Device for sending vibratory waves to one or more muscles of the body

Abstract

Device for sending vibratory waves to one or more muscles of the body Device for sending vibratory waves to one or more muscles of the body, comprising: - at least one actuator (3), the actuator(s) (3) being arranged to transmit vibratory waves to the muscles, - at least one sensor (5) for measuring the vibratory waves after propagation in the muscle(s), and - an electronic control system (10) of the actuator(s), for (a) sending low-frequency vibratory waves to the muscle(s) with the actuator(s) (3), the vibratory waves sent comprising a first signal sweeping a plurality of frequencies between 0 and 400 Hz, (b) sending higher-frequency vibratory waves to the muscle(s) with the actuator(s) (3), the vibratory waves sent comprising a second signal at a frequency greater than or equal to 4 kHz, in particular between 20 and 60 kHz. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for sending vibratory waves to one or more muscles of the body Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for sending focused vibration waves (FMV) to the muscles, in particular for the treatment of spasticity.

[0002] Spasticity is defined as involuntary muscle stiffness, which most often occurs in certain muscles with motor deficit. It is one of the most common disabilities after a stroke. Spasticity is often observed in the flexor muscles of the upper limbs, such as fingers, wrist and shoulder, and lower limbs, such as knees and heels. Spasticity often causes abnormal postures, such as rotation of the shoulder, contraction of the elbow, wrist or fingers. Spasticity can be harmful and hinder mobility, comfort or hygiene. Prior art

[0003] It is known to treat spasticity by stretching the muscle in question to reduce muscle contractures and preserve the musculoskeletal structure. This method can alleviate the consequences of spasticity but has no positive effects on the cause of spasticity. Electrical stimulation applied to the muscle can also be used to reduce spasticity. This method can reduce spasticity, but only temporarily. Furthermore, pharmaceutical treatment, based on botulinum toxin, can limit the action of the muscles. However, this method has many unwanted side effects and can be relatively expensive.

[0004] Finally, it is possible to practice focused vibration of the muscle or tendons (Focal Muscle / tendon Vibration (FMV) in English).

[0005] This method generally uses two vibrators generating a mechanical oscillation, both vibrators being placed on the muscle or tendon. FMV generates a vibratory stimulus with a particular amplitude and frequency (Celletti et al., Promoting post-stroke recovery through focal or whole body vibration: criticisms and prospects from a narrative review, Neurological Sciences, published online August 30, 2019; Costantino et al., Short-term effect of local muscle vibration treatment versus sham therapy on upper limb in chronic post-stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial, European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 2017).

[0006] However, there is no device that is easy to use, adaptable and offers the user a certain autonomy in their treatment.

[0007] Furthermore, existing devices do not allow the determination of the frequencies best suited to a muscle and / or to each user. Statement of the invention

[0008] There is therefore a need to further improve the devices for sending focused vibration waves to the muscles, in particular in order to have a device for generating varied focused vibration waves and facilitating the implementation of the treatment. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention aims to meet this need, and it achieves this, according to a first of its aspects, thanks to a device for sending vibratory waves to one or more muscles of the body, comprising:

[0010] - at least one actuator, in particular between one and ten actuators, the actuators being arranged to transmit vibratory waves to the muscle(s),

[0011] - at least one sensor for measuring the vibration waves after propagation in the or the muscles, and

[0012] - an electronic system for controlling the actuator(s), for

[0013] (a) sending low frequency vibration waves to the muscle(s) with the the actuators, the vibratory waves sent comprising a first signal sweeping a plurality of frequencies between 0 and 400 Hz,

[0014] (b) sending higher frequency vibration waves to the muscle(s) with the actuator(s), the vibratory waves sent comprising a second signal at a frequency greater than or equal to 4 kHz, or even greater than or equal to 10 kHz, in particular between 20 and 60 kHz,

[0015] and

[0016] (c) preferably, controlling the frequency and / or amplitude of the vibrational waves low frequency emitted depending in particular on measurements taken by the sensor(s).

