device electrically coupled to a first electrical stimulation contact surface and a second electrical stimulation contact surface and adapted to apply a voltage across the first electrical stimulation contact surface and the second electrical stimulation contact surface.

[0041] Preferably, the voltage supply device outputs an alternating voltage waveform across the first and second electrical stimulation contact surfaces. More preferably, the voltage applied by the power supply device across the first and second electrical stimulation contact surfaces comprises multiple voltage pulses.

[0042] Preferably, the device further includes a pivot member adapted to allow the device to pivot about the pivot member in response to movement of a body part.

[0043] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a system is provided comprising: (i) the apparatus according to the first aspect; or (ii) the device according to the third aspect; and a remote device including a remote wireless data input device and a remote output device; wherein the output device includes a wireless data output device, and a first output signal includes a wireless data signal transmitted by the wireless data output device; and the remote wireless data input device is adapted to receive the wireless data signal, and the remote output device generates a remote user output signal in response to the received wireless data signal.

[0044] Remote wireless data signal input devices can operate on one or more wireless network protocols, such as those based on the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. Or Wi-Fi. For example, in wireless data output devices including... In the case of a transmitter, a remote wireless data input device may include Receiver.

[0045] The remote user output signal generated by the remote device can be at least one of the following: a visual output signal; an auditory output signal; and a tactile output signal.

[0046] Typically, a remote device includes a remote device processor coupled to a wireless data input device and a remote output device, wherein the processor generates a remote device processor output signal in response to a received wireless data signal, and the remote output device receives the remote device processor output signal and generates a remote user output signal in response to the remote device processor output signal.

[0047] Typically, the remote device is a mobile device, and the remote user output signals generated by the mobile device are generated by the application software on the mobile device and displayed on the user interface of the mobile device.

[0048] As used herein, the term "mobile device" means any portable electronic device having a wireless receiver and a user interface including a display, and includes (but is not limited to) smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

[0049] Preferably, the remote device includes a remote user input device and a remote wireless data output device adapted to receive input from a user; in response to input received from the user on the remote user input device, the remote device is adapted to transmit a remote user input signal to a device, the device including a wireless data input device adapted to receive the remote user input signal transmitted by the remote wireless data output device, and a processor and / or another processor adapted to receive the remote user input signal from the wireless data input device.

[0050] In the case where the remote device includes a user interface, the user interface can be adapted to display remote user output signals and receive user input.

[0051] Typically, a processor or other processor controls the electrical stimulation voltage in response to received input signals from a remote user.

[0052] Preferably, the wireless data output device and the wireless data input device are each integrated into a single device, such as a wireless transceiver. For example, the transceiver may include... Transceiver.

[0053] In the case where the system includes the device according to the second aspect, the processor output signal can be sent by the processor to an output device and another output device on the device, the other output device including at least one of a visual display device; an auditory signal output device; and a tactile signal output device.

[0054] An advantage of this invention is that the inventors have realized that, based on whether the amplitude of the received voltage signal is higher or lower than a threshold, the user can be informed whether the conductivity level between the subject and the first and second electrical contacts is sufficient for electrical stimulation. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Examples of apparatus and methods for detecting conductivity will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 It is a plan view of a device used to electrically stimulate a subject, including a device for detecting electrical conductivity;

[0057] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the device shown;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the components of a device for detecting electrical conductivity;

[0059] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the initialization of the software application used in this device;

[0060] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the update of the software application;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the device;

[0062] Figure 7 An example of the first output of the display device used in this apparatus is shown;

[0063] Figure 8 An example of the second output of the display device used in this apparatus is shown; and

[0064] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the device in use. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a device 1 for electrically stimulating the sole surface of a subject's or user's foot. The device 1 includes a housing 2, generally in the form of a disc. The housing 2 includes a handle 15 to allow the user to easily move the device 1. Figure 2 This is a side view of device 1, and it can be seen that housing 1 has a generally convex curved upper surface 3 and a generally convex lower surface 4. Located on the side 16 of the housing is a power adapter socket (or power outlet) 18, into which a power adapter can be inserted to supply power to the power supply unit 25 located inside housing 2 (see [link]). Figure 3 Power supply. The PSU 25 may include a rechargeable power source, such as a rechargeable battery. Also located on the side 16 is a socket 17 for connecting an external contact pad, which is located on other parts of the body, such as leg muscles.

