Electric stimulation device for body and electric stimulation method for body

Abstract

To enhance the function of EMS for applying electric stimulation.SOLUTION: When an EMS device is operated on the body, an increase in metabolism can be observed, but when the EMS operation is stopped, this increase in metabolism is not observed. On the other hand, when cold stimulation is applied to the body to convert white adipocytes into pink adipocytes, the metabolism can be increased even when the EMS device is removed from the body. In addition, when heat is generated due to muscle enhancement by EMS, it is possible to prolong the period of the EMS operation by cooling down a muscle site to an appropriate temperature by cold stimulation (cooling). That is, it is possible to enhance the effect in the muscle training by the EMS.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for electrically stimulating the body, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for electrically stimulating the body with a cold stimulus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, diet devices such as leg exercise machines (treadmills) have been known. These devices heat the skin with an electric hot pack and cool parts of the body by gripping a handle equipped with a Peltier element. This device simultaneously heats and cools parts of the body through muscle training.

[0003] Muscle training devices using EMS means are also widely known, and examples include the electrical stimulation device disclosed in WO2023 / 014909 (PCT / JP / 2023 / 014909). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7112043 [Patent Document 2] WO2023 / 014909 publication DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the former device did not directly cool the muscles in the training area. In other words, the cooling-down effect of the muscles was not taken into consideration. There was a risk of muscle damage if the training was continued for a long period of time. Furthermore, the latter device only disclosed the use of electrical stimulation to strengthen muscles, and did not include any consideration of cooling the area to which the pulse current was applied.

[0006] As a result of extensive research, the inventor discovered that all of the above problems could be solved by adding a cooling effect in addition to the myoelectric effect, and thus completed this invention.

[0007] This invention was made to solve these problems by applying a low-frequency pulse current to muscles to obtain a muscle training effect, while cooling the muscles to prevent muscle damage due to heat buildup. As a result, the thermal load on the body can be reduced, preventing muscle damage while increasing the muscle training effect. Another object of the invention is to provide an electrical stimulation device and method that can improve metabolism by cooling areas other than the muscles, thereby turning white cells pink. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 is a body electrical stimulation device equipped with cold stimulation means for applying cold stimulation to a specific part of the body. The effect of the cold stimulation can be increased by warming the part before applying the cold stimulation.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is the device for electrically stimulating the body described in claim 1, which is provided with an electrical stimulation means for applying electrical stimulation to a specific part of the body.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is an electrical stimulation device for the body described in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the cold stimulation means includes a thermoelectric module that is attached to the body to cool a specific part of the body, and a module control means that controls the operation of the thermoelectric module.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is an electrical stimulation device for the body described in claim 2, in which the electrical stimulation means includes EMS means that is worn on the body and applies a predetermined low-frequency pulse current to a specific part of the body, and EMS control means that controls the operation of this EMS means. EMS means include equipment that electrically stimulates muscles, and the components that make up this include a power supply, control circuit, and electrodes. The power supply supplies the power required for EMS and generally includes a component that converts AC 100V to DC (such as DC 12V). The control circuit controls the strength and frequency of the current flowing to the electrodes. Microcontrollers and DSPs are known to be used. Electrodes are components that directly apply electrical stimulation to muscles. Conductive sheets and pads are used, including pads that are attached directly to the skin.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is a method of electrically stimulating a body by simultaneously applying an electrical stimulus to a specific part of the body and a cold stimulus to the specific part.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is a method for electrically stimulating a body, in which an electrical stimulus is applied to a specific part of the body and a cold stimulus is applied to another specific part of the body simultaneously or at different times.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is a method of electrically stimulating the body described in claim 5 or claim 6, in which the electrical stimulation is applied by applying a pulse current of a predetermined low frequency by the EMS means, and the pulse current is in a band of either 0.1 to 3 Hz, 3 to 8 Hz, or 10 to 50 Hz. Applying a pulse current of 0.1 to 3 Hz reduces muscle fatigue, contributing to relaxation and improved endurance. Applying pulsed current in the 3 to 8 Hz range promotes muscle energy metabolism and increases muscle blood flow. Application of a pulse current of 10 to 50 Hz, particularly 15 to 30 Hz, has a significant effect on muscle hypertrophy (muscle strengthening).