[0017] By "sweeping between frequency values fl and f2" is meant generating continuously or incrementally frequencies having intermediate values between fl and f2 (limits included or excluded), without necessarily covering the entire range [fl, f2]. By "continuous sweep" is meant a sweep comprising increments of 10 Hz or less, for example 5, 2 or 1 Hz.

[0018] The device according to the invention makes it possible to provide vibratile feedback, which makes it possible to explore the response of the muscle as a function of the low frequency, which is useful in view to choosing the frequency giving the best response. In this case, the device is used for exploratory purposes, without step (c).

[0019] The invention also makes it possible to adapt the control of the actuator(s) according to the feedback obtained, thanks to step c). The device can thus self-calibrate. In particular, it is possible to detect muscle relaxation using the higher frequency signal, and thus measure the effectiveness of the device in an automated manner, and adapt the frequency to the desired goal.

[0020] In other words, the device according to the invention makes it possible to control the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations in order to best adapt the frequency and amplitude to the response of the targeted muscle(s). Reconfigurable vibrations can be applied to any part of the body, adapting the frequencies and amplitudes on a case-by-case basis.

[0021] The actuators can be controlled over wide frequency and / or amplitude ranges, and combined with the ease of positioning the actuator(s), an infinite number of vibration combinations can be created that can be used to treat various pathologies.

[0022] The device according to the invention can in particular be used on any part of the body, any muscle, and in particular any muscle among the flexor muscles of the upper limbs, such as arms, hands, fingers, wrist and shoulder, and lower limbs, such as thigh, knees, calf, foot and heels.

[0023] The device may be configured to:

[0024] (b') sending low frequency vibration waves to the muscle(s) with the the actuators, the vibratory waves sent comprising a third signal without frequency sweep, at a frequency between 0 and 400 Hz, said frequency being chosen in particular according to measurements carried out by the sensor(s).

[0025] The frequency of the third signal can be determined by the analysis carried out by the device during the frequency sweep; in particular, a frequency can be selected which produces during the sweep an extremum of a signal coming from the sensor(s), and which corresponds for example to a state of maximum relaxation of the muscle.

[0026] Step (b') of sending the third signal may have a duration of between 1 min and 120 min, better still between 5 and 100 min, or even between 10 and 90 min, being for example of the order of 10, 20, 45 or even 60 minutes.

[0027] The device can be configured to continue, during the sending (b') of the low-frequency waves, the sending (b) of the higher-frequency vibratory waves to the muscle(s) with the actuator(s), the vibratory waves sent being able to comprise the second signal at a frequency greater than or equal to 4 kHz, or even greater than or equal to 10 kHz, in particular between 20 and 60 kHz.

[0028] This allows the monitoring of the state of the muscle to continue using high frequencies, and thus possibly modify the frequency of the third signal to permanently adjust it to the value producing the best response.

[0029] The device can be configured so that the actuators are fixed to the same muscle or to several different muscles. The actuator(s) can be fixed to the same muscle or to several different muscles. One or more muscles can thus be acted on simultaneously. By "fixed to a muscle" is meant fixed against the muscle, the waves being transmitted through the skin, the device remaining external to the body.

[0030] Each actuator may be of the piezoelectric, ferroelectric, electromagnetic or thermal type, preferably being of the electromagnetic type.

[0031] Several actuators can be combined on the same device in order to be able to generate several different vibration modes, for example making the actuators vibrate alternately, which makes it possible to obtain varied effects.

[0032] The actuator(s) may be removable from the rest of the device. The device according to the invention is advantageously configured so that at least one of the actuators can be detached and replaced. Thus, the device can be equipped with an actuator having the desired characteristics, more or less powerful, more or less bulky, depending on requirements.

[0033] An electromagnetic actuator can be used, in particular of the 'Voice-Coil' type, comprising a coil making it possible to generate a magnetic field which is mobile relative to a static magnetic armature.

[0034] The actuator may have a diameter, or a larger transverse dimension, between 10 and 100 mm, or even between 20 and 80 mm, better between 30 and 60 mm, for example being around 40 mm.

[0035] The device may comprise several actuators and a single sensor.

[0036] The actuator(s) may be configured to transmit at several different frequencies. This may reduce the number of actuators used, and provide a more compact design.