[0066] The lower surface 4 includes a rest position stop 5 and a maximum position stop 6. Located between the stops 5 and 6 are two rocker elements 7 (only one is shown).

[0067] The upper surface 3 includes two electrical contact pads 8 and 9 separated by the central display and control panel 10. The electrical contact pads 8 and 9 have ribs formed thereon, as shown by the dotted lines on the pads 8 and 9, and both pads 8 and 9 are formed of a conductive material such as metal. For example, pads 8 and 9 may be formed of aluminum.

[0068] Electrical contacts 51 and 52 are respectively mounted (or embedded) within each pad 8 and 9. Each electrical contact 51 and 52 is electrically isolated from the corresponding pad 8 and 9 by electrical insulators 53 and 54, respectively. The electrical insulators 53 and 54 may be formed of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic material. Each electrical contact 51 and 52 has a contact surface that protrudes above the surface of the corresponding pad 8 and 9. In this example, the electrical contacts 51 and 52 include a partially spherical surface (such as a hemisphere) that extends above the surface of the contact pad 8 and 9.

[0069] However, electrical contacts 51, 52 can be at least partially in the form of any curved surface, such as a portion of a sphere or ellipsoid. Alternatively or additionally, electrical contacts 51, 52 can include at least partially flat surfaces that protrude above the surfaces of contact pads 8, 9. For example, as an alternative to a partially spherical shape, electrical contacts 51, 52 can be at least partially spherical, ellipsoidal, cylindrical, conical, or truncated conical.

[0070] The display and control panel 10 includes a power button 11, up and down controls 12, 13, and a display 14. The power button 11, up and down controls 12, 13, and display 14 are shown in dashed lines because they are typically only visible when illuminated. The power button 11 and the up and down controls 12, 13 are touch-sensitive areas of the zone 10 and are therefore shown in dashed lines.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, when device 1 is positioned on support surface 50 (e.g., floor or ground), it can move from a stationary position where the stationary stop 5 and rocker element 7 contact the support surface, to a position where only rocker element 7 contacts the support surface (e.g., floor or ground). Figure 2 (as shown) the intermediate pivot position, reaching the maximum pivot position where the rocker element 7 and the maximum position stop 6 contact the support surface 50, and pivoting about the pivot axis 19.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a device 30 located within device 1, which is used to control the electrical stimulation cycle voltage and feed it to the foot pads 8 and 9, and to detect the conductivity at electrical contacts 51 and 52. Figure 3 Also shown is a power supply unit (PSU) 25 located within housing 2 and supplying power to all electrical components (including device 30) within device 1. Bluetooth interface 26 provides a wireless communication interface between device 30 and smartphone 27 for data transfer between device 1 and smartphone 27. A data storage server 28 in the cloud located on Internet 31 is also shown. Smartphone 27 can connect to server 28 via Internet connection. Bluetooth interface 26 includes a Bluetooth transceiver located within device 1 and a Bluetooth transceiver located on smartphone 27. Bluetooth interface 26 enables device 30 to communicate with a user's smartphone. This can be used to enable processor 21 to send information to smartphone 27 for display on the smartphone using software applications running on the smartphone and / or to enable control signals to be sent from the smartphone to the processor to control the operation of device 30.

[0073] The data storage server 28 can be used to download updates to device 1 via smartphone 7. For example, this can include one or more software updates, configuration updates, or data updates.

