Muscle nerve stimulation method of EMS algorithm for inducing muscle movement of body without pain, and pain-free EMS device for performing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a muscle nerve stimulation method of an electric muscle stimulation (EMS) algorithm for artificially applying electricity to body muscles to induce muscle movement of a body without pain, the method comprising an electrical stimulation application step of outputting electrical energy from an electrical stimulation terminal of an EMS device such that electricity is applied to a body in contact with the electrical stimulation terminal at a designated frequency of a 21-27% duty cycle per cycle.

Description

A muscle nerve stimulation method using an EMS algorithm that induces muscle movement without pain, and a pain-free EMS device that performs this.

[0001] The present invention relates to a muscle nerve stimulation method of an EMS algorithm that induces physical exercise effects by artificially applying electricity to body muscles to induce muscle movement, particularly the soleus muscle, to repeatedly contract and relax without pain, and a pain-free EMS device for performing the same.

[0002]

[0003] Economy Class Syndrome is a term referring to a condition in which blood clots—small lumps formed by blood clotting inside the leg veins—occur and cause pulmonary embolism when sitting in cramped seats for extended periods. If one sits continuously for a long time in narrow seats, such as those in economy class on an airplane, blood clots or masses can form in the leg veins; these can block the pulmonary artery, leading to pulmonary embolism characterized by shortness of breath or cardiopulmonary arrest. It is more likely to occur in the elderly, obese individuals, and those who drink alcohol on board, and there are even cases where passengers who have sat for a long time die immediately after disembarking.

[0004]

[0005] In addition, even if it does not lead to economy class syndrome, sitting in a cramped seat for a long time makes it easy to experience discomfort, such as leg muscle cramps or numbness.

[0006]

[0007] Basically, to avoid economy class syndrome or discomfort in the lower extremities, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids and perform leg-bending exercises during long flights. In addition, it is recommended to prevent economy class syndrome by wearing compression stockings designed to gradually loosen the tightness from the toes up to the thighs.

[0008]

[0009] However, wearing compression stockings is uncomfortable in itself, and in the case of men, not only is there a reluctance to wear stockings, but there is also the problem that it is difficult to easily put on and take off these stockings on an airplane when they feel uncomfortable.

[0010]

[0011] Meanwhile, according to research results by researchers at the University of Chietti in Italy, published in Techno Leaders' Digest (TLD) Issue 29 (December 7, 2004), people with moderate to severe conditions, including cardiovascular disease, can prevent economy class syndrome by wearing commercially available compression stockings when taking long flights. In this study, the researchers investigated the effectiveness of compression stockings and aspirin over the past few years to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that can occur during flight.

[0012]

[0013] One thousand individuals with moderate to severe risk of Economy Class Syndrome were divided into two groups. During an 8 to 13-hour flight, the experimental group was instructed to wear compression stockings extending below the knee while exercising. After the flight, leg veins were examined using an ultrasound scanner. The results showed that deep vein thrombosis below the knee was detected in 1.1% of the group wearing stockings (average age 46, 51% male). In contrast, in the control group (average age 47, 54% male), DVT was confirmed in 4.6% (approximately 1 in 22 individuals), which is more than four times higher; thus, the incidence of DVT was significantly lower in the experimental group. Age, gender, and DVT risk were similar between the experimental and control groups, and 91% of the DVT cases were asymptomatic. Although the research results were limited to the moderate to high-risk group, the fact that one in dozens of people develop an asymptomatic blood clot after a single long-haul flight indicates the need to actively implement measures to prevent DVT during activities such as flying, hospitalization, long-distance car travel, and long-distance PC work.

[0014]

[0015] While wearing compression stockings is effective in preventing DVT, the need to devise more effective preventive measures remains. Furthermore, there is a critical need to find ways to relieve leg fatigue and effectively prevent various diseases for individuals at risk of developing them due to prolonged standing, traveling while seated, or working while sitting for long periods.

[0016]

[0017] In response to the above need, Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology was developed to stimulate muscles with electricity for exercise.

[0018]

[0019] EMS can be used to maximize exercise effectiveness relative to time and is known to aid in increasing muscle mass and burning fat. Consequently, EMS has recently been utilized as a new concept in healthcare for both athletes and the general public. Furthermore, EMS is also used for treatment through muscle strengthening by applying it to muscles paralyzed due to nerve damage caused by trauma.

[0020]

[0021] EMS is manufactured in the form of a patch that can be attached to a desired body part, or in the form of a footrest that applies electrical stimulation to a specific body part when the user steps on the footrest.