[0037] The same actuator may be configured to emit the first signal and the second signal, the actuator(s) being able to be configured to emit a composite signal, simultaneously comprising the first signal and the second signal. The actuator(s) may emit a low-frequency and / or high-frequency signal, for example between 0 and 400 Hz on the one hand, and between 20 and 60 kHz on the other hand.

[0038] The electronic control system may comprise a microcontroller for controlling the actuator(s) and / or the sensor(s).

[0039] The control system may also include a power supply part, in particular to ensure an autonomous power supply and facilitate the use of the device.

[0040] The control system may comprise a wireless communication module, for example a Bluetooth type module. The control system may thus communicate with a terminal such as a telephone or other. The terminal may be equipped with control software configured to communicate with the device according to the invention and send it, for example, one or more processing programs, i.e. programs for controlling the actuators according to the measurements coming from the sensor(s).

[0041] Alternatively, the control system may include a wired communication module, or the control system may not include a communication module. The presence of a wireless communication module makes it possible to reduce the size of the device and to facilitate its use, particularly when the user equipped with it is moving.

[0042] The device may comprise a housing in which the electronic control system is housed. The electronic control system is portable. The housing may be small, for example of a size similar to that of a mobile phone or a watch. The housing has, for example, dimensions of between 5 and 100 mm, better still between 10 and 80 mm, its dimensions being, for example, of the order of 40*70*70 mm.

[0043] The housing can also house a battery supplying the device.

[0044] The housing may be attached to a body member such as an arm or leg, or attached to a garment such as a belt or in a pocket. The housing may be configured to be held on the body by means of an article of clothing and / or an adhesive or a band or fastener.

[0045] The housing can be connected by cables to the actuators and / or sensors.

[0046] The actuator(s) and / or sensor(s) may be arranged anywhere on the body, with different fastening systems. The actuator(s) and / or sensor(s) may thus be held on the body by means of an article of clothing and / or an adhesive or a band or fastener.

[0047] The device according to the invention is advantageously portable and usable by everyone. It is compact, lightweight and can be used at home and on the move, particularly outside a specialized environment.

[0048] In one embodiment, the device may comprise at least one patch in which an actuator and / or a sensor is integrated. It may be referred to as a vibrotactile patch, configured to enable vibration waves to be transmitted to the muscle on which it is positioned, and to measure the vibration waves propagated in the muscle.

[0049] The device may be configured such that at least one actuator and at least one sensor are disposed in proximity to each other on the same muscle of the body. A sensor and an actuator may thus be disposed substantially at the same location on the body, the sensor being able in this way to measure reflection waves in the muscle.

[0050] Alternatively, the sensor and the actuator may be separated by a certain distance, which is for example between 1 and 50 cm, better still between 2 and 40 cm, or even between 3 and 30 cm.

[0051] The actuator may be generally disc-shaped, the sensor being positioned around or near. Alternatively, the sensor may be generally disc-shaped, with the actuator positioned around, for example being annular, or near.

[0052] The device can be configured so that the user can install it on his body himself.

[0053] In one embodiment, the device comprises an electromagnetic actuator, preferably of the 'Voice-Coil' type, a housing in two parts assembled, for example by screwing, into which the actuator is inserted, which can be held there by tightening. The housing provides a window to allow contact of the actuator with the body, and it comprises two handles on either side of the housing, the device comprising a fixing strip, for example of the hook and loop attachment system type, fixed to these handles. Adjusting the length of the fixing strip makes it possible to adapt the device to the fixing area on the body, for example the arm, the leg or the trunk, the torso or the back.

[0054] In one embodiment, the control system comprises a printed circuit board, a housing in two parts assembled, for example by screwing, into which the printed circuit board is inserted, which can be held there by clamping, as well as a battery. The housing is closed and comprises two handles on either side of the housing, the device comprising a fixing strip, for example of the hook and loop type, attached to these handles. Adjusting the length of the fixing strip makes it possible to adapt the device to the fixing area on the body, for example the arm, the leg or the torso, or to the belt, in a pocket or even over the shoulder.

