Electrical muscle stimulation device and method

Abstract

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices (e.g., apparatuses and systems, including kits, controls, etc.) are described herein. These EMS devices may include an integrated controller and power supply, including an integrated controller and power supply with user input / output (e.g., touch screen) that is compact and may be coupled to an EMS kit for controlling the kit and / or for communicating with one or more remote servers. Also described herein are EMS devices having wettable electrical contacts that are suitable for reliable and easy use (e.g., in a home or studio environment) by a wearer of a suit. An EMS configured to enhance operational safety and effectiveness of the EMS is also described herein.

Description

[0001] Priority declaration

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 300,609, filed on January 18, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Incorporated by Reference

[0004] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0005] background

[0006] Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) uses electrical impulses to cause muscle contractions. The impulses are delivered via electrodes placed on the body near the muscles to be stimulated. EMS technology has been incorporated into fitness products, such as EMS suits, which can help users achieve their health and fitness goals, such as burning calories, improving muscle tone, increasing strength and / or recovering from injuries. The electrodes in the EMS suit can be located near specific muscle groups (e.g., arms, legs, chest, abdomen, back, etc.) to deliver electrical impulses targeting those muscle groups as the user performs various exercise moves.

[0007] Existing EMS technology can be coordinated with a defined exercise plan or coach, and the user of the EMS suit can coordinate training with the coach or with pre-recorded lessons. However, currently available EMS systems can be difficult to operate, especially when operated in a home or studio environment. For example, it may be difficult for the user to establish a reliable connection between the electrodes and the EMS suit.

[0008] In addition, the EMS suit may be difficult for the user to apply and control. When controlling an EMS device (including an EMS suit), there may be many complex parameters related to intensity (e.g., peak current amplitude), frequency, pulse width, etc., as well as physical properties of the electrodes and the user's skin (e.g., impedance, skin conductance, etc.). The user may not be able to synthesize these complex parameters and may not benefit from a simple, easy to use, and reliable user interface with the EMS device and / or the exercises to be used.

[0009] Additionally, there are a number of safety issues when using EMS suits and methods. For example, overuse of EMS, or use of EMS at a higher intensity or at an intensity that does not match the user's condition may be uncomfortable or even painful, and may hinder treatment gains.

[0010] The methods and apparatus described herein may address these issues.

[0011] Public Overview

[0012] Described herein are methods and apparatus (including EMS suits, user interfaces, and control systems, etc.) for electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) systems, which may include hardware, software, and / or firmware, that can provide safer, easier to use, and more reliable EMS than previously available. Typically, the apparatus and methods described herein can be used as part of a therapeutic or non-therapeutic program. For example, the methods and apparatus can be part of an exercise or fitness (including weight loss) regimen. However, the methods and apparatus described herein can also or alternatively be used as part of a treatment, such as, in particular, for physical therapy and / or for treating conditions such as restless legs syndrome (RLS), neuromuscular disorders (including, but not limited to, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), etc.).

[0013] For example, EMS suits and methods of using them are described herein. For example, the EMS suit may include a plurality of electrode assemblies configured to hold a conductive fluid so that the electrode assemblies can make consistent and reliable electrical contact with the user's skin. The electrode assemblies may include a port for allowing wetting of the electrode assemblies, such as a fluid reservoir of the electrode assemblies, which may include a porous region.

[0014] For example, the present document describes an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) device (e.g., a suit) that includes: a garment comprising an elastic material configured to conform to a user's body; a plurality of electrode assemblies located on an inner surface of the garment, each of the electrode assemblies being configured to be flush with the user's skin; a plurality of sensors distributed on, in, or above the garment; a plurality of electrical connectors that electrically couple the electrode assemblies to a controller for applying EMS; and a controller configured to control the application of energy to individual electrode assemblies in the plurality of electrode assemblies, wherein the controller is configured to receive sensor data from the plurality of sensors and identify a type of exercise performed by the user, and set a subset of the plurality of electrode assemblies to activation based on the identified type of exercise.

[0015] The controller may include a trained machine learning agent configured to identify the type of exercise performed by the user. The controller may also be configured to recommend or adjust the energy applied by a subset of multiple electrode assemblies based on the identified exercise type and / or sensor input and / or based on user-specific data. In some examples, the controller includes a trained machine learning agent configured to recommend or adjust the energy applied by a subset of multiple electrode assemblies based on sensor data from multiple sensors. In some examples, the controller includes a trained machine learning agent configured to recommend or adjust the energy applied by a subset of multiple electrode assemblies based on user-specific data. The user-specific data may include one or more of the following: user past performance, user height, user weight, user BMI, user physical condition, user age, user biometric data from multiple sensors.

[0016] Any of these garments may include one or more of the following: a shirt, a vest, pants, or shorts. In any of these devices and methods, the plurality of sensors may include one or more of a motion sensor, a bioimpedance sensor, and a position sensor.

[0017] Also described herein is an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) device comprising: a garment comprising an elastic material configured to conform to a user's body; a plurality of electrode assemblies located on an inner surface of the garment, each of the electrode assemblies being configured to be flush with the user's skin; a plurality of sensors distributed on, in, or above the garment; a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling the electrode assemblies to a controller for applying EMS; and a controller configured to control the application of energy to each of the plurality of electrode assemblies, wherein the controller comprises a trained machine learning agent configured to recommend and / or adjust the energy applied by the plurality of electrode assemblies based on data from the plurality of sensors. The controller may be configured to identify a type of exercise performed by the user based on the plurality of sensors. The trained machine learning agent may be configured to recommend or adjust the energy applied by a subset of the plurality of electrode assemblies based on user-specific data and the type of exercise. For example, the controller may be configured to automatically or semi-automatically adjust the energy applied by the plurality of electrode assemblies based on the recommendation of the trained machine learning agent.

[0018] The trained machine learning agent can be configured to recommend or adjust the energy applied by a subset of the plurality of electrode assemblies based on data from the plurality of sensors and based on user-specific data. The user-specific data can be one or more of: user past performance, user height, user weight, user BMI, user physical condition, user age, user biometric data from the plurality of sensors.

[0019] Also described herein are methods and apparatus for determining compliance of an EMS device. For example, an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suit may include: a garment including an elastic material configured to conform to a user's body; a plurality of electrode assemblies located on an inner surface of the garment, each of the electrode assemblies being configured to be flush with the user's skin; a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling the electrode assemblies to a controller for applying EMS; and a controller including a compliance monitoring module, wherein the compliance monitoring module is configured to track energy application to the user's skin during a compliance period and output compliance data based thereon.

[0020] An electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) kit may include: a garment comprising an elastic material configured to conform to a user's body; a plurality of electrode assemblies located on an inner surface of the garment, each of the electrode assemblies being configured to be flush with the user's skin; a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling the electrode assemblies to a controller for applying EMS; and a controller comprising a compliance monitoring module, wherein the compliance monitoring module is configured to track verified energy application to the user's skin over a compliance period and output compliance data based thereon, wherein the verified energy application to the user's skin is based on bioimpedance determined from one or more of the electrode assemblies.

[0021] An electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) kit is described herein and includes an upper torso region comprising an elastic material configured to conform to a user's torso; a plurality of electrode assemblies on an inner surface of the upper torso region, each of the electrode assemblies comprising: a conductive base adjacent to a porous skin contact region, wherein the porous skin contact region is configured to retain a conductive fluid within the pores; and an inlet port in fluid communication with the porous skin contact region; and a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling the conductive base of each electrode assembly to a coupler region configured to electrically couple to a controller for applying EMS.

[0022] The inlet ports of the plurality of electrode assemblies may extend from the outer surface of the upper torso region. Thus, in some examples, the electrode assemblies may be wetted by or for the user without removing the device. In some examples, the device does not include a port, but the skin contact surface is wetted directly.

[0023] The porous skin contact area may include a sponge material (eg, a compliant porous material), a hydrogel, etc. In some examples, the assembly includes a separate reservoir. Each of the plurality of electrode assemblies may include a sensor configured to detect fluid within the porous skin contact area.

[0024] The inlet port may be configured to receive a nozzle.

[0025] Any of these devices may also include a lower region configured to confirm the legs and buttocks of a user.

[0026] In any of these devices, the device may include a controller, wherein the controller is configured to be fixed to the EMS suit. The controller may be a hybrid power supply / controller. The controller may be configured to dynamically adjust the user-specific maximum EMS power applied during the treatment session. For example, the controller may be configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more remote processors to receive EMS treatment parameters.

[0027] Any of these devices may include a pocket configured to house the controller. The pocket may be on the upper region or the lower region.

[0028] For example, an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) kit may include: an upper torso region comprising an elastic material configured to conform to a user's torso; a plurality of electrode assemblies on an inner surface of the upper torso region, each of the electrode assemblies comprising: a conductive base adjacent to a porous skin contact area, wherein the porous skin contact area is configured to retain a conductive fluid within the pores; and an inlet port extending onto an outer surface of the upper torso region, the inlet port being fluidly connected to the porous skin contact area, the inlet port being configured to receive a conductive fluid for delivery to the porous skin contact area; a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling the conductive base of each of the electrode assemblies to a coupler region configured to electrically couple to a controller; and a controller configured to couple to the coupling region, wherein the controller is configured to apply EMS between pairs of electrode assemblies.

[0029] The present invention also describes an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suit that includes: an upper torso region that is configured to fit into the torso of a user; a plurality of electrode assemblies that are on an inner surface of the upper torso region; and a plurality of electrical connectors that electrically couple each electrode assembly to a coupler region that is configured to electrically couple to a controller for applying EMS; and a combined power supply and controller configured to couple to the coupling region, wherein the controller is configured to apply EMS between pairs of electrode assemblies, wherein the combined power supply and controller includes a display and one or more inputs for selecting a power level for EMS application.

[0030] The display screen may include a touch screen.In any of these devices, the device may include an override shutoff control (eg, on a combined power supply and controller) configured to cut power to the plurality of electrode assemblies.

[0031] The upper torso region may include an elastic or stretch material configured to fit the user's torso. In some examples, the elastic material is a polymer material, such as a diving suit material (e.g., a neoprene material).

[0032] Any of these devices may include a lower region configured to identify the legs and buttocks of a user.

[0033] Typically, the combined power supply and controller can be configured to be fixed to the EMS suit so that the display screen can be viewed by the user. The combined power supply and controller can be configured to dynamically adjust the user-specific maximum EMS power applied during the treatment session. The combined power supply and controller can be configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more remote processors to receive EMS treatment parameters.

[0034] Any of these devices may include a pocket on the upper torso region configured to house a combined power supply and controller.

[0035] For example, this document describes a method of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), comprising: determining an initial baseline EMS power for a user; determining a recent EMS applied to the user within a predetermined time period; estimating a user-specific maximum EMS power based on the initial baseline EMS power and the recent EMS applied to the user within the predetermined time period; applying EMS to the user during a treatment session, wherein the applied EMS is a certain percentage of the user-specific maximum EMS power, which percentage increases from an initial minimum percentage of the user-specific maximum EMS power to a maximum of 100% over the duration of the treatment session.

