Electrostimulator

Abstract

To provide an electrostimulator that notifies a person to be treated of information on a motor function of a paralyzed portion which is detected when the person to be treated moves the paralyzed portion before the treatment start and after the treatment end and compares those pieces of information to one another, whereby the person to be treated can confirm a level of motor function improvement by the treatment.SOLUTION: An electrostimulator includes: motor function detection means; electrical stimulation means; and notification means that notifies a person to be treated of information on a motor function of a paralyzed portion which is detected by the motor function detection means when the person to be treated moves the paralyzed portion before the treatment start and after the treatment end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical stimulation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrical stimulation devices that apply electrical stimulation to nerves and muscles to relieve pain and improve muscle atrophy have been known. The electrical stimulation device described in Patent Document 1 detects myoelectric signals from the paralyzed area or from areas other than the paralyzed area, and applies electrical stimulation to the paralyzed area based on the detected myoelectric signals to train the motor function of the paralyzed area. In addition, the treatment history (treatment time, output count, stimulation time) from each of the parent and child units can be displayed and checked on the parent unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5920910 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the electrical stimulation device described in Patent Document 1 cannot report information (e.g., myoelectric level) regarding the motor function of the paralyzed area detected before and after treatment, making it impossible to confirm the degree of improvement in motor function due to treatment. The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide an electrical stimulation device that reports information regarding the motor function of the paralyzed area detected before and after treatment, and makes it possible to confirm the degree of improvement in motor function due to treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an electrical stimulation device comprising: a motor function detection means for detecting the motor function of the paralyzed part of a patient; an electrical stimulation means for applying an electric current to the paralyzed part of the patient; and a notification means for notifying the patient of information regarding the motor function detected by the motor function detection means when the patient moves the paralyzed part before and after the start and end of treatment. This allows the degree of improvement in motor function due to treatment to be confirmed.

[0006] It is also preferable that the user be able to select whether or not to store information regarding motor function before and after treatment as a treatment condition, which allows the user to confirm the degree of improvement in motor function due to treatment.

[0007] It is also preferable that the motor function detection means is a myoelectric potential detection means for detecting the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed part, and the information on the motor function is a myoelectric potential level obtained from the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed part. This makes it possible to confirm the degree of improvement in motor function due to treatment.

[0008] In addition, it is preferable that the motor function detection means detects the amount of movement of a joint related to the paralyzed part or the muscle strength value of the paralyzed part, and the information on the motor function is the amount of movement or the muscle strength value. This makes it possible to confirm the degree of improvement in motor function due to treatment. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, an electrical stimulation device can be provided that notifies information regarding the motor function of a paralyzed area detected before and after treatment, and enables confirmation of the degree of improvement in motor function due to treatment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of an electrical stimulation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the electrical stimulation device. FIG. [Diagram 3]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a setting screen for treatment conditions. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a screen for setting myoelectric sensitivity using the electrical stimulation device. [Diagram 5] 13A is a diagram showing a selection screen for displaying the average values ​​of myoelectric potential before and after treatment, and FIG. 13B is a screen for setting the measurement time of myoelectric potential before and after treatment. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing an example of displaying myoelectric potential, current, etc. during treatment in the electrical stimulation device. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 shows a screen for setting myoelectric sensitivity during treatment. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing screens when detecting myoelectric potential before and after treatment, respectively. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of displaying average values ​​of myoelectric potential before and after treatment. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a treatment history in the electrical stimulation device. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of displaying the myoelectric potential of a paralyzed part being treated, the myoelectric potential of a target, and a current in the electrical stimulation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of displaying the myoelectric potential of a paralyzed part and the myoelectric potential and current of a healthy part during treatment in the electrical stimulation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An electrical stimulation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) As shown in Figure 1, the electrical stimulation device 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention mainly comprises a device main body 2 having an internal electrical circuit for outputting electrical stimulation, a dual-purpose electrode 3 that is placed on the skin surface of the patient's paralyzed area to detect myoelectric potentials and apply electrical stimulation, an electrode cable 4 that connects the dual-purpose electrode 3 to the device main body 2, an electromyographic electrode 5 that is placed on the skin surface of the patient's healthy area (area other than the paralyzed area) to detect myoelectric potentials, an electrode cable 6 that connects the electromyographic electrode 5 to the device main body 2, and a tablet (alert means) 7 that can send and receive information between the device main body 2, and a wireless dongle 8 is externally attached to the device main body 2.