[0022]

[0023] However, conventional EMS stimulates specific body parts with high-voltage electricity when the user's muscles are not preheated, inducing movements such as contraction, relaxation, or extension of the muscles. This causes significant pain to the user and has the problem of damaging the muscles as they react with an extension response. Furthermore, there were side effects that caused serious injury to the user's body if electricity was continuously applied to damaged muscles.

[0024]

[0025] In order to resolve these problems, conventionally, the intensity of the electricity applied by EMS to the body was limited to minimize pain induction and to prevent muscle stiffness and damage that may occur during electrical stimulation.

[0026]

[0027] However, when the intensity of the electricity applied to the body by EMS is low, muscle exercise caused by electrical stimulation is significantly reduced, so the exercise effect required by the user cannot be expected at all. In addition, since physical muscle exercise must be performed in conjunction to compensate for this, there was also a problem of significantly reducing the efficiency of muscle exercise provided by EMS.

[0028]

[0029] Accordingly, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problem by providing a method for muscle nerve stimulation using an EMS algorithm that induces muscle movement of the body without pain, which minimizes pain felt by the user during electrical stimulation of the body with EMS while maximizing physical exercise effects by inducing muscle movement regardless of the user's will, and in particular, maximizes physical exercise efficiency by inducing active contraction and relaxation of the soleus muscle located in the leg while minimizing pain felt by the user during electrical stimulation of the soleus muscle, and a pain-free EMS device that performs this.

[0030]

[0031] The present invention for achieving the above objectives is,

[0032] An electric stimulation application step of outputting electrical energy from an electric stimulation terminal so that electricity is applied to a body in contact with the electric stimulation terminal of an EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation) device at a designated frequency of 21 to 27% Duty Cycle per cycle;

[0033] It is a muscle nerve stimulation method using an EMS algorithm that induces muscle movement of the body without pain, including

[0034]

[0035] The present invention for achieving other technical challenges is,

[0036] In an EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation) device that applies electrical stimulation to the muscle nerves of the body,

[0037] An electrical conversion module that transforms and rectifies the power of the above-mentioned EMS device into direct current;

[0038] An input / output module that displays the operating status of the above EMS device and generates input values ​​for operation control;

[0039] An electric stimulation module comprising: an electric stimulation terminal for outputting electric energy for the electric stimulation to a contacted sole of the foot; a boost unit for transforming the direct current electricity to a set voltage; an oscillation unit for converting the frequency of the electric energy output at the set voltage to a set value; and a control unit for controlling the boost unit and the oscillation unit according to the input value; and

[0040] A footplate-shaped body that accommodates the above-mentioned electrical conversion module, electrical stimulation module, and input / output module, wherein an electrical stimulation terminal is positioned so as to be exposed on the upper surface to be stepped on by the sole of the foot;

[0041] It is a painless EMS device that induces exercise of the soleus muscle, including

[0042]

[0043] The present invention described above has the effect of maximizing physical exercise effects by inducing muscle movement regardless of the user's will while minimizing pain felt by the user during electrical stimulation of the body by EMS.

[0044]

[0045] In addition, it has the effect of inducing pain-free muscle exercise by maximizing physical exercise efficiency through the active contraction and relaxation of the soleus muscle, while minimizing the pain felt by the user when electrically stimulating the soleus muscle located in the leg.

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of an EMS device according to the present invention, and

[0048] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of an EMS device according to the present invention, and

[0049] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating a user stepping on an electrical stimulation terminal of an EMS device according to the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a part of the circuit of a boost unit configured in an electrical stimulation module of an EMS device according to the present invention, and

[0051] FIG. 5 is an image showing the movement of a user's ankle joint by applying electrical stimulation to the muscle nerve of the soleus muscle by an EMS device according to the present invention, and

[0052] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a muscle nerve stimulation method executed based on an EMS device according to the present invention, and

[0053] FIG. 7 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of an electrical stimulation pattern applied to a muscle nerve according to the above-described muscle nerve stimulation method, and

[0054] FIG. 8 is a side view schematically illustrating the movement of the leg when the soleus muscle of the body is electrically stimulated using the above-described muscle nerve stimulation method, and

[0055] FIGS. 9 to 13 are graphs schematically illustrating other embodiments of electrical stimulation patterns according to the muscle nerve stimulation method.

[0056]

[0057] The terms used in the embodiments have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account their functions in the present invention; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the corresponding description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the invention.

[0058]

[0059] In this specification, the term "Module" refers to a part that performs a specific function and includes units realized by hardware, units realized by software, and units realized using both. A "Module" may be a defined part of a body or an object formed by combining multiple components. The functions provided within the components and "Modules" may be combined into a smaller number of components and "Modules," or further separated into additional components and "Modules." A "Module" should be understood as a unit whose form is embodied to perform a specific function.