[0055] In one embodiment, the device is configured to:

[0056] (a) sending vibration waves to the muscle(s) with the actuator(s), vibratory waves sent comprising a first signal sweeping frequencies from 0 to 400 Hz,

[0057] (b) sending vibration waves to the muscle(s) with the actuator(s), the vibratory waves sent include a second signal at a higher frequency, notably at 40 kHz.

[0058] The device can be configured to determine which frequencies induce the best muscle response, and then adapt the frequency control to one of these frequencies. Indeed, the second signal makes it possible to detect changes in the contraction of the muscle studied. The second high-frequency signal is above human sensory frequencies and it makes it possible to observe the propagation of waves in the muscle to measure the effect of the first signal. The propagation of the second high-frequency signal can in fact be more or less attenuated depending on the contraction of the muscle.

[0059] The second signal may have a frequency of between 20 and 60 kHz, better still between 25 and 55 kHz, or even between 30 and 50 kHz, better still between 35 and 45 kHz, being for example of the order of 40 kHz.

[0060] The first and second signals may be sinusoidal, square wave, sawtooth wave or other. Preferably, the signals are sinusoidal, to limit harmonics.

[0061] The device may be configured to implement steps (a), (b) and (c) simultaneously.

[0062] The first and second signals may comprise one or more pause periods, at zero amplitude, between two periods at non-zero amplitude.

[0063] The first and second signals can be sent with the actuators into the muscle and the vibration waves propagated in the muscle(s) can be measured immediately.

[0064] The device may comprise a high-pass filter, useful in step (c), in order to filter the low frequencies when detecting the high-frequency signal.

[0065] The device can be configured to process the measurement made and to observe variations according to the frequency. In particular, the frequencies around the high frequency emitted, in particular around 40 kHz, are filtered and analyzed. It is possible to obtain amplitude variations dependent on the reactions of the muscles according to the different excitation frequencies. These variations can make it possible to identify with which frequency value the best muscular effect is obtained.

[0066] The device according to the invention can be placed on the skin. The emitted vibration waves can be focused in the muscle. The measurements made by the sensor(s) make it possible to observe the attenuation of the vibration waves in the skin. This attenuation is modified by the contracted or relaxed state of the muscle. This state is therefore observed on the analysis of the attenuation of this vibration in the skin. From this, it is deduced which frequency has an effect on the muscle.

[0067] Step (b) of sending the second signal may have a duration of between 0.5 and 10 s, better between 1 and 8 s, or even between 1.5 and 6 s, in particular between 2 and 4 s, being for example 2.5 s. A rapid signal can make it possible to detect whether the muscle is tense or relaxed.

[0068] As a variant, step (b) of sending the second signal may have a duration of between 10 s and 360 s, better still between 30 and 240 s, or even between 45 and 120 s, in particular between 60 and 80 s, being for example of the order of 60 s.

[0069] As a further variant, step (b) of sending the second signal may have a duration of between 0.1 and 10 min, better still between 0.5 and 8 min, or even between 1 and 6 min, in particular between 1.5 and 4 min, being for example 2 minutes.

[0070] Given the possibility of modifying the position, frequency and / or amplitude of the vibration waves, various treatment schemes can be created depending on the needs.

[0071] The device can make it possible to study and define treatment schemes, in which the position, frequency and / or amplitude of the vibratory waves are varied, for various treatments.

[0072] The device may also include a temperature sensor, in particular for measuring the temperature on the surface of the skin.

[0073] The device may also be used to measure heart rate. Such a measurement may improve actuator control.

[0074] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a self-adaptive massage device, in which the frequency of the vibrations is adjusted after a calibration phase making it possible to identify a frequency which relaxes the muscle. The massage device may in particular comprise a device as described above.

[0075] The invention also relates to an article of clothing equipped with a device as defined above.

[0076] The invention also relates to a mobile device equipped with a device as defined above.