[0013] The dual-use electrode 3 is composed of a bipolar electrode 9, which is an integral structure of two electrodes 9a and 9b, and one electrode 10. Each electrode is a hook-type gel electrode whose back side is an attachment surface to be attached to the skin surface of the patient. The hooks of the electrodes 9a, 9b, and 10 are attached to the respective tips of an electrode cable 4 that branches into three at a midpoint, and a connection plug 4a at the base end of the electrode cable 4 is detachably inserted into a first output connector 11 provided on the upper side of the device body 2. The electromyographic electrode 5 is a bipolar electrode composed of two electrodes 5a and 5b. The hooks of the electrodes 5a and 5b are attached to the respective tips of an electrode cable 6 that branches into two at a midpoint, and a connection plug 6a at the base end of the electrode cable 6 is detachably inserted into a second output connector 12 provided on the upper side of the device body 2.

[0014] Electrodes 9a and 9b are placed on the skin surface of the muscle belly of the target muscle, and detect weak myoelectric potentials generated from the muscle activity of the patient between electrodes 9a and 9b, and function as an electrical stimulation electrode for applying electrical stimulation. Electrode 10 is placed on the skin surface of the muscle belly of the muscle to which electrical stimulation is to be applied, and functions as an electrical stimulation electrode for applying electrical stimulation to the muscle. Electrodes 5a and 5b are placed on the skin surface of the muscle belly of the target muscle, and detect weak myoelectric potentials generated from the muscle activity of the patient between electrodes 5a and 5b.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the device main body 2 includes an operation switch section 13, an LCD display section 14, an LED display section 15, a memory section 16 consisting of a non-volatile memory (EEPROM) that readably stores treatment conditions, treatment results, etc., an electrical stimulation means 17, a control section 18 consisting of a microcomputer, a communication circuit 19 that transmits and receives treatment conditions and treatment history information to and from the tablet 7, and myoelectric potential detection circuits (myoelectric potential detection means) 20, 21.

[0016] The LED display unit 15 is provided near the top edge of the liquid crystal display unit 14 with five LEDs arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal direction, and the LEDs light up according to the strength of the detected myoelectric potential, and are myoelectric potential level LEDs for visually informing the therapist and the patient of the level of the myoelectric potential strength. The strength of the myoelectric potential is divided into six sections ranging from zero to the maximum value, and when the strength of the myoelectric potential belongs to the lowest strength section, none of the five LEDs light up, and when the strength of the myoelectric potential increases and belongs to the next strength section, only the leftmost LED lights up (level 1), and when it belongs to the next section, a total of two LEDs, from the leftmost to the second one, light up (level 2). Thereafter, a total of three to five LEDs light up (levels 3 to 5) depending on the section to which the strength of the myoelectric potential belongs.

[0017] For example, when the strength of myoelectric potential is divided into six levels in the range from zero to 100%, myoelectric potential of 16.6% or more and less than 33.3% is level 1, 33.3% or more and less than 50% is level 2, 50% or more and less than 66.6% is level 3, 66.6% or more and less than 83.3% is level 4, and 83.3% or more is level 5. In this way, multiple level values ​​related to myoelectric potential are set (five in this example).

[0018] The electrical stimulation means 17 is composed of a battery power source 22, an output control circuit 23 that controls the voltage input from the battery power source 22, an output transformer 24 that boosts the output voltage from the output control circuit 23, and a current detection circuit 25 that detects the output current from the output transformer 24. The output current signal detected by the current detection circuit 25 is input to the control unit 18, which controls the output control circuit 23. The output current from the output transformer 24 is output to the dual-use electrode 3 via the first output connector 11.

[0019] The battery power source 22 can be constructed using an alkaline battery, a lithium ion secondary battery, or the like. Also provided are a battery voltage detection circuit 26 for detecting the voltage value of the battery power source 22, and a power supply circuit 27 for supplying control power to the control unit 18. When the battery voltage detection circuit 26 detects that the voltage value of the battery power source 22 has dropped to a first threshold, the control unit 18 notifies the therapist, etc. by displaying an image of the drop in the voltage value on the liquid crystal display unit 14. Also, when the voltage value of the battery power source 22 reaches a second threshold, which is a voltage value lower than the first threshold, the control unit 18 cuts off the power supply to the device main body 2.