[0060]

[0061] Below, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0062]

[0063] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of an EMS device executed by a muscle nerve stimulation method according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an EMS device executed by a muscle nerve stimulation method according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view schematically illustrating a user stepping on an electrical stimulation terminal of an EMS device according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a part of the circuit of a boosting unit configured in an electrical stimulation module of an EMS device according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an image showing the movement of a user's ankle joint by applying electrical stimulation to the muscle nerve of the soleus muscle by an EMS device according to the present invention.

[0065]

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the muscle nerve stimulation method according to the present invention utilizes an EMS device (100) that stimulates the muscles of the body by applying low-frequency electricity. In this embodiment, the EMS device (100) stimulates the muscles of the body, particularly the soleus muscle of the leg (L), by applying low-frequency electricity to induce physical contraction and relaxation. To this end, the EMS device (100) includes an electric conversion module (110), which is a basic facility of a general electronic device that stabilizes the power supply of the power source (P) and transforms and rectifies it into direct current electricity for the stable operation of the EMS device (100); an electric stimulation module (120), which is composed of hardware for controlling an algorithm that generates and outputs electric energy according to a process set by the user's operation; an input / output module (130), which allows the user to operate and visually perceive the output status of electric energy; and a footrest-shaped body (140) that accommodates the electric conversion module (110), the electric stimulation module (120), and the input / output module (130).

[0067]

[0068] To explain each component in more detail, the electric conversion module (110) is configured with a general rectifier circuit and a transformer circuit, etc., for converting and rectifying the power of the EMS device into direct current electricity. Since the electric conversion module (110) is a known technology in which a general electronic device converts alternating current electricity from a power source (P) or direct current electricity from a battery into the electricity required for self-operation, further explanation regarding the specific circuit configuration of the electric conversion module (110) is omitted.

[0069]

[0070] The electric stimulation module (120) is equipped with an electric stimulation terminal (121, 121') that outputs electric energy for electric stimulation to the sole of the foot in contact, a boost unit (122) that transforms the DC electricity to a set voltage, an oscillation unit (123) that converts the frequency of the electric energy output at the set voltage to a set value, and a control unit (124) that controls the boost unit (122) and the oscillation unit (123) according to the input value. Since the voltage and frequency required by the EMS device (100) according to the present invention differ depending on the set Duty Cycle and stimulation pattern, the control unit (124) controls the boost unit (122) and the oscillation unit (123) to set the voltage and frequency, respectively, in accordance with the input value set by the user.

[0071]

[0072] To explain this in more detail, the boost unit (122) of the EMS device (100) according to the present invention transforms the DC electricity applied to the electrical stimulation module (120) to a voltage magnitude set by the user, or automatically transforms it to a voltage setting of the stimulation mode selected by the user. The user directly specifies the voltage magnitude or selects a stimulation mode by operating the input / output module (130), and the control unit (124) checks the input value generated by the input / output module (130) according to the user's operation and controls the boost unit (122).

[0073]

[0074] The oscillation unit (123) of the EMS device (100) converts the frequency of electrical energy output from the electrical stimulation terminals (121, 121') to a frequency set by the user or automatically converts it to a frequency set by the stimulation mode selected by the user. The user directly specifies the frequency or selects the stimulation mode by operating the input / output module (130), and the control unit (124) checks the input value generated by the input / output module (130) according to the user's operation and controls the oscillation unit (123).

[0075]

[0076] Ultimately, the DC electricity applied to the electric stimulation module (120) passes through the boost unit (122) and the oscillation unit (123), and the voltage and frequency are set to a size that the user directly selects or sets in the stimulation mode, and is output as electrical energy through the electric stimulation terminals (121, 121').

[0077]

[0078] The boost unit (122) of the present invention comprises a circuit as shown in FIG. 4. The circuit includes a smoothing circuit part comprising a capacitor (122a), a rectifier circuit part comprising a diode (122c) in which the anode is arranged in series with a transformer (122d), and a transformer circuit part comprising a transformer (122d). In order for the transformer circuit part to boost the transformer (122d) to output a sufficient high voltage electricity capable of maximizing the movement of the user's foot (F) even when low-voltage DC electricity is applied, a capacitor (122a) having an electrical capacitance of at least four times that of a general capacitor is reinforced in the smoothing circuit part. In this embodiment, the capacitor (122a) of the smoothing circuit part has an electrical capacitance of 22μF / 250V.