[0074] PSU 25 is coupled to power jack 18. Therefore, device 1 can be powered by an external power source or by an internal rechargeable battery via jack 18. However, device 1 may not include an internal battery and may instead be powered solely by an external power source via jack 18. For example, the external power source is typically a 5V power adapter connected to a 110V or 240V power mains supply. The power adapter takes a 110V or 240V AC external mains supply and converts it to a 5V DC output voltage, which is then fed to power jack 18.

[0075] Device 30 includes a processor 21. Typically, processor 21 is a microcontroller unit (MCU). Processor 21 controls waveform generator 22 and pulse control unit 23, and is also coupled to Bluetooth transceiver and control panel 10 on device 1. In addition, processor 21 has an output coupled to electrical contact 51 and an input that receives signals from analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 20, which receives output signals from electrical contact 52.

[0076] Waveform generator 22 generates an alternating waveform from a 5V DC input from PSU 25. This alternating waveform is then boosted by transformer 29 before being fed to pulse control unit 23, which, under the control of processor 21, generates the desired voltage pulse shape and duration. The voltage output from pulse control unit 23 is then transmitted to footpads 8 and 9 to provide the required electrical stimulation to the feet.

[0077] Processor 21 is configured to output a 1.7kHz square wave alternating voltage signal with an amplitude of 3V to electrical contact 51. An A / D converter receives the voltage signal from electrical contact 52 and converts it from an analog signal to a digital signal with a value from 0 to 1024. This conversion is proportional to the analog voltage signal received from contact 52, where a 3V signal is converted to a value of 1024, and a 0V signal is converted to a value of 0 (zero). The digitally converted signal is then output from A / D converter 20 and received as input by processor 21.

[0078] Before using device 1 for the first time, the user downloads the software application to their smartphone 27 or other mobile device, such as a tablet. The downloaded software application has a default conductivity threshold, which is set when the software application is first opened. Upon first opening of the software application, the software application is initialized and the default conductivity threshold is set (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0079] After the software application is initialized, a cloud update 65 can be performed via the Internet 31 from cloud server 28 (see [link]). Figure 5 This includes updating the software application, including updating the conductivity threshold.66 For example, if test data shows that different thresholds are more appropriate, updating the conductivity threshold may be necessary.

[0080] In use, the user places the device on a supporting surface 50, such as the floor in front of the seat the user will sit on. If the device 1 does not have an internal battery, the user will also connect the power input terminal 18 to an external power source. If the device 1 has an internal battery, the user can choose to use the internal battery, in which case it is not necessary to connect the power input terminal 18 to an external power source, or the user can choose to use an external power source.

[0081] The user then turns on device 1 using switch 11. This causes control panel 10 to light up. The user then opens the application on smartphone 27, and the application on smartphone 27... Interface 26 is connected to device 1.

[0082] Once device 1 is powered on and connected to the software application, the user can then use the software application on control panel 10 or smartphone 27 to select the desired waveform.

[0083] After a waveform is selected, the application on smartphone 27 displays user interface 80 on the touchscreen of smartphone 27 (see...). Figure 7 The user interface includes a start button 81, an indicator 82 for the duration of stimulation, and an indicator for the interaction with device 1. An icon 83 indicates the intensity of the stimulus. The user interface 80 also includes a button 84 for increasing the stimulus intensity and a button 85 for decreasing the stimulus intensity. Points 87 on the arc-shaped graphic 86 indicate the relative intensity of the stimulus, while the numerical value of the stimulus is shown by a number 88.

[0084] The user interface 80 also displays a message 89 instructing the user to place their feet on the contact pads 8 and 9.

