Electrical stimulation device

Abstract

To provide an electrostimulator capable of outputting electric stimulation in a narrow range as compared to a conventional product.SOLUTION: An electrostimulator equipped with a bipolar electrode 3a composed of two electrodes and a single electrode 3b detects a myoelectric potential of a person to be treated through the bipolar electrodes 3a and the single electrode 3b disposed on the skin surface of the person to be treated, and outputs electric stimulation based on the myoelectric potential between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrodes 3a. The electrostimulator has a first mode in which the electric stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrodes 3a and a second mode in which the electric stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the bipolar electrodes 3a and the single electrode 3b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an electrical stimulation device that has the function of outputting electrical stimulation to a patient's paralyzed limb based on the myoelectric potential of the same limb. A dual-purpose electrode for myoelectric detection and electrical stimulation, which is made up of a bipolar electrode with two electrodes integrated into a base material and one reference electrode, is brought into contact with the patient's paralyzed limb to detect the myoelectric potential of the paralyzed limb and output electrical stimulation to the paralyzed limb. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-248344 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Electrical stimulation using dual-purpose electrodes for EMG detection and electrical stimulation is output between the entire bipolar electrode and the reference electrode, making it difficult to electrically stimulate narrow areas of the hyoid muscles, for example. Depending on the location of the hyoid muscles to be electrically stimulated, the positions at which the reference electrode and bipolar electrode can be attached are limited. If the reference electrode and bipolar electrode are attached too far apart, electrical stimulation is output between these electrodes, making it difficult to pinpoint and stimulate the targeted hyoid muscles.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and has an object to provide an electrical stimulation device that can output electrical stimulation in a narrower range than conventional devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The electrical stimulation device of the present invention according to claim 1 comprises a bipolar electrode consisting of two electrodes and a single electrode, detects the myoelectric potential of the patient via the bipolar electrode and the single electrode placed on the skin surface of the patient, outputs electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode, and has a first mode in which electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode and a second mode in which electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the bipolar electrode and the single electrode, comprises a plurality of channels, and is configured so that the first mode and the second mode can be selected in at least one channel,When detecting the myoelectric potential of the subject in a certain channel among the plurality of channels, the output of electrical stimulation in the other channels is prohibited or the other channels are made unavailable while the certain channel is in use. According to this configuration, the first mode and the second mode can be selected and used according to the treatment needs. By using the first mode, it can be applied to the treatment of a narrow area of ​​the hyoid muscle group, for example. By using the second mode, it can be applied to the motor function training of the elbow joint, for example. Furthermore, since it is provided with multiple channels, it can be applied to the 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. In addition, For example, when a treatment mode involving the detection of myoelectric potentials is used simultaneously on two channels, when electrical stimulation is output on one channel, an electrical signal may be mixed into the bipolar electrode of the other channel, resulting in an erroneous detection of myoelectric potentials. However, with this configuration, the output of electrical stimulation from another channel can be prevented from affecting the detection of myoelectric potentials on one channel, preventing erroneous detection of myoelectric potentials on one channel.

[0010] Claim 2 The electrical stimulation device according to the present invention is characterized in that the bipolar electrode is placed on the hyoid muscles. With this configuration, the hyoid muscles can be strengthened and swallowing function can be improved.

[0011] The electrical stimulation device of the present invention according to claim 3 comprises a bipolar electrode composed of two electrodes and a single electrode, and detects the myoelectric potential of the patient via the bipolar electrode and the single electrode placed on the skin surface of the patient, and outputs electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode, and the bipolar electrode is placed on the hyoid muscle group, The electrical stimulation is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode when the patient swallows, and the output of the electrical stimulation is stopped when the patient opens their mouth. Electrical stimulation can be output over a narrower range than before, It is possible to strengthen the hyoid muscles and improve swallowing function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, electrical stimulation can be output over a narrower range than conventional devices, making it possible to provide an electrical stimulation device that can be used to treat a narrow area of ​​the hyoid muscles, for example. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of channel 1 of the electrical stimulation device. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a first example of treatment using the electrical stimulation device. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second treatment example using the electrical stimulation device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of channel 2 of the electrical stimulation device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the electrical stimulation device. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of treatment using an electrical stimulation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fourth treatment example using the electrical stimulation device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An electrical stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) As shown in Fig. 1, electrical stimulation device 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention mainly comprises device main body 2, which contains an electrical circuit for outputting electrical stimulation; dual-purpose electrode 3, which is placed on the skin surface of the limb of the patient to detect myoelectric potentials and apply electrical stimulation; and cable 4, which connects dual-purpose electrode 3 to device main body 2. Device main body 2 is provided with output connectors 5a and 5b, and Fig. 1 shows an example in which dual-purpose electrode 3 is connected to output connector 5a via cable 4. Each output connector 5a and 5b constitutes one channel, with output connector 5a designated as channel 1 and output connector 5b designated as channel 2. Connector 27 provided on device main body 2 will be described later.