[0020] The device main body 2 and the tablet 7 can communicate wirelessly by Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), wireless LAN, etc. The device main body 2 is provided with a communication circuit 19 as an information communication means, and the communication circuit 19 is connected to a signal input / output unit 28 formed in the center of the right side surface of the device main body 2. The device main body 2 can transmit and receive information to and from the tablet 7 via a wireless dongle 8 connected to the signal input / output unit 28, and can receive treatment conditions from the tablet 7 and store them in the storage unit 16, and can transmit treatment history information stored in the storage unit 16 to the tablet 7.

[0021] Next, a configuration for detecting myoelectric potential using a dual-use electrode 3 will be described. A bidirectional square wave with a predetermined frequency (20 Hz in a specific example) and a predetermined pulse width (50 μs in a specific example) is repeatedly output from the output transformer 24 between the bipolar electrode 9 and the electrode 10, with three times being one unit, and the myoelectric potential during this repetition (8 ms in a specific example) is detected between the electrodes 9a and 9b. The myoelectric potential detected between the electrodes 9a and 9b is input to the myoelectric potential detection circuit 20, and amplified by an amplifier (not shown) or the like to a level that the control unit 18 can recognize, and then taken into the control unit 18. The control unit 18 performs signal processing to calculate the myoelectric potential, and controls the output control circuit 23 so that, for example, the output intensity of the next electrical stimulation is output according to the intensity of the calculated myoelectric potential. As a result, an output current flows between the bipolar electrode 9 and the electrode 10, and electrical stimulation is applied to the paralyzed area. The output of electrical stimulation according to the strength of the myoelectric potential is limited to the maximum output set by the tablet 7, and no output greater than this will be applied. Even if the myoelectric potential is not detected by the myoelectric potential detection circuit 20, electrical stimulation of the minimum output set by the tablet 7 will always be applied. In addition, the myoelectric potential detection sensitivity (myoelectric sensitivity) can be set by the tablet 7.

[0022] The electrical stimulation device 1 has a first treatment mode and a second treatment mode as treatment modes. The first treatment mode is a mode in which an output current (electrical stimulation) having an intensity corresponding to the myoelectric potential detected from the paralyzed part of the patient is applied from the electrical stimulation means 17 to the paralyzed part as described above. The second treatment mode is a mode in which an output current having an intensity corresponding to the myoelectric potential detected from the healthy part of the patient is applied from the electrical stimulation means 17 to the paralyzed part. When treatment is performed in the first treatment mode, only the dual-use electrode 3 is used, and there is no need to use the electromyographic electrode 5, so the electromyographic electrode 5 is not connected to the device body 2. When treatment is performed in the second treatment mode, the dual-use electrode 3 and the electromyographic electrode 5 are used.

[0023] Next, an example of treating a patient with a disability in the dorsiflexion movement of the wrist joint or the extension movement of the fingers in the first treatment mode using the electrical stimulation device 1 will be described. The therapist attaches the electrodes 9a, 9b (bipolar electrode 9) of the dual-use electrode 3 onto the muscle belly of the wrist dorsiflexor muscle group and finger extensor muscle group of the forearm, which are the paralyzed parts of the patient to be treated, and the electrode 10 to the vicinity of one end (wrist side) of the muscle belly of the wrist dorsiflexor muscle group and finger extensor muscle group of the forearm of the patient. The therapist sets treatment conditions such as treatment time, minimum and maximum output of electrical stimulation, and myoelectric sensitivity. If the treatment conditions are stored in advance in the memory unit 16, the treatment conditions can be read from the memory unit 16 and the stored treatment conditions can be changed and set as necessary.

