Apparatus for applying electrical stimulation signals to the body of a human user

Abstract

An apparatus for applying electrical stimulation signals to the body of a human user, comprising: a garment configured to fit snug against the user's body so that said garment covers at least a portion of the user's body; at least one electrode device comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode device is operationally connected to the garment such that said electrode is positioned against the user's skin in electrically conducting contact therewith when said garment is worn by the user; wherein the garment comprises a guide member, and wherein the electrode device further comprises an engagement member configured to movably engage the guide member to allow movement of the electrode device along the guide member to selectively position the electrode at an electrode position selected from at least a first selectable electrode position and a second selectable electrode position; and wherein the electrode device further comprises a manipulator configured to be manipulated by a human operator to affect said movement of the electrode device along the guide member when the garment is worn by the user.

Description

[0001] Apparatus for applying electrical stimulation signals to the body of a human user

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for applying electrical stimulation signals to the body of a human user. The present disclosure further relates to a method for configuring such an apparatus.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Different forms of transcutaneous electrical stimulation and different devices for providing such stimulation are known. Examples of such devices include devices for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS), and similar electrical stimulation devices that can apply stimulation signals to particular areas of the human body. It has been well documented that applying a pulsed waveform, having an adjustable intensity, pulse duration, at an inflicted area of tissue to stimulate nerve fibers is effective to suppress pain originating for the immediate area. TENS devices have been used for symptomatic relief and management of chronic, post-surgical, and traumatic acute pain. EMS and NEMS devices use waveforms to cause muscle contraction. These induced muscle contractions are useful in physical therapy and body building, e.g. for correcting atrophy, stimulating muscle growth, and increasing range of motion.

[0006] Throughout the present disclosure, devices for TENS, EMS and NEMS, and similar transcutaneous electrical stimulation devices will be collectively referred to as apparatus for applying electrical stimulation signals or as transcutaneous stimulation devices or units or, briefly, as stimulation devices or units. Generally, a transcutaneous stimulation device applies electrical stimulation signals through the skin of a subject via one or more electrode pads.

[0007] The scientific study by Filipovic A, Kleinbder H, Dbrmann U, Mester J. Electromyostimulation, entitled "A systematic review of the effects of different electromyostimulation methods on selected strength parameters in trained and elite athletes", J Strength Cond Res. 2012 Sep;26(9):2600-14. doi: 10.1519 / JSC.0b013e31823f2cdl. PMID: 22067247, has concluded that EMS is effective for developing physical performance and that EMS offers a promising alternative to traditional strength training for enhancing strength parameters and motor abilities. Because of the clear-cut advantages in time management, especially when whole-body EMS is used, the authors of this study expect this method to see the increasing use in high-performance sports. US2002077688 discloses a partial or full body garment which includes means for positioning a plurality of electrode pads at select, predetermined locations on the body to thereby deliver electrical pulses to targeted muscle groups and / or nerve areas of the body in accordance with the needs of the user.

[0008] However, such garments are typically made for use by multiple users. It is therefore desirable to be able to adapt the garment to the specific anatomical features of a particular user in order to accurately position the electrode pads relative to the muscles to be stimulated.

[0009] US2024024674 discloses a system comprising a controller for providing and receiving signaling to and from at least one electrical stimulation, ES, system, comprising an electrode array for applying an electrical stimulation to a muscle and one or more sensors for detecting a response of the muscle; the ES system is configured to selectively operate the electrode array in one of a motor point configuration mode or a stimulation mode, wherein: in the motor point configuration mode a plurality of scan measurements are taken between different pairs of electrodes; and based on measurement signaling of each scan measurement, the controller is configured to identify a first stimulation electrode and a second stimulation electrode; and in the stimulation mode a plurality of stimulation signals are applied to the first and second stimulation electrodes to provide for contraction of the muscle.