[0016] The dual-use electrode 3 is at least a pair of electrodes, and as an example, is composed of a bipolar electrode 3a, which is two electrodes integrally formed from a non-conductive material, and one single electrode 3b. The bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b are hook-type gel electrodes whose back surfaces serve as adhesive surfaces to be attached to the skin surface of the patient.

[0017] The bipolar electrode 3a is placed on the skin surface of the muscle belly of the target muscle, and detects weak myoelectric potentials generated by the muscle activity of the patient between the two electrodes, and also functions as an electrical stimulation electrode for applying electrical stimulation. The single electrode 3b functions as a reference electrode that determines the reference potential when detecting the myoelectric potentials between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a, and is also placed on the skin surface of the muscle belly of the muscle to which electrical stimulation is to be applied, and functions as an electrical stimulation electrode for applying electrical stimulation to the muscle.

[0018] The two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a and the hooks of the single electrode 3b are attached to the respective ends of a cable 4 which branches into three at a midpoint, and the connection plug 4a at the base end of the cable 4 is detachably inserted into an output connector 5a provided on the device main body 2.

[0019] The device main body 2 is equipped with a rotatable dial 6, a pressable decision button 7 located in the center of the dial 6, and a display unit 8. Treatment conditions are set using the dial 6 and the decision button 7. The display unit 8 is a touch panel, and this touch panel also has the function of the decision button 7. Treatment conditions, treatment results, etc. are displayed on the display unit 8.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2 , a hand switch 28 that controls the operation of the electrical stimulation device 1 is connected to a connector 27 provided on the device main body 2 via a cable (not shown). The device main body 2 further includes an electrical stimulation means 9, an output switching unit 10, an electromyography detection circuit 11, a power supply circuit 12, a battery voltage detection circuit 13, a memory unit 14, and a control unit 15, all of 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 memory unit 14, and the display unit 8 and is configured by a microcontroller (microcomputer). The memory unit 14 stores set treatment conditions and other information in a readable manner and is configured, for example, by a non-volatile memory (EEPROM). The control unit 15 receives signals from the dial 6, the decision button 7, and the touch panel (display unit 8) to set treatment conditions, and the set treatment conditions and treatment result data are stored, for example, in the memory unit 14.

[0021] Electrical stimulation means 9 is a means for supplying electrical stimulation to dual-use electrode 3, and is composed of battery power supply 16, DC-DC converter 17 that boosts the voltage of battery power supply 16 and supplies it as an output power source, output control circuit 18 that controls the voltage input from DC-DC converter 17, output transformer 19 that boosts the output voltage from output control circuit 18, and current detection circuit 20 that detects the electrical stimulation (output current) from output transformer 19. The output current signal detected by current detection circuit 20 is input to control unit 15, and control unit 15 controls output control circuit 18 to prevent, for example, the occurrence of an overcurrent.

[0022] Battery power supply 16 can be a dry cell battery such as an alkaline battery, or a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. Battery voltage detection circuit 13 is provided to detect the voltage of battery power supply 16. When battery voltage detection circuit 13 detects that the voltage of battery power supply 16 has dropped to a first threshold, control unit 15 notifies the therapist by displaying an image of the voltage drop on display unit 8. When the voltage of battery power supply 16 reaches a second threshold lower than the first threshold, control unit 15 cuts off the power to electrical stimulation device 1. Power supply circuit 12 is connected to battery power supply 16 and supplies control power to control unit 15.

[0023] Next, the configuration for detecting myoelectric potentials will be described. A bidirectional square wave with a predetermined frequency (e.g., 20 Hz) and a predetermined pulse width (e.g., 50 μs) is repeatedly output from output transformer 19 between bipolar electrode 3a and single electrode 3b, with three repetitions as one unit, and the myoelectric potential during this repetition (e.g., 8 ms) is detected between the two electrodes of bipolar electrode 3a. The detected myoelectric potential is input to myoelectric detection circuit 11, amplified by an amplifier (not shown) or the like to a level that can be recognized by control unit 15, and then input into control unit 15. Control unit 15 processes the signal to calculate the myoelectric potential and controls output control circuit 18 so that the next electrical stimulus has an intensity proportional to the intensity of the calculated myoelectric potential.

