Respiratory stimulation device and control method therefor

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a respiratory stimulation device, i.e., a device for inducing inspiration and expiration phases. The invention also relates to methods for controlling the device to induce these inspiration and expiration phases.

[0002] The invention finds application in the medical field to assist a patient's breathing, increase heart rate variability and retrain abdominal breathing. The invention can also be used to enable users to improve their breathing. Typically, the invention can be used to induce slow and deep abdominal breathing. With such abdominal breathing, the user can thus experience relaxation, stress regulation or even improved cognitive performance.

[0003] For the purposes of the invention, "abdominal breathing" is characterized by the use of the diaphragm to inhale and exhale. During inhalation, the diaphragm descends while contracting, which has the effect of opening the lungs to let air in, and inflating the abdomen. During exhalation, the diaphragm rises while relaxing, which has the effect of closing the lungs to let air out, and retracting the abdomen. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] There are a significant number of people who suffer from stress, anxiety, a lack of psycho-emotional balance or even problems related to cognitive performance. These people experience significant tension and chronic diaphragmatic tension, which prevents effective abdominal breathing.

[0005] To help these people, it is often recommended to perform periods of slow and deep abdominal breathing. To do this, there are several solutions that can suggest to a user the optimal phases of inspiration and expiration in order to obtain this specific breathing. For example, the document WO 2010 / 088895 or the document

[0006] US 6,561,987 describes a device for warning the user of the optimal moments of inspiration and expiration.

[0007] The signals transmitted to the user to indicate the optimal breathing phases can take the form of an electrical current, an audible signal, a visual signal, a variation in temperature or even vibrations.

[0008] The disadvantage of this solution is that the user must be focused to follow the signals allowing him to adapt his breathing, so this respiratory state is difficult to access over long periods or when carrying out another activity.

[0009] Furthermore, some people suffer from respiratory insufficiency, and there are also devices designed to control breathing. To do this, it is known to excite the body with vibrations to trigger the inspiration phase while letting the body generate the expiration phase itself, as described in document WO 2021 / 162555 to combat sleep apnea in infants.

[0010] Excitation can also directly target the diaphragm by applying localized vibrations to the abdomen. Such vibrations are, for example, described in document WO 2017 / 198283, which proposes using at least two motors mounted on a lap belt to generate these vibrations to stimulate the diaphragmatic muscle. Thus, in document WO 2017 / 198283, vibrations of constant amplitude are applied for a predetermined duration to mechanically stimulate the inspiration phases by activating the diaphragm.

[0011] Furthermore, constant amplitude vibrations applied to trigger inspiration phases can stimulate the parasympathetic nerve and decrease heart rate, so this periodic excitation can be used to try to induce a state of relaxation.

[0012] However, stimulation of the parasympathetic nerve is not always effective in reducing heart rate because the user may also experience excitation of the sympathetic nerve, which results in an increase in this heart rate. Thus, when the user wears the belt during the day and performs various activities, he or she only very rarely performs periods of slow, deep abdominal breathing with the belt of document WO 2017 / 198283.

[0013] The technical problem of the invention is therefore to obtain a device which induces the inspiration phases but also the expiration phases, for example to obtain periods of slow and deep abdominal breathing. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0014] To address this technical problem, the invention proposes using several vibratory motors juxtaposed on a belt facing the umbilical region and the flanks of the abdomen, and controlling these motors to generate variable amplitudes in order to obtain a sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations. In doing so, the user feels an apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which induces the inspiration and expiration phases.

[0015] Indeed, the invention stems from a discovery according to which the application of a sensation of displacement of vibrations from the sides of the abdomen towards the umbilical region makes it possible to induce a phase of abdominal inspiration, by actively and progressively inflating the abdomen in time with the displacement of vibrations felt.

[0016] Furthermore, applying a sensation of vibration displacement from the umbilical region to the sides of the abdomen allows for the induction of an abdominal expiration phase by actively and progressively retracting the abdomen in time with the displacement of vibrations felt.

