Current stimulation device

Abstract

To solve the problem with a conventional current stimulation device used at a site where current stimulation is used that due to the specification that allows an optional frequency and an output or waveform to be output, the structure of the device tends to be complicated and large-sized, and inevitably becomes expensive.SOLUTION: A current stimulation device includes: a body part; a current generation part for outputting a plurality of electric signals; an electrode part disposed in an object to which the electric signal is imparted; a mode selection part for selecting a mode for outputting the electric signal; and a control part for executing control of the current generation part so as to output the electric signal according to the selected mode. A first mode, which is one of the modes, is a mode for outputting an electric signal of a first frequency, outputting an electric signal of a second frequency subsequent to the electric signal of the first frequency, and outputting an electric signal of a third frequency subsequent to the electric signal of the second frequency.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric current stimulation device used in physical therapy for applying electric current stimulation to the skin surface or transcutaneously of the human body. [Background technology]

[0002] Various devices have been proposed to stimulate the human body from the skin surface for the purposes of achieving cosmetic effects, relieving muscle stiffness and fatigue, or for therapeutic purposes such as pain relief, muscle tension relief, and tissue repair. For example, devices that apply electrical current stimulation using electrical signals include therapeutic devices that supply low-frequency electrical signals to living organisms to achieve therapeutic effects such as pain relief and motor function improvement, and so-called EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) devices that stimulate muscles to achieve exercise effects. In addition, there are various methods of electrical current stimulation, such as transcutaneous electrical stimulation, high-voltage stimulation, and weak current (weak electrical signals), each of which has different effects on the living organism, and these are selected depending on various purposes such as treatment and beauty.

[0003] In particular, Patent Document 1 describes a device that uses a special electrical signal with a ramp-up and ramp-down to temporarily but instantaneously increase or decrease muscle output. In this specification, physical energy used in treatment, beauty treatment, or diagnosis, such as current or voltage with an AC or frequency component (e.g., low or high frequency), or transcutaneously applied electrical energy such as a sine wave, pulse, or impulse, is collectively or individually referred to as an electrical signal or pulse. It may also be referred to as a therapeutic wave, electrical stimulation, current stimulation, or therapeutic current. Furthermore, an electrical signal or pulse may be a pulse train of rectangular pulses or a pulse train of composite pulses, a sine wave, a triangular wave, a sawtooth wave, a step wave, or an impulse train, and may be positive or negative polarity only, or may be bipolar. Furthermore, a composite wave generated by the interaction of multiple pulses is also simply referred to as an electrical signal or pulse, and a composite wave generated by a sine wave is also simply referred to as an electrical signal or pulse. In current stimulation devices using these, for example, a conductive adhesive pad is attached to the human body, such as an affected area or treatment site, or a cup equipped with electrodes is attached to the affected area or treatment site by creating negative pressure inside the cup, thereby supplying current stimulation to the affected area or treatment site from the electrodes inside the adhesive pad or cup. Alternatively, the electrodes may be wrapped around the human body with a belt to supply electrical signals. In this specification, the term "current stimulation device" refers collectively to treatment devices, medical devices, massage machines, diagnostic devices, training devices, devices used for health management and fatigue recovery, and beauty devices that use electrical stimulation. The term "treatment" refers to each or all of the actions that apply transcutaneous electrical stimulation, such as treatment, diagnosis, massage, health management, or beauty treatment using a current stimulation device. The person operating the current stimulation device, such as a person performing treatment or massage using a current stimulation device, a person performing diagnosis using a current stimulation device, or a person performing beauty treatment using a current stimulation device, is referred to as the "user," and the person receiving treatment is referred to as the "patient." Furthermore, the part of the human body to which electrical stimulation is applied or treated is referred to as the "affected area."Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the reference to an electrical current stimulation device does not exclude massage devices, diagnostic devices, cosmetic devices, or devices for injury prevention, and the reference to a patient does not refer only to those with injuries or illnesses, but also to those undergoing examinations or cosmetic treatments. Similarly, the reference to an affected area does not refer only to the area with injuries or illnesses, but also to the part of the body being examined or the part of the body receiving cosmetic treatment. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the reference to electrical signals used for treatment does not exclude electrical signals or pulses used for massage, diagnosis, health management, or cosmetic treatments. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-85998 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In settings where electrical current stimulation is used, particularly in medical and cosmetic treatment settings, the electrical current stimulation devices primarily used are general-purpose devices that can freely set various electrical signal parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and pulse width so that various treatments can be performed. However, such general-purpose devices tend to have complex structures and large sizes due to the specifications that allow them to output any frequency, output, or waveform, which inevitably makes them expensive.