[0085] When the user places one foot on each contact pad 8, 9 and presses 70 (see...) Figure 6 After the start button 81 is pressed, the application on the smartphone 27 sends message 71 to the processor 21, instructing it to measure the user's hydration level. In response, the processor 21 outputs a 1.7kHz square wave alternating voltage 40 with an amplitude of 3V to the electrical contact 51 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 9 When the user's feet are on pads 8 and 9, a square wave voltage is applied to the user's foot 42, which is in contact with pad 8. Contact 51 protrudes above the surface of pad 8 to help ensure close contact between the electrical contact 51 and the sole surface of the user's foot 42. The square wave voltage travels through the user's body and is received at another electrical contact 52 at the user's other foot 43. The voltage signal received at electrical contact 52 is output from electrical contact 52 to A / D converter 20, which converts the received voltage signal into a value from 0 to 1024. This conversion is proportional to the amplitude of the received voltage signal. Therefore, a received 3V voltage signal is converted to a value of 1024, a received 0V voltage signal is converted to a value of 0 (zero), and a received 1.5V voltage is converted to a value of 512.

[0086] If the received voltage is 3V, it actually means there is a short circuit between contacts 51 and 52. If the received voltage is 0V, it actually means the user is not placing their feet on pads 8 and 9.

[0087] Then, the digital value generated by the A / D converter 20 is output to the processor 21, and the application on the smartphone 27 is connected via... The wireless connection receives this value from processor 21. The application on smartphone 27 compares the received value with a threshold to determine if there is sufficient conductivity between electrical contacts 51 and 52 for the electrical stimulation voltage waveform applied to pads 8 and 9 to be effective. In effect, this is a measurement of the conductivity of the user's body between electrical contacts 51 and 52. The inventors have discovered a correlation between the conductivity between electrical contacts 51 and 52 and the user's hydration; therefore, the conductivity of the user's body between electrical contacts 51 and 52 is an indicator of the user's hydration.

[0088] Typically, a conversion value of 530 or higher from an A / D converter indicates good conductivity, thus indicating good hydration for the user. A conversion value of 200 or lower indicates poor conductivity, thus indicating poor hydration for the user. Therefore, a typical threshold used by the processor is around 250.

[0089] If the conversion value of 72 received by the application software is greater than the threshold (less than or equal to 250 in this example), the application software then initiates stimulus 76.

[0090] If the conversion value received by the application is less than or equal to the threshold (less than or equal to 250 in this example), the application displays message 90 on the user interface 80, informing the user that their feet are too dry and suggesting they wet their feet and / or drink some water. Message 90 also asks the user if they wish to continue the session. If the user selects "yes" 91, a stimulus is initiated 76. If the user selects "no" 92, the application on the smartphone 27 sends another request 71 to the processor 21 to measure conductivity. The application receives the digitized measurement from the processor 72 and compares the new value with the threshold 73. If it is still too low, the application displays message 90 again 74.

[0091] The application software will continue the loop to remeasure the conductivity between electrical contacts 51 and 52 and compare it with a threshold until (i) the measured value is greater than the threshold when compared with the threshold 73; or (ii) the user selects "Yes" 91 to continue the session. Under either (i) or (ii), electrical stimulation will be initiated 76.

[0092] The inventors have realized that, in some cases, electrical stimulation of a subject may be ineffective because the subject's hydration may be too low. They have also realized that a subject's hydration can be correlated with the electrical conductivity between points on the subject's body where electrical stimulation is applied. In the case of applying electrical stimulation to the sole surface of a subject's foot, the electrical conductivity between the subject's feet can be measured to indicate the subject's hydration, and the effectiveness of the electrical stimulation can be determined based on the measured conductivity.

[0093] The advantage of this invention is that it can detect whether the electrical conductivity of the user's body between electrical contacts 51 and 52 is too low to generate effective electrical stimulation, and it also suggests that the user wet their feet and / or drink water to replenish moisture.