[0036] The initial baseline EMS power may be a function of one or more of the current amplitude, frequency, and pulse width. Determining the initial baseline EMS power for the user may include receiving the initial baseline EMS power from a data storage device storing the initial baseline EMS power. In some examples, determining the initial baseline EMS power for the user includes calculating the initial baseline EMS power for the user based on self-reported data provided by the user. For example, determining the recent EMS applied to the user within a predetermined time period may include determining the recent EMS applied to the user within the last 10 days or less.

[0037] Estimating the user-specific maximum EMS power may include estimating the user-specific maximum EMS power for each of a plurality of electrode pairs of the EMS device corresponding to the user. For example, estimating the user-specific maximum EMS power may include increasing the user-specific maximum EMS power based on the number of treatment sessions within a predetermined time period. Estimating the user-specific maximum EMS power may include determining immediately before a new treatment session begins.

[0038] Applying EMS to the user during the treatment session may include increasing one or more of: current amplitude, frequency, and pulse width of the applied EMS. For example, a user-specific maximum EMS power may decrease as time since the most recent EMS was applied to the user increases.

[0039] For example, a method of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) may include: determining an initial baseline EMS power for a user, wherein the initial baseline EMS power is a function of one or more of current amplitude, frequency, and pulse width; determining recent EMS applied to the user within a predetermined time period of 10 days or less; estimating a user-specific maximum EMS power based on the initial baseline EMS power and the recent EMS applied to the user within the predetermined time period, wherein the user-specific maximum EMS power decreases as time increases since the most recent EMS was applied to the user; and applying EMS to the user during a treatment session, wherein the applied EMS is limited to a percentage of the user-specific maximum EMS power that increases from an initial minimum percentage of the user-specific maximum EMS power to a maximum of 100% over the duration of the treatment session.

[0040] The present invention also describes a method of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), which includes: determining an initial baseline EMS power for a user; determining recent EMS applied to the user within a predetermined time period exceeding 2 days; before initiating a treatment session, estimating a user-specific maximum EMS power based on the initial baseline EMS power and the recent EMS applied to the user within the predetermined time period, wherein if the user has received minimum EMS treatment within 40 hours or less, the user-specific maximum EMS power is set to zero, otherwise the user-specific maximum EMS power is estimated based on the initial baseline EMS power and the recent EMS applied to the user within the predetermined time period; and if the user-specific maximum EMS power is greater than zero, applying EMS to the user during the treatment session.

[0041] The initial baseline EMS power may be a function of one or more of the current amplitude, frequency, and pulse width. Determining the initial baseline EMS power for the user may include receiving the initial baseline EMS power from a data storage device storing the initial baseline EMS power. Determining the initial baseline EMS power for the user may include calculating the initial baseline EMS power for the user based on self-reported data provided by the user. In some examples, determining the recent EMS applied to the user within the predetermined time period includes determining the recent EMS applied to the user between the last 2 days and 10 days.

[0042] Estimating the user-specific maximum EMS power may include estimating the user-specific maximum EMS power for each of the plurality of electrode pairs of the EMS device corresponding to the user. If the user-specific maximum EMS power is set to zero, any of these methods may include warning the user that it is too recent to allow EMS. In some examples, applying EMS to the user during the treatment session includes increasing one or more of: the current amplitude, frequency, and pulse width of the applied EMS. The user-specific maximum EMS power may decrease as the time since the most recent EMS was applied to the user increases.

[0043] All methods and apparatus described herein (in any combination) are contemplated herein and may be used to achieve the benefits described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] A better understanding of the features and advantages of the methods and apparatus described herein will be obtained by referring to the following detailed description setting forth illustrative embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1A-1F An example of an EMS device as described herein is shown.

[0047] Figure 2A-2C Examples of parts of an EMS device are shown.

[0048] Figure 3A-3B An example of an EMS device (eg, an EMS suit) worn on a user is shown.

[0049] Figure 4A-4B Another example of an EMS device as described herein is shown.

[0050] Figure 5 Example hydration of electrodes for use in an EMS device is shown.

[0051] Figure 6 One example of a power supply for an EMS device is shown.

[0052] Figure 7A-7D An example of a combined power supply and controller for an EMS device as described herein is shown.

[0053] Figure 8A-8E An example of a combined power supply and controller for an EMS device is shown.

[0054] Figure 9A-9F An example of a combined power supply and controller for an EMS device is shown.

[0055] Fig.10 One example of a portion of a combined power supply / controller for an EMS device is shown.

[0056] Fig.11 An example of an EMS device as described herein is schematically shown.

[0057] Fig.12 An example of a system (eg, including application software) for an EMS device is schematically shown.

[0058] Fig.13 One example of a control subsystem as described herein is shown schematically.

[0059] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of one example of a method for automatically or semi-automatically adjusting electrode parameters using a trained machine learning agent as described herein.

[0060] Fig.15 An example of a method of determining compliance in operating an EMS device is schematically shown.

[0061] Detailed Description

[0062] Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices (e.g., equipment and systems, including suits, controllers, etc.) are described herein. These EMS devices may include integrated controllers and power supplies, including integrated controllers and power supplies with user input / output (e.g., touch screens), which are compact and may be coupled to an EMS suit for controlling the suit and / or for communicating with one or more remote servers. An EMS device with wettable electrical contacts is also described herein, which is suitable for reliable and easy use (e.g., use at home or in a studio environment) by the wearer of the suit. An EMS suit (especially for users who may be defective) that is more comfortable and easier to put on and take off is also described herein, including an EMS suit that includes electrodes flush with the inside of the suit and does not include an external cable. These EMS suit devices may be easier to put on, adjust and manipulate than traditional EMS suits, and may allow movement and flexibility while maintaining reliable and sufficient contact between a user and a plurality of EMS electrodes. Any device described herein may include a user interface configured to enhance the ease of operation and effectiveness of the EMS suit. For example, described herein are devices (e.g., systems) that can be used to regulate the safe and effective operation of an EMS suit, including limiting or preventing operation in a manner that may be less effective and / or dangerous to the user. Any device (e.g., an EMS suit, a system including an EMS suit, etc.) and method described herein may include control logic that includes a trained neural network for determining one or more of the following: a user's condition (e.g., fitness level, impairment, etc.), a user's movement (e.g., exercise, routine, sequence of positions, etc.), and / or a user's health or treatment goals, and adjusting or controlling the EMS applied by the suit.

[0063] Any of the devices and methods described herein may also or alternatively be configured to determine and report user compliance.

[0064] Typically, an EMS device may include an EMS suit with a plurality of electrodes coupled thereto or capable of being coupled thereto, wherein the electrodes are positioned / positionable on the EMS suit in such an arrangement that provides muscle stimulation during the operation of the EMS suit while preventing the current from being dangerously (e.g., transthoracic flow) through the body of the user wearing the EMS suit. The individual electrodes of the EMS suit may be controlled by a processor to deliver electrical pulses to the muscles of the user wearing the EMS suit. When delivering electrical pulses via a pair of electrodes, an electric current (i.e., a stream of charged particles) flows through a portion of the user's body (e.g., through the muscle tissue below the pair of electrodes) from one electrode (of the pair of electrodes) and flows to another electrode (of the pair of electrodes). The user's body completes the circuit including the pair of electrodes, thereby allowing current to flow between the pair of electrodes during the operation of the EMS suit, because the electrical pulses are delivered via the electrodes. A pair of electrodes may include two electrodes corresponding to a common channel in a plurality of channels, and the plurality of channels are used to deliver electrical pulses channel by channel during the operation of the EMS suit. A pair of electrodes may also include two electrodes that allow current to flow between them during operation of the EMS suit, one electrode in the pair of electrodes serving as a positive electrode (anode) and the other electrode in the pair of electrodes serving as a negative electrode (cathode). Using alternating current (AC), each electrode in a given pair may reverse the current flow in each cycle (or frame). That is, each electrode may change from a positive electrode (anode) to a negative electrode (cathode) with each cycle (or frame).

[0065] For example, Figure 1A-1F An example of an EMS system as described herein is shown. This example shows a wireless whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) system comprising a suit / vest, a lower body (pants / shorts) portion, a combined power supply / controller / user interface, and an electrode wetting source (e.g., a spray bottle). Figure 1A Examples of upper 101 and lower 103 underwear sets are shown. The underwear set can be configured to allow electrical connection between the electrodes and the underlying skin in appropriate areas of the body (e.g., above a target muscle group). For example, the underwear set can include openings and / or conductive areas (or can be completely conductive). The underwear set can be configured to fit the patient's body, for example as a stretch and / or compression garment. The underwear set can be washable.

[0066] Figure 1BAn example of an upper torso (e.g., vest) portion 105 of an EMS suit and a lower body portion 107 of an EMS suit is shown. The upper torso portion and the lower body portion can support a plurality of electrodes 109 that can be integrated into the device. As described in more detail below, these electrodes can be wettable electrodes that are adapted to be easily wetted by the user. The upper torso portion and the lower body portion can include one or more adjustable straps that allow the user to attach and adjust the fit. Figure 1B The upper torso portion 105 shown in FIG is configured as a vest, and the lower body region is configured as a chaps-like configuration to be worn over an underwear set. In some examples, the underwear set and the upper torso region and the lower body region can be integrated together into a single garment, as shown below Figure 4A-4B shown.

[0067] In any of these examples, the EMS suit can have electrodes strategically positioned to apply EMS to target muscle groups, such as the quadriceps (quadriceps), hamstrings, glutes, abdominals, chest, lower back, mid-back, upper back (trapezius), biceps and triceps, and / or calves.

[0068] In any of these examples, the electrical connector (e.g., "cable") can be integrated into the package. For example, coupling the power supply / controller into the package can automatically couple the electrodes to the power supply / controller via a single (e.g., multiplexed) connection, thereby significantly simplifying contact. For example, the integrated electrical connector can couple via an internal cable arranged to not restrict freedom of movement.

[0069] In some examples, the cables are covered by a vinyl material that can be sealed (e.g., heat sealed) to the body of the garment, which can be a spandex / elastane such as Lycra or other highly conformable material. The cables can be sealed to less stretchy areas of the garment where the cables extend in a straight line with little or no slack, and the cables can be sealed between areas of the garment where the cables are more stretchy (e.g., near joints or areas of the body that vary greatly depending on the size of the user, such as the chest / pectoral area and pannus) where the cables can be allowed to slide or move relative to the material (e.g., vinyl and / or spandex) surrounding the cables.