[0010] While this prior art method provides a selective stimulation of specific areas, it requires the provision of an array of electrodes from which individual electrodes can selectively be addressed, thereby increasing the complexity and cost of the system.

[0011] On this background, despite previous efforts, it remains desirable to provide an apparatus that solves one or more of the above problems and / or other problems, and / or that has other benefits, or that at least provides an alternative to existing solutions.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for applying electrical stimulation signals to the body of a human user. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise: a garment configured to fit snug against the user's body so that said garment covers at least a portion of the user's body; and at least one electrode device comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode device is operationally connected to the garment such that said electrode is positioned against the user's skin in electrically conducting contact therewith when said garment is worn by the user.

[0014] In various embodiments, the garment comprises a guide member, and the electrode device further comprises an engagement member configured to movably engage the guide member to allow movement of the electrode device along the guide member to selectively position the electrode at an electrode position selected from at least a first selectable electrode position and a second selectable electrode position; and the electrode device further comprises a manipulator configured to be manipulated by a human operator to affect said movement of the electrode device along the guide member when the garment is worn by the user.

[0015] Accordingly, as the electrode devices can be moved along the guide member when the garment is worn by the user, an accurate and convenient positioning of the electrodes relative to the specific muscle anatomy of the wearer of the garment is possible.

[0016] Moreover, a correct placement of the electrodes can be verified and, if desired, adjusted without the user having to take off the suit.

[0017] Among other advantages, the user-specific electrode positioning described herein results in a more efficient muscle stimulation, enhanced treatment comfort and reduced treatment duration while keeping the manufacturing cost low.

[0018] In some embodiments the apparatus is selectively operable in a configuration mode and in a stimulation mode. Both modes of operation are performed when the garment is worn by the user.

[0019] In the configuration mode, a suitable electrode position relative to a target muscle group to be stimulated may be identified by performing an iterative configuration procedure: The electrode may be activated to provide electrical stimulation at the current electrode position on the user's skin. Based on an observed presence or absence of an observable reaction of a target muscle group at the current electrode position, the user or another operator assisting the user may adjust the electrode position by moving the electrode device along the guide member while the garment is worn by the user. The electrode may then be activated again to provide electrical stimulation at the thus adjusted electrode position on the user's skin while again observing the reaction of the muscle target group. In some embodiments, the movement of the electrode may even be performed concurrently with the provision of the stimulation signal. This procedure may be repeated until a suitable electrode position is found where the observable reaction of the target muscle group is satisfactory, e.g. strongest.

[0020] The observable reaction may be a visually observable reaction, e.g. in the form of a twitching or contraction of the target muscle group. Such reactions are typically readily observable while the user wears the garment, in particular when the garment is made of a relatively thin and flexible material that fits snug to the user's body.

[0021] In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of electrode devices arranged at different positions of the garment for stimulating different target muscle groups. Some or all of the electrode devices may include movable electrodes as disclosed herein. Accordingly, during the configuration mode, the above iterative configuration process may sequentially be performed for two or more, such as for all, electrode devices of the garment until suitable positions of the respective electrodes are identified. In some embodiments, the electrode devices are provided as sets, in particular pairs, of electrode devices where each set of electrode devices is operably connected with a guide member associated with said set.

[0022] Once the configuration of the one or more electrode devices is completed, the apparatus may be operated in stimulation mode to provide electrical stimulation of the desired target muscle groups with the electrodes positioned at the electrode positions identified during the configuration process. The electrical stimulation process may be performed in a known manner, which will not be described in detail.

[0023] It will be appreciated that it may not be necessary to perform the configuration process each time the user uses the apparatus. For example, the configuration process may be performed during an initial session, e.g. when or before the user is to use the apparatus for the first time. Once the user-specific electrode positions are determined, these positions may be recorded such that, in preparation of a subsequent stimulation session, the electrode devices may again be moved to the previously recorded positions without having to operate the apparatus in configuration mode. To this end, the guide members may include markings, e.g. a ruler or otherwise, allowing the identified positions to be recorded. Alternatively, the user may even apply markings to the guide members if desired.