[0024] A method for a therapist to set treatment conditions will be described. FIG. 3 shows the screen of the tablet 7 when setting treatment conditions, and is a screen displayed when a target treated person is selected from a list screen of saved treated people (not shown). If "Back" at the bottom left of the screen is touched, a list screen of saved treated people is displayed. As shown in FIG. 3, the treatment conditions of the treated person stored in the storage unit 16 are read and displayed, and if the treated person is new and the treatment conditions are not stored in the storage unit 16, the treatment conditions are not displayed and are blank. When modifying or setting new treatment conditions, the treatment conditions can be set by touching a part of the area 61 corresponding to the treatment conditions to be set. After setting the treatment conditions, the set treatment conditions are sent from the tablet 7 to the device body 2 by touching "Send" at the bottom right of the screen in FIG. 3.

[0025] Here, a method for setting the myoelectric sensitivity using the device main body 2 will be described. When the area 62 on the screen shown in FIG. 3 is touched, the screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the tablet 7. Then, the myoelectric sensitivity is increased or decreased by touching "+" or [-] on the screen so that all five myoelectric level LEDs of the LED display unit 15 are lit when the forearm is exerted, and all the myoelectric level LEDs are turned off when the forearm is relaxed. When all the myoelectric level LEDs are not lit even when the forearm is exerted with a strong force, the myoelectric sensitivity is adjusted to be higher, and when all the myoelectric level LEDs are not turned off even when the forearm is relaxed, the myoelectric sensitivity is adjusted to be lower. When the adjustment of the myoelectric sensitivity is completed and "Decidation" on the screen is touched, the myoelectric sensitivity is set and the screen returns to that of FIG. 3. The reason for adjusting the myoelectric sensitivity so that all the myoelectric level LEDs are turned off when the forearm is relaxed is that if noise enters the myoelectric detection circuit 20, it may erroneously recognize that a myoelectric potential has been detected, even though no myoelectric potential is being generated from the muscle, and an unexpected electrical stimulation may be output.

[0026] In addition, when the part of the area 61 in FIG. 3 corresponding to the treatment condition item "Store myoelectric potential before and after treatment" is touched, the screen in FIG. 5(a) is displayed. When the "Yes" part is touched on the screen in FIG. 5(a), the screen in FIG. 5(b) is displayed, and the measurement time before and after treatment is increased or decreased by touching "+" or [-] on the screen. When the adjustment is completed and "Confirm" is touched, the screen returns to the screen in FIG. 3, and the set measurement time is displayed in parentheses to the right of the item "Store myoelectric potential before and after treatment". When "No" is touched on the screen in FIG. 5(a), the screen returns to the screen in FIG. 3, and "No" is displayed to the right of the item "Store myoelectric potential before and after treatment". The operation of the electrical stimulation device 1 when the "Yes" part is touched on the screen in FIG. 5(a) will be described later.

[0027] After the treatment conditions are set, the treatment is started and the patient exerts force on the forearm. The myoelectric potential detected between the electrodes 9a and 9b is input to the myoelectric potential detection circuit 20, the control unit 18 calculates the myoelectric potential, and an output current according to the strength of the myoelectric potential flows between the bipolar electrodes 9 and 10, and electrical stimulation is applied to the wrist dorsiflexor muscles and finger extensor muscles. The application of this electrical stimulation promotes muscle contraction of the wrist dorsiflexor muscles and finger extensor muscles, which forces the wrist to dorsiflex and the fingers to extend, allowing the patient to train the motor function of the wrist and finger joints. When the set treatment time has elapsed, the output of the electrical stimulation automatically stops, and the treatment ends.

[0028] As described above, the strength of the myoelectric potential detected during treatment is divided into six sections, and five levels, 1 to 5, are set according to the strength of the myoelectric potential. The number of times (achievement number) that the myoelectric potential detected during treatment reaches each of levels 1 to 5 is counted, and the achievement number for each level is stored in the storage unit 16.

[0029] FIG. 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the tablet 7 during treatment. A waveform 71 displayed in a waveform display area 70 represents the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed area being treated, and a waveform 72 represents the current for providing electrical stimulation to the patient. Scales for the myoelectric potential and current are shown on the left and right sides of the waveform display area 70, respectively. The horizontal axis represents time, and the right end of the horizontal axis represents the current time during treatment. The label on the horizontal axis indicates the time from the start of treatment in minutes and seconds; for example, "0:20" represents the point in time 0 minutes and 20 seconds after the start of treatment.