[0006] Furthermore, even professional users such as doctors and physical therapists are still not very familiar with electrical stimulation, and due to a lack of knowledge and experience, it is difficult for users to properly set parameters according to the treatment, resulting in incorrect treatment or in the use of inappropriate electrical signals, resulting in issues such as less than expected therapeutic effects or inefficiencies in treatment.In particular, when used at home, where users often do not have specialized knowledge, it is often more difficult to use an electrical stimulation device, and there are problems such as the inability to supply appropriate electrical signals to the affected area or treatment site, resulting in ineffective treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the current stimulation device based on the present invention comprises a main body unit, a current generating unit that outputs multiple electrical signals, an electrode unit that is placed on a subject to which the electrical signals are to be applied, a mode selecting unit that selects a mode in which to output the electrical signals, and a control unit that controls the current generating unit to output electrical signals according to the selected mode, and is characterized in that one of the modes, a first mode, is a mode that outputs an electrical signal of a first frequency, outputs an electrical signal of a second frequency following the electrical signal of the first frequency, and outputs an electrical signal of a third frequency following the electrical signal of the second frequency.

[0008] Furthermore, the first frequency has the effect of making muscles tense or prone to tense up, the second frequency has the effect of relaxing muscles or making them prone to relaxation, and the third frequency has the greatest effect of promoting healing compared to the first and second frequencies. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention having the above configuration can automatically set up each treatment, avoiding the need for cumbersome device settings and achieving safe and efficient treatment.

[0010] The present invention having the above configuration not only realizes cost reduction by providing the necessary electrical stimulation treatment with a simpler configuration, but also realizes more reliable and effective treatment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a current stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the main body of the current stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is an explanatory diagram of an electrical signal output by a current stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing control of an electrical signal output by a current stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is an explanatory diagram of an electrical signal output by a current stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is an explanatory diagram of an electrical signal output by a current stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (First embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric current stimulation device 1 used in this embodiment to explain the present invention. The electric current stimulation device 1 is used to apply an electric signal to a treatment area or a surgical site to perform treatment or therapy, thereby providing electrical therapeutic or cosmetic effects. The electric current stimulation device 1 is used by connecting a pair of electrode pads 12 consisting of electrodes A121 and B122, which are electrodes to be placed on a target to which an electric signal is to be supplied, to a main body 11 via a cable 13. Each of electrodes A121 and B122 has a conductive adhesive gel layer disposed on one surface. The front of the main body 11 of the electric current stimulation device 1 is provided with a display unit 21, a mode selection button A15, a mode selection button B16, a mode selection button C17, a lock button 18, and a switch 10. The right side of the main body 11 is provided with a connection unit 217 to which the cable 13 is connected, and a main power supply 14 is provided on the top of the main body 11. A circuit board 19, as described below, is also provided inside the main body 11. Mode selection button A15, mode selection button B16, and mode selection button C17 are provided as a mode selection section, but the mode selection section is not limited to this and may be configured, for example, so that the mode can be displayed on the display section 21 and selected, as long as the mode that defines the output of the electrical signal described below can be appropriately selected.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the circuit board 19. The circuit board 19 is located inside the main body 11 and is composed of a current generator 204, an output circuit that outputs an electrical signal supplied to the affected area for treatment; a control unit 203 that controls the operation of the main body 11, including the current generator 204; a timer 207; a user interface unit 201; a power supply unit 206; and a memory 205. The control unit 203 incorporates a CPU, internal memory, and various interfaces that connect to the above components. The control unit 203 is connected to and controls the current generator 204, which generates an electrical signal that provides electrical stimulation, the timer 207 that manages the output time, the user interface unit 201, and the memory 205. The user interface unit 201 is connected to the main power supply 14 and other buttons used by the user, and transmits information about the use of these buttons to the control unit 203 and displays the information on the display unit 21. The power consumed by each component is supplied from a battery 208 as a power source. The power supply unit 206 controls the power to a predetermined constant voltage, e.g., 5 V, and supplies the power to each component via the control unit 203. Instead of the battery 208, the power source may be a power source that is connected to a wall outlet or the like to receive power.