[0077] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a treatment method, in particular a non-therapeutic treatment method, of one or more muscles of the body by vibratory waves, in particular by means of the device as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0078] (a) sending low frequency vibration waves to the muscle(s) with one or more several actuators, the vibratory waves sent comprising a first signal sweeping a plurality of frequencies between 0 and 400 Hz,

[0079] (b) sending higher frequency vibration waves to the muscle(s) with one or more actuators, the vibratory waves sent comprising a second signal at a frequency greater than or equal to 4 kHz, or even greater than or equal to 10 kHz, in particular between 20 and 60 kHz, in particular 40 kHz,

[0080] (c) measuring vibration waves having propagated in the muscle(s) with one or more several sensors, and

[0081] (d) controlling the frequency and / or amplitude of the vibratory waves emitted in depending on the measurements taken by the sensor(s).

[0082] In particular, one can determine which frequencies induce the best muscle response, and then adapt the frequency control to the chosen frequency.

[0083] In particular, one can:

[0084] (a) sending vibration waves to one or more muscles with the one or more actuators, the vibratory waves sent comprising a first signal sweeping the frequencies from 0 to 400 Hz,

[0085] (b) sending vibration waves to one or more muscles with the one or more actuators, the vibratory waves sent comprising a second high-frequency signal, notably at 40 kHz.

[0086] Steps (a), (b) and (c) may be simultaneous.

[0087] The first and second signals may comprise one or more pause periods, at zero amplitude, between two periods at non-zero amplitude.

[0088] The first and second signals can be sent with the actuators into the muscle and vibration waves propagated in the muscle(s) can be measured immediately.

[0089] Measurement step (c) can be carried out with a high-pass filter, in order to filter out low frequencies.

[0090] The processing of the output measurement allows variations to be observed depending on the frequency. In particular, the frequencies around the high frequency, notably around 40 kHz, are filtered and analyzed. It is possible to obtain amplitude variations dependent on the reactions of the muscles according to the different excitation frequencies. These variations can make it possible to identify with which frequency value the best muscular effect is obtained.

[0091] The device according to the invention can be placed on the skin. The emitted vibration waves can be focused in the muscle. The measurements made by the sensor(s) make it possible to observe the attenuation of the vibration waves in the skin. This attenuation is significantly modified by the contracted or relaxed state of the muscle. This state is therefore observed on the analysis of the attenuation of this vibration in the skin. From this, it is deduced which frequency has an effect on the muscle.

[0092] Step (b) of sending the second signal may have a duration of between 0.5 and 10 s, better between 1 and 8 s, or even between 1.5 and 6 s, in particular between 2 and 4 s, being for example 2.5 s.

[0093] As a variant, step (b) of sending the second signal may have a duration of between 0.1 and 10 min, better still between 0.5 and 8 min, or even between 1 and 6 min, in particular between 1.5 and 4 min, being for example 2 minutes.

[0094] Step (b) can be carried out at each treatment, for example every day, given its very short duration. Thus, the treatment can be constantly adapted.

[0095] The method can be used to treat various pathologies, in particular muscular disorders, such as spasticity for example, or can be used in sports medicine or for therapeutic massages.

[0096] The method can be used to treat pathologies for which cerebral control of muscles is defective, such as spasticity, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, this list not being exhaustive.

[0097] Given the possibility of modifying the position, frequency and / or amplitude of the vibration waves, various treatment schemes can be created depending on the needs.

[0098] The method can make it possible to study and define treatment schemes, in which the position, frequency and / or amplitude of the vibratory waves are varied, for various treatments.

[0099] Treatment can help relieve and slow the progression of the disease.

[0100] Steps (a), (b) and (c) can be carried out on the one hand with the muscle stretched and on the other hand with the muscle relaxed, and step (d) can be carried out based on the comparison between the measurements made with the muscle tensed and the measurements made with the muscle relaxed.

[0101] In the method, the measurements taken can be recorded and then sent to a recipient. The recipient can be the treating physician, which allows them to monitor the treatment and the patient.

[0102] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a self-adaptive massage method, in which the frequency of the vibrations is adjusted after a calibration phase making it possible to identify a frequency which relaxes the muscle. The massage method may in particular comprise the steps of the treatment method described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0103] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the appended drawings, in which:

[0104] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] partially and schematically represents an example of a device according to the invention.

[0105] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the device of [Fig.l].