[0017] Thus, the invention makes it possible to induce both the inspiration and expiration phases by activating the abdomen and it is now possible to vary these phases to lead a user to perform slow and deep abdominal breathing.

[0018] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a respiratory stimulation device comprising: a belt intended to be mounted around the abdomen of a user; at least three motors fixed to the belt, one central motor and two lateral motors, so as to position the central motor opposite the umbilical region and the lateral motors opposite the two sides of the abdomen of the user when wearing the belt; and a control unit connected to the motors and configured to generate vibrations of variable amplitudes on each motor so as to induce two sensations of displacement of the location of the vibrations: a first sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen towards the umbilical region obtained by progressively decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor so as to induce inspiration; and a second sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations from the umbilical region towards the sides of the abdomen obtained by progressively decreasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors so as to induce expiration.

[0019] For the purposes of the invention, the umbilical region is located below the epigastrium, above the hypogastrium and between the two lateral regions. The flanks of the abdomen are located on either side of this umbilical region; they can extend over the lumbar and inguinal regions, right and left.

[0020] Thus, the invention proposes an abdominal belt incorporating motors activated separately to induce inspiration and expiration phases. These motors are controlled by a control unit configured to generate the control signals of these motors so that the user feels an apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which induces the inspiration and expiration phases.

[0021] It is possible to use several waveforms or distinct frequencies to differentiate the vibrations applied during the inspiration phase from those applied during the expiration phase. The preferred waveforms used can be waves called: "Sine wave" and "Ricker wavelet". A sine wave induces a continuous movement and sensation, while Ricker wavelets are spaced with delays to generate a tapping sensation.

[0022] It is possible to modify the shape of these different waves in order to induce a movement corresponding to the user's expectations. Concretely, the frequency of a sine wave can vary between 30 Hz and 200 Hz. For Ricker wavelets, it is possible to modify the delay between each tapping sensation, which can vary between 0s and 1s, and the duration of the pulses, which can vary between 10ms and 200ms. All these parameters, linked to the waves, can be controlled by the control unit and thus recorded beforehand.

[0023] Differentiation in signal shapes for inspiration and expiration phases allows for the generation of different tactile sensations on the abdomen. This differentiation allows the user to distinguish between vibrations that induce expirations and those that induce inspirations.

[0024] Preferably, to enable an appropriate perception of the location of the vibrations, each motor has a contact area with the user's body of less than 15 cm 2< . The distance between the central motor and the lateral motors is, for example, between 10 cm and 20 cm. This distance makes it possible to define an appropriate stimulation zone.

[0025] At least three motors are required to induce this apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen. Of course, other motors can be used to enhance the sensation of moving the vibration location and promote breathing phases.

[0026] For example, the invention may comprise at least two intermediate motors arranged between the central motor and the lateral motors; the control unit being configured to induce: the first sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations from the flanks of the abdomen towards the umbilical region by progressively decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors, while progressively increasing then decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors, while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor, so as to induce inspiration; and a second sensation of displacement of vibrations from the umbilical region towards the flanks of the abdomen by progressively decreasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor, while progressively increasing then decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors, while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors, so as to induce expiration.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit preferably incorporates wired connection means but it can also incorporate wireless connection means so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit from a smartphone.

[0028] Concretely, during the inspiration stimulation phase, the central motor located opposite the umbilical region generates in the first moments of the stimulation a minimum vibration amplitude to reach a maximum amplitude at the end of the stimulation.

[0029] On the contrary, the lateral motors located opposite the flanks of the abdomen behave in the opposite way by starting the stimulation with a maximum vibration amplitude and tending towards a minimum vibration amplitude at the end of the stimulation.