[0024] The electrical stimulation device 1 has a first mode and a second mode as treatment modes. In the first mode, a pulse having an intensity proportional to the myoelectric potential of the treatment target area detected by the bipolar electrode 3a is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a. In the second mode, a pulse having an intensity proportional to the myoelectric potential of the treatment target area 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 switches 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 be able to select between the first mode and the second mode. Note that, as an example of the pulse in the first mode, the waveform is a symmetrical biphasic square wave and the pulse width is 150 to 350 μsec. Since many of the muscles in the hyopharynx region involved in swallowing are fast-twitch muscle components, 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 to 100 Hz. Also, an example of a pulse in the second mode is a square wave with a pulse width of 50 to 300 μsec and a pulse frequency of 1 to 40 Hz.

[0025] Next, an example will be described in which a therapist treats a patient using the first mode of electrical stimulation device 1. Fig. 3A is a front view of the neck and jaw area of ​​a patient with their chin raised, showing the placement of electrodes in the first treatment example. In the first treatment example, bipolar electrodes 3a are placed on the patient's left anterior digastric belly 31L and right anterior digastric belly 31R, and single electrodes 3b are placed at a distance from bipolar electrodes 3a. Because no electrical stimulation is output from single electrodes 3b, there are no particular restrictions on the placement of single electrodes 3b.

[0026] The therapist operates the dial 6, the decision button 7, or the touch panel (display unit 8) of the electrical stimulation device 1 to set the treatment mode to the first mode and to set various treatment conditions, such as the treatment time, the minimum and maximum intensities of the electrical stimulation, and the myoelectric detection sensitivity. When setting the myoelectric detection sensitivity, the display unit 8 displays the myoelectric potential on, for example, 10 levels, and the therapist adjusts the myoelectric detection sensitivity while checking the level. Specifically, the myoelectric detection sensitivity is adjusted so that the myoelectric potential level is maximized (all 10 levels are displayed) when force is applied to the treatment area and minimized (all 10 levels are not displayed) when force is applied to the treatment area. If the level does not maximize even when force is applied strongly or if the electrical stimulation feels weak during treatment, the myoelectric detection sensitivity can be adjusted to be higher. Conversely, if the myoelectric potential level does not minimize even when force is relaxed or if the electrical stimulation feels strong during treatment, the therapist can adjust the myoelectric detection sensitivity to be lower.

[0027] In the first mode, when pressure is applied to the treatment area, the myoelectric potential detected by the bipolar electrode 3a is input to the myoelectric potential detection circuit 11. The control unit 15 calculates the magnitude of the myoelectric potential, and electrical stimulation corresponding to the magnitude flows between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a, applying electrical stimulation between the left anterior digastric muscle 31L and the right anterior digastric muscle 31R. For example, the therapist can operate the hand switch 28 connected to the connector 27 of the device main body 2 to output electrical stimulation when the patient swallows something and not output electrical stimulation when the patient opens their mouth. The "something" here is preferably saliva or water. After the set treatment time has elapsed, the output of electrical stimulation automatically stops, ending the treatment. The digastric muscle 31 is one of the muscles (suprahyoid muscles) that elevate the hyoid bone 32. When the digastric muscle 31 contracts with the mouth closed, it elevates the hyoid bone 32. According to the first treatment example in Fig. 3A, it is possible to strengthen the digastric muscle 31 and improve swallowing function. The digastric muscle 31 is divided into anterior digastric belly 31L, 31R and posterior digastric belly, but the posterior digastric belly is not shown. In addition to the digastric muscle 31, the suprahyoid muscle group includes the mylohyoid muscle, geniohyoid muscle, and stylohyoid muscle, and strengthening the strength of the suprahyoid muscle group can improve swallowing function.

[0028] 3B is a diagram similar to FIG. 3A and shows the electrode placement in a second treatment example using the first mode. In the second treatment example, a bipolar electrode 3a is placed on the right anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31R of the patient, and a single electrode 3b is placed at a position distant from the bipolar electrode 3a. The method of using the electrical stimulation device 1 is the same as in the first treatment example, and the second treatment example in FIG. 3B can strengthen the muscle of the right anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31R and improve swallowing function.