Claims

1. A device for electrically stimulating a subject, the device comprising: A device for detecting the electrical conductivity between the subject and an electrical stimulation device adapted to apply an electrical excitation voltage to the muscles of a body part of the subject during use; as well as The electrical stimulation device, wherein the means for detecting conductivity includes: (i) A first electrical contact, adapted to contact the subject's skin in a first position during use; (ii) A second electrical contact, adapted to contact the subject's skin in a second position during use; (iii) A processor having an output coupled to the first electrical contact and an input coupled to the second electrical contact; (iv) An output device coupled to the processor; and The processor is configured to output an alternating voltage signal to the first electrical contact and receive a response signal from the second electrical contact; and the processor is further configured to: (a) in response to a received response signal, send an output signal to the output device, the output signal corresponding to the received response signal and indicating the conductivity between the electrical stimulation device and the subject in use; or (b) if the voltage amplitude of the response signal received by the processor is below a threshold, send an output signal to the output device, the output signal indicating that the conductivity between the subject and the electrical stimulation device is below the threshold; The electrical stimulation device includes a first electrical stimulation contact surface and a second electrical stimulation contact surface; and one of the first electrical contact and the first electrical stimulation contact surface is located within the other of the first electrical contact and the first electrical stimulation contact surface, and one of the second electrical contact and the second electrical stimulation contact surface is located within the other of the second electrical contact and the second electrical stimulation contact surface; and The first electrical contact is electrically isolated from the first electrical stimulation contact surface, and the second electrical contact is electrically isolated from the second electrical stimulation contact surface.

2. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1, wherein the means for detecting conductivity further comprises an analog-to-digital converter (A / D converter) receiving the response signal from the second electrical contact, converting the response signal into a digital signal, and sending the digital signal to the processor.

3. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the amplitude of the alternating voltage signal is less than 10V.

4. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 3, wherein the amplitude is less than or equal to 5V.

5. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 4, wherein the amplitude is from 1V to 5V.

6. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alternating voltage signal comprises a square wave signal.

7. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frequency of the alternating voltage signal is from 500 Hz to 100 kHz.

8. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output device comprises at least one of: a visual display device; an auditory signal output device; a tactile signal output device; and a wireless data signal output device.

9. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 8, wherein the output device includes a wireless data signal output device, the wireless data signal output device including a Bluetooth transmitter.

10. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the voltage amplitude of the response signal received by the processor is lower than a threshold, the processor sends the output signal to the output device, and the threshold corresponds to an amplitude of the response signal that is less than 50% of the output alternating voltage signal.

11. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 10, wherein the threshold corresponds to the amplitude of the response signal between 20% and 30% of the output alternating voltage signal.

12. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are adapted to contact the skin of the subject such that the first location and the second location are on different limbs of the subject.

13. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 12, wherein the first position and the second position are on different lower legs of the subject.

14. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first electrical contact is located within the first electrical stimulation contact surface, and the second electrical contact is located within the second electrical stimulation contact surface.

15. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact extends above the respective first electrical stimulation contact surface and the second electrical stimulation contact surface.

16. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical stimulation device is adapted to apply electrical stimulation to the feet of the subject during use.

17. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 16, wherein the first electrical stimulation contact surface and the second electrical stimulation contact surface are each adapted to contact a corresponding plantar surface of the subject's foot during use.

18. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a housing, wherein the electrical stimulation device and the first and second electrical contacts are located on the exterior of the housing.

19. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical stimulation device is adapted to stimulate the muscles of the subject's limb.

20. The device for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 19, wherein the electrical stimulation device is adapted to stimulate at least one of the leg and foot muscles of the subject.

21. A system for electrically stimulating a subject, comprising: Device for electrically stimulating a subject according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as Remote devices, including remote wireless data input devices, remote processors, and remote output devices; The processor of the device for detecting conductivity sends an output signal to an output device of the device for detecting conductivity in response to a received response signal. The output device of the device for detecting conductivity includes a wireless data signal output device, and the output signal includes a wireless data signal transmitted by the wireless data signal output device. The remote wireless data input device is adapted to receive the wireless data signal and send the received signal to the remote processor. If the received signal is less than a threshold, the remote processor outputs a remote output signal to the remote output device, the remote output signal indicating that the conductivity between the subject and the electrical stimulation device is too low.

22. The system for electrically stimulating a subject according to claim 21, wherein, in response to the remote output signal, the remote output device generates a remote user output signal with a conductivity between the subject and the electrical stimulation device below the threshold.

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