[0070] The electrodes of the EMS suit can be arranged in the EMS suit to cover portions of the user's body in order to stimulate specific muscle groups (e.g., arms, legs, chest, abdomen, back, etc.) by delivering electrical pulses that stimulate the muscle tissue under the user's skin. In particular, as will be described in more detail below, the electrodes described herein can be arranged in a manner that increases the ability of the electrodes to maintain reliable communication with the patient's skin during treatment and thereby provide energy to the underlying muscles.

[0071] For example, an upper body portion (e.g., torso, including chest, vest, etc.) can be worn on the upper torso of a user's body. The upper body portion can be coupled to the lower body portion, for example, via one or more mechanical and / or electrical connectors. Thus, any buckle / strap shown can include a mechanical connector and an electrical connector.

[0072] In some of these devices, the connector 111 (e.g., buckle) can be configured to make and / or confirm electrical connection. For example, the power supply / controller can sense and / or confirm that each connector is coupled and / or secured. For example, the controller can provide a test current / pulse to confirm electrical connection (via the electrical characteristics of the connection, indicating an open circuit if not properly attached). Electrical contact with the user's skin can be similarly or additionally confirmed by the system and can be used as part of a safety interlock and / or power saving protocol.

[0073] In some examples, the upper body part may include a left front part, a right front part and a rear part. In some embodiments, the left front part has a first pair of electrodes positioned on the inner surface of the left front part and in the upper half of the left front part, and the right front part has a second pair of electrodes positioned on the inner surface of the right front part and in the upper half of the right front part. In this way, when the user's body wears an EMS suit, the first pair of electrodes can be arranged on one or more left pectoral muscles of the body (or top), and the first pair of electrodes can therefore be positioned on the first side (e.g., left side) of the median sagittal plane of the body and the first side (e.g., front side) of the frontal plane (frontal plane) of the body. The second pair of electrodes can be arranged on one or more right pectoral muscles of the body (or top), and the second pair of electrodes can be positioned on the second side (e.g., right side) of the median sagittal plane of the body and the first side (e.g., front side) of the frontal plane of the body.

[0074] The electrical pulses may be delivered by the respective electrode pairs so that the flow of the current is primarily between each pair of electrodes through the target muscle area, so that the current does not flow between an electrode in a first pair of electrodes and an electrode in a second pair of electrodes or any other pair of electrodes to avoid applying electrical energy to an area not intended to be stimulated. For example, the devices described herein may prevent current from flowing through the midsagittal plane of a user's body in the region of the thorax during operation of an EMS suit.

[0075] Figure 1C An example of an integrated controller / power supply 113 is also shown. In this example, the integrated power supply / controller includes separate mechanical and electrical connectors; however, in some examples, the same connector can be mechanically and electrically connected to the EMS suit. For example, in Figure 1C In the embodiment, the device includes a pair of electrical connectors 115, which can be attached to the electrical coupling contacts on the set. Figure 1A-1F In, only a single pair (e.g., anode / cathode) connector is shown. In some examples, multiple connectors / contacts can be used. In this example, the suit can include an integrated multiplexed electrical manifold that can guide and / or switch the applied energy to a pair or more pairs of electrodes to which power is to be applied to apply EMS. Typically, power can be applied to each electrode pair once (sequentially), or in a manner that nearby electrodes communicated with the body are not activated simultaneously due to the application of electrical energy. The power supply / controller 113 can be held to the EMS suit by a bag and / or a mechanical connector such as Velcro, a belt, etc. Multiple mechanical connectors can be included.

[0076] Figure 1D and Figure 1E An example of an arm electrode support 119 including electrodes 109 that can be used to apply electrical energy to the biceps and / or triceps is shown. In this example, where the arm electrode support is not integral to the upper / torso portion 105, an additional external cable 121 can be used to connect the arm electrodes to contacts 117 on the upper / torso portion (vest) 105. Alternatively, in some examples, the electrodes and / or electrode support can be integrated into the upper / torso EMS garment.

[0077] In any one of these devices, the rear of the upper body part of the EMS suit can include multiple electrodes 109, which include, for example, a third pair of electrodes positioned on the inner surface of the rear part and in the left half of the rear part, and a fourth pair of electrodes positioned on the inner surface of the rear part and in the right half of the rear part. When the user's body wears the EMS suit, the third pair of electrodes can be arranged on one or more left back muscles of the body (or top), and the third pair of electrodes can therefore be positioned on the first side (e.g., left side) of the median sagittal plane of the body and the second side (e.g., rear side) of the frontal plane of the body. Meanwhile, the fourth pair of electrodes can be arranged on one or more right back muscles of the body (or top), and the fourth pair of electrodes can therefore be positioned on the second side (e.g., right side) of the median sagittal plane of the body and the second side (e.g., rear side) of the frontal plane of the body. Other configurations and arrangements can be used.

[0078] Any of the electrodes described herein can be a wettable electrode that includes an absorbent substrate in electrical communication with the electrode (forming a fluid / wetting reservoir) and is configured to contact the user's skin (either directly or through an underwear suit). These wettable electrodes are configured to retain a conductive fluid (e.g., water, including saline), which can help make reliable electrical contact with the user's skin and maintain electrical properties even when the user sweats during physical exercise while wearing the EMS suit. This can be particularly helpful because these wettable electrodes can be configured (in terms of size and position) to allow continuous electrical contact with the skin without significant changes in electrical properties due to sweating. The electrode assembly can also include one or more ports or openings that are configured to connect to a fluid source 125 (e.g., such as Figure 1F The electrode assembly may be provided with a spray bottle (shown as an example in Figure 1) to allow a conductive fluid (e.g., saline) to be delivered to the fluid reservoir. For example, each electrode assembly may include a port on the outwardly facing side to which a fluid source may be coupled to apply the fluid (e.g., by spraying). The fluid port may also be configured to prevent leakage of the fluid (e.g., saline) from the port and / or from the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly may include a fluid reservoir, which may be a porous material (e.g., a sponge and / or a wettable hydrogel, etc.).

[0079] Figures 1A to 1FThe device shown in does not show other parts that can be used to control the associated application or device of the EMS that applies to drive the target muscle.Controller 113 may include a user interface (e.g., touch screen) for direct communication with a user and / or it may be configured to communicate wirelessly with one or more external processors (such as, smart phone, tablet computer, computer, etc.).In some examples, the user can communicate via a smart phone or tablet computer (not shown).In some examples, the user can communicate with a remote processor.Any one of controller / power supply, smart phone and / or remote processor may include software, firmware and / or hardware for engaging with a user and / or for the operation of a control device, including software, firmware and / or hardware for enabling one or more safety protocols based on the user's situation and the previous operation of one or more EMS devices to prevent the user from exceeding the predetermined amount or the calculated amount of the EMS to a separate body area (muscle) and / or whole body.

[0080] Figure 2A An example of an upper torso portion 105 is shown. In this example, the upper torso portion includes a connector port 201 that can be coupled to an integrated controller / power supply (not shown). The device also includes a plurality of mechanical connectors (e.g., buckles, clasps, etc.) 202 and a plurality of adjustable straps (e.g., Velcro straps) 203, including side straps 204. The upper torso portion in this example also includes a zipper 205. A plurality of electrode pads 206 can also be integrated into the upper torso portion. The device can also include a connector (e.g., a buckle) 207 for coupling to a lower portion. Any of these connectors and / or straps can be adjustable and can include a retainer 208.

[0081] Figure 2B An example of a lower portion 107 is shown. The lower portion may also include one or more mechanical and / or electrical connectors 216 for coupling to an upper portion (to which a power supply / controller may be attached). Alternatively or additionally, the lower portion may hold a controller / power supply (and may provide power and control the operation of the upper portion). For example, the lower portion may include a pocket and / or attachment site 213 for a controller / power supply and / or may include a connector port 211. The lower portion may include a hip belt 212 for securing the device to the waist (e.g., to or above an underwear set). In some examples, the device may include an adjustable strap and / or buckle and / or other components to adjust the fitting 216. The lower portion may also include one or more electrode assemblies (including electrical pads 215) for applying EMS to muscles / muscle groups on the lower body.

[0082] Figure 2CAn example of an arm electrode support 119 is shown from the top 229 and the bottom 228 (user contact side). The arm electrode support can include one or more attachments (e.g., a band 221) including a loop 223 and / or a Velcro attachment portion 224. The arm electrode support can also include one or more electrode assemblies 222.

[0083] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example of an EMS suit as described herein worn on a user is shown. Figure 3A In FIG. 1 , the EMS suit includes all the above components, including an upper portion 305 and a lower portion 307. The upper portion and the lower portion are coupled together, and a power supply / controller 350 is shown coupled to the lower portion. The user also wears an upper 301 and lower 303 underwear suit.

[0084] The EMS suit shown may include electrodes on the legs (e.g., quadriceps), buttocks, lumbar region, back, trapezius, and one or more electrodes on the abdomen, pectoralis and arms. The position may be adjustable within a predetermined or arbitrary range. For example, on the legs, the lower portion may be configured to allow adjustment of the position of the electrodes in one or two positions, such as adjusting the electrode positions on the inner thigh muscles or the inner and outer muscles. The electrodes may be positioned at a distance of between 5cm and 10cm. In another example, the device may be configured to allow adjustment of the position of the abdominal muscles, including adjusting the paired electrodes to be further or closer apart. The central abdomen may be adjusted and / or a more laterally separated position may be used.

[0085] Figure 4A-4B Another example of an EMS suit device similar to the above device is shown, where an underwear suit may not be required. In this example, the device includes an appearance similar to a diving suit and can be at least partially formed of an elastic material (such as a polymer material (e.g., neoprene, etc.)) that is breathable and configured to maintain electrodes (e.g., electrode assemblies) in contact with the skin. For example, in Figure 4A and Figure 4B In, the EMS suit can include an upper portion 405 and a lower portion 407, or can be an integral suit (e.g., an integrated upper portion and lower portion). The suit can be formed from an elastic fabric and include a closure system 447 (e.g., a zipper). The electrode assembly can be integrated into the suit, but can be configured to allow selection of one or more alternative positions, for example to allow a user to adjust the spacing of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. Thus, the electrode can include an input (e.g., a strap, a selector, etc.) for allowing or locking the position of the electrode assembly. As described above, any of these electrode assemblies can be configured to allow a fluid (e.g., saline) to be applied as part of the electrode assembly. In Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the example arrangement shown, the electrodes may be coupled to a power source / controller 450 via internal wires (not visible).

[0086] As described above, any of these devices may include an electrode assembly configured to wet the electrode or wettable electrode. For example, these devices may be configured so that fluid (e.g., water, saline, etc.) can be added to wet the skin contact surface of the electrode assembly. Electrical contact is essential for the normal function and control of the EMS device. The electrode assembly can be wetted before and / or after the application device, and in particular when the electrode assembly includes a fluid reservoir area, such as a porous material (e.g., a sponge and / or a wettable hydrogel, etc.). Figure 5 An example of applying a fluid (e.g., water) 567 via a spray bottle to wet the electrodes 565 on the inside of the suit 563 (and specifically, to wet the porous skin contacting surface of the electrodes) is shown. In some examples, the suit can include one or more ports into which a fluid (e.g., water, saline, etc.) can be added. The fluid can be a conductive fluid.