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is a method of electrically stimulating the body described in claim 7, in which the EMS means supplies a pulse current of 10 to 50 Hz to a specific part of the body, and simultaneously cools the specific part to 15°C to 20°C using the thermoelectric module. Cooling prevents muscle hypertrophy and a rise in temperature, preventing damage. In addition, applying cold stimulation to white fat cells will transform them into pink fat cells, which will have a significant effect on weight loss by promoting metabolism.

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is the method for electrically stimulating the body according to claim 7, wherein the supply of low-frequency pulse current by the EMS means is performed intermittently at predetermined time intervals.

[0017] The invention described in claim 10 is a method for electrically stimulating the body described in claim 7, wherein the EMS means generates a pulse current of a predetermined low frequency by using interference waves of two frequencies exceeding 1000 Hz.

[0018] The invention described in claim 11 is the method of electrically stimulating the body described in claim 7, wherein the low-frequency pulse current generated by the EMS means is in a band of 3 to 8 Hz or 10 to 50 Hz, and this band is switchable. Note that by arranging multiple EMS means and controlling them independently or in conjunction with each other, it is possible to impart multiple effects to multiple parts of the body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the inventions described in claims 1 to 11, a low-frequency pulse current is applied to muscles, which are specific parts of the body, to achieve a muscle training effect. Furthermore, by applying a cold stimulus (such as cooling) to a specific part of the body, a cooling effect is achieved against the heat generated by the muscle due to the myoelectric effect, allowing for long-term muscle training and preventing muscle damage. This increases the muscle training effect. Furthermore, by applying a cold stimulus by cooling to a specified temperature to the white fat cell area, the conversion of the white fat cell to pink fat cells is promoted, resulting in a weight loss effect due to the promotion of metabolism. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic overall view showing an electrical stimulation device configured to add cold stimulation to electrical stimulation according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0022] "Example 1" The present invention will be specifically explained using Example 1, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this Example. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an EMS device to which a cooling device constituting cold stimulation means is added. In this embodiment, an EMS device (electrical stimulation means) is provided in addition to the cooling device. Cooling device 100 is composed of Peltier element 101, its control device 102, battery 103, holding belt 104, as well as a heat sink (not shown), a cooling fan (not shown), etc. It can be attached to the body by holding belt 104, and is configured so that cooling unit 101 including the Peltier element is placed at a required location. As described in WO2023 / 210377, for example, the EMS device includes a pair of electrodes 110, 110 that apply a low-frequency pulse current to the body and a control unit 102 that supplies power to them. In this embodiment, the control unit 102 performs composite control, independently or in conjunction with the operation of the EMS device 110 and the cooling unit 101. The applied EMS frequency is described below, but the control unit 102 also controls its duration. Similarly, the control unit 102 can be configured to control the cooling time using a Peltier element and external communication. The placement of a pair of electrode pads 110, 110 dramatically increases the flexibility of EMS frequency setting. Furthermore, each electrode 110 is held by a holding belt 104, and can be controlled independently or in conjunction with each other. Furthermore, by placing multiple cooling units rather than a single unit, cold stimulation can be controlled, such as alternating operation. By setting the pulse frequency of the EMS by the EMS means 110 to less than 10 Hz, preferably between 3 Hz and 5 Hz, metabolism and muscle blood flow are increased, and an increase in muscle temperature at the site is suppressed by cooling with the Peltier element 101. These electrical stimulation and cold stimulation are supplied simultaneously to the muscle site (the same site) of the body. The pulse width of the pulse current is 50 μs or more and 300 μs or less, and preferably 150 μs or more and 200 μs or less. The voltage is less than 140V and the current is 100mA. If you want to achieve a relaxation effect, simply determine the frequency of the current appropriately within the range of the above values. At the same time, by setting the cooling temperature to 30°C or below, preferably between 15°C and 20°C, the white fat cells are converted into pink fat cells, resulting in increased metabolism even when the EMS device is removed. It may be particularly effective in combating sarcopenic obesity in the elderly.