[0014] The electric current stimulation device 1 is used as follows. First, the user turns on the main power supply 14 and attaches the electrode pad 12 to the affected area. When the main power supply 14 is turned on, the display unit 21 displays the status of the main unit 11, information about the output electrical signal, and measurement time. For example, the mode name (e.g., care mode, multi-mode, or combination mode) and the remaining charge of the battery 208 are displayed according to the characteristics of the electric current stimulation device 1. The display unit 21 may be, for example, a touch-panel LCD display, and may serve as both a display and an input device. When the user presses one of the mode selection buttons A15 to C17 to select a mode, the user interface unit 201 transmits the selected information to the control unit 203. The control unit 203 then reads necessary information, such as parameters specifying the electrical signal used in the selected mode, from the memory 205 and supplies them to the electric current generation unit 204. Furthermore, when the user presses the switch 10, the information is transmitted to the control unit 203 via the user interface unit 201. The control unit 203 then instructs the electric current generation unit 204 to output the selected electrical signal. The current generating unit 204 outputs an electrical signal (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a treatment current) used for treatment in accordance with the supplied parameters, i.e., in response to instructions from the control unit 203. The output treatment current is supplied to the affected area by the electrode pad 12 via the cable 13 connected to the connection unit 217 of the main unit 11. At the same time, information that the output of the electrical signal has started is sent to the timer 207, which starts measuring time, such as the treatment time, for which the electrical signal is output by the current generating unit 204, i.e., the time for which the electrical signal is supplied to the affected area, for example, 1 hour, 3 hours, 11 hours, or 12 hours, as described below. Information regarding the measurement by the timer 207, such as information indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed, is fed back to the control unit 203. In response to this feedback, the control unit 203 stops the supply of power to the current generating unit 204 or controls the output electrical signal to change, thereby stopping the output of the electrical signal or changing the electrical signal. The treatment time is not limited to 1 hour, 12 hours, etc., and may be longer or shorter, and may be set or adjusted appropriately by the user in consideration of the condition of the affected area. Note that if the switch 10 is pressed again while an electrical signal is being output, the output will be stopped.Pressing and holding the lock button 18 locks the main unit 11, disabling operation of the main unit 11 and preventing malfunction of the main unit 11 due to unintentional touching of the buttons and switches of the main unit 11. Pressing and holding the lock button 18 again unlocks the main unit 11, allowing operation of the main unit 11 again.

[0015] As described above, the electric current stimulation device 1 in this embodiment operates in one of three output modes: care mode, multi-mode, or combination mode. The care mode is primarily effective for repairing tissue, for example, for recovering from damage caused by injuries such as sprains and bruises to muscles and joints, i.e., promoting healing. The multi-mode is effective for promoting recovery from fatigue, and the combination mode combines the care mode with an electrical signal that has a pain-relieving effect, aiming to both relieve pain and recover from injury.

[0016] In this embodiment, the mode selection button A15 corresponds to the care mode, the mode selection button B16 corresponds to the multi-mode, and the mode selection button C17 corresponds to the combination mode, and pressing any of these buttons selects one of the corresponding modes. For example, operating the mode selection button A15 selects the care mode, pressing the mode selection button B16 selects the multi-mode, and pressing the mode selection button C17 selects the combination mode.

[0017] The electrical signal output by the current stimulation device 1 in this embodiment is a weak electrical signal. The weak current is an extremely weak electrical signal of 1 mA or less, which has the effect of promoting healing and speeding up recovery from injuries. Furthermore, because the electrical signal used is a weak current value, the user does not even notice that an electrical signal is being applied, and even if the current is applied for a long period of time, the user does not feel any stress due to the electrical signal. This allows the user to continue treatment without strain, even with electrical treatment that uses an electrical signal, resulting in improved treatment efficiency. Furthermore, the electrical signal output by the current stimulation device 1 of the present invention can focus on effects other than healing promotion, as indicated by the frequency and electrical signal waveform, thereby achieving further overall improvements in the healing promotion effect and treatment.

[0018] The electrical signals used by the electrical current stimulation device 1 will now be described. The current generating unit 204 generates an output current I using a bipolar pulse as shown in FIG. 3(c) as a treatment current in response to instructions from the control unit 203, and can generate a pulse train as shown in FIG. 3(e). However, the pulse in FIG. 3(c) may be a bipolar pulse as shown in FIG. 3(d), and may not be a bipolar pulse but may be a unipolar pulse of only positive or only negative polarity. Note that the absolute value of the current is simply referred to as the current value in this specification. The output current I has both high and low current value states, so a high current value state is referred to as High, and a low current value state is referred to as Low. Therefore, a HIGH state, as shown in FIG. 3(e), can indicate both a positive and a negative state. The LOW state includes a state where the current value is zero. Furthermore, while each diagram in FIG. 3 shows an electrical signal with time on the horizontal axis and current value on the vertical axis, the present invention is not limited to this; the vertical axis may also indicate voltage or power.

[0019] The current generating unit 204 basically outputs an electrical signal as shown in FIG. 3(e) by repeatedly using the pulses shown in FIG. 3(c), but the output may also be controlled as shown in FIG. 3(a). The electrical signal shown in FIG. 3(a) will now be described. A collection of pulses is referred to as a pulse group, and each electrical signal is composed of multiple pulse groups. In particular, the electrical signal shown in FIG. 3(a) is represented as a fifth signal including: a first signal, which is a pulse group composed of first pulses whose amplitude gradually increases from a first amplitude (non-zero); a second signal, which is a pulse group output after the first signal and composed of second pulses whose amplitude is non-zero (second amplitude); a third signal, which is a pulse group composed of multiple third pulses output after the second signal and whose amplitude gradually decreases to the third amplitude; and a fourth signal, which is composed of multiple fourth pulses whose amplitude is maintained at a fourth amplitude (non-zero). While the vertical axis in each diagram in FIG. 3 represents current values, the electrical signals may also be represented as voltage values or power values.