[0030] Thus, according to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device so as to induce an inspiration phase by generating a sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps: activating the vibration of the central motor to achieve a minimum vibration amplitude; activating the vibration of the side motors to achieve a maximum vibration amplitude; increasing the vibration of the central motor to achieve said maximum vibration amplitude while decreasing the vibration of the side motors to achieve said minimum vibration amplitude; deactivating the vibration of the central motor; and deactivating the vibration of the side motors

[0031] Preferably, to obtain effective activation of the lateral motors, the step of activating the vibration of the lateral motors to achieve a maximum vibration amplitude is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inspiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors increases from the minimum vibration amplitude to the maximum vibration amplitude.

[0032] This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces experienced by the lateral motors during activation to increase their lifespan and also to avoid a clicking sensation when the motors are activated.

[0033] In addition, the step of reducing the vibration of the lateral motors is preferably carried out with at least two speeds: a first reduction speed slower than a second reduction speed, and the step of increasing the vibration of the central motor is carried out with at least two speeds: a first increase speed faster than a second increase speed; the transition between the reduction speeds and the increase speeds can occur at distinct times during the inspiration stimulation phase.

[0034] This embodiment allows for a simple crossfade to be created between the two signals in order to improve the perception of the continuity of the apparent movement compared to using a single speed of decrease and increase of vibrations.

[0035] Preferably, the step of deactivating the vibration of the central motor is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inspiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude to the minimum vibration amplitude. This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces undergone by the central motor during the deactivation step to increase its lifespan.

[0036] During the expiration stimulation phase, the lateral motors located opposite the abdominal flanks generate a minimum vibration amplitude in the first moments of stimulation to reach a maximum amplitude at the end of stimulation. On the contrary, the central motor located opposite the umbilical region behaves in the opposite way by starting stimulation with a maximum vibration amplitude to tend towards a minimum vibration amplitude at the end of stimulation.

[0037] Thus, according to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device so as to induce an expiration phase by generating a sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps: activating the vibration of the central motor to achieve a maximum vibration amplitude; activating the vibration of the side motors to achieve a minimum vibration amplitude; increasing the vibration of the side motors to achieve said maximum vibration amplitude while decreasing the vibration of the central motor to achieve said minimum vibration amplitude; deactivating the vibration of the central motor; and deactivating the vibration of the side motors.

[0038] Preferably, to achieve effective activation of the central motor, the step of activating the vibration of the central motor to achieve a maximum vibration amplitude is performed for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the expiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor increases from the minimum vibration amplitude to the maximum vibration amplitude.

[0039] This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces undergone by the central motor during the activation stage to increase its lifespan and also to avoid a clicking sensation when activating the motor.

[0040] Preferably, the step of decreasing the vibration of the central motor is carried out with at least two speeds: a first decrease speed slower than a second decrease speed, and the step of increasing the vibration of the lateral motors is carried out with at least two speeds: a first increase speed faster than a second increase speed; the transition between the decrease speeds and the increase speeds can occur at distinct times of the expiration stimulation phase.

[0041] This embodiment allows for a simple crossfade to be created between the two signals in order to improve the perception of the continuity of the apparent movement compared to using a single speed of decrease and increase of vibrations.

[0042] Preferably, the step of deactivating the vibration of the lateral motors is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the expiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude to the minimum vibration amplitude. This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces undergone by the lateral motors during the deactivation step to increase their service life. Brief description of the figures

[0043] The manner in which the invention can be implemented and the advantages which result therefrom will become more apparent from the following examples of implementation, given for informational and non-limiting purposes, in support of the appended figures in which: [ Fig 1] is a schematic representation of the respiratory stimulation device according to a first embodiment of the invention during an inspiration stimulation phase; [ Fig 2 ] is a schematic representation of the device of the figure 1 during an expiration stimulation phase; [ Fig 3 ] is a graphical representation of the amplitude of the central motor and the lateral motors of the device of the figure 1 during the inspiration and expiration stimulation phases; [ Fig 4 ] is a schematic representation of the respiratory stimulation device according to a second embodiment of the invention integrating intermediate motors; and [ Fig 5 ] is a graphical representation of the amplitude of the central motor, intermediate motors and lateral motors of the device of the figure 4 during the inspiration and expiration stimulation phases. Detailed description of the invention