[0106] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic and partial bottom view of the device of the [Fig.l].

[0107] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the device of [Fig.l].

[0108] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the interior of the device of [Fig.l].

[0109] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents, schematically, partially and in perspective, the use of the device according to the invention. Detailed description

[0110] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a device 1 for sending vibratory waves to one or more muscles of the body, in accordance with the invention. The device 1 comprises an actuator 3, arranged to transmit vibratory waves to the muscles. The device 1 further comprises a vibratory sensor 5, for measuring the vibratory waves propagated in the muscle(s), as well as an electronic control system 10 for the actuator 3, making it possible to control the frequency and / or the amplitude of the vibratory waves emitted as a function in particular of measurements made by the sensor 5.

[0111] The actuator 3 and the sensor 5 are arranged in a housing 7 in two parts assembled, for example by screwing. The housing 7 provides a window to allow contact of the actuator 3 with the body, as visible in Figures 1 and 3. The housing 7 comprises two handles 8 on either side of the housing 7, the device 1 comprising a Velcro® system fixing strip 9 fixed to these handles. Adjusting the length of the fixing strip makes it possible to adapt the device to the fixing area on the body, in this example the arm. Alternatively, the device could be without handles, being fixed otherwise.

[0112] The actuator 3 is in this example a 'Voice-Coil' type actuator, having a diameter of the order of 40 mm, which can be removable from the housing 7.

[0113] It is attached to a muscle of the arm, as seen in [Fig.2].

[0114] The actuator 3 is modular, that is to say that it can be controlled to produce vibratory waves whose frequency and amplitude can be modified at will. The actuator 3 is configured to emit several different frequencies, and in particular a composite signal. In the example described, it can emit a low-frequency signal between 0 and 400 Hz on the one hand, and a higher-frequency signal, at approximately 40 kHz on the other hand.

[0115] The sensor 5 is structurally similar to the actuator, and visible in [Fig.3]. The sensor 5 may be of the piezoelectric type. The actuator 3 and the sensor 5 are arranged close to each other on the same muscle of the body, substantially at the same location on the body, the sensor thus being able to measure the waves having propagated in the muscle in which the actuator transmits vibratory waves, which makes it possible to measure the reflection waves in the muscle. As visible in [Fig.3], the actuator is generally disc-shaped when viewed from above, the sensor being positioned nearby.

[0116] The box 7, the actuator 3 and the sensor 5 are connected by a thin cable 12 to the system control electronics 10 shown in [Fig.4]. The control electronics system 10 includes a microcontroller to control all actuators and sensors.

[0117] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the control system 10 comprises a printed circuit board 11, a housing 17 in two parts assembled, for example by screwing, into which the printed circuit board 11 is inserted, which can be held there by clamping, as well as a battery. The housing is closed and comprises two handles 18 on either side of the housing for holding a fixing strip fixed to these handles. The control system also comprises a power supply part for managing the needs of the printed circuit board.

[0118] The electronic control system 10 is portable. The housing 17 is small, for example similar in size to a mobile phone or a watch. The housing may be attached to a body member such as the arm or leg, or attached to an item of clothing such as a belt or placed in a pocket.

[0119] The device 1 is advantageously portable, and usable by everyone, on any part of the body, any muscle, and in particular any muscle among the flexor muscles of the upper limbs, such as arms, hands, fingers, wrist and shoulder, and lower limbs, such as thigh, knees, calf, foot and heels, as illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0120] The electronic control system 10 of the actuator(s) is configured to

[0121] (a) sending low frequency vibration waves to the muscle(s) with the or the actuators (3), the vibratory waves sent comprising a first signal sweeping a plurality of frequencies between 0 and 400 Hz,

[0122] (b) sending higher frequency vibration waves to the muscle(s) with the or the actuators (3), the sent vibration waves comprising a second signal at a frequency of approximately 40 kHz in this example,

[0123] and preferably, control the frequency and / or amplitude of the low-frequency vibratory waves emitted based in particular on measurements made by the sensor(s).