[0029] 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 electrical stimulation is output between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b as in the conventional treatment, 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 the electrical stimulation is smaller than in the conventional treatment, and electrical stimulation can be output over a narrower range than in the conventional treatment. This makes it possible to apply this to treatment of a narrow area of ​​the suprahyoid muscles, for example.

[0030] Next, an example will be described in which a therapist treats a patient using the second mode of electrical stimulation device 1. The therapist attaches bipolar electrode 3a to the muscle bellies of the wrist dorsiflexors and finger extensors in the patient's forearm, which are the patient's paralyzed limbs. The therapist also attaches single electrode 3b near one end (wrist side) of the muscle bellies of the wrist dorsiflexors and finger extensors in the patient's forearm. The therapist operates dial 6, select button 7, or touch panel (display unit 8) of electrical stimulation device 1 to set the treatment mode to the second mode and also set various treatment conditions, such as treatment time, minimum and maximum intensity of electrical stimulation, and sensitivity to myoelectric detection. When the patient applies force to their forearm, electrical stimulation corresponding to the magnitude of the myoelectric potential detected by bipolar electrode 3a flows between bipolar electrode 3a and single electrode 3b, applying electrical stimulation to the wrist dorsiflexors and finger extensors. This electrical stimulation stimulates muscle contraction in the wrist dorsiflexor muscles and finger extensor muscles, allowing the patient to train the motor function of the wrist and finger joints. After the set treatment time has elapsed, the output of electrical stimulation automatically stops, ending the treatment.

[0031] As described above, channel 1 of electrical stimulation device 1 is configured to be able to select between a first mode in which electrical stimulation based on the detected myoelectric potential of the patient is output between the two electrodes of bipolar electrode 3a, and a second mode in which electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between bipolar electrode 3a and single electrode 3b. Therefore, the first mode or the second mode can be selected according to the treatment needs.

[0032] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 shows the configuration of an electrical stimulation device 1a according to a second embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. In the second embodiment, an electrical stimulation electrode 22 is connected to an output connector 5b of channel 2 via a cable 21. The electrical stimulation electrode 22 is at least one pair of electrodes, and as an example, it is composed of two pairs of electrodes, each consisting of a hook-type gel electrode whose back surface serves as an adhesive surface for adhering to the skin surface of the patient. Each hook of the electrode 22 is attached to each end of a cable 21, which branches into two at a midpoint. A connection plug 21a at the base end of the cable 21 is detachably inserted into an output connector 5b provided on the device main body 2. A dual-purpose electrode 3 is connected to the output connector 5a of channel 1 via a cable 4. The block diagram for channel 1 is the same as that shown in FIG. 2.

[0033] Figure 5 is a block diagram of channel 2 of electrical stimulation device 1a, and the same components as in embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described as appropriate. Control unit 15a controls electrical stimulation means 9, output connector 5b, memory unit 14, and display unit 8. Electrical stimulation means 9 is a means for supplying electrical stimulation to electrical stimulation electrodes 22 via output connector 5b. Figure 6 is a block diagram of the control unit of electrical stimulation device 1a, and control unit 15 for channel 1 and control unit 15a for channel 2 are controlled by main control unit 23.

[0034] Channel 1 is the same as in embodiment 1, and channel 1 of electrical stimulation device 1a is configured to allow selection between mode 1 and mode 2. Channel 2 can, for example, implement mode 3, which outputs electrical stimulation to electrical stimulation electrodes 22 under set stimulation conditions, and mode 4, which controls the on / off of electrical stimulation output based on input from an external sensor (such as a pressure sensor, angle sensor, or acceleration sensor).

[0035] Here, in the treatment modes (first mode and second mode) performed on channel 1, the myoelectric potential of the treated person is detected. However, when channel 1 and channel 2 are used simultaneously, erroneous detection of the myoelectric potential of the treated person occurs on channel 1. After investigating the cause of this erroneous detection, it was found that when electrical stimulation is output on channel 2, an electrical signal is mixed into bipolar electrode 3a of channel 1, resulting in the erroneous detection of the myoelectric potential, or that when electrodes connected to channel 1 and channel 2 are placed close to each other, the erroneous detection of the myoelectric potential of the target muscle on the opposite side occurs. Therefore, main control unit 23 controls control units 15, 15a to prohibit the output of electrical stimulation on channel 2 or to disable channel 2 while channel 1 is in use. This prevents the output of electrical stimulation on channel 2 from affecting the detection of myoelectric potential on channel 1. In other words, when detecting the myoelectric potential of the treated person on one of multiple channels, prohibiting the output of electrical stimulation on other channels or disabling the other channels while the other channel is in use prevents the output of electrical stimulation on the other channels from affecting the detection of myoelectric potential on the other channel.