[0030] In the leftmost area of ​​the screen, the minimum output (%), maximum output (%), and myoelectric sensitivity set as treatment conditions are displayed, and the myoelectric potential and current at the time of treatment are displayed as myoelectric potential detection (%) and current value (mA). The minimum output and maximum output are the minimum output and maximum output that limit the output of electrical stimulation as described above. In addition, in the area 73 on the left side of the waveform display area 70, the myoelectric potential at the time of treatment is displayed in 10% intervals as a bar graph. In the bar graph, the myoelectric potential at the time of treatment is displayed by changing the color of the shaded 0 to 20% area corresponding to the display of the myoelectric potential detection of 14%. In this way, the progress of the treatment of the myoelectric potential and the current can be confirmed by the waveforms 71 and 72. In addition, the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed area at the time of treatment can be confirmed by the bar graph and numerical values, and the current at the time of treatment can be confirmed by numerical values.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, the tablet 7 displays the myoelectric potential and current during treatment, and the correlation between the current and myoelectric potential during treatment can be confirmed. Therefore, a therapist such as a doctor or physical therapist can take measures according to the confirmation result, such as changing the treatment conditions during treatment. For example, if the result of confirming the correlation between the current and myoelectric potential indicates that the output of the electrical stimulation during treatment is weak, the output and the myoelectric sensitivity can be adjusted to be high, and if the result of confirming the correlation between the current and myoelectric potential indicates that the output of the electrical stimulation during treatment is strong, the output and the myoelectric sensitivity can be adjusted to be low. Note that the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed part is an example of information regarding the motor function of the paralyzed part, and the current is an example of predetermined information. Also, the myoelectric potential detection means is an example of a motor function detection means for detecting the motor function of the paralyzed part.

[0032] For example, by touching "Back" displayed at the bottom left of FIG. 6, the screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed, and by touching the part of the area 61 corresponding to the myoelectric sensitivity, the screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. Touch "+" or [-] on the screen to increase or decrease the myoelectric sensitivity. For example, the myoelectric sensitivity can be changed in 0.1 intervals. On the screen of FIG. 7, the myoelectric sensitivity is surrounded by a square so that the treatment condition being changed can be seen, but other methods such as changing the color of the text or making the text bolder may be used to make it recognizable. When the adjustment is completed and "Decid" is touched on the screen, the screen returns to that of FIG. 3, and by touching "Send" on the bottom right of the screen, the changed myoelectric sensitivity is sent to the device main body 2, and the myoelectric sensitivity can be adjusted during treatment.

[0033] Here, an acceleration sensor or the like may be used to detect the amount of movement of a joint related to the paralyzed part, and the detected amount of movement may be displayed instead of the myoelectric potential. That is, the amount of movement of the joint during treatment and the current may be displayed on the tablet 7. Also, the myoelectric potential, the amount of movement of the joint, and the current may be displayed on the tablet 7 during treatment. In addition, a dynamometer may be used to detect the muscle strength value of the paralyzed part, and the detected muscle strength value may be displayed instead of the myoelectric potential. That is, the muscle strength value and the current during treatment may be displayed on the tablet 7. Also, the myoelectric potential, muscle strength value, and current during treatment may be displayed on the tablet 7. The amount of movement of the joint related to the paralyzed part and the muscle strength value of the paralyzed part are examples of information on the motor function of the paralyzed part, and the acceleration sensor and the dynamometer are examples of motor function detection means.

[0034] 8(a) and (b) show examples of screens displayed on the tablet 7 before and after the start of treatment when "Yes" is selected on the screen of FIG. 5(a) when setting the treatment conditions. In this case, the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed part is detected when the treated person moves the paralyzed part voluntarily for a predetermined time (the time set on the screen of FIG. 5(b)) before the start of treatment, and the average value (myoelectric level before treatment) is obtained. After the treatment is completed, the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed part is detected when the treated person moves the paralyzed part voluntarily in the same manner as before the start of treatment, and the average value (myoelectric level after treatment) is obtained. Then, after the treatment is completed and the myoelectric level after treatment is obtained, the myoelectric level before treatment and the myoelectric level after treatment are displayed as shown in FIG. 9, so that it is possible to confirm whether the myoelectric level has improved by the treatment. The myoelectric level is an example of information on the motor function of the paralyzed part.