[0020] 3(b) is a schematic diagram of the fifth signal, and for simplicity, the following explanation will be made using FIG. 3(b). The first signal, second signal, third signal, fourth signal, and fifth signal are shown as first signal 301, second signal 302, third signal 303, fourth signal 304, and fifth signal 305, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0021] In FIG. 3(a), each electrical signal is configured by repeatedly outputting a pulse waveform as shown in FIG. 3(c), and each pulse group is configured by pulses such as those shown in FIG. 3(c) and FIG. 3(d). The first signal 301, the second signal 302, the third signal 303, the fourth signal 304, and the fifth signal 305 are configured by repeatedly using the basic pulse while controlling the amplitude of the basic pulse (hereinafter referred to as variable amplitude control). Hereinafter, the first signal 301, the second signal 302, the third signal 303, the fourth signal 304, and the fifth signal 305 may be simply referred to as the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, the fourth signal, and the fifth signal. In this embodiment, the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse are described as basic pulses that configure the respective signals, and are pulses as shown in FIG. 3(c). However, they may each be configured by different pulses.

[0022] Figure 4 shows the repeated output of the fifth signal, an electrical signal delivered to the affected area, at different durations. When treatment begins, the fifth signal is output at T501, followed by T502, T503, and so on. The duration of each fifth signal decreases from 1 second at T501, 0.67 seconds at T502, 0.5 seconds at T503, 0.4 seconds at T504, and 0.2 seconds at T509. The duration then increases from 0.22 seconds at T510, 0.25 seconds at T511, 0.29 seconds at T512, and so on, until it finally returns to 1 second at T517. This control is repeated thereafter. For example, after T517, a 0.67-second fifth signal is output at T518. In other words, during the treatment, the fifth signal is repeatedly output with durations from T501 to T517, gradually changing its duration. This control of changing the time of the fifth signal is called variable time control. Note that controlling the time of the fifth signal also corresponds to changing the frequency at which the fifth signal is repeatedly output, so the control in Figure 4 is also variable output frequency control.

[0023] With the control shown in Figure 4, the duration of the supplied electrical signal is not constant, but is constantly variably controlled, and the patient feels that the frequency of the supplied electrical signal has changed, making it difficult for them to become accustomed to the electrical stimulation. The effects of good electrical stimulation can be maintained for a long period of time, improving the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0024] In the control shown in Figure 4, if we consider T501 and other periods as one cycle, the fifth signal is 1 Hz at T501 because it is 1 second, and the fifth signal is 0.2 seconds at T509 because it is several 5 Hz, ultimately controlling the frequency to change from 1 Hz to 5 Hz. However, this is not limited to this; the frequency may be controlled from 2 Hz or even up to 10 Hz. Furthermore, while the control shown in Figure 4 changes the frequency from 1 Hz to 5 Hz at a constant rate of change of 0.5 Hz, it may also be controlled in increments of 0.4 Hz, 0.6 Hz, or even 1 Hz, i.e., at a constant frequency change. Figure 4 shows the frequency being changed from 1 Hz to 5 Hz, then from 5 Hz to 1 Hz, and this frequency control is then repeated.

[0025] In variable frequency control, the amount of frequency variation may be controlled at a fixed rate. In the above control, the frequency may be changed at a fixed rate, such as 1 Hz for T501, 1.5 Hz for T502, 2.2 Hz for T503, 3.3 Hz for T504, and 5 Hz for T505. However, the frequency may also be increased by 1.5 times or decreased by one-third, for example. Furthermore, the frequency may be controlled by applying a specific mathematical formula to the change.

[0026] Here, for T1 to T4, which are the durations of the first to fourth signals, the subscript 01 is used in T501 to represent the duration of the first signal as T101, the duration of the second signal as T201, the duration of the third signal as T301, and the duration of the fourth signal as T401, and these are shown at the position of T501 in Fig. 4. Hereafter, T502 will be represented as T102, T202, T302, and T402 using 02, and T503 will be represented as T103, T203, T303, and T403 using 03, and so on.

[0027] In the control shown in Figure 4, the duration of each signal constituting the fifth signal is gradually shortened or lengthened. Therefore, T1, T2, T3, and T4 are also controlled to shorten or lengthen in accordance with the change in T5. For example, if T1 is 30% of T5, T2 is 14% of T5, T3 is 30% of T5, and T4 is 26% of T5, then T501 is 1 second, T101 = 0.3 seconds, T201 = 0.14 seconds, T301 = 0.3 seconds, and T401 = 0.26 seconds. Since T503 = 0.5 seconds, T1 through T4 can be calculated as half of the values of T501. At T505, this becomes 0.33 seconds, so at T505, these can be determined by dividing T101, T201, T301, and T401 by one third, as T105, T205, T305, and T405.