[0036] The electrical stimulation device 1a can also operate in a fifth mode, which outputs pulses to the treatment target area with an intensity proportional to the myoelectric potential of the area other than the treatment target area, or a sixth mode, which outputs electrical stimulation to the treatment target area under preset stimulation conditions when the myoelectric potential of the area other than the treatment target area reaches a preset threshold. Here, the area other than the treatment target area may be, for example, a part of a person other than the patient or a healthy limb of the patient. In this case, a dual-use electrode 3 is placed at the area other than the treatment target area, and an electrical stimulation electrode 22 is placed at the treatment target area, allowing a single treatment to be performed using channel 1 and channel 2.

[0037] (Embodiment 3) The electrical stimulation device according to embodiment 3 has a configuration in which a dual-use electrode 3 is also connected to output connector 5b (channel 2) in electrical stimulation device 1 of embodiment 1. The block diagram for channel 2 is the same as that in FIG. 2, and control units 15 for channel 1 and channel 2 are controlled by main control unit 23 described with reference to FIG. 6. Channels 1 and 2 can be operated in a selected mode from a first mode and a second mode.

[0038] 7A is a diagram similar to FIG. 3A and shows the electrode placement in a third treatment example using the first mode. In the third treatment example, a bipolar electrode 3a1 is placed on the anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31R of the patient's right side, and a single electrode 3b1 is placed at a distance from the bipolar electrode 3a1. A bipolar electrode 3a2 is placed on the anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31L of the patient's left side, 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 the output connector 5a, and the bipolar electrode 3a2 and the single electrode 3b2 are connected to the output connector 5b.

[0039] The therapist operates the dial 6, the decision button 7, or the touch panel (display unit 8) for channel 1 and channel 2 to set the treatment mode to the first mode, as well as to set various treatment conditions, such as the treatment time, the minimum and maximum intensities of electrical stimulation, and the sensitivity of myoelectric detection. As described above, when channel 1 and channel 2 are used simultaneously, erroneous detection of the patient's myoelectric potentials may occur in channel 1 or channel 2. Therefore, the main control unit 23 controls the control units 15 for channels 1 and 2 so that the output of electrical stimulation in channel 2 is prohibited or channel 2 is disabled while channel 1 is being used, and the output of electrical stimulation in channel 1 is prohibited or channel 1 is disabled while channel 2 is being used. This prevents erroneous detection of myoelectric potentials in channels 1 and 2. The third treatment example in FIG. 7A can strengthen the left and right anterior digastric bellies 3L and 3R, improving swallowing function.

[0040] FIG. 7B is a diagram similar to FIG. 3A and shows the electrode placement in a fourth treatment example using the first mode. In the fourth treatment example, bipolar electrode 3a1 is placed on the left anterior digastric muscle belly 31L and the right anterior digastric muscle belly 31R of the patient, and bipolar electrode 3a2 is placed on the left sternohyoid muscle 33L and the right sternohyoid muscle 33R of the patient. The positions of single electrodes 3b1 and 3b2 are not particularly determined and are placed at any position. Incidentally, sternohyoid muscle 33 is one of the muscles (infrahyoid muscles) that pull down hyoid bone 32. When sternohyoid muscle 33 contracts, it pulls down hyoid bone 32 anteriorly and inferiorly. According to the fourth treatment example in FIG. 7B, muscle strength of the muscle that pulls up hyoid bone 32 (digastric muscle 31) and the muscle that pulls down hyoid bone 32 (sternohyoid muscle 33) can be increased, thereby improving swallowing function. The infrahyoid muscles include the omohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid muscles in addition to the sternohyoid muscle33, and swallowing function can be improved by strengthening the infrahyoid muscles. The hyoid muscles are composed of the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles.

[0041] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an electrical stimulation device 1b according to embodiment 4. The same components as those in embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again where appropriate. Dual-use electrode 3 is connected to output connector 5a, and electrical stimulation electrode 22 is connected to output connector 5b. Electrical stimulation means 9 supplies electrical stimulation to dual-use electrode 3 and electrical stimulation electrode 22, and output switching unit 24 switches whether the electrical stimulation output from electrical stimulation means 9 is output to dual-use electrode 3 or to electrical stimulation electrode 22. Output switching unit 10 also switches whether the electrical stimulation is output between the two electrodes of bipolar electrode 3a or between bipolar electrode 3a and single electrode 3b.