[0079]

[0080] Meanwhile, to prevent damage to the diode (122c) caused by the high voltage electricity of the capacitor (122a), a high-resistance resistor (122b) is placed in series with the cathode of the diode (122c) in the rectifier circuit part or the smoothing circuit part. In this embodiment, the resistor (122b) has a resistance value of 47Ω.

[0081]

[0082] Ultimately, even if low-voltage direct current is applied to the electric stimulation module (120), high-voltage electric stimulation can be continuously and stably applied to the soleus muscle to the extent that it can support the user's body weight and move the body up and down.

[0083]

[0084] The body (140) accommodates an electric conversion module (110), an electric stimulation module (120), and an input / output module (130), and forms a footrest shape in which an electric stimulation terminal is exposed on the upper surface so as to be stepped on by the sole of the foot. Additionally, the input / output module (130) displays the operating status of the EMS device (100) and generates an input value for operation control.

[0085]

[0086] To explain the body (140) and the input / output module (130) in more detail, the EMS device (100) is intended to induce physical strength exercise of the user's leg muscles, particularly the soleus muscle. A pair of electrical stimulation terminals (121, 121') configured in the electrical stimulation module (120) are exposed and arranged on the surface of the body (140) so that a pair of soles of the feet can come into contact with it. Additionally, a display (131) and an operation button (132) configured in the input / output module (130) are arranged on the surface of the body (140) so that the operation of the EMS device (100) and the output status of electrical energy can be checked.

[0087]

[0088] Accordingly, the user steps onto the footrest-shaped body (140) and contacts the soles of their feet with a pair of electric stimulation terminals (121, 121'), and by looking at the display (131) and operating the control button (132), the electric energy output from the electric stimulation terminals (121, 121') applies electric stimulation to the user's body through the soles of their feet.

[0089]

[0090] Referring to FIG. 3, the electrical stimulation terminals (121, 121') of the EMS device according to the present invention are arranged to conduct electricity to the front of the sole of the foot so that electrical application is continuously applied to the front of the sole of the foot where the muscle nerve network is relatively concentrated. That is, the terminal circuit is configured so that electrical energy output from the electrical stimulation terminals (121, 121') is applied to the front of the sole of the foot. Therefore, even if the sole of the user's foot (F) is in full contact with the upper surface of the body (140), electrical application is concentrated only on the front of the sole of the foot that is in contact with the electrical stimulation terminals (121, 121'). Therefore, the electrical energy of the EMS device (100) is effectively concentrated on the soleus muscle through the muscle nerves of the sole of the foot to apply electrical stimulation.

[0091]

[0092] The EMS device (100) according to the present invention applies electrical stimulation to the muscle nerve of the soleus muscle located in the calf, so as the voltage of the electrical energy output from the EMS device (100) increases, the contraction rate of the soleus muscle gradually increases, and the lifting of the heel increases regardless of the user's intention.

[0093]

[0094] The EMS device (100) can continue calf exercises regardless of the user's will by repeating these ankle movements, and through this, the user can expect exercise effects resulting from the repetitive contraction and relaxation of the soleus muscle.

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a muscle nerve stimulation method executed based on an EMS device according to the present invention, FIG. 7 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of an electrical stimulation pattern applied to a muscle nerve according to the muscle nerve stimulation method, and FIG. 8 is a side view schematically illustrating the movement of a leg that occurs when the soleus muscle of the body is electrically stimulated by the muscle nerve stimulation method.

[0097]

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, the muscle nerve stimulation method according to the present invention includes a stimulation mode setting step (S10), a stimulation pattern setting step (S20), an output voltage setting step (S30), a valid body contact verification step (S40), and an electrical stimulation application step (S50). More specific technical details for each component step are described separately below.

[0099]

[0100] S10: Stimulation Mode Setting Step

[0101] The user operates the input / output module (130) to determine whether to manually select a stimulation pattern to be applied to the body muscles among multiple stimulation patterns, or to have the EMS device (100) automatically select it according to a set process, or to have the stimulation pattern changed according to a set order. That is, as in the manual confirmation process (S11), the user operates the operation button (132) to generate an input value regarding manual or automatic input to the input / output module (130), and the electrical stimulation module (120) checks the input value and proceeds with the subsequent process set to determine the stimulation pattern.

[0102]

[0103] In the manual status verification process (S11) of this embodiment, if the user selects 'manual', a subsequent step for setting the stimulation pattern is performed, and if the user selects 'automatic', the subsequent step for setting the stimulation pattern is omitted.

[0104]

[0105] FIGS. 9 to 13 are graphs schematically illustrating other embodiments of an electrical stimulation pattern according to the muscle nerve stimulation method according to the present invention.