[0028] The duration of each signal in the fifth signal may not be increased or decreased at a fixed rate as in the control of Figure 4, but may be controlled so that the amount of change in some signals, for example, only the first signal or the first and third signals, is greater than the amount of change in the second signal. In this case, the first and third signals will increase or decrease significantly, but the second signal will increase or decrease less than the first and third signals. Furthermore, the duration of the fourth signal may also be controlled so that the increase or decrease is small, which is suitable for cases where you want to emphasize the effect of the second signal.

[0029] In the control example described above, the durations of the signals constituting the fifth signal are changed in accordance with the change in the duration of the fifth signal. Alternatively, control may be performed to change only a portion of the duration of each waveform. For example, T101 = T102 = T103 = T104 = = = 0.03 seconds, T201 = T202 = T203 = T204 = = = 0.1 seconds, and T301 = T302 = T303 = T304 = = = 0.03 seconds, i.e., these may be kept constant. In this case, only the duration of the fourth signal may be controlled, for example, T401 = 0.84 seconds, T402 = 0.51 seconds, T403 = 0.34 seconds, T404 = 0.24 seconds, and T409 = 0.04 seconds. From T510 onward, the time corresponding to T4 is controlled to increase sequentially. The present invention is not limited to this, and the respective times may be controlled differently when the frequency increases and decreases. Furthermore, although the durations of the first, second, and third signals are constant, the present invention is not limited to this. The durations of the first and third signals may be constant, or the durations of the second and fourth signals may be constant, or both may be constant. Alternatively, the total duration of specific signals may be constant. For example, the total duration of the first, second, and third signals may be constant, but the lengths of the first and second signals may be varied.

[0030] In the above examples, control of each signal is achieved by controlling only the amplitude of the basic pulse. However, this is not limited to this; the pulse width or frequency of the basic pulse may also be changed. For example, instead of increasing the duration of the second signal, the pulse width may be increased from 100 μsec. For example, instead of increasing the duration of the second signal to 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, or 0.045 seconds, the pulse width may be controlled to, for example, 100 μsec, 150 μsec, 200 μsec, 250 μsec, 300 μsec, 350 μsec, 400 μsec, or 450 μsec while keeping the duration of the second signal constant. This use of pulse width control does not exclude control of the signal duration, e.g., the duration of the second signal; both pulse width control and signal duration control may also be used.

[0031] In the present invention, the amplitude of each signal does not have to be set individually, but may be changed, for example, by changing the first amplitude, the third amplitude, and the fourth amplitude in conjunction with the second amplitude. Note that the fifth signal shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) is output repeatedly, and therefore can also be expressed as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b).

[0032] In this embodiment, the basic pulse frequencies shown in Figures 3(c) and 3(d) are 400 Hz, 200 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 Hz, or 0.2 Hz. In this embodiment, a weak current is used, such as an electrical signal with an amplitude of 50 μA to 250 μA, which does not induce muscle contraction. Such a weak current not only does not induce muscle contraction, but also promotes healing by accelerating the repair of muscle tissue and other joint tissues. Therefore, the current stimulation device 1 of this embodiment is also used to promote healing of affected areas. While the output of the electrical signal used is described above as 50 μA to 250 μA, this is not limited to this. Any weak current that is imperceptible to the human body may be used. For example, a current value of 30 μA to 500 μA may be used instead of 50 μA to 250 μA.

[0033] In this embodiment, the 400 Hz used is highly effective in suppressing pain in the affected area, even when using a weak current like the current stimulation device 1. A 100 Hz electrical signal is likely to induce muscle tension, even when using a weak current. Here, muscle tension refers to a state in which muscles are tense or prone to tension. While it can also refer to a state in which muscle contraction has occurred, it is assumed here to encompass a state in which muscle contraction is likely to occur, and hereafter, these terms will be simply referred to as "tension" or "muscle tension." In a current stimulation device using a weak current like this embodiment, an electrical signal with an amplitude that does not induce muscle contraction is applied, so muscle contraction itself does not occur, but muscle tension or a state prone to muscle contraction occurs. Note that an electrical signal with a frequency between 400 Hz and 100 Hz, for example, 200 Hz, may produce both pain suppression and muscle tension effects. However, the pain suppression effect at 200 Hz is slightly lower than at 400 Hz, and the muscle tension effect is also slightly lower than at 100 Hz, but both effects tend to be more easily achieved. Conversely, at low frequencies of around 1 Hz, even weak current values, i.e., amplitudes that do not induce muscle contraction, have the opposite effect of a 100 Hz electrical signal: they relax muscle tone, or put muscles into a state where they are more likely to relax (hereafter, collectively referred to as "relaxation" or "muscle relaxation"). This has the effect of improving muscle stiffness. Furthermore, at frequencies of around 0.2 Hz, the muscle relaxation effect is weaker, but the healing promotion effect, which is an inherent effect of weak current values, is maximized. In other words, the promotion of healing by weak current becomes more effective as the frequency decreases. As the frequency increases from 0.2 Hz to around 1 Hz, muscle tension relaxation and relaxation effects occur, and as the frequency increases further to around 100 Hz, muscle tension effects tend to replace muscle relaxation. However, at 1 Hz and 100 Hz, the original effect of weak current, the promotion of tissue healing, is still maintained, although slightly reduced compared to 0.2 Hz. Compared to 100Hz and 1Hz, 0.2Hz has the greatest healing-promoting effect, and as the frequency increases, the tissue healing effect decreases slightly compared to 0.2Hz, but the effects of muscle relaxation and muscle tension appear instead.In other words, at 100 Hz, the effects of muscle tension and tissue healing are achieved, at 1 Hz, the effects of muscle relaxation and tissue healing are achieved, and at 0.2 Hz, the effects of muscle tension and relaxation are reduced but instead the strongest effect of promoting tissue healing is achieved.

[0034] Therefore, the current stimulation device 1 of the present invention can output electrical signals in a first output mode, a care mode, which combines a first frequency for muscle tension, a second frequency for muscle relaxation, and a third frequency that has a stronger tissue healing effect than the first and second frequencies, and can perform treatment using the first output mode. In the care mode, an electrical signal such as that shown in Figure 3(e), which does not have amplitude control like Figures 3(a) and 3(b), is used continuously throughout the treatment period. However, regarding the basic pulse frequency, a 100 Hz electrical signal is first output as the first frequency, and after the first output time, for example, 5 minutes, during which the first frequency electrical signal is output, it switches to a 1 Hz electrical signal, which is the second frequency. After the second output time, for example, 5 minutes, during which the second frequency electrical signal is output, it switches to a 0.2 Hz electrical signal, which is the third frequency. The third frequency electrical signal is output for a third output time, e.g., 5 minutes, during which the third frequency electrical signal is output, and then switches back to the first frequency electrical signal, and this cycle is repeated. If an electrical signal including the first frequency electrical signal, the second frequency electrical signal output following the first frequency electrical signal, and the third frequency electrical signal output following the second frequency electrical signal is referred to as a sixth signal, the care mode is a mode in which the sixth signal is repeatedly output for 12 hours, which is the fourth output time. In the care mode, the control unit 203 controls the current generating unit 204 so that the sixth signal, which is the set electrical signal, is repeatedly output for 12 hours, which is the treatment time. The fourth time is the time during which the output of the electrical signal is maintained and also corresponds to the treatment time.

[0035] In this embodiment, 50 μA is used as the amplitude of the electrical signal for the care mode. When the user presses the mode selection button A15 to select the care mode as the mode to be used for treatment, the control unit 203 reads and acquires the above parameters from the memory 205, automatically sets the output to 50 μA, and sends them to the current generation unit 204. At the same time, the timer 207 is set to 12 hours as the treatment time, thereby enabling the output of the care mode electrical signal. However, the amplitude of the output for the care mode, which is the first output mode, is not limited to 50 μA and may be greater than this, for example, 70 μA or 100 μA or more. While the first output time, second output time, and third output time may be constant, it is desirable to set the second output time and the third output time longer than the first output time, as in this embodiment, so that the most effective healing promotion by muscle relaxation can be achieved.

[0036] In care mode, a weak current sufficient to heal biological tissue is output during all three output times. Furthermore, in care mode, muscle tension is first imparted during the first output time, followed by muscle relaxation during the second output time. This results in muscle tension followed by muscle relaxation, resulting in a more effective state of muscle relaxation than simply providing muscle relaxation alone. When the third-frequency electrical signal, which is most effective for healing biological tissue, is applied in this state—that is, by combining muscle tension, muscle relaxation, and healing promotion into a single cycle—the healing effect of the third-frequency electrical signal is maximized, resulting in more effective tissue healing than when only the third-frequency electrical signal is applied, thereby improving the efficacy and efficiency of treatment. Furthermore, even if sufficient muscle relaxation is not achieved in a single cycle, repeating this cycle effectively provides muscle relaxation throughout the entire affected area, resulting in overall tissue healing. This provides more effective treatment than when only the third-frequency electrical signal is applied to the affected area.

[0037] Next, we will explain the second output mode, multimode. When the user presses the mode selection button B16 to select multimode as the mode to be used for treatment, the control unit 203 reads and acquires from memory 205 the parameters that define the electrical signal shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 4, automatically sets the output to 250 μA, sends them to the current generation unit 204, and sets the treatment time to 3 hours in timer 207. The strength of the applied electrical signal, i.e., the amplitude of the current value, is a weak current as described above, and in this embodiment, 250 μA is used. With such a weak current, the basic pulse frequency is 200 Hz, which is the fourth frequency, so that healing of biological tissue can be achieved even at deep locations using electrical signals generated by a weak current. Furthermore, a weak electrical signal is intermittently supplied to deeper tissues. For example, if the fifth signal is applied at 1 Hz, the strength of the weak electrical signal deep in the muscles and joints varies at 1 Hz. This produces effects equivalent to those achieved by applying a weak electrical signal at 1 Hz, such as muscle relaxation and fatigue recovery. This not only enables treatments that promote healing using weak electrical signals, but also improves the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment. Furthermore, the basic pulse frequency of the electrical signal output in this mode is 200 Hz, which also suppresses pain, making it effective for muscle relaxation, pain relief, and tissue healing. The fourth frequency is not limited to 200 Hz; it can be, for example, 400 Hz, as long as it achieves pain suppression. While the electrical signal output is set to 250 μA, the present invention is not limited to this value. It can be below 250 μA, for example, 200 μA or 150 μA, or above 250 μA, such as 300 μA or 500 μA, as long as the user does not feel the electrical signal being supplied. As described above, the amplitude of the electrical signal output in multimode, 250 μA, indicates the amplitude of the second signal, and the amplitude of the fourth signal is set to 100 μA, which is, for example, 40% of the amplitude of the second signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be less than or greater than 100 μA.Furthermore, the fifth signal shown in each of Figures 3, 4, and 5 indicates a case where the amplitude of the second signal and the amplitude of the fourth signal are constant, but the present invention is not limited to this, and these may also be cases where they are not constant, and for example, the fifth signal shown in Figure 6(a) or 6(b) may be used.

[0038] Finally, we will explain the third output mode, combination mode. When the user presses the mode selection button C17 to select combination mode as the treatment mode, the control unit 203 reads and acquires parameters defining the electrical signal (described below) from memory 205, automatically sets the output to 250 μA and 50 μA, sends them to the current generation unit 204, and sets the electrical signal output times to 1 hour and 11 hours in the timer 207. This third output mode combines the care mode and an electrical signal with a fifth frequency of 400 Hz, and is effective for areas with severe pain. In combination mode, the electrical signal shown in Figure 3(e) is first used, and the 400 Hz electrical signal is output at 250 μA for the fifth output time of 1 hour, after which it switches to the 50 μA electrical signal in multi-mode. In other words, in combination mode, a 400 Hz electrical signal is first output for 1 hour. Next, a 100 Hz electrical signal is output for 5 minutes, followed by a 1 Hz electrical signal for 5 minutes, followed by a 0.2 Hz electrical signal for 5 minutes, then again at 100 Hz for 5 minutes, 1 Hz for 5 minutes, and 0.2 Hz for 5 minutes, and then again at 100 Hz for 5 minutes, 1 Hz for 5 minutes, and 0.2 Hz for 5 minutes, until the sixth output time in combination mode, for example, 11 hours, is reached. In combination mode, the electrical signal is output for a total of 12 hours, which is the seventh output time. Even in this mode, the output is not limited to 50 μA or 250 μA; a current of 1 mA or less is desirable as a current stimulation device that uses weak electrical signals and is not noticeable to the user.

[0039] In combination mode, first, an electrical signal of the fifth frequency, which is effective in pain suppression, is output to suppress pain, and then the care mode has the effects of muscle tension, muscle relaxation, and healing promotion, thereby achieving the most effective and efficient treatment for pain suppression and healing.

[0040] In the combination mode, a 400 Hz electrical signal is first applied, followed by 100 Hz, 1 Hz, and 0.2 Hz electrical signals, resulting in pain relief, muscle tone, muscle relaxation, and the strongest healing promotion. That is, a fifth frequency electrical signal, which is effective for pain suppression, a first frequency electrical signal, which induces muscle tone, a second frequency electrical signal, which induces muscle relaxation, and a third frequency electrical signal, which is most effective for healing promotion, are applied, and then the first, second, and third frequency electrical signals are repeatedly applied. In other words, a sixth signal is repeatedly output following the fifth frequency electrical signal.

[0041] Although the fifth electrical signal is used only at the beginning of the combination mode, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fifth frequency electrical signal may be used periodically or repeatedly, which may be effective in cases of severe pain.

[0042] An example of repeatedly using the electrical signal of the fifth frequency may be control in which the electrical signal of the fifth frequency is first output, followed by the sixth signal being output multiple times, for example, four times, and then the electrical signal of the fifth frequency being output again, and this process is repeated. One sixth signal requires 15 minutes, which is the sum of the first output time, the second output time, and the third output time. If the sixth signal is output four times, it takes one hour. In other words, the fifth electrical signal is output every hour and applied to the affected area. Note that although the sixth signal is output four times in this example, it may be output two or more times.

[0043] In addition, the longer the duration of the electrical signal of the fifth frequency, the shorter the number of sixth signals, i.e., the time for which the sixth signals are output, and therefore the effect of promoting healing becomes insufficient. Therefore, as the treatment time progresses, the number of sixth signals, i.e., the time interval for which the electrical signals of the fifth frequency are output, may be lengthened, or the fifth output time for which the electrical signals of the fifth frequency are output may be shortened, thereby lengthening the number of sixth signals or the time for which the sixth signals are output.

[0044] For example, as described above, when the combination mode starts, the electrical signal of the fifth frequency is output for one hour, followed by four sixth signals (60 minutes), a second electrical signal of the fifth frequency being output for one hour, followed by eight sixth signals (120 minutes), a third electrical signal of the fifth frequency being output for one hour, followed by twelve sixth signals (180 minutes), a fourth electrical signal of the fifth frequency being output for one hour, and then the sixth signal being output. In other words, the time for which the sixth signal is output may be lengthened to lengthen the time interval between the output of the fifth frequency electrical signals.

[0045] Alternatively, as described above, when the combination mode starts, the electrical signal of the fifth frequency is output for one hour, followed by four outputs of the sixth signal (60 minutes), a second output of the electrical signal of the fifth frequency for 45 minutes, after which the sixth signal is output again four outputs (60 minutes), a third output of the electrical signal of the fifth frequency for 30 minutes, after which the sixth signal is output four outputs (60 minutes), and a fourth output of the electrical signal of the fifth frequency for 15 minutes. In other words, the control may be such that only the output time of the electrical signal of the fifth frequency is shortened.

[0046] Alternatively, as described above, when the combination mode starts, the electrical signal of the fifth frequency is output for one hour, followed by four outputs of the sixth signal (60 minutes), followed by a second output of the fifth frequency for 45 minutes, followed by eight outputs of the sixth signal (120 minutes), followed by a third output of the fifth frequency for 30 minutes, followed by 12 outputs of the sixth signal (180 minutes), followed by a fourth output of the fifth frequency for 15 minutes, and then only the sixth signal is output repeatedly. In other words, the control may be such that the time for which the electrical signal of the fifth frequency is output is shortened and the time for which the sixth signal is output is lengthened.

[0047] As described above, each mode used has a very long output time, i.e., a very long treatment time, so unlike regular treatment devices that are only used in facilities such as hospitals, these devices are likely to be used at home or at work. Therefore, even if the treatment needs to be temporarily stopped for reasons such as changing clothes or taking a bath, and then resumed later, the user can simply select the mode and receive the most appropriate electrical signal to the affected area, even if they do not have specialized knowledge, and can obtain appropriate treatment.

[0048] Therefore, treatment outside of a treatment facility becomes effective, improving the overall effectiveness of treatment and improving treatment efficiency. Furthermore, with the current stimulation device according to the present invention, even when using weak electrical signals, as long as the user understands the expected effect of each mode, the device settings can be automatically made to appropriately perform the most efficient treatment, even if the user does not have knowledge of detailed parameters such as frequency, output, or the order in which the electrical signals are applied to the affected area, thereby realizing a current stimulation device with high therapeutic effects and efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1 Current stimulator 10 Switch 11 Main unit 12 electrode pads 13 Cable 14 Main power 15 Mode selection button A 16 Mode selection button B 17 Mode selection button C 18 Lock button 19 Circuit Board 21 Display section 121 Electrode A 122 Electrode B 201 User IF Department 203 Control Unit 204 Current generation section 205 memory 206 Power supply section 207 Timer 208 Battery 217 Connection

Claims

1. a main body; a current generating unit that outputs a plurality of electrical signals; an electrode portion disposed on a target to which the electrical signal is applied; a mode selection unit that selects a mode in which the electrical signal is output; a control unit that controls the current generating unit to output the electrical signal in accordance with the selected mode; and A current stimulation device characterized in that a first mode, one of the modes, outputs an electrical signal of a first frequency, outputs an electrical signal of a second frequency following the electrical signal of the first frequency, and outputs an electrical signal of a third frequency following the electrical signal of the second frequency.

2. The current stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first frequency has the effect of making muscles tense or prone to tense up, the second frequency has the effect of making muscles relaxed or prone to relaxation, and the third frequency has the greatest healing-promoting effect compared to the first frequency and the second frequency.

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