Electrical stimulator

Abstract

To provide an electrical stimulation device that can output electrical stimulation over a narrower range than conventional devices. [Solution] The device comprises a bipolar electrode 3a composed of two electrodes, a single electrode 3b, and multiple channels. The device detects the electromyographic potential of the patient via the bipolar electrode 3a and single electrode 3b placed on the skin surface of the patient, and is configured to allow selection in at least one channel between a first mode in which electrical stimulation based on the electromyographic potential is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a, and a second mode in which electrical stimulation based on the electromyographic potential is output between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an electrical stimulation device having a function of outputting electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential of a paralyzed limb of a subject to the same paralyzed limb. An electrode for both myoelectric detection and electrical stimulation, which is composed of a bipolar electrode in which two electrodes are integrally formed with a base material and one reference electrode, is brought into contact with the paralyzed limb of the subject, and detection of the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed limb and output of electrical stimulation to the paralyzed limb are performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the electrical stimulation by the electrode for both myoelectric detection and electrical stimulation is output between the entire bipolar electrode and the reference electrode, for example, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform electrical stimulation on a narrow part of the hyoid muscle group. Depending on the location of the hyoid muscle group where electrical stimulation is desired, the positions where the reference electrode and the bipolar electrode are attached are limited. If the distance between the reference electrode and the bipolar electrode is increased, electrical stimulation is output between these electrodes, so there is also a problem that the targeted hyoid muscle group cannot be stimulated pinpoint.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electrical stimulation device capable of outputting electrical stimulation in a narrower range than before.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The electrical stimulation device of the present invention according to claim 1 comprises a bipolar electrode composed of two electrodes, a single electrode, and a plurality of channels, and is configured to allow selection in at least one channel between a first mode in which the electromyographic potential of the patient is detected via the bipolar electrode and the single electrode placed on the skin surface of the patient, and an electrical stimulation based on the electromyographic potential is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode, and a second mode in which electrical stimulation based on the electromyographic potential is output between the bipolar electrode and the single electrode. With this configuration, the first mode and the second mode can be selected and used according to the treatment requirements. By using the first mode, it can be applied to treatment of a narrow area of ​​the hyoid muscles, for example. By using the second mode, it can be applied to motor function training of the elbow joint, for example. Furthermore, because it has a plurality of channels, it can be applied to motor function training of two areas, for example, the elbow joint and finger extension, and the first mode and the second mode can be selected and used in at least one channel.

[0007] The electrical stimulation device according to claim 2 is characterized in that the two electrodes are positioned on the hyoid muscles. This configuration allows for strengthening of the hyoid muscles and improvement of swallowing function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, electrical stimulation can be output over a narrower range than in conventional methods. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electrical stimulation device that can be applied to the treatment of a narrow area of, for example, the hyoid muscles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of channel 1 of the electrical stimulator. [Figure 3A] This is a diagram illustrating the first treatment case using the electrical stimulation device. [Figure 3B]This is a diagram illustrating a second treatment case using the same electrical stimulation device. [Figure 4] This figure shows the configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of channel 2 of the electrical stimulator. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram relating to the control unit of the electrical stimulation device. [Figure 7A] This figure illustrates a third treatment example using an electrical stimulation device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 7B] This is a diagram illustrating the fourth treatment case using the same electrical stimulation device. [Figure 8] This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an electrical stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) As shown in Figure 1, the electrical stimulation device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention mainly consists of a device body 2 having an internal electrical circuit for outputting electrical stimulation, a dual-use electrode 3 placed on the skin surface of the limb of the person being treated for detecting myoelectric potential and applying electrical stimulation, and a cable 4 connecting the dual-use electrode 3 to the device body 2. The device body 2 is provided with output connectors 5a and 5b, and Figure 1 shows an example in which the dual-use electrode 3 is connected to output connector 5a via cable 4. Each output connector 5a and 5b constitutes one channel, with output connector 5a being channel 1 and output connector 5b being channel 2. The connector 27 provided on the device body 2 will be described later.

[0012] The dual-purpose electrode 3 is at least a pair of electrodes. As an example, it is composed of a bipolar electrode 3a in which two electrodes are integrally formed by a non-conductive member, and a single electrode 3b. The bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b are hook-type gel electrodes whose back surfaces are attachment surfaces to be attached to the skin surface of the subject.

[0013] The bipolar electrode 3a is arranged on the skin surface of the belly of the target muscle, detects a weak myoelectric potential generated from the muscle activity of the subject between the two electrodes, and functions as an electric stimulation electrode for applying an electric stimulation. The single electrode 3b functions as a reference electrode for determining a reference potential when detecting a myoelectric potential between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a, and is arranged on the skin surface of the belly of the muscle to which an electric stimulation is to be applied, and also functions as an electric stimulation electrode for applying an electric stimulation to the muscle.

[0014] The hooks of the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b are attached to the tip sides of each of the three branches of the cable 4 at an intermediate position, and the connection plug 4a on the base end side of the cable 4 is detachably inserted into the output connector 5a provided on the device body 2.

[0015] The device body 2 includes a rotatable dial 6, a pushable determination button 7 arranged at the center of the dial 6, and a display unit 8. The setting of the treatment conditions is performed using the dial 6 and the determination button 7. The display unit 8 is a touch panel, and the function of the determination button 7 is also provided on this touch panel. The treatment conditions, treatment results, etc. are displayed on the display unit 8.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, a hand switch 28 for controlling the operation of the electrical stimulation device 1 is connected to a connector 27 provided on the device main body 2 by a cable not shown. The device main body 2 further has an electrical stimulation means 9, an output switching unit 10, an electromyogram detection circuit 11, a power supply circuit 12, a battery voltage detection circuit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15, which are provided inside the device main body 2. The control unit 15 controls the electrical stimulation means 9, the output switching unit 10, the storage unit 14, and the display unit 8, and is composed of a microcontroller (MCU). The storage unit 14 stores the set treatment conditions and the like in a readable manner, and is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory (EEPROM). The control unit 15 receives signals from the dial 6, the determination button 7, and the touch panel (display unit 8) to set treatment conditions and the like, and the set treatment conditions and treatment result data are stored in the storage unit 14, for example.

[0017] The electrical stimulation means 9 is means for supplying electrical stimulation to the dual-purpose electrode 3, and is composed of a battery power supply 16, a DC-DC converter 17 that boosts the voltage of the battery power supply 16 and supplies it as an output power supply, an output control circuit 18 that controls the voltage input from the DC-DC converter 17, an output transformer 19 that boosts the output voltage from the output control circuit 18, and a current detection circuit 20 that detects the electrical stimulation (output current) from the output transformer 19. The output current signal detected by the current detection circuit 20 is input to the control unit 15, and the control unit 15 controls the output control circuit 18 to prevent, for example, the occurrence of overcurrent.

[0018] As the battery power supply 16, a dry battery such as an alkaline battery can be used, or a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery can be adopted. In addition, a battery voltage detection circuit 13 for detecting the voltage value of the battery power supply 16 is provided. When it is detected by the battery voltage detection circuit 13 that the voltage value of the battery power supply 16 has dropped to the first threshold value, the control unit 15 displays an image of the voltage drop on the display unit 8 to notify the therapist or the like. Further, when the voltage value of the battery power supply 16 reaches a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value, the control unit 15 cuts off the power supply of the electrical stimulation device 1. The power supply circuit 12 is a circuit connected to the battery power supply 16 to supply a control power supply to the control unit 15.

[0019] Next, the configuration for electromyography detection will be described. The output transformer 19 outputs a bidirectional square wave with a predetermined frequency (e.g., 20 Hz) and a predetermined pulse width (e.g., 50 μs) repeatedly in units of three between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b, and the electromyography during this repetition (e.g., 8 ms) is detected between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a. The detected electromyography is input to the electromyography detection circuit 11 and amplified by an amplifier (not shown) or the like to a level that the control unit 15 can recognize before being taken into the control unit 15. The control unit 15 performs signal processing to calculate the electromyography and controls the output control circuit 18 so that the next electrical stimulation is proportional to the intensity of the calculated electromyography.

[0020] The electrical stimulator 1 has two treatment modes: a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, a pulse with an intensity proportional to the electromyographic potential of the treatment site detected by the bipolar electrode 3a is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a. In the second mode, a pulse with an intensity proportional to the electromyographic potential of the treatment site detected by the bipolar electrode 3a is output between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b. In channel 1, the output switching unit 10 can switch between outputting the pulse between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a (first mode) or outputting it between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b (second mode). In other words, channel 1 is configured to allow selection between the first mode and the second mode. As an example of a pulse in the first mode, the waveform is a symmetrical biphasic rectangular wave, and the pulse width is 150 to 350 μsec. Furthermore, since many of the muscles in the hyoid bone pharyngeal region involved in swallowing are fast-twitch muscle fibers, it is desirable that the pulse frequency in the first mode be a frequency that can induce contraction of fast-twitch muscle fibers, for example, 30-100 Hz. In addition, as an example of a pulse in the second mode, the waveform is a square wave, the pulse width is 50-300 μsec, and the pulse frequency is 1-40 Hz.

[0021] Next, we will describe an example in which a therapist treats a patient using the first mode of the electrical stimulator 1. Figure 3A is a front view of the neck and jaw area of ​​a patient with their chin raised, showing the electrode placement in the first treatment example. In the first treatment example, a bipolar electrode 3a is placed on the left anterior belly 31L and the right anterior belly 31R of the digastric muscle of the patient, and a single electrode 3b is placed at a distance from the bipolar electrode 3a. Note that since no electrical stimulation is output from the single electrode 3b, there is no particular rule for the position of the single electrode 3b.

[0022] The therapist sets the treatment mode to the first mode, as well as various treatment conditions such as treatment time, minimum and maximum intensity of electrical stimulation, and electromyography (EMG) detection sensitivity, by operating the dial 6, confirmation button 7, or touch panel (display unit 8) of the electrical stimulator 1. When setting the EMG detection sensitivity, the electromyography (EMG) level is displayed on the display unit 8 in, for example, 10 levels, so the therapist adjusts the EMG detection sensitivity while checking the level. Specifically, the EMG detection sensitivity is adjusted so that the EMG level is at its maximum (all 10 levels are displayed) when force is applied to the treatment area, and at its minimum (none of the 10 levels are displayed) when the area is relaxed. If the level does not reach the maximum even when force is applied strongly, or if the electrical stimulation feels weak during treatment, the EMG detection sensitivity should be increased. On the other hand, if the EMG level does not reach the minimum even when the area is relaxed, or if the electrical stimulation feels strong during treatment, the EMG detection sensitivity should be decreased.

[0023] In the first mode, when force is applied to the treatment area, the electromyographic potential detected by the bipolar electrode 3a is input to the electromyographic detection circuit 11, the control unit 15 calculates the amount of electromyographic potential, and an electrical stimulus corresponding to its magnitude flows between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a, applying electrical stimulation between the left anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31L and the right anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31R. For example, by operating the hand switch 28 connected to the connector 27 of the main body of the device 2, the electrical stimulus is output when the patient performs a swallowing motion, and not output when the patient has their mouth open. Here, "thing" is preferably saliva or moisture. When the set treatment time has elapsed, the output of the electrical stimulus is automatically stopped, and the treatment ends. Incidentally, the digastric muscle 31 is one of the muscles (suprahyoid muscles) that lift the hyoid bone 32, and when the digastric muscle 31 contracts with the mouth closed, it lifts the hyoid bone 32. According to the first treatment example in Figure 3A, it is possible to strengthen the digastric muscle 31 and improve swallowing function. Note that the digastric muscle 31 is divided into the anterior belly 31L and 31R and the posterior belly, but the posterior belly is not shown in the illustration. In addition to the digastric muscle 31, the suprahyoid muscles include the mylohyoid muscle, geniohyoid muscle, and stylohyoid muscle, and strengthening the suprahyoid muscles can improve swallowing function.

[0024] Figure 3B is similar to Figure 3A and shows the electrode placement in the second treatment example using the first mode. In the second treatment example, a bipolar electrode 3a is placed on the right anterior belly 31R of the digastric muscle of the patient, and a single electrode 3b is placed at a distance from the bipolar electrode 3a. The method of using the electrical stimulator 1 is the same as in the first treatment example, and the second treatment example in Figure 3B can strengthen the right anterior belly 31R of the digastric muscle, thereby improving swallowing function.

[0025] Here, an example of the distance between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a (the distance between the centers of the two electrodes) is 20 mm. In contrast, when treating by outputting electrical stimulation between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b, as in the conventional method, the distance between the electrodes is, for example, 40 mm. By outputting electrical stimulation between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a, the distance between the electrodes that output electrical stimulation is smaller than in the conventional method, and it becomes possible to output electrical stimulation to a narrower area than before. For this reason, it can be applied to treatment of narrow areas, such as the suprahyoid muscles.

[0026] Next, an example of a therapist treating a patient using the second mode of the electrical stimulator 1 will be described. The therapist attaches the bipolar electrode 3a to the muscle belly of the wrist flexor muscles and finger extensor muscles of the patient's paralyzed forearm. In addition, the single electrode 3b is attached near one end (towards the wrist) of the muscle belly of the wrist flexor muscles and finger extensor muscles of the patient's forearm. The therapist operates the dial 6, confirmation button 7, or touch panel (display unit 8) of the electrical stimulator 1 to set the treatment mode to the second mode, as well as setting various treatment conditions such as treatment time, minimum and maximum intensity of electrical stimulation, and electromyography detection sensitivity. When the patient exerts force on their forearm, an electrical stimulus corresponding to the magnitude of the electromyographic potential detected by the bipolar electrode 3a flows between the entire bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b, applying electrical stimulation to the wrist flexor muscles and finger extensor muscles. This electrical stimulation promotes muscle contraction in the wrist dorsiflexor muscles and finger extensor muscles, allowing the patient to perform motor function training on their wrist and finger joints. Once the set treatment time has elapsed, the electrical stimulation output will automatically stop, ending the treatment.

[0027] As described above, channel 1 of the electrical stimulator 1 is configured to allow selection between two modes: a first mode in which electrical stimulation based on the detected electromyographic potential of the patient is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a, and a second mode in which electrical stimulation based on the electromyographic potential is output between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b. Therefore, the first mode and the second mode can be selected and used according to the treatment requirements.

[0028] (Embodiment 2) Figure 4 shows the configuration of the electrical stimulation device 1a according to Embodiment 2. Components identical to those in Embodiment 1 are referred to with the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In Embodiment 2, electrical stimulation electrodes 22 are connected to the output connector 5b of channel 2 via a cable 21. The electrical stimulation electrodes 22 consist of at least one pair of electrodes, for example, a pair of two electrodes, and each electrode is made of a hook-type gel electrode with an adhesive surface on the back that is attached to the skin surface of the person being treated. Each hook of the electrode 22 is attached to the respective ends of the cable 21, which branches into two at an intermediate position, and the connection plug 21a on the base end of the cable 21 is detachably inserted into the output connector 5b provided on the device body 2. A dual-use electrode 3 is connected to the output connector 5a of channel 1 via a cable 4, and the block diagram for channel 1 is the same as in Figure 2.

[0029] Figure 5 is a block diagram relating to channel 2 of the electrical stimulator 1a, where the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The control unit 15a controls the electrical stimulator 9, output connector 5b, memory unit 14, and display unit 8. The electrical stimulator 9 is a means for supplying electrical stimulation to the electrical stimulation electrode 22 via the output connector 5b. Figure 6 is a block diagram relating to the control unit of the electrical stimulator 1a, where the control unit 15 of channel 1 and the control unit 15a of channel 2 are controlled by the main control unit 23.

[0030] Channel 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1, and channel 1 of the electrical stimulator 1a is configured to allow selection and execution from a first mode and a second mode. Channel 2 can implement, for example, a third mode in which electrical stimulation is output to the electrical stimulation electrode 22 under set stimulation conditions, and a fourth mode in which the on / off of the electrical stimulation output is controlled by input from an external sensor (pressure sensor, angle sensor, acceleration sensor, etc.).

[0031] In this system, the treatment modes (first mode and second mode) performed on channel 1 detect the patient's electromyography (EMG). However, when channels 1 and 2 were used simultaneously, false detections occurred in the detection of the patient's EMG on channel 1. Investigation of the cause of these false detections revealed that when electrical stimulation was output from channel 2, the electrical signal was mixed into the bipolar electrode 3a of channel 1, resulting in false detection of EMG. Alternatively, when electrodes connected to channels 1 and 2 were placed close together, false detection of EMG from the target muscle on the opposite side occurred. Therefore, the main control unit 23 controls the control units 15 and 15a to either prohibit the output of electrical stimulation from channel 2 or disable channel 2 while channel 1 is in use. This prevents the output of electrical stimulation from channel 2 from affecting the detection of EMG on channel 1. In other words, when detecting the patient's EMG on one of multiple channels, prohibiting the output of electrical stimulation from other channels or disabling other channels while one channel is in use prevents the output of electrical stimulation from other channels from affecting the detection of EMG on that channel.

[0032] Furthermore, the electrical stimulator 1a can also perform a fifth mode in which pulses of an intensity proportional to the electromyographic potential of a site other than the treatment site are output to the treatment site, or a sixth mode in which electrical stimulation is output to the treatment site under set stimulation conditions when the electromyographic potential of a site other than the treatment site reaches a set threshold. Here, a site other than the treatment site is, for example, another person other than the person being treated or a healthy limb of the person being treated. In this case, a dual-use electrode 3 can be placed on a site other than the treatment site, and an electrical stimulation electrode 22 can be placed on the treatment site, and one treatment can be performed using channels 1 and 2.

[0033] (Embodiment 3) The electrical stimulation device according to Embodiment 3 is configured in which a dual-use electrode 3 is further connected to the output connector 5b (channel 2) of the electrical stimulation device 1 of Embodiment 1. The block diagram for channel 2 is the same as in Figure 2, and the control unit 15 for channel 1 and the control unit 15 for channel 2 are controlled by the main control unit 23, which was explained using Figure 6. Channels 1 and 2 can be selected to be implemented in either a first mode or a second mode.

[0034] Figure 7A is similar to Figure 3A and shows the electrode placement in the third treatment example using the first mode. In the third treatment example, a bipolar electrode 3a1 is placed on the right anterior belly 31R of the digastric muscle of the patient, and a single electrode 3b1 is placed at a distance from the bipolar electrode 3a1. A bipolar electrode 3a2 is placed on the left anterior belly 31L of the digastric muscle of the patient, and a single electrode 3b2 is placed at a distance from the bipolar electrode 3a2. The bipolar electrode 3a1 and the single electrode 3b1 are connected to output connector 5a, and the bipolar electrode 3a2 and the single electrode 3b2 are connected to output connector 5b.

[0035] The therapist sets the treatment mode to the first mode by operating the dial 6, confirmation button 7, or touch panel (display unit 8) for channels 1 and 2, and also sets various treatment conditions such as treatment time, minimum and maximum intensity of electrical stimulation, and electromyography detection sensitivity. As mentioned above, when channels 1 and 2 are used simultaneously, false detections may occur in the detection of the patient's electromyography potential in channel 1 or channel 2. Therefore, the main control unit 23 controls the control units 15 for channels 1 and 2 so that when channel 1 is in use, the output of electrical stimulation in channel 2 is prohibited or channel 2 is disabled, and when channel 2 is in use, the output of electrical stimulation in channel 1 is prohibited or channel 1 is disabled. This prevents false detection of electromyography potential in each channel 1 and 2. The third treatment example in Figure 7A can strengthen the left and right anterior bellies 3L and 3R of the digastric muscle, thereby improving swallowing function.

[0036] Figure 7B is similar to Figure 3A and shows the electrode placement in the fourth treatment example using the first mode. In the fourth treatment example, a bipolar electrode 3a1 is placed on the left anterior belly 31L and the right anterior belly 31R of the digastric muscle of the patient, and a bipolar electrode 3a2 is placed on the left sternohyoid muscle 33L and the right sternohyoid muscle 33R of the patient. The positions of the single electrodes 3b1 and 3b2 are not fixed and are placed in arbitrary positions. Incidentally, the sternohyoid muscle 33 is one of the muscles (infrahyoid muscles) that pull down the hyoid bone 32, and when the sternohyoid muscle 33 contracts, it pulls the hyoid bone 32 in anterior and inferior direction. According to the fourth treatment example in Figure 7B, it is possible to strengthen the muscles that pull up the hyoid bone 32 (digastric muscle 31) and the muscles that pull down the hyoid bone 32 (sternohyoid muscle 33), thereby improving swallowing function. The infrahyoid muscles include the sternohyoid muscle, as well as the omohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid muscles. Strengthening these muscles can improve swallowing function. The hyoid muscles are composed of the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles.

[0037] (Embodiment 4) Figure 8 is a block diagram of the electrical stimulation device 1b according to Embodiment 4, where the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in Embodiment 1, and explanations are omitted as appropriate. The dual-use electrode 3 is connected to the output connector 5a, and the electrical stimulation electrode 22 is connected to the output connector 5b. The electrical stimulation means 9 is a means for supplying electrical stimulation to the dual-use electrode 3 and the electrical stimulation electrode 22. The output switching unit 24 switches whether the electrical stimulation output from the electrical stimulation means 9 is output to the dual-use electrode 3 or to the electrical stimulation electrode 22. The output switching unit 10 also switches whether the electrical stimulation is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a or between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b.

[0038] The electrical stimulator 1b includes an operation switch unit 25 for setting treatment conditions and an LED display unit 26 used when setting the electromyography detection sensitivity. The LED display unit 26 has multiple (for example, 5) LEDs arranged in a row, and is configured so that the number of lit LEDs increases as the detected electromyographic potential intensity increases. The electromyography detection sensitivity is adjusted so that all 5 LEDs on the LED display unit 26 light up when force is applied to the treatment area, and all LEDs turn off when the force is released. If all LEDs do not light up even when force is applied strongly, or if the output of the electrical stimulation signal is felt to be weak during treatment, the electromyography detection sensitivity should be increased. On the other hand, if all LEDs do not turn off even when the force is released, or if the output of the electrical stimulation is felt to be strong during treatment, the electromyography detection sensitivity should be decreased.

[0039] In the electrical stimulator 1b, a dual-use electrode 3 is connected to the output connector 5a, and treatment can be performed using the dual-use electrode 3 in either the first or second mode, allowing selection between the first and second modes. Furthermore, by connecting the dual-use electrode 3 and the electrical stimulation electrode 22 to output connectors 5a and 5b, respectively, the electromyographic potential of another person other than the patient or the patient can be detected using the dual-use electrode 3, and electrical stimulation can be applied to the treatment target area of ​​the patient using the electrical stimulation electrode 22, thereby enabling the implementation of the aforementioned fifth or sixth mode. Additionally, by connecting the electrical stimulation electrode 22 to output connector 5b and applying electrical stimulation to the treatment target area of ​​the patient using the electrical stimulation electrode 22, the aforementioned third and fourth modes can be implemented. Thus, the electrical stimulator 1b is configured to perform one treatment using the dual-use electrode 3 connected to output connector 5a and / or the electrical stimulation electrode 22 connected to output connector 5b, with output connectors 5a and 5b constituting a single channel.

[0040] Furthermore, the bipolar electrode 3a and single electrode 3b may be of multiple types, rather than just one. For example, multiple types of bipolar electrodes 3a with different distances between the two electrodes can be used. Multiple types of bipolar electrodes 3a and single electrodes 3b2 with different conductive areas can be used. In addition, the bipolar electrode 3a may be configured by detachably attaching two separate electrodes to the appliance, and this configuration provides a bipolar electrode 3a in which the distance between the two electrodes does not change. In addition, the bipolar electrode 3a may be configured by detachably attaching one electrode to an appliance in which one electrode is integrally formed. Furthermore, one or more channels may be provided. [Industrial applicability]

[0041] It can be applied to electrical stimulation devices used to treat swallowing disorders. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1. Electrical stimulation device 2. Main unit of the device 3. Dual-purpose electrodes 3a bipolar electrode 3b single electrode 5a, 5b Output connectors (channels) 9. Electrical stimulation means 10 Output switching section 11. Electromyography Detection Circuit 15, 15a, 15b Control Unit 22 Electrodes for electrical stimulation 23 Main Control Unit 24 Output switching section 31. Digastric muscle 31L, 31R Digastric anterior belly 33, 33L, 33R Sternohyoid muscle

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation device comprising a bipolar electrode composed of two electrodes, a single electrode, and a plurality of channels, wherein at least one channel is configured to select between a first mode in which the electromyographic potential of the patient is detected via the bipolar electrode and the single electrode placed on the skin surface of the patient, and an electrical stimulation based on the electromyographic potential is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode, and a second mode in which electrical stimulation based on the electromyographic potential is output between the bipolar electrode and the single electrode.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the two electrodes are arranged on the hyoid muscle group.

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