[0044] THE figures 1, 2 And 4 represent a respiratory stimulation device 10 integrated into a belt 11 mounted around a user's abdomen. This belt 11 is preferably made of non-abrasive lycra for its stretch, it can have several layers of fabric. In addition, the belt 11 may include holding means, for example two portions of Velcro arranged on the two ends, in order to hold the belt 11 around the user's abdomen during use.

[0045] In the example of the Figures 1 and 2 , the belt 11 integrates three engines 12-13. Two of these engines 13, called lateral motors, are arranged opposite the sides of the abdomen 15 and the last engine 12, called central motor, is located in relation to the umbilical region 14. When the belt 11is intended for an adult of average proportion, the side motors 13 are positioned at a distance D1 between 10 and 20 cm from the central engine 12.

[0046] Of course, if the belt 11 is intended for an infant or an overweight person, the belt size 11 and the distance D1 between the engines 12-13 varied.

[0047] In addition, the figure 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the respiratory stimulation device 10 includes two intermediate engines 16 positioned between the side engines 13 and the central engine 12. The distance D2 between the intermediate engines 16 and the side engines 13 is between 5 and 10 cm. Similarly, the distance D3 between the intermediate engines 16 and the central engine 12is also between 5 and 10 cm. Each engine 12, 13, 16 preferably has a contact area with the user's body of less than 15 cm 2< .

[0048] As before, if the belt 11 is intended for an infant or an overweight person, the belt size 11 and the distance D2 And D3 between the engines 12, 13, 16 varied.

[0049] All engines 12, 13, 16 are connected to a control unit 30 by wired connectors integrated into the belt. This control unit 30 can be removable for easy recharging, for example using magnetic electrical connectors on the control unit 30. Charging can be done by induction or by a connector, for example a USB type connector.

[0050] In addition, the control unit 30may incorporate wireless connection means so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit 30 from a smartphone. This allows you to modify the adjustment parameters of each motor 12, 13, 16 to adapt to user needs.

[0051] Indeed, to induce the respiratory phases, the invention proposes to control the motors 12, 13, 16 to vary the amplitude of the vibrations and induce a double tactile movement felt by the user. To do this, the side motors 13 are controlled differently from the central engine 12, and intermediate engines 16 possible. In the following description, the difference in the control of the side motors 13 and the central engine 12 is first presented.

[0052] More specifically, during the inspiration stimulation phase P1,the amplitude A13 vibrations applied to the side motors 13 gradually decreases while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibration A12 applied to the central engine 12.

[0053] This difference in engine control 12 And 13 in the inspiration stimulation phase P1 allows to induce an apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which spreads from the sides of the abdomen 15 up to the umbilical region 14, as illustrated on the figure 1 .

[0054] On the contrary, during the expiration stimulation phase P2, the amplitude A13 vibrations applied to the side motors 13 gradually increases while gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibration A12 applied to the central engine 12. This difference in engine control 12 And 13in the expiration stimulation phase P2 allows to induce another apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which spreads from the umbilical region 14 to the sides of the abdomen 15, as illustrated on the figure 2 .

[0055] There figure 3 is a graphical representation of the motors' amplitude 12, 13 according to a mode of implementation of the different respiratory phases illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 . More precisely, at the beginning of the inspiration stimulation phase P1, the amplitude A13 side engines 13 presents the minimum amplitude value Amin . Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a rapid increase V1 to reach the maximum value Amax right now T1. Then the amplitude A13 undergoes a first speed of decrease V2 and reaches an intermediate amplitude value Saint right nowT2. Finally, the amplitude A13 undergoes a second rate of decrease V3 and reaches the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration You inspiration stimulation phase P1.