[0023] "Example 2" The present invention will be specifically explained using Example 2, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this Example. By setting the pulse frequency of the EMS by the above-mentioned EMS means to 10 Hz or more and 50 Hz or less, preferably 15 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less, muscle hypertrophy is promoted while increasing metabolism, and cooling suppresses an increase in muscle temperature and prevents muscle damage. The pulse width and the like are the same as in the first embodiment. At the same time, the cooling temperature is set to 30°C or lower, preferably between 15°C and 20°C, to convert white adipocytes into pink adipocytes. The cooling temperature may be changed depending on whether the EMS is operating or not by the EMS means. For example, the temperature should be below 30°C when the EMS is in operation and 15°C when it is off. Metabolism increases even when the EMS device is removed.

[0024] "Example 3" The present invention will be specifically explained with reference to Example 3, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this Example. The EMS pulse frequency of the above EMS means is two waves of frequencies above 1000Hz, for example, 5000Hz and 5050Hz, to create an interference wave of 50Hz, which increases metabolism while promoting muscle hypertrophy and cooling, thereby suppressing muscle temperature rise and preventing muscle damage. In addition, two medium-frequency waves of 1050Hz and 1020Hz are generated, and a low frequency of 30Hz is obtained by the interference of these two waves. In this case, the medium frequency can stimulate the inner muscles, and the low frequency can stimulate the outer muscles. The pulse width and the like are the same as in the first embodiment. At the same time, by setting the cooling temperature to 30°C or below, preferably between 15°C and 20°C, white fat cells are converted into pink fat cells, and metabolism increases even after the device is removed. In addition, temperature control may be performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0025] Example 4 In the case of Example 1, in order to increase the cooling area when worn on a belt, rather than increasing the performance of the Peltier elements of the thermoelectric component group or the battery capacity, multiple Peltier elements are arranged and operated alternately. This alternating operation suppresses excessive temperature rise on the heat dissipation surface, thereby increasing the cooling effect.

[0026] "Example 5" In the second embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, by providing a plurality of Peltier elements and operating them alternately, cooling and heat dissipation can be ensured during the rest periods of the Peltier elements, thereby achieving an efficient cooling effect.

[0027] "Example 6" In the third embodiment, similarly to the fourth and fifth embodiments, a plurality of Peltier elements are provided and the Peltier elements are operated alternately.

[0028] The current supply device (electrical stimulation device) that can be used in each of the above embodiments is a device that supplies a current capable of electrically stimulating a human skeletal muscle to the human body via multiple electrodes. The current supply device can be any of a variety of devices, including those used in existing skeletal muscle electrical stimulation devices, that can supply a current suitable for inducing a training effect (e.g., muscle hypertrophy, muscle energy metabolism, increased muscle blood flow) or a relaxation effect. The supplied current has a size, shape, etc. that induces muscle hypertrophy and muscle energy metabolism. For example, in the case of muscle hypertrophy, the supplied current has a pulse frequency of 10 Hz to 50 Hz, preferably 15 Hz to 30 Hz. In addition, in the case of increasing metabolism or muscle blood flow, the pulse frequency is 3 Hz or more and 8 Hz or less, and preferably 3 Hz or more and 5 Hz or less. In addition, in the case of muscle hypertrophy, metabolism, and increased muscle blood flow, the pulse width is 50 μs or more and 300 μs or less, and preferably 150 μs or more and 200 μs or less. In addition, in all cases of muscle hypertrophy, metabolism, and increased muscle blood flow, the voltage is greater than 0 V and less than or equal to 140 V, and the current is greater than 0 mA and less than or equal to 100 mA. To induce a relaxation effect, for example, the frequency of the current may be appropriately determined within the range of the above numerical values.

[0029] A pulse frequency of 10 to 50 Hz (preferably 15 to 30 Hz) can be used to prevent muscle damage by cooling the device, slowing the rate at which muscle temperature rises and extending the duration of use. However, if muscle damage occurs, use must be discontinued for at least one day. For example, if used continuously for an hour (normal use time is about 20 to 30 minutes per session), muscle damage may occur, but there may not be enough time for white fat cells to turn into pink fat cells, so for example, stop the EMS for a few tens of minutes and only operate the Peltier cooling.

[0030] Professional EMS devices, especially those for medical use, act on both muscle and fat, but professional EMS devices reduce fat by breaking down fat, and are only effective for the time the device is used (typically less than one hour). It increases your metabolism for 24 hours, and also prevents muscle hypertrophy and increases in temperature (damage prevention). Applying cold stimulation to white fat to turn it pink has a great effect on promoting metabolism and dieting. Furthermore, the advantage of providing multiple Peltier elements and alternately turning them on is that it makes it possible to carry out myoelectric training continuously for a desired period of time, thereby increasing the training effect. The electrical stimulation device operates in the following order: (A) warm-up mode, (B) training mode, and (C) cool-down mode. The training mode can be, for example, (1) an alternating current in a frequency range (less than 15 Hz) that stimulates muscle twitching (loosening the muscles), (2) an alternating current in a frequency range (15 Hz to 25 Hz) that stimulates incomplete muscle tetanus (suitable for strength training), or (3) an alternating current in a frequency range (around 60 Hz) that stimulates complete muscle tetanus (providing a physical sensation due to electrical stimulation). Furthermore, electrode support members (members worn on the body) include support members, pads (electrodes), belts, adhesive types, adhesive pads, shoulder types, vest types, and jacket types.

[0031] The electrical stimulation device according to this embodiment can provide stimulation pulses similar to those of human motor nerves using the EMS means, provide stimulation to make muscles larger and stronger, and provide stimulation to slowly contract muscles (muscle training, suppression of muscle fatigue). For muscle hypertrophy, the frequency is 10 to 50 Hz (preferably 15 to 30 Hz), and for metabolism and blood flow increase, the frequency is 3 to 8 Hz (preferably 3 to 5 Hz). These devices can also be configured as so-called diet devices. For example, a diet device including a support belt that can be attached and detached to the body, an EMS device that is supported by the support belt and generates a low-frequency pulse current, and a Peltier element that is supported by the support belt and cools the body. It can be configured to apply both electrical stimulation and cold stimulation to approximately the same part of the body. [Industrial Applicability]

[0032] This invention is useful as a technique for an electrical stimulation device, particularly an electromyographic training device, and is also useful as a technique for a diet device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 100 electrical stimulation device, 101 Peltier element (cooling part), 102 EMS / Peltier element composite control unit, 103 battery, 104 Retention belt (belt worn on the body).

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation device for the body equipped with cold stimulation means for applying cold stimulation to specific parts of the body.

2. 2. The device for electrically stimulating the body according to claim 1, further comprising an electrical stimulation means for applying electrical stimulation to a specific part of the body.

3. The cold stimulation means is a thermoelectric module that is worn on the body and cools a specific part of the body; 3. The apparatus for electrically stimulating the body according to claim 1, further comprising a module control means for controlling the operation of the thermoelectric module.

4. The electrical stimulation means is EMS means that is attached to the body and applies a pulse current of a predetermined low frequency to a specific part of the body; 3. The device for electrically stimulating the body according to claim 2, further comprising an EMS control means for controlling the operation of the EMS means.

5. A method of electrical stimulation of the body in which an electrical stimulus is applied to a specific part of the body and a cold stimulus is simultaneously applied to this specific part.

6. A method of electrical stimulation of the body in which an electrical stimulation is applied to a specific part of the body and a cold stimulation is applied to another specific part of the body at the same time or at different times.

7. The electrical stimulation is applied by applying a predetermined low-frequency pulse current by EMS means, and the pulse current is in any of the bands of 0.1 to 3 Hz, 3 to 8 Hz, and 10 to 50 Hz. The method for electrical stimulation to the body according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The method for electrically stimulating the body according to claim 7, wherein the EMS means supplies a pulse current of 10 to 50 Hz to a specific part of the body, and simultaneously cools the specific part to 15 to 20°C by the thermoelectric module.

9. 8. The method for electrically stimulating the body according to claim 7, wherein the supply of low-frequency pulse current by the EMS means is performed intermittently at predetermined time intervals.

10. 8. The method for electrically stimulating the body according to claim 7, wherein the EMS means generates a pulse current of a predetermined low frequency by using interference waves of two frequencies exceeding 1000 Hz.

11. The method for electrically stimulating the body according to claim 7, wherein the low-frequency pulse current generated by the EMS means is in a band of 3 to 8 Hz or 10 to 50 Hz, which can be switched.

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