[0042] Electrical stimulation device 1b includes an operation switch unit 25 for setting treatment conditions and an LED display unit 26 used to set the myoelectric potential detection sensitivity. LED display unit 26 has multiple (e.g., five) LEDs arranged in a row, and is configured so that the number of LEDs that light up increases as the detected myoelectric potential strength increases. The myoelectric potential detection sensitivity is adjusted so that all five LEDs on LED display unit 26 light up when force is applied to the treatment target area and all LEDs go out when force is released. If all LEDs do not light up even when strong force is applied or if the output of the electrical stimulation signal is felt to be weak during treatment, the myoelectric potential detection sensitivity can be adjusted to be higher. Conversely, if all LEDs do not go out when force is released or if the output of the electrical stimulation signal is felt to be strong during treatment, the myoelectric potential detection sensitivity can be adjusted to be lower.

[0043] In electrical stimulation device 1b, a dual-purpose electrode 3 is connected to output connector 5a, and treatment in either mode 1 or mode 2 can be performed using dual-purpose electrode 3, allowing selection between mode 1 and mode 2. Furthermore, by connecting dual-purpose electrode 3 and electrical stimulation electrode 22 to output connectors 5a and 5b, respectively, and using dual-purpose electrode 3 to detect the myoelectric potential of the patient or another person other than the patient, and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's treatment target area using electrical stimulation electrode 22, the fifth or sixth mode can be performed. Furthermore, by connecting electrical stimulation electrode 22 to output connector 5b and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's treatment target area using electrical stimulation electrode 22, the third or fourth mode can be performed. Thus, electrical stimulation device 1b is configured to perform one treatment using dual-purpose electrode 3 connected to output connector 5a and / or electrical stimulation electrode 22 connected to output connector 5b, and output connectors 5a and 5b form one channel.

[0044] It is also possible to use multiple types of bipolar electrodes 3a and single electrodes 3b, rather than just one type. For example, multiple types of bipolar electrodes 3a with different distances between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrodes 3a can be used. Multiple types of bipolar electrodes 3a and single electrodes 3b2 with different conductive areas of the bipolar electrodes 3a and single electrodes 3b2 can be used. Furthermore, the bipolar electrodes 3a may be configured as two separate electrodes that are detachably attached to an orthosis, resulting in a bipolar electrode 3a in which the distance between the two electrodes does not change. The bipolar electrodes 3a may be configured as one electrode that is integrally formed with an orthosis and another electrode that is detachably attached to the orthosis. Furthermore, one or three or more channels may be provided. [Industrial Applicability]

[0045] The present invention can be applied to electrical stimulation devices used in the treatment of dysphagia. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1. Electrical stimulation device 2. Device body 3 Dual-use electrodes 3a bipolar electrode 3b single electrode 5a, 5b output connectors (channels) 9 Electrical stimulation means 10 Output switching section 11 EMG detection circuit 15, 15a, 15b Control section 22 Electrical stimulation electrodes 23 Main control unit 24 Output switching section 31 Digastric muscle 31L, 31R anterior belly of the digastric muscle 33, 33L, 33R Sternohyoid muscle

Claims

1. A device comprising a bipolar electrode composed of two electrodes and a single electrode, which detects the myoelectric potential of the patient via the bipolar electrode and the single electrode placed on the skin surface of the patient, and outputs electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode; a first mode in which the electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode; and a second mode in which the electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the bipolar electrode and the single electrode, a plurality of channels are provided, and the first mode and the second mode are selectable in at least one channel; An electrical stimulation device characterized in that, when detecting the myoelectric potential of the patient using a certain channel among the multiple channels, the output of electrical stimulation using other channels is prohibited or the other channels are made unusable while the certain channel is being used.

2. 2. The electrical stimulation device of claim 1, wherein the bipolar electrode is positioned on the hyoid muscles.

3. An electrical stimulation device comprising a bipolar electrode consisting of two electrodes and a single electrode, detecting the myoelectric potential of the patient via the bipolar electrode and the single electrode placed on the surface of the patient's skin, outputting electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode, the bipolar electrode being placed on the hyoid muscle group, outputting electrical stimulation between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode when the patient swallows, and stopping the output of electrical stimulation when the patient has their mouth open.

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