[0087] Any device described herein may include sensors that can confirm the position and / or activity of the user, such as motion sensors, position sensors, etc. The sensor may be included with one or more electrodes and / or may be included with a controller (or a power supply and / or controller, including an integrated power supply / controller). Sensors such as accelerometers may be used to confirm that the user is performing a predetermined action / exercise (as described below), and therefore the application of EMS may be coordinated with the prescribed movement. The sensor may also be used as a safety trigger, such as stopping or pausing (or reducing in some cases) the application of EMS based on the sensed motion and / or position.

[0088] Typically, the suit described herein can be cleaned and maintained by the user. For example, the suit can be treated with an antibacterial solution and rinsed with water. Anti-odor products can be applied after each use and / or after applying the antibacterial solution. The suit can be dried, for example, by hanging it in a drying area. An air drying system can be used to accelerate drying. Heated air or room temperature air can be used to dry the suit. Typically, the suit can be washed, for example, by soaking in a low concentration of soap solution. The suit can be washed and / or rinsed in cold water to clean (including removing excess salt from increased fluid and / or sweat).

[0089] Also described herein are power sources and / or combined power sources (eg, batteries) and controllers. Figure 6An example of a power source (e.g., a battery) 600 is shown. This example can be used with a device as shown herein and can include a simple user interface showing a power level 661, a wireless connection 662 (e.g., a Bluetooth connection), etc. In some examples described in more detail below, additional user interface information (e.g., a touch screen) can be included. Any of these devices may include an audio output terminal 663 (e.g., a speaker) that can be used as an output terminal. The power source / controller can be, for example, 500g or less (e.g., 450g or less, 400g or less, 350g or less, 300g or less, 250g or less, etc.). The device can be relatively small (e.g., 20cm×10cm×5cm or less, 18cm×8cm×3cm or less, 16.5cm×8cm×3cm or less, etc.). The device can also include an on / off button that can be controlled manually or automatically. Any of these power sources can be configured as a battery, such as a lithium ion (Li-Ion) battery. The power source can include a charging port (e.g., a mini USB port). In some examples, the power supply may also or additionally include a port for connecting to the EMS suit and / or a cable connected to the EMS suit. As described above, in some examples, the power supply (or power supply / controller) may be configured to be fixed in a bag in the suit and may be electrically coupled to the suit when in the bag.

[0090] Any of these power supplies and power supplies / controllers may include one or more emergency shutoff controls or override shutoff controls. The shutoff control may be configured to immediately stop applying power to the electrodes. In some configurations, the shutoff control may be configured to completely shut down the device; in other examples, the shutoff control may continue sensing / monitoring and processor functions until a resting condition is met, but may disable the application of power to any electrode (e.g., for delivering EMS). For example, in some examples, an emergency shutoff control (or override shutoff control) may be included on the outer surface of the battery or battery / controller. In some examples, the suit may have an integrated shutoff control on the front outer surface of the suit that may be easily actuated by the user.

[0091] Any of these packages may include one or more sensors (e.g., physiological sensors), including a heart rate sensor, a pulse oxygenation sensor, a respiration sensor, etc. In some examples, the device may be configured to trigger a safety shutdown of the EMS if the sensor detects a user's physiological signal that exceeds a predetermined safety threshold, for example, if the heart rate exceeds, for example, 180 bpm (e.g., 155 bpm, 160 bpm, 165 bpm, 170 bpm, 175 bpm, 180 bpm, 190 bpm, 195 bpm, 200 bpm, 205 bpm, etc.), and / or if the blood pressure exceeds a predetermined range, etc.

[0092] Figure 7A-7D An example of a combined power supply / controller 700 is shown. In this example, the combined power supply / controller includes a touch screen input 771 and may include one or more additional inputs 772, including an emergency shutoff control. The combined power supply / controller may also include an attachment (input) 775 for coupling to a charging source and / or for coupling to an input / output (including a cable input / output) on an EMS suit. Figure 8A-8E Shows something like Figure 7A-7D Another example of a combined power supply / controller 800 is shown in , which also includes a display screen (which may optionally be a touch screen) 871 and one or more input terminals 872, which include, for example, an emergency shutdown control. Figure 9A-9F Another example of a combined power supply / controller is shown including a display 971 and an input 972. This example also shows an interface or adapter 976 for coupling to an EMS suit and / or a charger for charging the power supply integrated with the controller.

[0093] Fig.10 An image of an example of a combined power supply / controller 1000 is shown with the housing removed, showing visible display screen 1071 and input 1072. The controller may include one or more processors, memory, timers, and control circuits, including wireless circuitry and / or power control circuitry.

[0094] Fig.11 An example of an EMS device is shown that includes an EMS suit 1103 that includes a controller / power supply that can operate with software on one or more of a user device (e.g., a smartphone 1107), a remote server 1105, and / or a coach (or course) processor 1111. Fig.11 In the embodiment of the present invention, the EMS suit 1103 can be controlled by the controller 1105 worn. As described above, the local wear (EMS suit) controller can include a safety override control, and can generally control the application of the EMS to the electrode / electrode assembly in the suit. The controller (e.g., integrated power supply / controller 1105) worn locally can be, for example, wirelessly communicated with any one of user equipment 1107, coach / course processor 1111 and / or remote server via Bluetooth (or other wireless technologies). For example, the suit that can be identified by a unique identifier (e.g., name, number, address, etc.) associated with the user can receive instructions for delivering a predetermined EMS protocol corresponding to a desired training program. The protocol can be delivered by a local controller, but can be combined with a remote server, a coaching course / server (e.g., for collective exercise) or run from a user device (e.g., smart phone 1111).

[0095] In particular, the device can be configured so that during a training session, a selected or prescribed training regimen can be provided to the user, instructing the user to perform one or more actions. As described above, a sensor (e.g., a motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer)) can be included as part of the combined power supply / controller, and the controller can confirm whether the user has started a prescribed movement, is continuing to perform a prescribed movement, or has completed a prescribed movement before applying or continuing to apply EMS.

[0096] Typically, the application of EMS can be directed to a specific set of muscles or muscle groups corresponding to a specific activity. For example, the device can be configured to apply exercises for specific user goals, such as increasing endurance, mobility and / or strength. These exercises can include a set of defined movements or actions (e.g., exercises, yoga / stretching postures or movements, etc.), and can be presented to the user simultaneously with the application of EMS to one or more muscles (or muscle groups) associated with the movement or action.

[0097] For example, a strength training routine may include resistance exercises (weights, bands, body weight, etc.), core strength, high-intensity interval training, etc., and may target specific muscles. The device may automatically apply EMS in a manner coordinated with the presentation (and assumed performance) of movement and / or may detect the user's movement and apply EMS when the user is performing the appropriate corresponding movement or shortly thereafter. In some examples, the device may therefore provide the user with immediate feedback that the movement is performed within the desired activity level, thereby further enhancing the effect of the EMS.

[0098] In any of these devices, the intensity of the device can be automatically adjusted to adjust the EMS applied or a range of EMS intensity can be set in which the user can select the intensity (e.g., high, medium, low, off, or X% of 100%, where a range of 100% is automatically set by the system).

[0099] Specifically, the device described herein can control and / or set the maximum EMS power / intensity that can be applied to a specific user based at least in part on one or more of the following: (1) the user's initial baseline (e.g., starting baseline); (2) the input provided by the user; and (3) the history of EMS applied by the same user (including the last z hours or z days). In any of these examples, the baseline power (overall baseline power) can be determined for all selectors (electors), or the baseline power can be determined for individual electrodes and / or electrode subsets. In any of these examples, the baseline power module can determine the user's baseline power. Therefore, the device can control the applied EMS power / intensity specific to each muscle or muscle group (e.g., the maximum intensity / power applied to the quadriceps femoris can be different from the maximum power / intensity applied to the biceps, for example). Alternatively, the maximum power / intensity of the applied EMS can be the same in all muscles / muscle groups. The devices described herein can adjust the EMS power / intensity by adjusting one or more of the following: the applied pulse frequency (e.g., between 0 Hz / off and 120 Hz, such as between 0 Hz-100 Hz, between 50 Hz-120 Hz, between 60 Hz-120 Hz, between 70 Hz-120 Hz, between 80 Hz-100 Hz, between 70 Hz-100 Hz, etc.), the applied current (e.g., between about 0. In some examples, the EMS power / intensity can be adjusted by adjusting the ramp time (the time to ramp up to the maximum applied current) and / or by adjusting the frequency within an application session (increasing or decreasing the frequency).

[0100] Generally, the devices described herein can be configured to apply power to only a subset of electrodes (e.g., a muscle or muscle group), and can apply power to a single set of electrodes corresponding to different muscles in an alternating manner to avoid stimulating multiple sets of electrodes simultaneously.

[0101] The devices described herein can be configured to safely apply EMS by controlling the applied energy (e.g., frequency and / or current and / or pulse width and / or ramp-up / ramp-down time) based on a combination of one or more of the following: (1) the user's initial baseline (e.g., starting baseline); (2) input provided by the user; and (3) the same user's history of EMS application (including within the last z hours or z days). In particular, the devices described herein can automatically set the maximum applied EMS power and / or intensity by estimating a maximum value specific to a particular user based on the user's specific baseline and the user's recent (e.g., within the last z hours, where z is between about 8 hours or less, about 24 hours or less, about 36 hours or less, about 48 hours or less, about 60 hours or less, about 72 hours or less, etc.).

[0102] An initial baseline may be set based on the user's initial responses to questions such as the user's age, fitness level, general or specific health issues, etc. In some examples, the device may perform an automated question and answer / test session to set a baseline / initial user level. For example, a user may respond to questions about their ability to feel certain EMS inputs from one or more (or all) of the electrodes. The user may also be asked to perform various actions (e.g., exercise) while wearing the device and / or without the device, and feedback may be provided by self-report or via one or more sensors (e.g., heart rate sensor, pulse oxygenation sensor, accelerometer / position sensor, etc.).

[0103] Baseline data can be estimated, and an initial maximum level of EMS intensity / power can be determined. The initial baseline can be determined from group data of similarly situated users (e.g., users grouped by age group, gender, health, weight, height, etc.). The initial baseline data can be set based in part on user-reported responses to various different EMS stimulation levels for each muscle / muscle group (or subset of muscles / muscle groups).

[0104] The data set for each user can be maintained locally (e.g., on a user-specific EMS suit / controller) and / or can be stored in a remote database and accessed by the user-specific EMS. The user information (data) can include a specific response to the initial baseline data collection and / or the initial baseline values ​​estimated by the system (including initial baseline values ​​specific to each muscle or muscle subset). In some cases, the initial baseline values ​​for different muscles can be determined based on patient-specific estimates for one or more muscles (e.g., quadriceps, biceps, pectoralis, etc.).

[0105] The user-specific baseline data may be adjusted periodically. The user-specific data may be protected. For example, if the user-specific data is recorded in a remote database, it may be anonymous and indexed by a separate security key corresponding to a specific user. In some cases, the baseline information may be specific to an EMS system (e.g., an EMS suit) and / or specific to a user. A user may be uniquely associated with a specific EMS suit.

[0106] The maximum EMS intensity / power that can be applied to the user can be adjusted as the system is operated. Typically, the initial (e.g., baseline) EMS intensity / power can be set low to avoid harming the user. In the case of continued use, the maximum intensity can be adjusted. For example, the device can be configured to increase the maximum intensity with regular use and / or at the user's request.

[0107] For safety, any device described herein may reduce and / or reset the maximum value if EMS has not been applied within a certain timeframe (e.g., if more than x hours or x days have passed since the last EMS use). For example, for every x number of hours that the user has not operated the EMS device (e.g., if the user has not performed EMS in 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, 14 days, etc.), the maximum intensity / power may be scaled toward the initial baseline.

[0108] In addition, the system can lock out or prevent EMS from being applied more frequently than a predetermined time period. For example, the device can be configured to prevent the user from applying EMS more than one session (or more than a maximum number of minutes or maximum aggregate energy) every x hours or x days (e.g., no more than once every 20 hours, every 24 hours, every 30 hours, every 36 hours, every 40 hours, every 44 hours, every 48 hours, every 52 hours, every 56 hours, every 60 hours, etc.).

[0109] Any device described herein can gradually increase the intensity of EMS (e.g., the power of EMS), such as by increasing one or more of the frequency, pulse width, amplitude, etc. in the process of treating the session until the limit of the maximum intensity. For example, the device can automatically increase the applied EMS power from the initial starting level to 100% of the maximum EMS power / intensity available to the patient, which is calculated for a specific session (based on the input selected by the baseline, history, and / or user). In one example, a new user can have a maximum baseline power of 60Hz for its first session, a pulse width of about 200μs, and an amplitude of, for example, 100mA (which can depend on the electrode parameters). The applied intensity / power can be a function of one or more of these parameters. The device can increase the applied EMS power / intensity from 50% of the value to a maximum value of 100% (e.g., starting from 30Hz and increasing to 60Hz, etc.), which can be specific to a specific muscle or a group of muscles.

[0110] Typically, these devices may include software that can perform any of these methods. For example, the software can be an application software (app) configured to run on a user's device (e.g., a smart phone) and / or on a power supply / controller. The software can be configured to control the EMS for a specific purpose or to coordinate control of a group of users who may be exercising together (e.g., as part of a class). For example, Fig.12 Schematically shown is user software 1207 which may be used to assist a user in performing a personal training exercise or a portion of a training course.

[0111] The application software 1207 may allow the user to select a particular training session and / or course, and may coordinate the application of the training session and the application of EMS. In some examples, the application software may record progress, and may adjust the maximum possible EMS intensity / power for each session, as described above. Thus, the application software may automatically adjust the settings for each exercise (EMS settings).

[0112] A session ("exercise") may start the EMS using settings based on the various base settings (baselines) as described above, and the device may optimize the maximum possible EMS intensity and / or power for each setting, and the onset of that maximum during the course of the session. As described above, this may therefore be customized for each user and specific to their body and fitness level, and configured to prevent injury or discomfort to the user. The device may recalibrate the base settings.

[0113] Any of these devices may include a user interface, which may be, for example, displayed on a power supply / controller and / or a user device (e.g., a smart phone, a television / display, etc.). The user interface may include input / output for each EMS electrode and / or corresponding muscle group, including showing intensity levels (e.g., as frequency, amplitude, pulse width and / or some combination or derived value of these, e.g., generally "intensity"). The user may be allowed to select the value of each or some of these items, which may be limited to the maximum level selected or set by the system. The user interface may also show corresponding positions / movements / exercises and / or may show a coach or model that performs or instructs a user to perform them. Typically, a device (e.g., software, firmware, etc.) may coordinate the application of the EMS via the EMS suit for the session being performed, including coordinating the activation of appropriate electrodes.

[0114] The techniques and systems described herein may also allow one or more devices to save resources regarding communication bandwidth resources, processing resources, memory resources, power resources, and / or other resources, as described herein. Additional technical effects may also be achieved by implementing the techniques disclosed herein. Example processes and systems and devices including one or more processors and one or more memories and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions are described herein, which when executed by one or more processors perform various actions and / or processes disclosed herein.

[0115] In general, the methods and devices described herein may include or operate with a machine learning agent (e.g., a trained neural network). In general, the above methods and operations may be performed using a trained neural network. Any of these methods and devices may operate with a data storage device (e.g., a database) that may be used to store and provide data (retrieved from it) related to a predefined movement pattern (e.g., "exercise"), the data including changes and patterns of settings (or settings adjustments relative to the base settings). The database (data storage device) may also include session data from a session using any of the devices described herein, which may include: exercises selected for the session and / or programmed for use during the session, and prescribed adjustments to the settings during the execution of the exercise, manual adjustments to the settings made by the trainer during the session. In general, these databases may include any data generated from any sensor described herein (e.g., accelerometers, position sensors, force sensors, etc.) during the operation of the device (e.g., during practice). The data may be annotated by a user, by a therapist / coach / trainer, etc. The data may also include any changes in the settings and settings applied, as well as comments (or recommendations) from users and / or therapists / coaches / trainers, etc. The database may also include data specific to the user, and in particular data that does not uniquely identify the user (e.g., weight, height, fitness status, goals, conditions / injuries, etc.). In some examples, the database may include user profile information. In some cases, the database may include user or institutional affiliation and / or subscription information. In some examples, the database may include progress over time, toward goals and other metrics (e.g., SMM, body fat, weight, etc.). Annotation data from users and / or therapists / coaches / trainers (or in any of these examples, physicians) may include feedback from trainers before and / or after exercise. In some examples, the database may include data from additional wearable sensors (e.g., wearable devices, such as but not limited to pedometers, smart watches, ECG data, etc.); these sensors may be redundant with respect to sensors included in devices (e.g., clothing). For example, the database may include heart rate data from clothing and / or from wearable devices. In some examples, the data may be compressed, such as averaged, filtered, aggregated, etc. For example, the data in the database may include the maximum and / or minimum values ​​of any of these parameters, such as but not limited to heart rate. In any of these methods and apparatus, the database may include resting parameter values ​​for any of these parameters (eg, resting heart rate).

[0116] A database or a portion (e.g., a subset) of a database may be used and / or designated as a training database for training a machine learning agent. In some examples, a machine learning agent or agents may be trained to recognize what sequence of movements (e.g., exercise) and / or exercises a user is performing, and may provide input to one or more controllers to control the output of the EMS electrodes based on a determined series of movements, including which electrodes are activated and / or which energy levels are applied. As described above, the controller (with or without the assistance of a machine learning agent) may set and / or adjust (e.g., determine) the base level of energy applied generally and / or for one or more specific electrodes or a group of electrodes. In any of these examples, the machine learning agent may recommend settings or adjustments to settings; these recommendations may be made for users and / or therapists / coaches / trainers. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may automatically or semi-automatically (e.g., with the approval of a user and / or therapist / coach / trainer) adjust or set the parameters applied by the electrodes, including which electrodes are operated based on the machine learning agent.

[0117] In some examples, a movement identification module may be provided to identify the type of exercise based on sensor data from an EMS device. The movement identification module may be determined, for example, by applying a statistical model, a lookup table, etc. without using a machine learning agent. In some examples, the movement identification module may include a machine learning agent. Generally, any method and apparatus described herein may include a movement identification module to determine (e.g., output) the type of movement (e.g., exercise) performed. The movement identification module may be enabled periodically or continuously, and may respond relatively quickly (e.g., within 2 minutes or less, 90 seconds or less, 60 seconds or less, 45 seconds or less, 30 seconds or less, etc.) to identify the movement performed. For example, the movement identification module may check the immediately preceding time window (e.g., based on the sensor output within the time period) to identify the movement performed (e.g., exercise), and output the result when the confidence level is above a threshold (e.g., indicating a specific type of composite movement or exercise). The output may be presented to a controller to automatically or semi-automatically adjust the electrodes of the EMS device (e.g., which subset of electrodes are set and / or used).

[0118] In any of these examples, the device or method may include an electrode energy setting module that can determine the settings to be applied to all or some electrodes. The electrode energy setting module may include a trained machine learning agent that can receive input from a movement recognition module or a manual input of the type of movement (e.g., exercise) performed, and / or can receive input from a sensor and / or user and / or therapist / coach / trainer, and can output an EMS setting suitable for an indicated or determined set of movements. In some cases, as described above, the electrode setting module may alternatively or additionally adjust the user's baseline EMS power (e.g., baseline power module).

[0119] The baseline power module may include a trained machine learning agent for determining a baseline power for a particular user. Typically, the baseline power module may select a baseline power setting as described above, including recent use / non-use of the system by the user; this data may be included in a database accessible to the device, particularly including a database accessible to the controller and / or the baseline power module.

[0120] In general, the apparatus described herein may include one or more trained machine learning agents, which may be part of one or more modules and / or one or more controllers (including remote and / or local controllers). In some examples, the trained machine learning agent (e.g., a neural network) may be trained based on supervised, semi-supervised, or unsupervised techniques. In any of these examples, the machine learning agent may be trained using the above-described database, which may include types of movement (including exercise), sensor information (location, sensor type, value), user data (e.g., exercise history, age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), general health, etc.), electrode settings / changes in electrode settings, etc. In some examples, the trained machine learning agent may be trained to recognize the type of movement (e.g., exercise) performed, including which muscles or muscle groups are trained and / or electrode sets / subsets and / or values ​​used.

[0121] The modules described herein may be part of one or more controllers and may be local to the EMS device (e.g., wired / directly coupled) or may be remote (e.g., via a wireless connection and / or via a network coupling). In some examples, the EMS device may include a local controller that communicates with a remote server directly or indirectly (e.g., via a user's smartphone, local tablet, laptop, etc.) and / or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth, etc.).

[0122] Fig.13An example of a control subsystem (e.g., one or more controllers) for an EMS device as described herein is schematically shown. In this example, the control subsystem 1300 can be used with one or more electrodes distributed on one or more garments such as tops (e.g., shirts, vests, belts, waistbands) and bottoms (e.g., shorts, pants, etc.). The control system shown may include all or some of these engines and modules, in addition to a memory and one or more processors that form a substrate for these engines and modules. Some or all of these modules and engines may be local, and some or all of these modules and engines may be remote. For example, these modules or engines may communicate with each other (via wireless communication modules) and / or wirelessly communicate with remote data storage device 1315 and local data storage device 1313. In Fig.13 In the example schematic diagram shown, the control subsystem includes one or more sensor processing engines 1301, which can receive and process (pre-process) data from one or more sensors on the EMS device, including accelerometers, force sensors, pressure sensors, etc. The sensor processing engine can interrogate the sensors, process the sensor data (e.g., filter, amplify, average, etc. the data), and can store and / or transmit the sensor data (or processed sensor data). The control subsystem may also include a user and / or therapist / trainer / input engine 1303, which can receive and / or process input from a user and / or therapist / trainer / trainer. The input may be in response to a user interface as described above (e.g., prompts or inputs on the device or from a device that communicates with the device). The user / trainer input engine may store / transmit and / or process input from a user and / or therapist / trainer / trainer. In Fig.13 , the control subsystem 1300 may also include one or more baseline power modules 1311 as discussed above, which may determine and / or set a baseline power for all or some electrodes. The control subsystem may also include one or more movement identification modules 1309 as described above and one or more electrode energy setting modules 1307 also discussed above, which movement identification module 1309 identifies the movement comprising the exercise performed. Finally, the control subsystem may include an output engine for providing outputs to control electrodes (e.g., applying power to one or more electrodes as determined herein), selecting electrodes or subsets of electrodes to be activated (applying power to them), and / or outputs for display and / or storage.

[0123] The control subsystem may also include a power regulator engine (including battery charging circuitry and logic) and one or more signal generator regulator engines for communicating with or controlling signal generators to apply power to selected EMS electrodes in the device.

[0124] As understood herein, a computer system may be implemented as an engine, as part of an engine or implemented by multiple engines, and / or as a component of a module, a part of a module or implemented by multiple modules. An engine or module may include one or more processors or a part thereof. A part of one or more processors may include a certain part of hardware less than all the hardware containing any given one or more processors, such as a subset of registers, a part of a processor dedicated to one or more threads of a multithreaded processor, a time slice of a processor dedicated entirely or in part to a portion of the functions of an execution engine, etc. Therefore, a first engine and a second engine may have one or more dedicated processors, or a first engine and a second engine may share one or more processors with each other or with other engines. Depending on a specific implementation or other considerations, an engine or module may be centralized or its functions may be distributed. An engine or module may include hardware, firmware or software contained in a computer-readable medium for execution by a processor. The processor transforms data into new data using data structures and methods such as those described with reference to the accompanying drawings herein.

[0125] The engines and modules described herein or the engines and modules used by the systems and devices described herein may be cloud-based engines or modules. As used herein, a cloud-based engine or module is an engine or module that can use a cloud-based computing system to run applications and / or functions. All or part of an application and / or function may be distributed across multiple computing devices and need not be limited to only one computing device. In some embodiments, a cloud-based engine or module may execute functions and / or modules accessed by an end user through a web browser or container application without having to install the functions and / or modules locally on the end user's computing device.

[0126] As used herein, a data storage device is intended to include a repository having any applicable data organization, including tables, comma-separated value (CSV) files, traditional databases (e.g., SQL), or other applicable known or convenient organizational formats. For example, a data storage device may be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, a combination thereof, or an applicable known or convenient device or system contained in a physical computer-readable medium on a dedicated machine. Components associated with a data storage device (such as a database interface) may be considered to be "part of" the data storage device, part of some other system component, or a combination thereof, although the physical location and other characteristics of the components associated with the data storage device are not important for understanding the technology described herein.

[0127] Data storage devices may include data structures. As used herein, a data structure is associated with a specific way of storing and organizing data in a computer so that it can be used effectively in a given context. Data structures are generally based on the ability of a computer to retrieve and store data at any location in its memory, specified by an address, which is a bit string that can itself be stored in memory and manipulated by a program. Therefore, some data structures are based on calculating the addresses of data items using arithmetic operations; while other data structures are based on storing the addresses of data items within the structure itself. Many data structures use these two principles, sometimes combined in non-trivial ways. The implementation of a data structure usually requires writing a set of programs to create and manipulate instances of the structure. The data storage device described herein may be a cloud-based data storage device. A cloud-based data storage device is a data storage device that is compatible with cloud-based computing systems and engines.

[0128] Typically, the electrodes may be referenced based on the nearest muscle type / group (e.g., right / left quadriceps, right / left hamstrings, right / left gluteals, psoas, right / left latissimus dorsi, trapezius, abdominals, chest, right / left biceps, right / left forearm, etc.) The controller (or control subsystem) may also determine and / or confirm the presence of any of these electrodes and / or may confirm sufficient contact with the user's skin (based on the electrical properties of the electrodes, such as bioimpedance).

[0129] The trained machine learning agent can be used as part of any of the devices and methods described herein. Specifically, the trained machine learning agent can be used to determine what settings (e.g., electrode settings) to apply to each electrode of the EMS device, including which subset of electrodes, what power, duration, and / or intensity.

[0130] For example, Fig.14An illustrative example of using a machine learning agent to propose and / or set EMS parameters is shown. In this example, the control subsystem may receive input from one or more sensors, as described above 1401, and the input may be passed to a trained machine learning network (e.g., a movement identification module and / or an electrode energy setting module) 1405, which may include or access the same or different machine learning agents. Optionally, the method may include receiving input 1403 from a sensor worn by or associated with a user, such as a wearable electronic device (e.g., a heart rate monitor, a blood glucose monitor, etc.). In addition, in some examples, the control subsystem and the trained machine learning agent associated therewith may receive input from a user and / or a therapist / coach / trainer (not shown) and / or may access patient-specific information 1407. In some examples, the trained machine learning agent may receive input 1401 and the exercise performed (or intended to be performed) from at least all or some of the sensors. In some cases, the same trained machine learning agent may determine the exercise performed; in some examples, the machine learning agent may receive the exercise to be performed as input, for example, from the movement identification module.

[0131] The trained machine learning agent may then output a recommendation 1409 for settings (or adjustments to settings) and / or modifications to the baseline power to be applied. This output may be provided to a user (e.g., via an output such as a display, indicator, etc.), a therapist / coach / trainer, etc., and / or the control subsystem itself, which may automatically or semi-automatically (based on confirmation or other input from the user and / or therapist / coach / trainer) adjust the determined parameters.

[0132] In one example, the apparatus includes a control subsystem having a trained machine learning agent configured as an electrode energy setting module; the control subsystem may also include a movement recognition module having the same or different trained neural network. In some examples, the electrode energy setting module and the movement recognition module may be part of the same module and include the same trained neural network (generally referred to as the electrode energy setting module). The control subsystem may receive data input from a plurality of different motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers) located on the EMS suit (e.g., in the arms, torso, legs, etc.), and may process the information to determine within a time window (e.g., 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, etc.) that the user is performing a set of compound movements, such as moving the quadriceps / legs in a conventional manner that indicates that a person typically performs leg exercises, and in some examples specifically squats. This may be determined in real time. The electrode energy setting module can receive this information, and can receive additional data from one or more other sensors (e.g., heart rate sensor, skin conduction, breathing sensor) and / or patient-specific data (e.g., age, general health, previous exercise, weight / BMI, etc.), and can adjust the recommended settings of one or more electrodes of the EMS suit. For example, the settings for non-related muscle group electrodes (waist, latissimus dorsi, trapezius, abdominal muscles, chest muscles, arms) can be set to 0 ("false") so that these electrodes do not apply power, while power can be applied to electrodes associated with quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles. In some examples, the control subsystem can also confirm appropriate electrical contact with the electrode and the user (e.g., by bioimpedance detection). The electrode energy setting module can also determine what level of power (applied current / voltage, frequency, etc.) is recommended to be applied based on the output of the trained machine learning agent for the patient. The trained machine learning agent can be trained and / or can use the above-mentioned baseline level and adjust the output accordingly. In some examples, the trained machine learning agent recommendations can be based on similar patients with successful outcomes as indicated by the training data set (e.g., height, weight, fitness level, etc.) Thus, the machine learning agent can customize the training regimen, including in particular the EMS power applied to the patient.

[0133] Typically, these devices can automatically turn on / off the appropriate subset of EMS electrodes associated with a particular set of composite movements. As just described, shortly after the movement begins, in real time (e.g., about 1 second-10 seconds), the device can detect what exercise is being performed and can adjust / recommend appropriate settings, which can be user-specific. Thus, the EMS device can detect movement of the user wearing the device (e.g., changing plane / position of the body, etc.).

[0134] Adherence

[0135] Any device and method described herein can be configured to determine and / or indicate compliance. For example, these devices may include a control subsystem with a compliance monitoring module, which determines when a user (or determines that a user) operates an EMS device, or operates an EMS device according to a general or user-specific schedule. The control subsystem can output information to the user, to a therapist / coach / trainer and / or to a physician, a database, etc. Compliance data can be provided as a schedule of use / no use (e.g., used X times in Y days), a list of specific dates used and / or not used, an indicator of the percentage of use time or duration, etc. In some examples, the compliance monitoring module may include one or more reporting thresholds. For example, the compliance threshold may be failure to use the device less than a certain number of minutes / hours per week, etc. The compliance threshold may be adjustable (e.g., by a user, by a physician, trainer, coach, clinician, insurance provider, etc.). In some examples, the compliance monitoring module may report usage.

[0136] The compliance monitoring module can be configured to determine when use of the device constitutes sufficient use. For example, the compliance monitoring module can detect the start of use (e.g., application of energy to the device) and / or the duration of use (e.g., the period of time during which energy is applied), or the total energy and / or average energy applied during a session or per day, three-day cycle, week, 10-day cycle, two-week cycle, month, etc.

[0137] In any of these examples, the compliance monitoring module can confirm or indicate that the device is worn by a specified user. The user's identity can be confirmed manually (e.g., by the user entering his / her / their name or identification code) and / or automatically, including checking one or more biometric features based on sensors. For example, the compliance monitoring module can determine based on a characteristic gait as determined by a motion sensor on the device.

[0138] Fig.15An example of a method for determining compliance is shown. As described above, the device may include a compliance monitoring module for performing the method. Typically, the method may include monitoring the use of a user-specific EMS device to track the use of the EMS device for the user over time. For example, the method may include determining that the user has started an EMS session 1501, for example, by recording the time when power is first applied to one or more electrodes. Optionally, compliance may be specific to a specific use of the EMS device (e.g., training legs, arms, etc.), and therefore the device may specifically track the power applied to a subset of electrodes (instead of or in addition to tracking all uses) 1503. The delivery of power may be confirmed by using one or more sensors (e.g., bioimpedance sensors), confirming that the EMS device is correctly worn and / or energy is delivered to the user. Therefore, the compliance monitoring module may include input from one or more impedance sensors to confirm that energy is delivered to the user.