[0056] For the amplitude A12 of the central engine 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin and undergoes a first speed of increase V4 to reach the intermediate amplitude value Saint right now T3. Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a second speed of increase V5 to reach the maximum value Amax right now T4. Finally, the amplitude A12 undergoes a rapid decrease V6 to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration You inspiration stimulation phase P1.

[0057] Following this phase of inspiration stimulation P1,a deadline S without vibration is programmed.

[0058] This deadline S, the moments T1 has T4, as well as the amplitude values Amin , Saint And Amax, can be set and possibly modified by the control unit 30.

[0059] After this period S, the expiration stimulation phase P2 begins. In this phase, the amplitude A13 side engines 13 starts at the minimum value Amin and undergoes a first speed of increase V7 to reach the intermediate value Saint right now T3. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a second speed of increase V8 to reach the maximum value Amax right now T4. Finally, the amplitude A13 undergoes a rapid decrease V9 to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration You of expiration stimulation phase P2.

[0060] For the amplitude A12 of the central engine 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin . Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a rapid increase V10 to reach the maximum value Amax right now T1. Then the amplitude A12 undergoes a first speed of decrease V11 and reaches an intermediate value Saint right now T2. Finally, the amplitude undergoes a second rate of decrease V12 until reaching the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration You of expiration stimulation phase P2.

[0061] At the end of this expiration stimulation phase P2, a new deadline S is applied before starting a new inspiration stimulation phase P1. This new deadline Sbetween the expiration stimulation phase P2 and the inspiration stimulation phase P1 may be different from the deadline S applied between the inspiration stimulation phase P1 and the expiration stimulation phase P2.

[0062] This difference in vibration amplitude between the motors 12 And 13 aims to provide a dynamic tactile sensation on the abdomen. This apparent tactile effect needs to be felt only on the surface of the abdomen in order to induce a movement of displacement of the vibrations of the umbilical area 14 to the sides of the abdomen 15 and the sides of the abdomen 15 up to the umbilical area 14 to allow the user to consciously synchronize their inhalations and exhalations.

[0063] Preferably, the amplitude value Amin is between 0% and 5% of the amplitude value Amax and the intermediate amplitude value Saint is between 70% and 90% of the amplitude value Amax. Likewise, the durations You And You inspiration and expiration stimulation phases P1 And P2 may be similar.

[0064] In this embodiment, T1 is preferably between 5% and 15% of the duration You inspiration stimulation phase P1. T2 is preferably between 55% and 65% of the duration Ti, T3 is preferably between 30% and 50% of the duration You And T4 is preferably between 85% and 95% of the duration You.

[0065] Alternatively, the durations You And You can be distinct as well as the moments T1 has T4 for the inspiration and expiration stimulation phases P1 And P2.

[0066] All these parameters can be saved in advance in the control unit 30 to create multiple stimulation modes that the user can select, for example to induce different types of breathing.

[0067] In the embodiment of the figure 4 , the respiratory stimulation device 10 includes two intermediate engines 16 positioned between the side engines 13 and the central engine 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 is programmed to generate vibrations of different amplitudes on each motor 12, 13, 16 to induce a sensation of movement and allow the user to consciously synchronize their breathing.

[0068] More specifically, during the inspiration stimulation phase P1, the amplitude A12 vibrations applied to the central engine 12gradually increases, while gradually increasing and then decreasing the amplitude A16 vibrations applied to the intermediate engines 16, while gradually decreasing the amplitude A13 of the vibration applied to the side motors 13.

[0069] During the expiration stimulation phase P2, the amplitude A13 of the vibration applied to the side motors 13 gradually increases, while gradually increasing and then decreasing the amplitude A16 vibrations applied to the intermediate engines 16, while gradually decreasing the amplitude A12 vibrations applied to the central engine 12.