[0035] Also, a predetermined level (%) for myoelectric potential is set, and the number of times that the myoelectric potential detected by the myoelectric potential detection circuit 20 exceeds the predetermined level during treatment is counted, and the total number of times since the start of treatment is displayed on the tablet 7 during treatment. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the predetermined level can be displayed by a horizontal line 74 on a bar graph in an area 73, and the total number can be displayed in an upper part 75 of a waveform display area 70. If the therapist or the patient knows the total number of times that the myoelectric potential exceeded the predetermined level in past treatments, the therapist or the patient can receive treatment while comparing it with the past treatment results. Also, the above-mentioned total number of times in past treatments may be stored in the storage unit 16, and the total number of times in the previous treatment may be displayed next to the total number of times in the current treatment, for example. The total number of times is an example of information obtained based on the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed area.

[0036] Here, instead of comparing the myoelectric level before and after treatment to confirm the degree of improvement in motor function due to treatment, other indices may be compared. For example, an acceleration sensor or the like may be used to detect the movement amount of the joint related to the paralyzed part before and after treatment, and the detected values ​​may be displayed and compared to confirm the degree of improvement in motor function due to treatment. Also, a dynamometer may be used to detect the muscle strength value of the paralyzed part before and after treatment, and the detected values ​​may be displayed and compared to confirm the degree of improvement in motor function due to treatment.

[0037] FIG. 10 shows an example of displaying a past treatment history, which is displayed based on the treatment conditions and treatment result data stored in the storage unit 16. This treatment history can be confirmed by displaying it on the tablet 7, or by importing the data into a personal computer and displaying it on the monitor or printing it. A table 81 of treatment conditions for each treatment day, a table 82 of treatment results, and a graph 83 are displayed, and data during the treatment day is omitted. Table 81 displays treatment time (min), minimum output (%), maximum output (%), and myoelectric sensitivity as treatment conditions. Table 82 displays, as treatment results, the number of times that the myoelectric potential detected during treatment reached each of levels 1 to 5 (achievement number of times) and an index based on the achievement number of times. For each treatment day of graph 83, the rightmost bar graph (bar graph a on March 1st) is the number of times that level 1 was achieved, and the leftmost bar graph (bar graph b on March 1st) is the number of times that level 5 was achieved, and between them are displayed bar graphs of the number of times that levels 2 to 4 were achieved. In addition, an index based on the achievement number of times is displayed as a line graph c. Here, as an example of an index based on the number of times achieved, (n) x (number of times level n is achieved) is calculated for each of n = 1 to 5, and the total is calculated. According to this index, the higher the level and the more times it is achieved, the larger the index becomes.

[0038] According to FIG. 10, it is possible to confirm the extent to which the number of times each level is achieved changes as the treatment progresses. Also, by looking at the change in the index, it is possible to confirm whether the myoelectric potential during treatment is improving. According to the treatment history in FIG. 10, the number of times each level is achieved increases in the treatment results from March 13 to March 15 compared to the treatment results from March 1 to March 3, and the index based on the number of times achieved also increases, indicating that the myoelectric potential during treatment is improving.

[0039] (Embodiment 2) The second embodiment is another embodiment in which treatment is performed in the first treatment mode using the electrical stimulation device 1 described in the first embodiment. The tablet 7 displays the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed part being treated, and also displays a preset target myoelectric potential. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a myoelectric potential waveform 91 of the paralyzed part being treated and a target myoelectric potential waveform (sine wave as an example) 92 are displayed in a superimposed manner in one display area of ​​the screen of the tablet 7. A waveform 93 is a current waveform. In this case, the person being treated can confirm the correlation between the myoelectric potential waveform of the paralyzed part being treated and the target myoelectric potential waveform on the screen, so that the person can train to move the paralyzed part so that the myoelectric potential waveform of the paralyzed part approaches the target myoelectric potential waveform. In addition, the degree to which the actual myoelectric potential approaches the target myoelectric potential can be confirmed during treatment. Here, the target myoelectric potential is an example of predetermined information. The myoelectric potential waveform 91 of the paralyzed part and the target myoelectric potential waveform 92 may be displayed side by side on the top and bottom of the screen. Furthermore, for the target myoelectric potential, data of a basic waveform (sine wave, square wave, etc.) may be stored in the storage unit 16 and the data may be displayed. Furthermore, it may be possible to input the amplitude, frequency, etc. of the basic waveform, and the waveform may be generated and displayed based on the input data. Furthermore, it may be possible to allow the therapist to create a waveform by handwriting input using the tablet 7.

[0040] (Embodiment 3) The third embodiment is an embodiment in which treatment is performed in the second treatment mode using the electrical stimulation device 1 described in the first embodiment. In addition to placing the dual-use electrode 3 at the paralyzed part of the patient as in the first treatment mode, in the second treatment mode, the myoelectric electrode 5 is placed at the healthy part of the patient, and the myoelectric sensitivity is set using the above-mentioned method with the myoelectric electrode 5. The myoelectric potential detected between the electrodes 5a and 5b is input to the myoelectric potential detection circuit 21 and taken into the control unit 18. The control unit 18 performs signal processing to calculate the myoelectric potential, and controls the output control circuit 23 so that the output intensity of the next electrical stimulation to be applied to the paralyzed part via the dual-use electrode 3 corresponds to the calculated myoelectric potential intensity.

[0041] The tablet 7 displays the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed part being treated detected by the dual-use electrode 3 and the myoelectric potential of the healthy part being treated detected by the myoelectric electrode 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a myoelectric potential waveform 94 of the paralyzed part being treated and a myoelectric potential waveform 95 of the healthy part being treated are displayed in a single display area on the screen of the tablet 7 in an overlapping manner. A waveform 96 is a current waveform. The person being treated can check the correlation between the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed part being treated and the myoelectric potential of the healthy part on the screen, and therefore can train to move the paralyzed part so that the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed part approaches the myoelectric potential of the healthy part. In addition, it can be checked during treatment how close the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed part is to the myoelectric potential of the healthy part. Here, the myoelectric potential of the healthy part is an example of the predetermined information. The myoelectric potential waveform 94 of the paralyzed part and the myoelectric potential waveform 95 of the healthy part may be displayed side by side on the top and bottom of the screen.

[0042] (Embodiment 4) In the fourth embodiment, the electrical stimulation device 1 described in the first embodiment has a function of informing the patient of a paralyzed area under treatment by sounds of different musical scales according to the strength of the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed area. The sounds are emitted from a speaker provided in the tablet 7. As an example, as described in the first embodiment, the strength of the myoelectric potential is divided into six sections, and five levels 1 to 5 are set according to the strength of the myoelectric potential. The speaker emits the sound of the scale C when the myoelectric potential reaches level 1, the sound of the scale D when the myoelectric potential reaches level 2, the sound of the scale E when the myoelectric potential reaches level 3, the sound of the scale F when the myoelectric potential reaches level 4, and the sound of the scale G when the myoelectric potential reaches level 5.

[0043] The volume of each scale can be set by the therapist or the patient using the tablet 7. For example, the volume of the scale corresponding to a target level of myoelectric potential can be set to be louder than the volumes of the scales corresponding to other levels.

[0044] In this way, the tone of the scale C-G is used to notify the patient according to the level of the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed area detected during treatment. For example, when the patient is relaxing, it is effective to reduce muscle tension as much as possible, so it is possible to encourage the patient to make an effort to relax so that the tone becomes lower. If the tone becomes lower, the patient knows that the muscle is relaxed, and the patient can learn how to relax the muscle by using the change in tone as a clue. Note that, although an example of notifying the patient with the tone of the scale C-G has been described, the tone is not limited to the tone of the scale C-G, and other tone scales may be used to notify the patient.

[0045] The electrical stimulation device described in Patent Document 1 cannot notify information regarding the motor function of the paralyzed area (e.g., myoelectric potential) and specified information (e.g., target myoelectric potential) during treatment, and the correlation between them cannot be confirmed during treatment. However, with the electrical stimulation device according to embodiments 1 to 3, information regarding the motor function of the paralyzed area (e.g., myoelectric potential) and specified information (e.g., current, target myoelectric potential, myoelectric potential of a healthy area) can be notified during treatment, and the correlation between them can be confirmed during treatment.

[0046] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the tablet 7 is used as the notification means, but a stationary display, monitor, or a portable smartphone can be used as the notification means. The liquid crystal display unit 14 of the device body 2 may be used as the notification means. The liquid crystal display unit 14 may be enlarged so that the myoelectric potential and current during treatment can be easily confirmed on the device body 2. In addition, the tablet 7 is used to set the treatment conditions, but the operation switch unit 13 of the device body 2 may be used to set the treatment conditions. In addition, the present invention can be applied to an electrical stimulation device that can be worn by a person to be treated, such as by miniaturizing the device body 2 and fixing the device body 2 to the arm of the person to be treated using a mounting means such as a fixing band.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the electrostimulation device having one device body 2 has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to an electrostimulation device having a plurality of device bodies 2. In this case, the tablet 7 can wirelessly communicate with each device body 2, and the tablet 7 may display information on the plurality of device bodies 2. For example, the displays of myoelectric potentials during treatment as shown in FIG. 6 on each device body 2 may be displayed side by side on the screen of the tablet 7. Here, the information on the device body 2 includes information on motor function and predetermined information, as well as information on the minimum output (%), maximum output (%), treatment mode, treatment time, and the like set as treatment conditions. In addition, an example of wireless communication with the tablet 7 via a wireless dongle 8 attached to the device body 2 has been described, but a configuration in which wireless communication with the tablet 7 is performed without using the wireless dongle 8 by incorporating a circuit for wireless communication in the device body 2 may be used.

[0048] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a patient with disabilities in the dorsiflexion movement of the wrist or the extension movement of the fingers was treated. However, by increasing the electrode area to enlarge the dual-use electrode 3 and the electromyogram electrode 5 and raising the maximum output current of the electrical stimulation device 1, the present invention can also be applied to an electrical stimulation device for treating a patient with disabilities in the lower limbs.

[0049] In the fourth embodiment, the example of informing the user by sounds of different scales according to the strength of the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed area being treated has been described, but sounds of different volumes may be used. The user may also be informed by light, for example, by using lights of different colors according to the strength of the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed area being treated. The user may also be informed by vibration, for example, by varying the interval or size of the vibration, or by changing the vibration pattern, according to the strength of the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed area being treated. Furthermore, at least two of the above-mentioned sounds of different scales, sounds of different volumes, lights of different colors, and vibrations of different patterns may be used in combination. [Industrial Applicability]

[0050] The present invention can be applied to electrical stimulation devices used when a patient with paralysis in the upper or lower limbs undergoes functional recovery training for the paralyzed area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 Electrical Stimulation Device 2. Device body 3 Dual-use electrodes 4, 6 Electrode cable 5. EMG electrodes 7 Tablets 8 Wireless Dongle 9 Bipolar electrode 10 electrodes 13 Operation switch section 14 LCD display 15 LED display section 16 Memory section 17 Electrical stimulation means 18 Control Unit 19 Communication Circuits 20, 21 Myoelectric potential detection circuit 22 Battery Power 23 Output control circuit 24 Output transformer 25 Current detection circuit 26 Battery voltage detection circuit 27 Power supply circuit 28 Signal Input / Output Section

Claims

1. a myoelectric potential detecting means for detecting the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed part of the patient; an electrical stimulation means for applying an electric current to the paralyzed part of the patient; a notification means for notifying the time course of both the myoelectric potential and the current value as waveforms and for notifying the current values ​​as numerical values ​​at the time of treatment so that the therapist or the patient can confirm the correlation between the myoelectric potential and the current of the paralyzed area during treatment; An electrical stimulation device comprising:

2. The electrical stimulation device described in Claim 1, characterized in that the notification means notifies the predetermined target myoelectric potential so that the therapist or the patient can check the correlation between the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed area and the predetermined target myoelectric potential during treatment.

3. An electrical stimulation device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the notification means provides notification by at least one of sounds of different pitches, sounds of different volumes, lights of different colors, or vibrations of different patterns depending on the intensity of the muscle potential of the paralyzed area.

4. An electrical stimulation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrical stimulation device comprises a device main body, and the alarm means is provided in the device main body or is provided separately from the device main body.

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