[0106]

[0107] This will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0108]

[0109] S20: Stimulation pattern setting step

[0110] In the manual confirmation process (S11) of this embodiment, if the user selects manual, the electric stimulation module (120) of the EMS device (100) presents stimulation patterns exemplified in FIGS. 9 to 13, and the user selects a stimulation pattern of frequency electricity to experience from among them.

[0111]

[0112] In this embodiment, regarding the stimulation pattern of electrical application to the body muscles, as shown in FIG. 9, electrical stimulation is applied alternately to the left sole and the right sole with a time difference and according to a constant cycle. The applied voltage of the electrical stimulation increases with the same rate of increase, and when it reaches the maximum voltage, it repeats the pattern of rising again starting from the minimum voltage to the maximum voltage.

[0113]

[0114] Ultimately, the user feels the electrical stimulation applied alternately to a pair of leg muscles through the left and right soles gradually increase and then rapidly decrease. The gradual increase in electrical stimulation over 1,760 ms minimizes the user's pain in the leg muscles, and by providing a constant rest period (240 ms in this embodiment) from the peak voltage back to the lowest voltage, the stress received by the leg muscles due to the electrical stimulation is sufficiently relieved.

[0115]

[0116] In another embodiment, when examining the stimulation pattern of electrical application to body muscles, as shown in FIG. 10, electrical stimulation is first performed on one sole of the foot, and when the cycle of that electrical stimulation is completed, the same pattern of electrical stimulation is repeated on the other sole of the foot. The stimulation pattern of this embodiment starts with electrical stimulation at the lowest voltage, and the stimulation voltage increases in a constant cycle until it reaches the highest voltage, and then decreases according to the cycle until it reaches the lowest voltage, thereby completing one cycle for one leg.

[0117]

[0118] Ultimately, the user alternately performs a cycle of exercise with both legs at different times. In addition, since the minimum voltage of the electrical stimulation is relatively high, even if leg muscle fatigue increases, the rest period between the same leg muscles is sufficient at 1,400 ms, allowing the leg muscles to fully relieve the stress received. Furthermore, along with the gradual increase in electrical stimulation, the stress on the leg muscles is relieved in a double manner as the electrical stimulation decreases in a constant cycle from the maximum voltage to the minimum voltage after stimulation. This allows for a significant reduction in the burden on the leg muscles.

[0119]

[0120] In another embodiment, regarding the stimulation pattern of electrical application to body muscles, as shown in FIG. 11, electrical stimulation is applied alternately to the left sole and the right sole at a time interval according to a constant cycle. The stimulation pattern of this embodiment starts with electrical stimulation at the lowest voltage, increases the stimulation voltage at a constant cycle to reach the highest voltage, and then decreases the stimulation voltage according to the cycle to reach the lowest voltage. This stimulation pattern is repeated three times to complete one cycle for both legs.

[0121]

[0122] Ultimately, the user experiences an increase and decrease in electrical stimulation applied alternately to a pair of leg muscles through the left and right soles of the feet at least three times. Although the aforementioned electrical stimulation for 1,140 ms causes considerable fatigue to the user's leg muscles, since continuous stimulation in short cycles is repeated on the leg muscles, the user can expect a highly efficient leg muscle exercise effect.

[0123]

[0124] In another embodiment, regarding the stimulation pattern of electrical application to body muscles, as shown in FIG. 12, electrical stimulation is first performed on one sole of the foot, and when the cycle of that electrical stimulation is completed, the same pattern of electrical stimulation is repeated on the other sole of the foot. The stimulation pattern of this embodiment starts with electrical stimulation at the lowest voltage, and the stimulation voltage increases in a constant cycle until it reaches the highest voltage. Then, as the stimulation voltage decreases according to the cycle until it reaches the lowest voltage, one cycle for one leg is completed. This stimulation pattern is repeated four times to complete one cycle for one leg.

[0125]

[0126] Ultimately, the user alternately performs a cycle of exercise with both legs at different times. In addition, since the minimum voltage of the electrical stimulation is relatively high, even if leg muscle fatigue increases, the rest period between the same leg muscles is sufficient at 1,860 ms, allowing the leg muscles to fully relieve the stress received. Furthermore, along with the gradual increase in electrical stimulation, the stress on the leg muscles is relieved in a double manner as the electrical stimulation decreases in a constant cycle from the maximum voltage to the minimum voltage after stimulation. This allows for a significant reduction in the burden on the leg muscles.