[0070] The use of a large number of motors increases the sensation of movement and thus allows the user to better consciously synchronize their breathing and provides a dynamic tactile sensation on the abdomen in order to induce movements of displacement of vibrations between the umbilical area 14 and the sides of the abdomen 15 and vice versa.

[0071] There Figure 5 is a graphical representation of the motors' amplitude 12, 13 And 16 according to an implementation mode. During the inspiration stimulation phase P1, the amplitude A13 from the side motors signal 13 starts at a minimum Amin . Then, the amplitude A13 increases to reach the maximum value Amax right now T5.

[0072] Then the amplitude A13 decreases until reaching the minimum value Aminat the end of the inspiration stimulation phase P1.

[0073] For the amplitude A16 intermediate engines 16, it starts at the minimum value Amin. Then, the amplitude A16 increases to reach the maximum value Amax right now T7. Then the amplitude A16 decreases until reaching the minimum value Amin at the end of the inspiration stimulation phase P1.

[0074] For the amplitude A12 of the central engine 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum amplitude value Amax right now T6. Then, the amplitude A12 decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the inspiration stimulation phase P1.

[0075] Following this phase of inspiration stimulation P1, a deadline Sis applied.

[0076] After this period S, an expiration stimulation phase P2 begins. In this phase, the amplitude A13 side engines 13 starts at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum value Amax right now T6. Then, the amplitude A13 decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the expiration stimulation phase P2.

[0077] As in the inspiration stimulation phase P1, in the expiration stimulation phase P2, the amplitude A16 intermediate engines 16 starts at the minimum value Amin.

[0078] Then, the amplitude A16 increases to reach the maximum value Amax right now T7. Then the amplitude A16 decreases until reaching the minimum value Aminat the end of the expiration stimulation phase P2.

[0079] For the amplitude A12 of the central engine 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum amplitude value Amax right now T5. Then, the amplitude A12 decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the inspiration stimulation phase P2.

[0080] As described previously, these values T5 has T7, Amin, Amax, Ti, Te And S can also be set by the control unit 30.

[0081] To conclude, the use of two signals of inverse amplitudes applied to the different motors 12, 13, 16 generates a double apparent synchronous tactile movement propagating back and forth between the flanks of the abdomen 15 and the umbilical region 14.This apparent double tactile movement allows the induction of slow and deep abdominal inspiration and expiration stimulation phases which allow: to overactivate the function of the sympathetic nervous system if the programmed inspiration time is greater than the expiration time; to overactivate the function of the parasympathetic nervous system if the programmed inspiration time is less than the expiration time; or to balance the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems if the programmed inspiration time is equal to the expiration time.

[0082] Activation of the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body to take action in response to stress. For example, activation of the sympathetic nervous system increases the heart rate, while activation of the parasympathetic nervous system slows down the body's functions to put it in a relaxed state.

[0083] Slow, deep breathing of the "cardiac coherence" type stimulates and activates both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. With this specific breathing, the user's heart rate variability is improved. This variability is an indicator of good physiological health.

[0084] Thus, the invention proposes a device 10 which induces the phases of inspiration and expiration, for example to obtain periods of slow and deep abdominal breathing or to control the heart rate according to the configuration parameters of the induced breathing. Controlling the breathing rate can even improve the physiological health of the user.