[0124] In particular, the device is advantageously configured to make it possible to determine which frequencies induce the best response from the muscle, and then adapt the frequency control to the chosen frequency. The second signal makes it possible to detect changes in the contraction of the muscle studied.

[0125] In this example, step (b) of sending the second signal has a duration of, for example, 2 min.

[0126] The device allows the first and second signals to be sent with the actuators into the muscle and the response to be immediately measured.

[0127] The device may comprise a high-pass filter useful in step (c) in order to filter low frequencies.

[0128] The device is configured to process the output measurement and observe variations according to the frequency. In particular, the frequencies around the high frequency, notably around 40 kHz, are filtered and analyzed. It is possible to obtain amplitude variations dependent on the reactions of the muscles according to the different excitation frequencies. These variations can make it possible to identify with which frequency value the best muscular effect is obtained.

[0129] The use of the device 1 makes it possible to implement a method of treating one or more muscles of the body by vibratory waves, comprising steps (a) and (b) above, then:

[0130] (c) measuring vibration waves having propagated in the muscle(s) with one or more sensors, and

[0131] (d) controlling the frequency and / or amplitude of the vibratory waves emitted in depending on the measurements taken by the sensor(s).

[0132] In particular, we determine which frequencies induce the best muscle response, and then we adapt the frequency control to the chosen frequency.

[0133] Steps (a), (b) and (c) may be simultaneous.

[0134] Measurement step (c) can be performed with a high-pass filter, in order to filter out low frequencies.

[0135] The processing of the output measurement allows variations to be observed depending on the frequency. In particular, the frequencies around the high frequency, notably around 40 kHz, are filtered and analyzed. Amplitude variations depending on the reactions of the muscles according to the different excitation frequencies can be obtained. These variations can make it possible to identify with which frequency value the best muscular effect is obtained.

[0136] Step (b) can be carried out at each treatment, for example every day, given its very short duration. Thus, the treatment can be constantly adapted.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for sending vibratory waves to one or more muscles of the body, comprising: - at least one actuator (3), in particular between one and ten actuators, the actuator(s) (3) being arranged to transmit vibratory waves to the muscles, - at least one sensor (5) for measuring the vibratory waves after propagation in the muscle(s), and - an electronic control system (10) of the actuator(s), for (a) sending low-frequency vibratory waves to the muscle(s) with the actuator(s) (3), the vibratory waves sent comprising a first signal sweeping a plurality of frequencies between 0 and 400 Hz, (b) sending higher-frequency vibratory waves to the muscle(s) with the actuator(s) (3), the vibratory waves sent comprising a second signal at a frequency greater than or equal to 4 kHz, in particular between 20 and 60 kHz,and (c) controlling the frequency and / or amplitude of the emitted low-frequency vibrational waves based on measurements made by the sensor(s) (5).,

2. Device according to the preceding claim, configured to (b') send low-frequency vibratory waves to the muscle(s) with the actuator(s) (3), the vibratory waves sent comprising a third signal without frequency sweep, at a frequency between 0 and 400 Hz, said frequency being chosen in particular as a function of measurements carried out by the sensor(s) (5).

3. Device according to the preceding claim, configured to continue during the sending (b') of the low-frequency waves, the sending (b) of the higher-frequency vibratory waves on the muscle(s) with the actuator(s) (3).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the actuator(s) (3) being electromagnetic, comprising in particular a coil making it possible to generate a magnetic field and mobile relative to a static magnetic armature.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the actuator(s) (3) being configured to emit several different frequencies.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the actuator(s) (3) being removable relative to the rest of the device.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the same actuator being configured to emit the first signal and the second signal, the actuator(s) (3) being in particular configured to emit a composite signal, simultaneously comprising the first signal and the second signal.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a high-pass filter, in order to filter the low frequencies.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the device comprising a housing (17) in which the electronic control system (10) is housed.

10. Device according to the preceding claim, the housing (17) being configured to be held on the body by means of an article of clothing and / or an adhesive or a band or fastener.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the device comprising at least one patch in which an actuator (3) and / or a sensor (5) is integrated.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, configured so that at least one actuator (3) and at least one sensor (5) are arranged close to each other on the same muscle of the body.

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