[0024] Generally, the apparatus may include a signal generating circuit that generates a stimulation signal, e.g. a suitable pulse waveform or otherwise. The parameters of the stimulation signal may be predetermined or user-adjustable, e.g. via a suitable userinterface. The signal generating circuit and, optionally, the user interface, may be accommodated in a control unit. The electrode devices of the garment may be electrically connectable to the control unit via one or more cables. The one or more electrodes that are positioned against the user's skin are thus operable to apply the stimulation signal to the area at which the electrode is positioned. The stimulation signals delivered by the electrodes stimulate the respective targeted muscles located in the areas where the respective electrodes are positioned, causing them to contract. By varying the parameters of the electrical stimulation signal, the effect of the stimulation on the nerve or muscle group can be controlled. Examples of such parameters include frequency, amplitude, pulse width, time, and waveform shape of the stimulation signal. The control unit may be integrated into the garment or be provided as a separate device that is electrically connectable to the garment.

[0025] Accordingly, even when the apparatus is used by multiple users during different sessions, the apparatus can conveniently be adapted to the respective users. The provision of the electrode devices that are movable along respective guide members, allows for an easy positioning of the electrodes relative to the respective target groups, without the user having to independently apply separate electrodes at different locations on the body and then individually connect each of the electrodes to the stimulation unit. When the user puts on the garment, the electrode devices are readily positioned at the respective target areas, while allowing guided adjustment or fine- tuning of their positions within those target areas. After each treatment, the user can then simultaneously remove all electrodes simply by taking off the garment.

[0026] When the apparatus is operable in configuration mode as described herein, a convenient mechanism is provided that allows the user to identify the specific locations on the body for placement of the electrodes, e.g. during an initial configuration session.

[0027] The garment may cover a portion of the body or the entire body. The garment may be a single-piece garment, e.g. a full-body suit, or the garment may be two-part suit, e.g. with pants and a jacket, or it may comprise more than two pieces. The garment may be made of a flexible material, such as a woven or non-woven fabric, e.g. a film-based or foambased fabric. In some embodiments, the fabric is made from an elastomeric material. Examples of suitable materials include neoprene, spandex, lycra, etc. The garment may be provided in one of a number of predetermined sizes that fit different users. The provision of movable electrode devices reduces the need for the number of different custom-sized garments, as the garment can be adapted to different users.

[0028] The electrodes may be provided as electrode pads. The electrode pads may be made from a suitable conductive, non-sticky material, e.g. from conductive fabric or otherwise.

[0029] The garment may comprise one or more electrical connectors allowing the garment to be detachably connected to a control unit that provides the stimulation signals. The garment may comprise electrical wiring extending between the electrodes and respective one or more of the electrical connectors. To this end, the wiring may be routed through or between layers of material in the garment, or otherwise.

[0030] The control unit and the electrical wiring may be configured so as to allow delivery of electrical stimulation signals to one or more selected electrode devices, thereby targeting specific muscle groups.

[0031] In some embodiments, the guide member comprises a rail or similar elongated guide, along which the engagement member may slide or otherwise travel. Accordingly, a guided movement within a predetermined target area is facilitated, thereby allowing a convenient fine-tuning of the electrode position while ensuring that the electrode is general positioned in the applicable target area for stimulating a particular muscle.

[0032] In some embodiments, the engagement member is configured to slidably engage the guide member, thereby providing a reliable and cost-efficient implementation. In some embodiments, the guide member defines an elongated slot, wherein the engagement member extends through the slot between a body-facing side of the garment and an outward-facing side of the garment, opposite the body-facing side. The engagement member may have a first end positioned on the body-facing side of the garment and a second end positioned on the outward-facing side of the garment. The electrode may be connected to the engagement member at the first end, and the manipulator may comprise a handle connected to the engagement member at the second end of the engagement member. Accordingly, a reliable and stable connection between the electrode and the manipulator is provided while allowing easy manipulation of the manipulator while the garment is worn by the user.

[0033] In some embodiments, the guide member comprises two rails extending along the slot on respective sides of the slot. The engagement member may comprise a slider movably connected to the two rails. Accordingly, a reliable guidance and positioning is provided while exerting little stress onto the garment's fabric.

[0034] In some embodiments, the engagement member comprises a lock member configured to engage the guide member to selectively secure the engagement member to the guide member at least when the electrode is positioned at the first or second electrode position. Accordingly, the electrode device may be secured at a desired position along the guide member and an unintended repositioning of the electrode is avoided. In some embodiments, the engagement member is selectively lockable only at a set of two or more discrete positions, thereby facilitating convenient recording of the selected position for subsequent re-configuration of the garment. In other embodiments, the engagement member is lockable at a freely selectable position along the guide member, e.g. by frictional engagement of the engagement member with the rail, thereby allowing a more accurate selection of a desired position.

[0035] The present disclosure relates to different aspects including the apparatus described above and in the following, corresponding apparatus, systems, methods, and / or products, each yielding one or more of the benefits and advantages described in connection with one or more of the other aspects, and each having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connection with one or more of the other aspects and / or disclosed in the appended claims.

[0036] In particular, another aspect disclosed herein relates to a method of configuring the apparatus described above and in the following, the method comprising:

[0037] - determining a motor point position of the user,

[0038] - moving the electrode device along the guide member when the garment is worn by the user so as to adjust the position of the electrode based on the determined motor point position. Generally, a motor point is the point where the motor nerve branches to enter the muscle. It has the greatest density of sodium channels and the lowest impedance. The motor point can be found by moving an impedance probe over the muscle to locate the point of lowest impedance, or by using the electrode to find the point that produces the strongest muscle contraction.

[0039] Placing the stimulating electrode directly over the motor point requires less current ( ES_I ) to stimulate the muscle through its nerve compared to placing it away from the motor point. According to Forrester et al., "Effect of Electrode Size, Shape, and Placement During Electrical Stimulation", The Journal of Applied Research, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2004, the lowest mean ES_I and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores were found when the electrode was placed at the motor point location.

[0040] Statistically significant increases in ES_I and VAS scores were observed when the electrode was moved laterally, medially, and distally away from the motor point location for the different muscles tested.

[0041] Various embodiments of the apparatus and method disclosed herein allow the adjustable electrodes to be positioned at optimal positions determined for each user using a motor point scanning technique.

[0042] The motor point position of a target muscle may be performed by successively applying electric stimulation signal to different positions on the user's skin within the area of the target muscle to be stimulated. The reaction of the stimulated muscle to the application of the electric stimulation signal at the respective positions may be measured, visually observed or otherwise observed, and the position that results in a desired, e.g. strongest, reaction may be selected as the determined motor point position. To this end, the electric stimulation signals may be applied by one of the movable electrodes of the garment while the user wears the garment, e.g. by operating the apparatus in a configuration mode as described above, or otherwise. Alternatively, the motor point position may at least approximately be determined by a separate e.g. handheld, probe electrode before the user puts on the garment. In that case, the motor point position may be indicated on the skin by applying a suitable marker. The garment may include a transparent portion extending along the guide member so as to allow positioning of the electrode device at the marked position.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Embodiments of the various aspects disclosed herein will be described in more detail in connection with the appended drawings, in which:

[0045] FIGs. 1A-B schematically show an embodiment of an apparatus for applying electrical stimulation signals to the body of a human user. FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a pair of electrode devices operably connected to a guide member.

[0046] FIG. 3 schematically shows another example of a pair of electrode devices operably connected to a guide member.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] FIGs. 1A-B schematically show an embodiment of an apparatus for applying electrical stimulation signals to the body of a human user.

[0049] The apparatus comprises a garment 1 and a plurality of electrode devices operationally connected to the garment 1. In particular the apparatus comprises a plurality of sets of electrode devices 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. FIG. 1A shows a front view of the garment 1, while FIG. IB shows a rear view of the garment. The garment 1 is configured to fit snug against the user's body so that said garment covers at least a portion of the user's body. In the example of FIGs. 1A-B the garment is a one-piece full-body suit where the front side depicted in FIG. 1A is configured to cover the front of the user's body while the rear side depicted in FIG. IB is configured to cover the rear side of the user's body when the garment is worn by the user. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the garment may comprise multiple pieces and / or cover only a part of the user's body, e.g. only the upper torso, only the lower torso and the legs, or the like.

[0050] The garment 1 is preferably made of a flexible, elastomeric material such as neoprene, spandex, lycra, etc. The garment is preferably configured to fit somewhat snug to the body, particularly at the areas of the muscle groups and / or nerves being treated. To this end, the garment may be manufactured in a number of different sizes, e.g. sizes S, M, L, XL, to ensure an optimal fit for different body types.

[0051] The garment 1 is configured to hold and position the sets of electrode devices 11-19 at predetermined positions on the body corresponding with specific muscle groups to be treated by electrical stimulation impulses. To accomplish this, the sets of electrode devices are placed at positions located on the garment at locations which correspond to the particular muscle groups and / or nerve areas which can be selectively treated.

[0052] Each set of electrode devices includes a pair of electrode devices. However, in other embodiments, a set of electrode devices may include a different number of electrode devices, such as one, three or more electrode devices. The garment 1 comprises a plurality of guide members, each associated with a respective one of the sets of electrode device. One or more, such as all, electrode devices of a set of electrode devices are movably arranged along the respective guide member.

[0053] In the example of FIGs 1A-B the garment comprises two sets of electrode devices 11 positioned so as to stimulate the user's biceps. The garment further comprises two sets of electrode devices 12 positioned so as to stimulate the user's deltoids. The garment further comprises two sets of electrode devices 13 positioned so as to stimulate the user's abdominal muscle groups. The garment further comprises two sets of electrode devices 14 positioned so as to stimulate the user's quadriceps. The garment further comprises two sets of electrode devices 15 positioned so as to stimulate the user's triceps. The garment further comprises two sets of electrode devices 16 positioned so as to stimulate the user's upper back muscle groups. The garment further comprises two sets of electrode devices 17 positioned so as to stimulate the user's lower back muscle groups. The garment further comprises two sets of electrode devices 18 positioned so as to stimulate the user's glutei. The garment further comprises two sets of electrode devices 19 positioned so as to stimulate the user's hamstrings. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may include fewer or more sets of electrode devices and / or the sets of electrode devices may be positioned so as to stimulate additional or alternative muscles and / or nerves.

[0054] The apparatus comprises a control unit 1, which may be provided as a device separate from the garment or as a device attached or attachable to the garment, or otherwise integrated into the garment. The control unit 2 comprises a signal generating circuit that generates a stimulation signal, e.g. a suitable pulse waveform or otherwise. The control unity may further comprise a user-interface allowing a user or another person to adjust parameters of the muscle stimulation, e.g. to select individual sets of electrode devices to be used for stimulation and / or to select a duration, strength and / or other operational parameter of the stimulation. The control unit 2 is electrically connected to the electrode devices of the various sets of electrode devices 11-19 via suitable wiring, which may in some embodiments be at least partially integrated into the garment. The garment may provide one or more connectors for electrically connecting the control unit to the integrated wiring of the garment.

[0055] Examples of sets of electrode devices and the associated guide members will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGs. 2 and 3. Accordingly, each of the sets of electrode devices 11-19 may be a set of electrode devices as described in FIG. 2 or in FIG. 3, or otherwise.

[0056] FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a set of electrode devices operably connected to a guide member. The set of electrode devices, generally designated by reference numeral 10, comprises two electrode devices 100, each operationally, in particular slidably, connected to a guide member 20, such that they can be slid along the guide member 20.

[0057] Each electrode device 100 comprises an electrode 120, an engagement member 110 and a manipulator 130. The electrode 120 is operationally connected to the garment such that said electrode is positioned against the user's skin in electrically conducting contact therewith when said garment is worn by the user. In this embodiment, the electrodes 120 are formed as flat pads, which may be made of a suitable non-sticky, electrically conductive material. The electrodes 120 are arranged on a body-facing side of the guide member 20.

[0058] Each of the engagement members 110 is configured to movably engage the guide member 20 to allow movement of the corresponding electrode device 100 along the guide member 20 to selectively position the electrodes 120 at respective positions. In the present example, the engagement members 110 are slidable along the guide member 110 and can be positioned and secured at any user-selectable position along the guide member.

[0059] The guide member 20 may be attached to the fabric of the garment, e.g. by sewing, gluing, or otherwise bonding the guide member to the fabric of the garment. In the present embodiment, the guide member 20 is formed as a pair of parallel rails 210 that define an elongated slot 220 between them. The slot 220 extends all the way through the guide member and the fabric of the garment, i.e. it provides a through opening between the body facing side of the garment and the outward facing side of the garment.

[0060] Each engagement member 110 comprises a slider portion 111 that is slidably connected to the guide member 20. Each engagement member 110 further comprises a connecting part 112 that extends through the elongated slot 220, i.e. such that the connecting part 112 has a first end positioned on the body-facing side of the guide member, and a second end positioned at the outward facing side of the guide member. Each of the electrodes 120 is attached to the first end of the connecting part 112 of one of the engagement members, while the slider portions 111 are attached to the second ends of the respective connecting parts 112. Accordingly, when a slider portion 111 moves along the guide member 20, the corresponding electrode 120 also moves along the guide member such that the electrode can be brought into contact with the user's skin at different electrode positions. Each engagement member 100 further comprises a manipulator 130, e.g. a handle or other part configured to be manipulated by a user (or an operator assisting the user) so as to affect movement of the corresponding slider portion 111 along the guide member 20. In the present example, the manipulators 130 can be depressed into the respective slider portion 111 and be partly withdrawn from the respective slider portion. In FIG. 2, one of the manipulators is shown in its depressed state and the other manipulator is shown in its partially withdrawn state. When the manipulator is partly withdrawn, the slider portion to which the manipulator is connected can freely slide along the guide member. When the manipulator 130 is depressed into the corresponding slider portion 111, the manipulator f nationally engages the guide member 20 and prevents the slider portion 111 from sliding along the guide member. Accordingly, the manipulators 130 serve as a lock members that can lock the respective engagement members 110 at user-selected positions along the guide member.

[0061] In the example of FIG. 2, the set of electrode devices 10 includes two electrode devices 100, each slidable along the guide member 20. The engagement member 110 of one of the electrode devices comprises a spacer part 113 shaped and sized so as to ensure that the two slider portions cannot be slid towards each other so close that their respective electrodes abut each other or otherwise directly touch each other in a manner creating a short circuit.

[0062] In use, an electrical stimulation signal can be feed through the electrodes 120 by imparting a voltage to one of the electrodes relative to the other, thereby causing electrical current to flow between the electrodes via the user's tissue.

[0063] In the example of FIG. 2, both electrode devices 100 are movable along the guide member 20. In other embodiments, one of the electrode devices may be stationary and only one of the electrode devices may be movable.

[0064] The engagement member 110 may be connected to a suitable cable 30 and include internal wiring to feed electrical stimulation signals received via the cable 30 to the electrode 120.

[0065] FIG. 3 schematically shows another example of a set of electrode devices operably connected to a guide member. The example of FIG. 3 is similar to the example of FIG. 2 and comprises two electrode devices 100, each operationally, in particular slidably, connected to a guide member 20, such that they can be slid along the guide member 20. Each electrode device comprises an electrode 120, an engagement member 110 and a manipulator 130, all as described in connection with FIG. 2, except that the engagement member 110 of the present example is lockable only at a set of discrete positions along the guide member. To this end, each of the rails 210 of the guide member 20 comprises a sequence of holes 230 distributed along the length of the rails. Each manipulator 130 comprises corresponding pins 131 shaped and sized to fit into the holes 230. The manipulators 130 can be depressed into a respective one of the slider portions 111 and partially withdrawn therefrom, also as described in connection with FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, one of the manipulators is shown in its depressed state and the other manipulator is shown in its partially withdrawn state. In the present example, when a manipulator 130 is partially withdrawn from the corresponding slider portion, the pins 131 do not extend into the holes 230, thereby allowing the slider portion 111 to freely slide along the guide member 20. When the manipulator 130 is depressed into the slider portion 111 at a position where the pins 131 are aligned with corresponding holes 230, the pins are pushed into the holes and prevent the slider portion from sliding along the guide member. While not explicitly shown in FIG. 3, the engagement member 110 may be connected to a suitable cable and include internal wiring to feed electrical stimulation signals received via the cable to the electrode 120.

[0066] Generally, when a new user intends to use an embodiment of the apparatus disclosed herein, the garment may initially be configured for use with the particular user.

[0067] To this end, during an initial session, the user or an operator assisting the user may determine the appropriate size of garment for the particular user, e.g. whether the user should use a size S, M, L XL etc. When, during the initial session, the user has put on the garment of the selected size, the apparatus may be operated in a configuration mode, where the operator activates individual sets of electrode devices to provide stimulation signals. The operator observes muscle twitching caused by the stimulation signals while adjusting the inter-electrode distance using the sliders. This ensures the electrodes are positioned at or near the motor points. Once the electrodes are positioned and locked during the initial configuration session, treatment can begin. At subsequent sessions, the sliders can again be positioned at the previously determined electrode positions, prior to initiating the treatment.

[0068] While the invention has been shown and described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it is recognized that departures from the disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for applying electrical stimulation signals to the body of a human user, comprising: a garment configured to fit snug against the user's body so that said garment covers a portion of the user's body intended for treatment; at least one electrode device comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode device is operationally connected to the garment such that said electrode is positioned against the user's skin in electrically conducting contact therewith when said garment is worn by the user; wherein the garment comprises a guide member, and wherein the electrode device further comprises an engagement member configured to movably engage the guide member to allow movement of the electrode device along the guide member to selectively position the electrode at an electrode position selected from at least a first selectable electrode position and a second selectable electrode position; and wherein the electrode device further comprises a manipulator configured to be manipulated by a human operator to affect said movement of the electrode device along the guide member when the garment is worn by the user.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide member comprises a rail.

3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement member is configured to slidably engage the guide member.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide member defines an elongated slot, wherein the engagement member extends through the slot between a body-facing side of the garment and an outward-facing side of the garment, opposite the body-facing side.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the guide member comprises two rails extending along the slot on respective sides of the slot.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the engagement member comprises a slider movably connected to the two rails.

7. The apparatus according to any one claims 4 through 6, wherein the engagement member has a first end positioned on the body-facing side of the garment and a second end positioned on the outward-facing side of the garment, wherein the electrode is connected to the engagement member at the first end, and wherein the manipulatorcomprises a handle connected to the engagement member at the second end of the engagement member.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement member comprises a lock member configured to engage the guide member to selectively secure the engagement member to the guide member at least when the electrode is positioned at the first or second electrode position.

9. A method of configuring the apparatus defined in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:- determining a motor point position of the user, - moving the electrode device along the guide member when the garment is worn by the user so as to adjust the position of the electrode based on the determined motor point position.

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