Claims

1. A respiratory stimulation device (10) comprising: - a belt (11) intended to be fitted around the abdomen of a user; - at least three motors (12, 13) fixed to the belt (11), a central motor (12) and two lateral motors (13), so as to position the central motor (12) opposite the umbilical region (14) and the lateral motors (13) opposite the two sides of the user's abdomen (15) when wearing the belt; and - a control unit (30) connected to the motors (12, 13); characterized in that said control unit (30) is configured to generate vibrations of variable amplitudes on each motor (12, 13) so as to induce two sensations of movement (P1, P2) of the location of the vibrations: - a first sensation of movement (P1) of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen (15) towards the umbilical region (14) obtained by progressively decreasing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13) while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibration (A12) applied to the central motor (12) so as to induce inhalation; and - a second sensation of movement (P2) of the location of the vibrations from the umbilical region (14) to the sides of the abdomen (15) obtained by progressively decreasing the amplitude of the vibration (A12) applied to the central motor (12) while progressively increasing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13) so as to induce exhalation.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vibrations (A12-A13) applied to the central motor (12) and the lateral motors (13) have distinct waveforms and / or frequencies between the first sensation of movement (P1) and the second sensation of movement (P2).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each motor has a contact area with the user's body of less than 15 cm2.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the belt comprises at least two intermediate motors (16) arranged between the central motor (12) and the lateral motors (13); the control unit (30) being configured to induce: - the first sensation of movement (P1) of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen (15) towards the umbilical region (14) by gradually decreasing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13), while gradually increasing and then decreasing the amplitude (A16) of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors (16), while gradually increasing the amplitude (A12) of the vibration applied to the central motor (12), so as to induce inhalation; and - a second sensation of movement (P2) of vibrations from the umbilical region (14) towards the sides of the abdomen (15) by gradually decreasing the amplitude (A12) of the vibration applied to the central motor (12), while gradually increasing and then decreasing the amplitude (A16) of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors (16), while gradually increasing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13), so as to induce an exhalation.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distance (D1) between the central motor (12) and the lateral motors (13) is of between 10 cm and 20 cm.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit (30) incorporates wireless connection means so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit (30) with a smartphone.

7. A method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 so as to induce an inhalation phase by generating a sensation of movement (P1) of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps: - activating the vibration of the lateral motors (13) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - activating the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach a minimum vibration amplitude (Amin); - decreasing the vibration of the lateral motors (13) to reach said minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) while increasing the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach said maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - deactivating the vibration of the central motor (12); and - deactivating the vibration of the lateral motors (13).

8. The method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 7, wherein the step of activating the vibration of the lateral motors (13) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15 % of the duration of the inhalation stimulation phase (Ti), during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors (13) increases from the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) to the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax).

9. The method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the step of decreasing the vibration of the lateral motors (13) is carried out with at least two speeds (V2, V3): a first speed of decrease (V2) slower than a second speed of decrease (V3), and the step of increasing the vibration of the central motor (12) is carried out with at least two speeds (V4, V5): a first speed of increase (V4) faster than a second speed of increase (V5); the transition between the speeds of decrease and the speeds of increase possibly occurring at distinct moments of the inhalation stimulation phase.

10. The method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the step of deactivating the vibration of the central motor (12) is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration between 5 and 15 % of the duration of the inhalation stimulation phase (Ti), during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor (12) decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) to the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin).

11. The method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 so as to induce an exhalation phase by generating a sensation of movement (P2) of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps: - activating the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - activating the vibration of the lateral motors (13) to reach a minimum vibration amplitude (Amin); - decreasing the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach said minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) while increasing the vibration of the lateral motors (13) to reach said maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - deactivating the vibration of the central motor (12); and - deactivating the vibration of the lateral motors (13).

12. The method of controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 11, wherein the step of activating the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration between 5 and 15 % of the duration of the exhalation stimulation phase (Te), during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor (12) increases from the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) to the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax).

13. The method of controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the step of reducing the vibration of the central motor (12) is carried out with at least two speeds (V11, V12): a first speed of decrease (V11) slower than a second speed of decrease (V12), and the step of increasing the vibration of the lateral motors (13) is carried out with at least two speeds (V7, V8): a first speed of increase (V7) faster than a second speed of increase (V8); the transition between the speeds of decrease and the speeds of increase possibly occurring at distinct moments of the exhalation stimulation phase.

14. The method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the step of deactivating the vibration of the lateral motors (13) is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15 % of the duration of the exhalation stimulation phase (Te), during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors (13) decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) to the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin).