Electrical stimulation device

Abstract

To improve treatment efficiency by an electrostimulator.SOLUTION: An electrostimulator according to the present invention is an electrostimulator that uses electrodes to supply electrical signals to an affected part, and is characterized in that a frequency higher than a frequency used in an activating electrical signal is set as the frequency used when the electrical signal is output as a relaxation electrical signal in a relaxation mode used to relax muscles on the basis of the relaxation mode being used, in comparison with the frequency used when the electrical signal is output as an activation electrical signal in an activation mode used to activate the muscles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical stimulation device for use in therapy, rehabilitation, massage or cosmetic applications, particularly for muscle conditioning. [Background technology]

[0002] Physical therapy, which involves applying physical energy from the outside to a necessary area, such as an affected area, to perform treatment, massage, diagnosis, or cosmetic treatment, has attracted attention, and many medical devices, diagnostic devices, training devices, and cosmetic devices have been put to practical use. In this specification, the physical energy used in treatment, beauty treatment, or diagnosis, such as current, voltage, or power having an AC component or frequency component, such as low frequency or high frequency, is collectively or individually referred to as a pulse. It is also referred to as a therapeutic wave, electrical stimulation, or electrical signal. Furthermore, the electrical signal may be a pulse train of rectangular pulses, square pulses, or step-like pulses, a pulse train of composite pulses, or a sine wave, triangular wave, sawtooth wave, or impulse train. Furthermore, a composite wave or interference wave generated by the interaction of multiple pulses is also referred to as a pulse or composite pulse, and a composite wave generated by a sine wave is also simply referred to as a pulse or composite pulse.

[0003] Hereinafter, in this specification, treatment devices, medical devices, massage machines, diagnostic devices, and cosmetic devices that use electrical stimulation will be collectively referred to as electrical stimulation devices. Treatment or diagnosis using an electrical stimulation device, or treatment using a massage or cosmetic device that uses electrical stimulation will be individually or collectively referred to as simply treatment or treatment. A person who uses an electrical stimulation device to perform treatment or massage, a person who diagnoses using an electrical stimulation device, or a person who uses an electrical stimulation device to perform cosmetic treatment or training will be referred to as a user, and a person receiving treatment will be referred to as a patient.

[0004] Furthermore, the part of the human body to which electrical stimulation treatment is applied is referred to as the affected area. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the term "electrical stimulation device" does not exclude massage devices, diagnostic devices, or cosmetic devices, and the term "patient" does not refer only to those with injuries or illnesses, but also includes those receiving treatments or massages for fatigue recovery or injury prevention, as well as those undergoing examinations or cosmetic treatments. Similarly, the term "affected area" does not refer only to the part of the body that is injured or ill, but also includes the part of the body undergoing treatments or massages for fatigue recovery or injury prevention, as well as the part of the body undergoing examination or cosmetic treatment. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, pulses used for treatment do not exclude pulses used for massage, diagnosis, or cosmetic purposes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-112362 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Usually, the electrical signal supplied to the affected area can only achieve one effect at a time, and in order to achieve multiple effects, it is necessary to apply pulses at regular intervals to treat different electrical signals for different purposes one by one, which takes a long time for treatment and does not improve treatment efficiency.Furthermore, in this case, when electrical signals with different effects are supplied, only one of the effects is achieved, or these effects cancel each other out and a sufficient treatment effect is not achieved.

[0007] The frequency of the electrical signal supplied to the affected area is low for muscle treatment, and high frequency for pain relief, which involves applying heat to the affected area. However, relaxing tense muscles induces two states in the muscles: one is simply loosening and relaxing the muscles, and the other is creating tension. The former is effective when treatment is needed for excessive tension or for effectively recovering from fatigue after exercise. The latter is particularly desirable as muscle conditioning before exercise. Alternatively, it has been difficult to achieve the ideal muscle state, maintaining moderate muscle tension while relieving excessive muscle tension. Hereafter, muscle relaxation and maintaining excessive tension while maintaining moderate tension, or both, are referred to as conditioning.

[0008] It has recently been discovered that the electrical signals used for electrical stimulation to induce the different relaxation states described above do not have completely different characteristics, but have relatively similar parameters. However, users with insufficient knowledge and experience in physical therapy, or general users, are unable to properly determine how to set these parameters, and are unable to set appropriate parameters and apply appropriate electrical signals, resulting in ineffective treatment and a lack of treatment efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides the following means. That is, the electrical stimulation device of the present invention comprises: Activation electrical signals in activation mode are used to activate muscles or relaxation in relaxation mode are used to relax muscles. Electrical signals are sent to the affected area using electrodes to selectively activate or relax muscles An electrical stimulation device, activation Electrical Signal and the relaxation electrical signal consists of multiple first pulses current a first signal that increases from a first amplitude at a first time, and a current that is composed of a plurality of second pulses; but a second signal having a second amplitude and a plurality of third pulses; The current a third signal that decreases to a third amplitude at a third time and includes a plurality of fourth pulses; The currenta fourth signal having a fourth amplitude; When the activation mode is selected, The aforementioned activation Used when an electrical signal is output 1st The frequency is In the activation mode The frequencies at which the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse are output When the first frequency is automatically set to be smaller than 150 Hz and the relaxation mode is selected, The aforementioned Relaxation Used when an electrical signal is output Second By frequency There , In the relaxation mode The first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse are output. The second frequency is greater than 150 Hz. frequency is automatically set It is characterized by the following.

[0010] (2) Furthermore, in the electrical stimulation device of the present invention, the frequency in the activation mode is 100 Hz, and the frequency in the relaxation mode is 200 Hz. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention provides an electrical stimulation device that can be expected to have a high therapeutic effect on muscle conditioning, even if the person does not have detailed knowledge or experience of physical therapy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main body of the electrical stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a controller of the electrical stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views illustrating electrical signals used in the electrical stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the electrical stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the electrical stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the electrical stimulation device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 1 is a perspective view of main body 11 of electrical stimulation device 1 used to explain the present invention in this embodiment. Main power supply 15, encoder 18, display 114, switch 105, stop switch 12, and connector 14 are provided on the front of main body 11 of electrical stimulation device 1. Electrode pad A111 and electrode pad B112 are connected to connector 14 via cord 16.

[0014] During treatment, a pair of conductive adhesive pads, electrode pad A111 and electrode pad B112, are attached directly to the area to be conditioned, i.e., the affected area or the vicinity of the affected area, for example, to the skin so that the affected area is sandwiched between them, and an electric current flows from electrode pad A111 to electrode pad B112 or from electrode pad B112 to electrode pad A111, thereby supplying an electric signal to the affected area.

[0015] Instead of the electrode pad A111 or the electrode pad B112, a suction cup connected to a separate suction device may be used, and an electrical signal may be supplied to the affected area using an electrode placed in the suction cup. Instead of the conductive adhesive pad, a conductive material that is conductive but not adhesive, such as conductive rubber, may be used. In this case, if the pad does not have adhesive properties, a separate belt (not shown) may be used to secure the pad in place.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the controller 17. The controller 17 is disposed inside the main body 11 and controls the operation of the main body 11. The controller 17 is composed of an output generation unit (waveform generation unit) 204, which is an output circuit that outputs an electrical signal, a control unit 203 that controls the output generation unit 204, a timer 207, a user IF unit 201, a power supply unit 206, a memory 205, etc. The control unit 203 incorporates a CPU, internal memory, and an interface unit that connects to each unit, and is connected to and controls the output generation unit 204 that generates an electrical signal that provides a current stimulus, the timer 207 that manages output for a certain period of time, the user IF unit 201 that is connected to the switch 105 and the display unit 114, and the memory 205. The power consumed by each unit is controlled to a predetermined constant voltage value by the power supply unit 206 and supplied to each unit via the control unit 203.

[0017] The electrical stimulation device 1 is used as follows. First, the user attaches electrode pad A 111 and electrode pad B 112 to the affected area and then turns on the main power supply 15. When the main power supply 15 is turned on, the display unit 114 displays buttons that serve as an interface for controlling the status of the main unit 11 and various settings, such as buttons for the output mode and output level described below. The display unit 114 is, for example, a touch-panel LCD display, and serves as both a display and an input unit. Tapping the displayed output level activates the encoder 18, and rotating the encoder 18 allows the user to set the amplitude, which is the output of the electrical signal described below. When the user selects an output mode using the display unit 114, the parameters of the electrical signal used in the selected output mode are read from the memory 205 and supplied to the output generation unit 204. When the user then presses the switch 105, information indicating that the switch 105 has been pressed is sent to the control unit 203 via the user IF unit 201, and the control unit 203 instructs the output generation unit 204 to output the electrical signal described below. The output generating unit 204 outputs an electrical signal according to the supplied parameters. The output electrical signal is supplied to electrode pad A111 via the connector unit 14 and cord 16 connected to terminal A208 and to electrode pad B112 via the connector unit 14 and cord 16 connected to terminal B209. At the same time, this information is sent to timer 207, which starts measuring time, e.g., 20 minutes, which is the treatment time for which the electrical signal is output by output generating unit 204, i.e., the time for which the electrical signal is supplied to the affected area. Information regarding the measurement by timer 207, e.g., information indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed, is fed back to control unit 203, which, in response to this feedback, stops the output of the electrical signal by stopping the supply of power to output generating unit 204. The treatment time is not limited to 20 minutes and may be longer or shorter than 20 minutes. The user may set or adjust the treatment time as appropriate, taking the condition of the affected area into consideration. The stop switch 12 is used to forcibly stop the output of all electrical signals in an unexpected event.

[0018] In conjunction with the supply of power to output generation unit 204, control unit 203 instructs user IF unit 201 to display that an electrical signal is being output, and user IF unit 201 causes display unit 114 to display the word "ON" indicating that an electrical signal is being output. Furthermore, at the same time that the supply of power to output generation unit 204 is stopped, user IF unit 201 instructs display unit 114 to display "OFF" instead of "ON."

[0019] 3(a) and 3(e) are schematic diagrams illustrating electrical signals supplied to a human body, e.g., an affected area, such as a muscle to be conditioned, according to the present invention. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents amplitude, e.g., the amplitude of current. First, the electrical signal in FIG. 3(a) will 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 in this embodiment 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 that is not zero; a second signal, which is a pulse group output after the first signal and composed of second pulses whose amplitude is not zero and whose output is a second amplitude that is not zero; 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 that is not zero. While the vertical axis in FIG. 3 represents current values, the electrical signal 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 composed of a pulse group, with the pulse waveform shown in FIG. 3(c) being repeatedly output. This FIG. 3(c) can be considered the first pulse. Such a pulse is called a basic pulse. Repeated use of the basic pulse while controlling the amplitude of the basic pulse (hereinafter referred to as variable control) composes the first signal 301, the second signal 302, the third signal 303, the fourth signal 304, and the fifth signal 305. Hereinafter, the first signal 301, the second signal 302, the third signal 303, the fourth signal 304, and the fifth signal 305 will 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 constituting the respective signals, and are pulses such as those shown in FIG. 3(c), but they may each be composed of different pulses.

[0022] The basic pulse is not limited to this, and a pulse waveform such as that shown in Figure 3(d) may also be used as the basic pulse. The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth signals may be formed by repeatedly using these basic pulses while variably controlling their amplitudes. Furthermore, the basic pulse may not be a rectangular pulse, but may be a sine wave, a triangular wave, a sawtooth wave, an impulse train, or a composite waveform of these. Alternatively, although a pulse waveform in which the positive and negative amplitudes are equal has been given as an example of the basic pulse, the present invention is not limited to this, and the basic pulse may be a pulse waveform in which the positive and negative amplitudes are different, or in which pulses with the same positive and negative amplitudes are offset.

[0023] Figure 4 shows the repeated output of the fifth signal, an electrical signal supplied 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 the fifth signal is successively shortened: 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. It then becomes longer: 0.22 seconds at T510, 0.25 seconds at T511, 0.29 seconds at T512, and so on, eventually returning to 1 second at T517. This control is then repeated. 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The frequency may be controlled at a constant rate. In the above control, the frequency may be changed at a constant 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. Alternatively, the frequency may be increased by 1.5 times or decreased by one-third. Furthermore, the frequency may be controlled by applying a specific mathematical formula to the change.

[0027] Here, for T1 to T4, 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. Thereafter, for T502, 02 is used to represent T102, T202, T302, and T402, and for T503, 03 is used to represent T103, T203, T303, and T403, and so on.

[0028] In the control of FIG. 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 according to 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 to T4 in T503 may each be half the value in T501. Since T505 is 0.33 seconds, T101, T201, T301, and T401 may be divided by one third to determine T105, T205, T305, and T405.

[0029] 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.

[0030] On the other hand, if the first signal or the third signal becomes too small and pain due to current stimulation is likely to occur, the duration of the second signal may be controlled to increase or decrease significantly, but the durations of the first signal and the third signal may increase or decrease less than the duration of the second signal. This is suitable when you want to emphasize the effect of the first signal or the third signal, or when pain due to the second signal is likely to occur.

[0031] Furthermore, the second signal may be controlled to increase or decrease in a manner opposite to the increase or decrease of the first and third signals. For example, T101, T102, T103, ..., T109 may be controlled to become shorter in order of 0.33 seconds, 0.22 seconds, 0.17 seconds, 0.13 seconds, 0.11 seconds, 0.095 seconds, 0.083 seconds, 0.074 seconds, and 0.067 seconds, while T201, T202, T203, ..., T209 may be controlled to become longer in order of 0.005 seconds, 0.01 seconds, 0.015 seconds, 0.02 seconds, 0.025 seconds, 0.03 seconds, 0.035 seconds, 0.04 seconds, and 0.045 seconds. If the durations of the first and third signals are assumed to be equal, then the durations of the fourth signal, T401, T402, T403, ... T409, are 0.33 seconds, 0.21 seconds, 0.15 seconds, 0.11 seconds, 0.086 seconds, 0.065 seconds, 0.048 seconds, 0.034 seconds, and 0.022 seconds. This type of control is suitable when you want to further emphasize the effect of the second signal, for example, when you want to obtain a stronger experience even if the duration of the fifth signal is shortened. Note that the duration of each signal may be calculated using a formula that enables the desired control. For example, in the above control, the duration of the second signal (T201, T202, T203, ... T209) is calculated by substituting 1 second, 0.67 seconds, 0.5 seconds, and 0.2 seconds, respectively, as the duration of the fifth signal, T501, T502, T503, ... T509, into T in 0.01 ÷ T - 0.005. The duration of the first signal (T101, T102, T103, ... T109) is calculated by substituting T501, T502, T503, ... T509, which is the duration of the fifth signal, into T in T ÷ 3. The duration of the third signal is assumed to be equal to that of the first signal. The durations T401, T402, T403, ... T409 of the fourth signal are calculated by subtracting the durations of the first signal, second signal, third signal, and fourth signal from the durations T501, T502, T503, ... T509 of the fifth signal.

[0032] The duration of the fifth signal is controlled to be successively shorter until it reaches a certain value, at which point the duration of the fifth signal is controlled to be longer. For example, from T510 to T517, the durations of the fifth signals T501 to T509 are used, with the durations of the first, third, and fourth signals being controlled to be successively longer and the duration of the second signal being controlled to be successively shorter. For example, T510 is controlled using T508, T511 using T507, T512 using T506, ..., and T517 using T501. Thereafter, T501 to T517 are repeated. Note that in this example, the duration of the fifth signal starts at 1 second, i.e., 1 Hz, and is controlled to increase by 0.5 Hz in increments up to a certain value, e.g., 0.2 seconds, i.e., 5 Hz. Once it reaches 5 Hz, the control sequence (called one cycle) reverses and decreases by 0.5 Hz until it returns to 1 Hz, and this cycle is repeated over approximately 7.5 seconds. The present invention is not limited to this, and one cycle may be controlled to vary from 2 Hz to 5 Hz in increments of 0.03 Hz, for example, with one cycle lasting approximately 30 seconds.