[0127]

[0128] In another embodiment, regarding the stimulation pattern of electrical application to body muscles, as shown in FIG. 13, electrical stimulation is applied alternately to the left sole and the right sole at a constant period with a time difference. The stimulation pattern of this embodiment starts with electrical stimulation at the lowest voltage, increases the stimulation voltage at a constant period until it reaches the highest voltage, and then decreases the stimulation voltage according to the period (T) until it reaches the lowest voltage. This stimulation pattern is repeated once to complete one cycle for both legs.

[0129]

[0130] Ultimately, the user feels the increase and decrease of electrical stimulation applied alternately to a pair of leg muscles through the left and right soles. Therefore, since the fatigue experienced by the user's leg muscles is relatively reduced, the magnitude of the minimum voltage can be relatively increased, and the rest period (520ms) between cycles can also be reduced, allowing for the expectation of efficient exercise effects.

[0131]

[0132] In this embodiment, five stimulation patterns are presented, but various other stimulation patterns can also be set and executed on the EMS device (100).

[0133]

[0134] Continuing, the process of the stimulation pattern setting step (S20) is executed by the user selecting manual mode, and at this time, the user selects one of a plurality of stimulation patterns so that the electrical stimulation module (120) of the EMS device (100) executes electrical stimulation according to the selected stimulation pattern.

[0135]

[0136] However, when the user selects automatic mode, the electric stimulation module (120) applies electric stimulation of the corresponding stimulation pattern to the user's body muscles according to the set order, or applies electric stimulation of the stimulation pattern randomly to the user's body muscles.

[0137]

[0138] S30: Output voltage setting step

[0139] The input / output module (130) outputs text to the display (131) so that the user can select the maximum voltage and minimum voltage of the electrical stimulation applied to the body, and the user selects the maximum voltage and minimum voltage (output voltage) by operating the operation button (132).

[0140]

[0141] In this embodiment, the output voltage of the stimulation pattern is configured stepwise from step 1 to step 99. In this embodiment, the maximum voltage or minimum voltage of step 1 is 20V, and the maximum voltage of step 99 is 160V, but the output voltage of the EMS device (100) according to the present invention and the steps of the output voltage are not limited to the presented examples.

[0142]

[0143] When the user operates the control button (132) and the input / output module (130) generates an input value for the output voltage, the electric stimulation module (120) checks the input value and establishes an electric stimulation environment with the highest and lowest voltages of electric stimulation according to the determined stimulation pattern.

[0144]

[0145] In this embodiment, the EMS device (100) presents the output voltage level of the input / output module (130) starting from level 1, thereby preventing the user from selecting a high-level output voltage from the beginning. Through this restriction, the user is prevented from being electrocuted by selecting a level where high-voltage electrical energy is output, which is burdensome to the body.

[0146]

[0147] S40: Valid physical contact verification step

[0148] When the electric stimulation module (120) detects a closed circuit state caused by physical contact with the electric stimulation terminals (121, 121'), it allows the electric stimulation application step (S50) to proceed. That is, in this embodiment, when the soles of both feet (F) each come into contact with a pair of electric stimulation terminals (121, 121') to form an electric current state, it recognizes it as a closed circuit and performs electric stimulation with a set output voltage.

[0149]

[0150] However, if the electric stimulation module (120) cannot confirm a valid body connection state, it refuses to apply electric stimulation and waits to prevent high-voltage electric energy from being output through the electric stimulation terminals (121, 121').

[0151]

[0152] S50: Electrical stimulation application stage

[0153] When the electric stimulation module (120) detects effective contact of the body with the electric stimulation terminals (121, 121'), it outputs electrical energy through the electric stimulation terminals (121, 121') so that electricity of a selected stimulation pattern and output voltage is applied to the body at a designated frequency. In this embodiment, when electricity is applied at a designated frequency to one electric stimulation terminal (121), the current flowing into one leg of the user flows through the buttocks to the other electric stimulation terminal (121') that the other leg is in contact with. Through this process, the applied current stimulates the leg muscles.

[0154]

[0155] At this time, the electric stimulation module (120) according to the present invention outputs electrical energy such that 21 to 27% Duty Cycle electricity is applied per cycle (T) of the designated frequency in order to minimize pain in the target body muscles when electricity is applied at a designated frequency. That is, the Duty Cycle, which is the ratio of the time (Duty; D) during which electricity is applied to the body to one cycle (T), which is the time from the application of electricity to the body until the next application point, is set to 21 to 27%, thereby inducing physical exercise without stress and pain in the body muscles even at high voltage in a low-frequency state.

[0156]

[0157] Pain felt by the user when electricity is applied to body muscles at a designated frequency was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) while changing the size of the Duty Cycle. As shown in the measurement results (Table 1), it was confirmed that the pain of the subjects was significantly reduced when electricity was applied at a Duty Cycle of 21–27% per daily cycle (T), and it was confirmed that the proportion of subjects who perceived an NRS value of 1–2 reached its peak at a Duty Cycle of 25%.

[0158]

[0159] In addition, the frequency at which pain in the body muscles is significantly reduced even with the application of electrical frequency in the 20Hz range, which is a relatively high frequency applied for muscle strengthening in the field of EMS, was measured in conjunction with the Duty Cycle.

[0160]

[0161] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 9 to 13, the output voltage is increased by a constant amount per designated cycle (T) of the electrical application frequency starting from the lowest voltage to the leg muscles of the user's body, specifically the soleus muscle of the leg, until the output reaches the highest voltage. Additionally, as confirmed through experiments, when electricity is applied to the soleus muscle with a frequency of 22 to 28 Hz and a duty cycle of 21 to 27% per cycle (T) to stimulate it, the soleus muscle located in the user's leg (L) repeatedly contracts and relaxes as shown in FIG. 8, causing the ankle joint to move painlessly. In other words, the contractile and relaxation forces of the soleus muscle caused by electrical stimulation become sufficient to support the user's body weight without pain, allowing for physical movement of the soleus muscle that the user can perceive. Furthermore, if the voltage of electricity applied to the user's body is increased stepwise (gradually) through the adjustment of the output voltage of electrical energy, the contraction amount of the soleus muscle increases stepwise, and the rotation angle (A1 to A5) of the ankle joint increases stepwise. Therefore, if the EMS device (100) increases the voltage of electricity applied to the soleus muscle at a frequency of 22 to 28 Hz stepwise, the tiptoe exercise of FIG. 8 is automatically performed regardless of the user's will.

[0162]

[0163] As explained above, when electricity in the frequency range that induces ankle joint movement through the contraction and relaxation of the soleus muscle is applied to the body muscles, the pain felt by the user for each Duty Cycle was confirmed based on NRS.

[0164]

[0165] There are a total of 105 subjects, consisting of 62 men and 43 women, with 16 in their 20s (10 men, 6 women), 24 in their 30s (18 men, 6 women), 31 in their 40s (15 men, 16 women), 28 in their 50s (15 men, 13 women), and 6 in their 60s (4 men, 2 women).

[0166]

[0167] 105 subjects were divided into male and female, and the experimental results shown in (Table 1) and (Table 2) were verified. For reference, the horizontal column represents the NRS pain score, and the vertical column represents the Duty Cycle.

[0168]

[0169] Male 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 4 19 28 8 3 12 5 20 27 8 21 3 6 2 2 6 7 14 7 2 2 7 6 15 10 24 2 3 5 16 2 12 2 5 20 3 17 3 2 7 18 11 8 5 18 2 8 10 11 9 6 2 2 6 7 12 2 6 7 12 2 2 7 12 17 12 2 11 8 4 2 2 10 13 2 15 4 2 3 11 1 5 20 1 5 12 4 14 18 18 12 2 5 20 2 3 14 5 2 6 19 2 4 14 4 1 2 7 13 2 6 16 6 12 8 3 2 7 14 11 5 11 2 9 11 1 2 7 14 5 3 13 0 8 2 1 6 10 4

[0170] Female 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 13 10 8 2 12 10 13 10 8 2 13 10 15 12 5 11 4 2 11 18 9 2 11 5 2 13 2 0 7 11 6 4 1 7 1 5 6 1 7 7 2 2 8 4 1 2 1 9 1 1 1 8 12 1 2 0 2 1 2 1 8 10 1 2 1 3 19 15 5 2 2 3 2 3 1 2 3 2 9 2 8 2 2 4 3 10 2 5 4 1 2 5 5 1 1 2 4 2 6 4 1 1 2 0 7 1 2 7 1 7 2 2 8 4 1 2 8 4 2 3 8 6 2 2 9 1 1 8 1 5 7 1 1 3 0 1 6 1 9 4 3

[0171] Looking at the experimental results above, it was confirmed that for both male and female subjects, the number of subjects perceiving pain with an NRS of 1 to 2 increased rapidly during electrical stimulation of 21 to 27% Duty Cycle per day (T). In the case of men, the number of subjects perceiving pain with an NRS of 6 to 7 increased rapidly during electrical stimulation of 28% Duty Cycle or higher, while in the case of women, the number of subjects perceiving pain with an NRS of 1 to 2 decreased rapidly during electrical stimulation of 28% Duty Cycle or higher.

[0172]

[0173] Electrical stimulation of less than 20% Duty Cycle per cycle (T) induced a stinging pain in the body part of the subject in contact with the electrical stimulation terminals (121, 121'), and electrical stimulation of more than 28% Duty Cycle per cycle (T) induced pain with a strong pressure sensation in the subject's energized area. In addition, as the contractility of the soleus muscle weakened, ankle movement was significantly reduced.

[0174]

[0175] Ultimately, when the EMS device (100) according to the present invention stimulates the soleus muscle by gradually increasing the voltage with electricity at a frequency of 22 to 28 Hz and a duty cycle of 21 to 27% per cycle (T), the user's leg automatically performs physical calf exercises without pain.

[0176]

[0177] Although the detailed description of the present invention described above has been explained with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the invention as described in the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. An electric stimulation application step of outputting electric energy from an electric stimulation terminal so that electricity is applied to a body in contact with the electric stimulation terminal of an EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation) device at a designated frequency of 21 to 27% Duty Cycle per cycle; A method of muscle nerve stimulation using an EMS algorithm that induces muscle movement of the body without pain, characterized by including 2. In Paragraph 1, A method for stimulating muscle nerves using an EMS algorithm that induces muscle movement of the body without pain, characterized in that the specified frequency is 22 to 28 Hz.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, Prior to the above-mentioned electric stimulation application step, it further includes an output voltage setting step for setting the maximum voltage and minimum voltage of the electric energy output from the electric stimulation terminal for electric application; In the above electrical stimulation application step, the electrical energy output is such that, starting from the above minimum voltage, the output voltage is increased by a constant magnitude per designated cycle of the electrical application frequency until it reaches the output of the maximum voltage; A muscle nerve stimulation method of an EMS algorithm that induces muscle movement of the body without pain, characterized by 4. In claim 1, prior to the electrical stimulation application step, A valid body contact confirmation step that allows the continuation of the electric stimulation application step when a closed circuit state caused by body contact is detected at the electric stimulation terminal; A muscle nerve stimulation method of an EMS algorithm that induces muscle movement of the body without pain, characterized by further including 5. In Paragraph 4, In the above valid body contact verification step, detect that one pair of the body's soles are in contact with each of the pair of electrical stimulation terminals, thereby establishing a closed circuit state; In the above electrical stimulation application step, outputting electrical energy from a pair of electrode terminals such that electricity is applied to a pair of soles of the feet with a time difference from each other; A muscle nerve stimulation method of an EMS algorithm that induces muscle movement of the body without pain, characterized by 6. In an EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation) device that applies electrical stimulation to the muscle nerves of the body, An electrical conversion module that transforms and rectifies the power of the above-mentioned EMS device into direct current; An input / output module that displays the operating status of the above EMS device and generates input values ​​for operation control; An electric stimulation module comprising: an electric stimulation terminal for outputting electric energy for the electric stimulation to a contacted sole of the foot; a boost unit for transforming the direct current electricity to a set voltage; an oscillation unit for converting the frequency of the electric energy output at the set voltage to a set value; and a control unit for controlling the boost unit and the oscillation unit according to the input value; and A footplate-shaped body that accommodates the above-mentioned electrical conversion module, electrical stimulation module, and input / output module, wherein an electrical stimulation terminal is positioned so as to be exposed on the upper surface to be stepped on by the sole of the foot; A pain-free EMS device that induces muscle movement of the body without pain, characterized by including 7. In Paragraph 6, The control unit of the above electrical stimulation module controls a boost unit and an oscillation unit so that electricity is applied to the sole of the foot in contact with the electrical stimulation terminal at a designated frequency of 21 to 27% Duty Cycle per cycle; A pain-free EMS device that induces muscle movement in the body without pain, characterized by 8. In claim 6 or 7, the boosting unit, It includes a smoothing circuit part configured with a capacitor having an electrical capacitance of 22μF / 250V, a rectifier circuit part configured with a diode whose anode is connected in series with a transformer, and a transformer circuit part configured with a transformer for step-up, A resistor of 47Ω is placed in series with the cathode of a diode in the above rectifier circuit part or smoothing circuit part; A pain-free EMS device that induces muscle movement in the body without pain, characterized by 9. In Paragraph 7, A painless EMS device that induces muscle movement of the body without pain, characterized by the above-mentioned designated frequency being 22 to 28 Hz.

10. In Paragraph 6, A painless EMS device that induces muscle movement of the body without pain, characterized in that the above-mentioned electrical stimulation terminal is positioned to conduct electricity with the front of the sole of the foot.

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