[0139] The device may determine a duration of use, such as the duration of time that power was applied to the device 1507. This may be tracked as time (e.g., seconds, minutes, etc.) and / or power applied during a session. Usage corresponding to the period during which power was applied to the user may be tracked and / or aggregated 1511 within a compliance period. The compliance period (day, week, month, etc.) may be set by the user, therapist / coach / trainer, physician, insurance company, clinic / hospital, etc., including third party owners of these devices (teams, companies, gyms, etc.).

[0140] As described above, in some examples, if usage is within the compliance period, and in particular if verified usage (e.g., based on bioimpedance sensor data) is less than a compliance threshold, the device can trigger an alarm that can be output to the user and / or a third party (e.g., a therapist / coach / trainer, etc.) 1513. In some cases, if usage approaches a compliance threshold, an alarm can be sent to the user and / or third party. At any appropriate time, based on a schedule or upon receipt of a query, the device can output compliance data (e.g., usage over time, including verified usage) 1515.

[0141] As described above, optionally, in any of these devices and methods, the EMS device may manually and / or automatically confirm the user's identity 1509. This may be done before and / or during and / or immediately after the usage session begins.

[0142] Application: RLS and physical therapy

[0143] Any of the methods and devices described herein may be used for one or more therapeutic indications, such as physical therapy for a patient (user) recovering from injury, surgery, etc. Examples of these indications include, but are not limited to, neuromuscular disorders (Parkinson's disease, etc.), obesity, pre- and / or post-surgery, hypertension, etc.

[0144] For example, methods and devices for treating restless legs syndrome (RLS) are described herein. Restless legs syndrome or Willis-Ekbom disease is a neurosensory disorder that can be treated with medication or conservative treatment. The methods and devices described herein can be particularly useful for treating RLS instead of or in addition to other techniques for treating RLS, including whole body vibration, pneumatic compression, and near infrared light. For example, RLS can be treated by applying EMS to the lower extremities (e.g., legs, buttocks, etc.) including the calf muscles (bilateral or unilateral). In some examples, RLS treatment by EMS can also be applied to other muscles of the body, including the chest muscles, back, etc.

[0145] Typically, RLS can be treated by applying EMS during one or more treatment sessions as described above. The treatment can be passive (e.g., without user / patient) exercise, or active, including actively moving or exercising the legs. One or more treatments can be applied, including one or more 5-40 minute sessions (e.g., 10-30 minutes, 10-20 minutes, etc.). Multiple treatment sessions can be applied. For example, a treatment session can be repeated as needed, or repeated every x days (e.g., every 2 days, every 3 days, every 4 days, every 5 days, every 6 days, every 7 days, every 8 days, every 9 days, every 10 days, etc.). In some examples, the treatment can be repeated at a reduced frequency after an initial number of treatments.

[0146] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein and can be used to achieve the benefits described herein.

[0147] Generally, any method and device described herein can be used for physical therapy. For example, EMS can be used as a rehabilitation tool for a series of neuromuscular disorders in adults and children, including, but not limited to, stroke, spinal cord injury, ABI, and cerebral palsy. EMS can be used alone or with other conventional physical therapy adjuncts. For example, EMS can be used to reverse muscle atrophy and improve muscle strength; for supporting function (i.e., the stepping of the foot during gait), for improving local circulation and reducing skin damage; for increasing and / or maintaining the range of joint motion, for reducing spasticity or muscle spasm; for improving cardiovascular function (e.g., via the simultaneous activity of large muscle groups); for rehabilitation (e.g., learning new activities via mobile learning that is usually not available); for maintaining bone density; and / or for rehabilitation therapy (e.g., CNS cell birth and CNS myelination).

[0148] The process parameters and step sequences described and / or illustrated herein are provided as examples only and may be changed as desired. For example, although the steps shown and / or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order shown or discussed. The various example methods described and / or illustrated herein may also omit one or more steps described or illustrated herein, or include additional steps in addition to the disclosed steps.

[0149] Any of the methods described herein (including user interfaces) may be implemented as software, hardware, or firmware, and may be described as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a set of instructions executable by a processor (e.g., a computer, tablet, smart phone, etc.), which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to control the execution of any steps, including but not limited to: display, communication with a user, analysis, modification of parameters (including timing, frequency, intensity, etc.), determination, reminders, etc. For example, any of the methods described herein may be performed at least in part by a device including one or more processors having a memory storing a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a set of instructions for the process of the method.

[0150] Although various embodiments have been described and / or illustrated herein in the context of a fully functional computing system, one or more of these exemplary embodiments may be distributed in various forms as a program product, regardless of the specific type of computer-readable medium used to actually perform the distribution. The embodiments disclosed herein may also be implemented using software modules that perform certain tasks. These software modules may include scripts, batch processing, or other executable files that may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or a computing system. In some embodiments, these software modules may configure a computing system to perform one or more example embodiments disclosed herein.

[0151] As described herein, the computing devices and systems described and / or illustrated herein broadly represent any type or form of computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions, such as those contained in the modules described herein. In their most basic configuration, these computing devices can each include at least one memory device and at least one physical processor.

[0152] The term "memory" or "memory device" as used herein generally refers to any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and / or computer-readable instructions. In one example, a memory device can store, load, and / or maintain one or more modules described herein. Examples of memory devices include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), optical drive, cache, variations or combinations of one or more thereof, or any other suitable memory for storage.

[0153] In addition, the term "processor" or "physical processor" as used herein generally refers to any type or form of hardware-implemented processing unit capable of interpreting and / or executing computer-readable instructions. In one example, a physical processor can access and / or modify one or more modules stored in the above-mentioned memory device. Examples of physical processors include, but are not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) implementing a soft-core processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more parts thereof, one or more variations or combinations thereof, or any other suitable physical processor.

[0154] Although shown as separate elements, the method steps described and / or illustrated herein may represent portions of a single application. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of these steps may represent or correspond to one or more software applications or programs that, when executed by a computing device, may cause the computing device to perform one or more tasks, such as the method steps.

[0155] Furthermore, one or more devices described herein may convert data, physical devices, and / or representations of physical devices from one form to another. Additionally or alternatively, one or more modules described herein may convert a processor, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or any other portion of a physical computing device from one form of computing device to another form of computing device by executing on the computing device, storing data on the computing device, and / or otherwise interacting with the computing device.

[0156] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein generally refers to any form of device, carrier or medium capable of storing or carrying computer-readable instructions. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, transmission-type media such as carrier waves and non-transient media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., hard drives, tape drives, and floppy disks), optical storage media (e.g., compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), and BLU-RAY disks), electronic storage media (e.g., solid-state drives and flash memory media), and other distribution systems.

[0157] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any process or method disclosed herein may be modified in a variety of ways. The process parameters and order of steps described and / or illustrated herein are given as examples only and may be changed as needed. For example, although the steps shown and / or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, the steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order shown or discussed.

[0158] The various exemplary methods described and / or shown herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or shown herein, or include additional steps in addition to those steps disclosed. In addition, the steps of any method disclosed herein may be combined with any one or more steps of any other method disclosed herein.

[0159] A processor as described herein may be configured to perform one or more steps of any method disclosed herein.Alternatively or in combination, a processor may be configured to combine one or more steps of one or more methods as disclosed herein.

[0160] When a feature or element is referred to herein as "on another feature or element", it can be directly on another feature or element, or there can also be intermediate features and / or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as "directly on another feature or element", there are no intermediate features or elements. It will also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as "connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element, or there can be intermediate features or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements described or shown in this way can be applied to other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the reference to a structure or feature that is set to be "adjacent" to another feature can have a portion that covers adjacent features or is located below adjacent features.

[0161] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and may be abbreviated as " / ".

[0162] Spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper" and similar terms may be used herein to easily describe the relationship between one element or feature and another (or more) elements or features as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is inverted, the elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can cover both upper and lower orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upwardly", "downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal" and similar terms are used herein only for the purpose of explanation unless otherwise specifically indicated.

[0163] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another feature / element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present invention, the first feature / element discussed below may be referred to as the second feature / element, and similarly, the second feature / element discussed below may be referred to as the first feature / element.

[0164] Throughout this specification and the appended claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" mean that various components can be used together in methods and articles (e.g., compositions and devices including apparatuses and methods). For example, the term "comprising" will be understood to mean the inclusion of any stated elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other elements or steps.

[0165] Generally, any apparatus and method described herein should be understood to be inclusive, but all or a subset of components and / or steps may optionally be exclusive and may be expressed as "consisting of various components, steps, sub-components or sub-steps" or optionally "consisting essentially of various components, steps, sub-components or sub-steps."

[0166] As used herein in the specification and claims, including in the examples, and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be considered as if preceded by the words "about" or "approximately", even if the term does not appear explicitly. The phrase "about" or "approximately" may be used when describing amplitude and / or position to indicate that the value and / or position described is within the reasonable expected range of the value and / or position. For example, a numerical value may have a value of + / -0.1% of a stated value (or range of values), + / -1% of a stated value (or range of values), + / -2% of a stated value (or range of values), + / -5% of a stated value (or range of values), + / -10% of a stated value (or range of values), etc. Unless otherwise indicated by the context, any numerical value given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. Any numerical range listed herein is intended to include all subranges contained therein. It should also be understood that when a value is disclosed, "less than or equal to" the value, "greater than or equal to the value," and possible ranges between the values ​​are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by those skilled in the art. For example, if the value "X" is disclosed, "less than or equal to X" and "greater than or equal to X" (e.g., where X is a numerical value) are also disclosed. It should also be understood that throughout the application, data is provided in a variety of different formats, and that the data represents endpoints and starting points and ranges for any combination of data points. For example, if a specific data point "10" and a specific data point "15" are disclosed, it should be understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15, and 10 to 15 are disclosed. It should also be understood that each unit between two specific units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0167] Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of several changes may be made to the various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the claims. For example, in optional embodiments, the order in which the various described method steps are performed may generally be changed, and in other optional embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped together. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not included in other embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0168] The examples and descriptions included herein show specific embodiments in which the subject matter can be practiced by way of illustration and not limitation. As mentioned, other embodiments can be utilized and derived therefrom so that structural and logical replacements and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. If in fact more than one is disclosed, for convenience only, such embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term "invention", and it is not intended that the scope of the present application be voluntarily limited to any single invention or inventive concept. Therefore, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose can replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all modifications or variations of various embodiments. After reading the above description, the combination of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suit, comprising: a garment comprising an elastic material configured to conform to a user's body; a plurality of electrode assemblies located on an inner surface of the garment, each of the electrode assemblies being configured to lie flush with the user's skin; a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors being distributed on, in, or above the garment; a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling the electrode assembly to a controller for applying EMS; and A controller configured to control the application of energy to individual electrode assemblies of the plurality of electrode assemblies, wherein the controller is configured to receive sensor data from the plurality of sensors and identify a type of exercise performed by the user, and to set a subset of the plurality of electrode assemblies to be activated based on the identified type of exercise.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller includes a trained machine learning agent configured to identify a type of exercise performed by the user.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The controller is also configured to recommend or adjust energy applied by a subset of the plurality of electrode assemblies based on the identified exercise type.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The controller includes a trained machine learning agent configured to recommend or adjust energy applied by a subset of the plurality of electrode assemblies based on sensor data from the plurality of sensors.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The controller includes a trained machine learning agent configured to recommend or adjust energy applied by a subset of the plurality of electrode assemblies based on user-specific data.

6. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The user-specific data includes one or more of the following: user past performance, user height, user weight, user BMI, user physical condition, user age, user biometric data from the plurality of sensors.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The garment comprises one or more of the following: a shirt, a vest, pants or shorts.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The plurality of sensors include one or more of: a motion sensor, a bioimpedance sensor, and a position sensor.

9. An electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suit, comprising: a garment comprising an elastic material configured to conform to a user's body; a plurality of electrode assemblies located on an inner surface of the garment, each of the electrode assemblies being configured to lie flush with the user's skin; a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors being distributed on, in, or above the garment; a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling the electrode assembly to a controller for applying EMS; and A controller configured to control the application of energy to each of the plurality of electrode assemblies, wherein the controller includes a trained machine learning agent configured to recommend and / or adjust the energy applied by the plurality of electrode assemblies based on data from the plurality of sensors.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The controller is configured to identify a type of exercise performed by the user based on the plurality of sensors.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The trained machine learning agent is configured to recommend or adjust energy applied by a subset of the plurality of electrode assemblies based on user-specific data and exercise type.

12. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The controller is configured to automatically or semi-automatically adjust energy applied by the plurality of electrode assemblies based on recommendations of the trained machine learning agent.

13. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The trained machine learning agent is configured to recommend or adjust energy applied by a subset of the plurality of electrode assemblies based on data from the plurality of sensors and based on user-specific data.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: The user-specific data includes one or more of the following: user past performance, user height, user weight, user BMI, user physical condition, user age, user biometric data from the plurality of sensors.

15. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The garment comprises one or more of the following: a shirt, a vest, pants or shorts.

16. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein: The plurality of sensors include one or more of: a motion sensor, a bioimpedance sensor, and a position sensor.

17. An electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suit, comprising: a garment comprising an elastic material configured to conform to a user's body; a plurality of electrode assemblies located on an inner surface of the garment, each of the electrode assemblies being configured to lie flush with the user's skin; a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling the electrode assembly to a controller for applying EMS; and A controller includes a compliance monitoring module, wherein the compliance monitoring module is configured to track energy application to the user's skin over a compliance period and output compliance data based thereon.

18. An electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suit, comprising: a garment comprising an elastic material configured to conform to a user's body; a plurality of electrode assemblies located on an inner surface of the garment, each of the electrode assemblies being configured to lie flush with the user's skin; a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling the electrode assembly to a controller for applying EMS; and A controller comprising a compliance monitoring module, wherein the compliance monitoring module is configured to track verified energy application to the user's skin over a compliance period and output compliance data based thereon, wherein the verified energy application to the user's skin is based on bioimpedance determined from one or more of the electrode assemblies.

19. An electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suit, comprising: an upper torso region comprising an elastic material configured to conform to a user's torso; a plurality of electrode assemblies on an inner surface of the upper torso region, each of the electrode assemblies comprising: a conductive base adjacent to a porous skin contact area, wherein the porous skin contact area is configured to retain a conductive fluid within the pores; and an inlet port in fluid communication with the porous skin contact area; and A plurality of electrical connectors electrically couple the conductive base of each of the electrode assemblies to a coupler region configured to electrically couple to a controller for applying EMS.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein Each inlet port of the plurality of electrode assemblies extends from an outer surface of the upper torso region.

21. The device according to claim 19, wherein The porous skin contacting area comprises a hydrogel.

22. The device according to claim 19, wherein The porous skin contacting area comprises a sponge material.

23. The device according to claim 19, wherein: Each of the plurality of electrode assemblies includes a sensor configured to detect fluid within the porous skin-contact region.

24. The device according to claim 19, wherein The inlet port is configured to receive a nozzle.

25. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a lower region configured to confirm the user's legs and buttocks.

26. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising the controller, wherein the controller is configured to be secured to the EMS suit.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein: The controller is configured to dynamically adjust a user-specific maximum EMS power applied during a treatment session.

28. The device according to claim 26, wherein The controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more remote processors to receive EMS treatment parameters.

29. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a pocket configured to house the controller.

30. An electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suit, comprising: an upper torso region comprising an elastic material configured to conform to a user's torso; a plurality of electrode assemblies on an inner surface of the upper torso region, the electrode assemblies each comprising: a conductive base adjacent to a porous skin contact area, wherein the porous skin contact area is configured to retain a conductive fluid within the pores; and an inlet port extending to an outer surface of the upper torso region, the inlet port being in fluid communication with the porous skin contact area, the inlet port being configured to receive the conductive fluid for delivery to the porous skin contact area; a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling the conductive base of each of the electrode assemblies to a coupler region configured to electrically couple to a controller; and A controller is configured to be coupled to the coupling region, wherein the controller is configured to apply the EMS between the pair of electrode assemblies.

31. An electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suit, comprising: an upper torso region configured to conform to a user's torso; a plurality of electrode assemblies disposed on an inner surface of the upper torso region; and a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling each of the electrode assemblies to a coupler region configured to electrically couple to a controller for applying the EMS; and A combined power supply and controller configured to be coupled to a coupling region, wherein the controller is configured to apply an EMS between paired electrode assemblies, wherein the combined power supply and controller includes a display screen and one or more inputs for selecting a power level for EMS application.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein The display screen includes a touch screen.

33. The apparatus of claim 31 further comprising an override shutdown control on the combined power supply and controller, and the override shutdown control is configured to cut off power to the plurality of electrode assemblies.

34. The device according to claim 31, wherein The upper torso region includes an elastic or stretch material configured to conform to the user's torso.

35. The apparatus of claim 31 further comprising a lower region configured to confirm the user's legs and buttocks.

36. The device according to claim 31, wherein The combined power supply and controller is configured to be secured to the EMS suit such that the display screen can be viewed by the user.

37. The device according to claim 31, wherein The combined power supply and controller is configured to dynamically adjust a user-specific maximum EMS power applied during a treatment session.

38. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein: The combined power supply and controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more remote processors to receive EMS treatment parameters.

39. The apparatus of claim 31 further comprising a pocket on the upper torso region configured to house the combined power supply and controller.

40. A method of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), the method comprising: determining an initial baseline EMS power for the user; determining a recent EMS applied to the user within a predetermined time period; estimating a user-specific maximum EMS power based on the initial baseline EMS power and the recent EMS applied to the user within the predetermined time period; EMS is applied to the user during a treatment session, wherein the applied EMS is a percentage of the user-specific maximum EMS power that increases from an initial minimum percentage of the user-specific maximum EMS power to a maximum of 100% over the duration of the treatment session.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein: The initial baseline EMS power is a function of one or more of current amplitude, frequency, and pulse width.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein: Determining the initial baseline EMS power for the user includes receiving the initial baseline EMS power from a data storage device storing the initial baseline EMS power.

43. The method of claim 40, wherein: Determining the initial baseline EMS power for the user includes calculating the initial baseline EMS power for the user based on self-reported data provided by the user.

44. The method of claim 40, wherein: Determining a recent EMS applied to the user within the predetermined time period includes determining a recent EMS applied to the user within the last 10 days or less.

45. The method of claim 40, wherein: Estimating the User-Specific Maximum EMS Power A user-specific maximum EMS power is estimated for each of a plurality of electrode pairs of an EMS device corresponding to the user.

46. ​​The method of claim 40, wherein: Estimating the user-specific maximum EMS power includes increasing the user-specific maximum EMS power based on a number of treatment sessions within the predetermined time period.

47. The method of claim 40, wherein: Estimating the user-specific maximum EMS power includes making a determination immediately prior to the start of a new treatment session.

48. The method of claim 40, wherein: Applying EMS to the user during the treatment session includes increasing one or more of a current amplitude, a frequency, and a pulse width of the applied EMS.

49. The method of claim 40, wherein: The user-specific maximum EMS power decreases as the time since the most recent EMS was applied to the user increases.

50. A method of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), the method comprising: determining an initial baseline EMS power for the user, wherein the initial baseline EMS power is a function of one or more of current amplitude, frequency, and pulse width; determining a recent EMS applied to the user within a predetermined period of 10 days or less; estimating a user-specific maximum EMS power based on the initial baseline EMS power and the recent EMS applied to the user within the predetermined time period, wherein the user-specific maximum EMS power decreases as time increases since the most recent EMS was applied to the user; EMS is applied to the user during a treatment session, wherein the applied EMS is limited to a percentage of the user-specific maximum EMS power that increases from an initial minimum percentage of the user-specific maximum EMS power to a maximum of 100% over the duration of the treatment session.

51. A method of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), the method comprising: determining an initial baseline EMS power for the user; determining a recent EMS applied to the user within a predetermined time period exceeding 2 days; prior to initiating a treatment session, estimating a user-specific maximum EMS power based on the initial baseline EMS power and the recent EMS applied to the user within the predetermined time period, wherein the user-specific maximum EMS power is set to zero if the user has received minimal EMS treatment for 40 hours or less, otherwise the user-specific maximum EMS power is estimated based on the initial baseline EMS power and the recent EMS applied to the user within the predetermined time period; and If the user-specific maximum EMS power is greater than zero, then EMS is applied to the user during the treatment session.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein: The initial baseline EMS power is a function of one or more of current amplitude, frequency, and pulse width.

53. The method of claim 51, wherein: Determining the initial baseline EMS power for the user includes receiving the initial baseline EMS power from a data storage device storing the initial baseline EMS power.

54. The method of claim 51, wherein: Determining the initial baseline EMS power for the user includes calculating the initial baseline EMS power for the user based on self-reported data provided by the user.

55. The method of claim 51, wherein: Determining the recent EMS applied to the user within the predetermined time period includes determining the recent EMS applied to the user between the last 2 days and 10 days.

56. The method of claim 51, wherein: Estimating the User-Specific Maximum EMS Power A user-specific maximum EMS power is estimated for each of a plurality of electrode pairs of an EMS device corresponding to the user.

57. The method of claim 51, wherein: If the user-specific maximum EMS power is set to zero, the user is warned that it is too recent to allow EMS.

58. The method of claim 51, wherein: Applying EMS to the user during the treatment session includes increasing one or more of a current amplitude, a frequency, and a pulse width of the applied EMS.

59. The method of claim 51, wherein: The user-specific maximum EMS power decreases as the time since the most recent EMS was applied to the user increases.

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