[0033] In the control example described above, the duration of each signal constituting the fifth signal changes 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 always be 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.

[0034] 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. Therefore, for example, the duration of the second signal can be increased to 0.005 seconds, 0.01 seconds, 0.015 seconds, 0.02 seconds, 0.025 seconds, 0.03 seconds, 0.035 seconds, 0.04 seconds, and 0.045 seconds, and the pulse width of the basic pulse can be controlled to 100 μsec, 150 μsec, 200 μsec, 250 μsec, 300 μsec, 350 μsec, 400 μsec, and 450 μsec.More specifically, the pulse width can be set to 100 μsec when the duration of the second signal is 0.005 seconds, 150 μsec when the duration is 0.01 seconds, 200 μsec when the duration is 0.015 seconds, 250 μsec when the duration is 0.02 seconds, and so on, in such a way that both the duration and the pulse width of the second signal are changed.

[0035] In the present invention, the amplitude of each signal does not have to be configured to be set individually, but may be configured such that the first amplitude, the third amplitude, and the fourth amplitude are changed in conjunction with the second amplitude, for example.

[0036] Next, Figure 3(d) shows a schematic example of another electrical signal supplied to the human body, for example, to an affected area, according to the present invention. The pulse of Figure 3(c) is used as a basic pulse, and a sixth signal is composed of a second signal 302 and a fourth signal 304, each of which is composed of a basic pulse, and this is repeated. In Figure 3(e), the amplitude of the fourth signal is set to 0, but this is not limited to this and the fourth signal may have a non-zero amplitude. In Figure 3(e), the second signal is composed of seven basic pulses, but it may have more or less than seven.

[0037] In Fig. 3(d), the sixth signal is output at a constant repetition frequency, but the repetition frequency may be variably controlled as shown in Fig. 4. In this case, the second and fourth signals may be controlled in the same manner as the fifth signal.

[0038] The electrical stimulation device of the present invention can condition muscles by outputting electrical signals that provide electrical stimulation using multiple output modes, as follows. The output modes include an activation mode, which activates muscles to increase muscle output, and a relaxation mode, which relaxes muscles. The electrical signal output in the activation mode is called the activation electrical signal, and the electrical signal output in the relaxation mode is called the relaxation signal. The activation modes include a first mode, which applies appropriate tension and relaxation to muscles, and a second mode, which applies appropriate tension to muscles. The relaxation mode includes a third mode, which relieves muscle tension and relaxes the muscles. The electrical signal in the first mode is called the first electrical signal, and the electrical signal in the second mode is called the second electrical signal, and so on, hereafter referred to as the third electrical signal, etc.

[0039] In this embodiment, the activation mode is used to activate muscles by using facilitation, a frequency of about 100 Hz, or a combination of these, as described below, while the relaxation mode is used to relax muscles by using inhibition, a frequency of about 200 Hz, or a combination of these, as described below.

[0040] The first mode is a mode that provides appropriate muscle tension and relaxation. In this embodiment, the mode uses the fifth signal shown in Figure 3(a). In the first mode, the basic pulse is automatically set to be output every 10 msec, i.e., at a frequency of 100 Hz. The output may be set by the user or patient to avoid pain or excessive muscle contraction. The first mode may be used during pre-exercise activities, such as pre-exercise stretching or simple warm-up exercises. However, excessive muscle contraction can interfere with these preparatory activities, so it is desirable to use an output that does not cause muscle contraction. As can be seen from Figure 8-20 on page 242 of EBM Physical Therapy, Second Edition (Ishiyaku Publishing Co., Ltd.), an output that does not cause muscle contraction can be set to, for example, 20 mA or less to create an electrical signal that does not cause muscle contraction. That is, in addition to the first mode, a fourth mode may be provided that provides appropriate muscle tension and relaxation similar to the first mode but with an output limited to 20 mA or less, or a fourth mode may be provided instead of the first mode. In the first mode, the output can be set to 20 mA or more by the encoder 18, but in the fourth mode, it cannot be set to 20 mA or more and is automatically set to 20 mA or less. In other words, even if the user makes an erroneous operation, such as accidentally turning the encoder 18, excessive muscle contraction will not occur, which is more desirable.

[0041] When the first mode or the fourth mode is selected by the user, the control unit instructs the output generating unit 204 to output an electrical signal using the fifth signal as shown in Fig. 3(a) in accordance with the parameters described above. In this case, the output time of the electrical signal is automatically set to, for example, 20 minutes.

[0042] The control for causing the output generating unit 204 to output the desired electrical signal may be performed by sending parameters that define the desired electrical signal to the output generating unit 204, or may be performed by causing the output generating unit 204 to execute a pre-prepared program so as to output the required electrical signal.

[0043] The second mode outputs an electrical signal that applies a moderate amount of tension to the muscles to activate them. The fifth signal, as shown in Figure 3(a), is also used in this mode. However, T1 = T3 = 2 seconds, T2 = 4 seconds, and T4 = 3 seconds are used, and the amplitude of the fourth signal, the fourth amplitude, is set to zero. As the amplitude of the fourth signal is set to zero, the first amplitude also becomes zero, and the amplitude of the first signal gradually increases from zero, until the third amplitude also becomes zero and the amplitude of the third signal decreases to zero. Muscles can be activated by setting the duration of T1 and T2, i.e., the first and third signals, longer than 1 second, for example, 2 seconds. Furthermore, the basic pulse frequency is automatically set to 100 Hz. The output duration of the electrical signal in this mode is automatically set to, for example, 3 minutes.

[0044] The third mode is a mode that relaxes muscles without tensioning them. In this embodiment, the fifth signal shown in Figure 3(a) is used. In the third mode, the frequency at which the basic pulse is output is automatically set to 200 Hz. As with the first mode, the output may be set by the user or patient to avoid pain or excessive muscle contraction. The third mode may be used during post-exercise activities, such as post-exercise stretching or simple warm-up exercises. However, excessive muscle contraction can interfere with these preparatory activities, so it is desirable to use an output that does not cause muscle contraction. An output that does not cause muscle contraction can be, for example, 20 mA or less, creating an electrical signal that does not cause muscle contraction. That is, in addition to the third mode, a fifth mode may be provided that relaxes muscles like the third mode but limits the output to 20 mA or less, or a fifth mode may be provided instead of the third mode. In the third mode, the output can be set to 20 mA or more by the encoder 18, but in the fifth mode, it cannot be set to 20 mA or more and is automatically set to 20 mA or less. That is, even if the user makes an erroneous operation such as accidentally turning the encoder 18, excessive muscle contraction will not occur, which is more desirable.

[0045] The third mode can also be used as a massage mode by causing slight muscle contraction, but in this case, since muscle contraction is involved, it is desirable to be able to set the output to 20 mA or more.

[0046] In modes that simply output electrical signals to relax muscles, such as the third and fifth modes, it has been found that muscle relaxation can be achieved by setting the basic pulses (e.g., the first, second, third, and fourth pulses) at 200 Hz. Conversely, in modes 1, 4, and even 2, it has been found that muscle activation can be achieved by setting the basic pulses (e.g., the first, second, third, and fourth pulses) at 100 Hz. Thus, modes 3 and 5, which are primarily focused on muscle relaxation, can be achieved by setting the basic pulse frequency to 150 Hz or higher, e.g., 200 Hz. Conversely, modes 1, 4, and even 2, which are primarily focused on muscle activation, can be achieved by setting the basic pulse frequency to 150 Hz or lower, e.g., 100 Hz.

[0047] In the present invention, the basic pulse frequency used in the muscle activation mode is automatically set to 100 Hz, and in the muscle relaxation mode, the basic pulse frequency is automatically set to 200 Hz. That is, the basic pulse frequency is automatically set depending on which mode the user selects. In this embodiment, the frequency is automatically set to 100 Hz in the first, second, and fourth modes, and to 200 Hz in the third and fifth modes.

[0048] In this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which only the frequency is automatically set in the activation mode and the relaxation mode, but this is not limited to this. It is also possible to automatically change the pulse width and the duration of each signal, for example, the first signal and the third signal, depending on whether the activation mode or the relaxation mode is used, and this corresponds to the second mode, which will be described later.

[0049] In this embodiment, the frequencies used in the activation mode and relaxation mode are, for example, 100 Hz and 200 Hz, with the boundary being 150 Hz, but are not limited to this. For example, the boundary between the frequencies used in the activation mode and relaxation mode, 150 Hz, may vary slightly depending on the pulse width, intensity, pulse waveform, etc. However, the relationship that low frequencies are suitable for activating muscles and high frequencies are suitable for relaxing remains unchanged. Therefore, the frequencies used in the activation mode and relaxation mode are not limited to above or below 150 Hz, or 100 Hz and 200 Hz. It can be said that the frequency used in the activation mode is lower than the frequency used in the relaxation mode, or that the frequency used in the relaxation mode is higher than the frequency used in the activation mode. In other words, in this invention, the frequency of the basic pulse is automatically set to a frequency higher than the frequency used in the activation mode based on the use of the relaxation mode.

[0050] In the first and fourth modes described above, the fifth signal shown in Fig. 3(c) is used, but the sixth signal shown in Fig. 3(e) may be used instead. In this case, the basic pulse frequency should be 100 Hz to activate the muscles.

[0051] In the second mode, T1 and T3 are set to 2 seconds, which is longer than 1 second. By setting T1 and T3 to be longer than 1 second, the amount of command from the brain transmitted to the muscles is increased, thereby achieving a facilitation effect that instantly improves muscle output. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the basic pulse frequency is set to 100 Hz as described above, so that both the facilitation effect and the muscle activation effect of 100 Hz can be obtained simultaneously. Furthermore, although the effects of these facilitation or frequency have often been unstable due to individual differences, by using them together, the unique effect of the present invention can be obtained by simultaneously and stably obtaining muscle activation and facilitation effects.

[0052] Furthermore, in the second mode, muscle activation is performed, so the frequency and the duration of the first and third signals, which are parameters suitable for activation, are automatically set.

[0053] In the second mode, T1 and T3 are set to greater than 1 second, but conversely, by setting them to less than 1 second, as in the third mode, which is the relaxation mode, the amount of commands from the brain transmitted to the muscles is reduced, thereby achieving the inhibitory effect of immediately reducing muscle output. Therefore, in all of the controls described in Figures 3 and 4 above, T1 and T3 are set to less than 1 second, which basically reduces muscle output and causes muscle relaxation. In other words, even when the third mode, which is the relaxation mode, is used, the duration of the first and third signals is automatically set to less than 1 second.

[0054] On the other hand, in the first and fourth modes, the 100 Hz basic pulse frequency that activates the muscles can also provide moderate tension. In other words, both relaxation through inhibition and tension through 100 Hz can be achieved, resulting in perfect conditioning that creates the ideal muscle state of moderate tension and relaxation. Changing only the frequency, for example, by combining 100 Hz and 200 Hz, or by setting T1 and T3 to less than one second and more than one second, can result in problems such as unintended dominance of either facilitation or inhibition, or the effects of each canceling out, resulting in failure to achieve the desired effect. However, by setting T1 and T3 to less than one second and using a 100 Hz basic pulse, as in the first and fourth modes of the present invention, it is possible to achieve the unique effect of the present invention, which creates the ideal muscle state of moderate tension and relaxation.

[0055] The electrical signals output in the first, fourth, third, and fifth modes described above have a non-zero amplitude for the fourth signal. As described above, it is desirable to set the amplitude of the fourth signal to a non-zero value in order to utilize the effect of the fundamental pulse frequency. Since the amplitude of the fourth signal is non-zero, the muscle activation and relaxation effects due to the difference in frequency are always obtained while the electrical signal is being output, which is desirable. Therefore, the electrical signal in the second mode may also have a fourth signal with an amplitude greater than zero, i.e., the first and third amplitudes may be set to be greater than zero.

[0056] Furthermore, the basic pulses used in the activation mode and the relaxation mode, for example, the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse, each have the same frequency of 100 Hz or 200 Hz, but this is not limited to this. The frequency may be changed within a range that allows each basic pulse to provide the desired activation or relaxation. For example, the frequencies of the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse may be 98 Hz, 100 Hz, 102 Hz, and 100 Hz, respectively, or these may be variably controlled.

[0057] For convenience, the electrical signals used in Figure 3(a) are configured in the order of first signal, second signal, third signal, and fourth signal, but from a different perspective, they can also be expressed as shown in Figure 5. For example, in Figure 5(a), the fourth signal, first signal, second signal, and third signal are output in this order, and this cycle is repeated. In Figure 5(b), the fourth signal is output again after the fourth signal, first signal, second signal, and third signal. It is easy to see that these all constitute the same signal waveform. In other words, the waveforms shown in Figure 3(a) and other figures are the same as the waveforms in Figure 5.

[0058] Although the second signal and the fourth signal have been described above as having constant amplitudes, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the second signal and the fourth signal may be changed. Figure 6 shows an example of this, with Figure 6(a) showing a state in which the amplitude of the second signal increases, and Figure 6(b) showing a state in which the amplitude of the fourth signal increases. The amplitudes of the second signal and the fourth signal may monotonically increase or decrease as shown in Figure 6, or may be fluctuated as long as the desired conditioning is obtained.

[0059] As described above, in the present invention, even if a user has no knowledge of physical therapy related to the above-mentioned facilitation / inhibition or muscle activation / relaxation, such as knowledge or insufficient experience in setting frequency and time, appropriate parameter setting is possible, muscle conditioning can be achieved freely and reliably, and reliable treatment and therapy can be easily achieved, thereby improving the efficiency of treatment and therapy. Furthermore, the present invention provides the following: (1) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides the following means. That is, the electrical stimulation device of the present invention is an electrical stimulation device that supplies an electrical signal to an affected area using a conductor, and the electrical signal is composed of a first signal that is composed of a plurality of first pulses and the amplitude of the current increases from the first amplitude at a first time, a second signal that is composed of a plurality of second pulses and has a second amplitude of the current, a third signal that is composed of a plurality of third pulses and decreases to a third amplitude at a third time, and a fourth signal that is composed of a plurality of fourth pulses and has a fourth amplitude, and is characterized in that the frequency used when the electrical signal is output as an activation electrical signal in an activation mode used to activate muscles, and the frequency at which the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse are output, is higher than the frequency used in the activation electrical signal, based on the use of the relaxation mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1. Electrical stimulation device 11 Main body 12 Stop switch 14 Connector part 15 Main power 16 Code 17 Controller 18 Encoder 105 Switch 111 Electrode Pad A 112 Electrode Pad B 114 Display section 201 User IF section 203 Control Unit 204 Output Generation Unit 205 memory 206 Power supply section 207 Timer 208 Terminal A 209 Terminal B 301 First Signal 302 Second Signal 303 Third Signal 304 4th traffic light 305 5th Signal 306 6th Signal

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation device that selectively activates or relaxes muscles by supplying an activation electrical signal in an activation mode used to activate muscles or a relaxation electrical signal in a relaxation mode used to relax muscles to an affected area using a conductor, The activating electrical signal and the relaxing electrical signal are a first signal which is a signal that is composed of a plurality of first pulses and whose current increases from a first amplitude in a first time; a second signal which is composed of a plurality of second pulses and whose current has a second amplitude; a third signal which is composed of a plurality of third pulses and whose current decreases to a third amplitude in a third time; and a fourth signal which is composed of a plurality of fourth pulses and whose current has a fourth amplitude, When the activation mode is selected, a first frequency used when the activation electrical signal is output, the first frequency being lower than 150 Hz, is automatically set as a frequency at which the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse are output in the activation mode; When the relaxation mode is selected, the electrical stimulation device automatically sets a second frequency greater than 150 Hz as the frequency at which the relaxation electrical signal is output, the second frequency being used when the relaxation mode is selected, and the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse are output in the relaxation mode.

2. 2. The electrical stimulation device of claim 1, wherein the frequency in the activation mode is 100 Hz and the frequency in the relaxation mode is 200 Hz.

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