CN103079637B - Electrical stimulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

The electrical stimulation device (1) includes a protective gear (20), which is used to be installed on a human body part comprising a trans-joint muscle (61, 62, 71), the trans-joint muscle (61, 62, 71) being Muscles that span joints. The protector (20) is provided with a plurality of electrode parts (31-33) for passing current to the transjoint muscles (61, 62, 71). The first electrode part (31) and the second electrode part (32) are set to correspond to the trans-joint muscles of the thigh (60), and the third electrode (33) is set to correspond to the trans-joint muscles of the calf (70) .

Description

electrical stimulation device

technical field

The invention relates to an electric stimulation device for applying electric stimulation to muscles.

Background technique

As a general method for alleviating joint pain, there is known a method of preventing sudden joint displacement and joint dislocation, which are the main causes of joint pain, by immobilizing the joint with a supporter.

As one example thereof, Patent Document 1 discloses a brace for maintaining a state of fitting to the knee joint even when the knee is repeatedly stretched and bent.

As another method for alleviating joint pain, there is known a method of applying electrical stimulation to muscles near a joint to increase muscle strength.

As one example thereof, Patent Document 2 discloses a method of increasing muscle strength by applying electrical stimulation to contract the antagonist muscle when the agonist muscle and the antagonist muscle contract and relax, respectively.

Patent Document 3 discloses a method in which muscle strength is enhanced by performing warm-up of an application site, activation of muscles, tension of muscles, and the like based on pulse signals.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-9362

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3026007

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-333990

Contents of the invention

The problem to be solved by the invention

Each of the above methods has the following problems, respectively.

Depending on the method of using the protector, the protector supplementarily takes the role of protecting the quadriceps and the like of joints such as the knee, and therefore, when used continuously for a long time, the muscle strength of the part supplemented by the protector decreases.

In addition, according to the method of increasing muscle strength by applying electrical stimulation, joint pain cannot be sufficiently relieved until the muscle strength is strengthened to such an extent that the joint pain is relieved, and thus imposes a heavy burden on the user in daily life. In addition, even if the muscle strength near the joint is strengthened, when the user performs an action that does not stretch the agonist muscle and the antagonist muscle (for example, an action of descending a step), the joint is loaded and feels pain.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical stimulation device capable of both fixation of joints and suppression of decline in muscle strength.

solutions to problems

According to one aspect of the present invention, the electrical stimulation device for applying electrical stimulation to muscles is characterized in that it includes: a mounting part that is mounted on a human body part that includes a trans-joint muscle (joint straddle muscle) that straddles a joint muscle; and an electrode part, which is provided on the mounting part, for passing current to the above-mentioned trans-joint muscle.

The effect of the invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical stimulation device capable of both fixation of a joint and suppression of a decrease in muscle strength.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram of an electrical stimulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view showing its front structure, and (b) is a rear view showing its back structure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electrical stimulation device according to the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is the figure for the electrical stimulation device of this embodiment, (a) is the front view of the thigh showing the positional relationship between the quadriceps femoris and the electrode part, (b) shows the relationship between the hamstring muscle group and the electrode part (c) is a rear view of the calf showing the positional relationship between the gastrocnemius muscle and the electrode part.

4 is a view of the user's lower limbs on which the stimulation applying unit of the electrical stimulation device according to this embodiment is mounted, wherein (a) is a front view showing its front structure, and (b) is a rear view showing its back structure.

5 is a diagram of an electrical stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a rear view showing the positional relationship between the calf flexor group and the electrode part, and (b) is a rear view showing the calf extensor group and the electrode part (c) is a front view showing the positional relationship between the calf peroneal muscle group and the electrode part.

Fig. 6 is the figure for the electric stimulation device of other embodiment of the present invention, (a) is the front view that shows the positional relationship between hip joint internal rotator group and electrode part, (b) shows the hamstring muscle group and Front view of the positional relationship between the electrode parts, (c) is a rear view showing the positional relationship between the gluteus maximus and the electrode part, (d) is a positional relationship between the hip joint internal rotators and the electrode part main view.

7 is a diagram of an electrical stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a front view showing the positional relationship between the elbow flexor muscle group and the electrode part, and (b) is a front view showing the elbow extensor muscle group and the electrode part (c) is a front view showing the positional relationship between the finger extensor muscles and the electrode part, and (d) is a side view showing the positional relationship between the finger flexor muscles and the electrode part.

8 is a diagram of an electrical stimulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a front view showing the positional relationship between the shoulder lifting rotator group and the electrode part, and (b) is a front view showing the shoulder lifting rotator A side view of the positional relationship between the cluster and the electrode part.

Detailed ways

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 . In addition, in this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is embodied as a brace-type electrical stimulation device attached to each of the left and right lower limbs is shown.

FIG. 1 shows the front structure and the back structure of the electrical stimulation device 1 .

The electrical stimulation device 1 includes: a stimulation application part 10 for applying electrical stimulation to the right lower limb; a stimulation application part (illustration omitted) for applying electrical stimulation to the left lower limb; control unit 40 .

The stimulation application unit 10 for the right lower limb includes a supporter 20 as its main body and a first electrode unit 31 , a second electrode unit 32 , and a third electrode unit 33 as a plurality of electrode units. The protector 20 is provided as a mounting portion (in this embodiment, a lower limb mounting portion). The stimulation application unit for the left lower limb is equivalent to a member obtained by changing the structure of the protector 20 and the arrangement of the electrode parts 31 to 33 of the stimulation application unit 10 for the right lower limb so as to correspond to the left lower limb, and has substantially the same structure as that of the right lower limb. The stimulation applying unit 10 for lower limbs has the same structure. Therefore, the description of the stimulation application unit for the left lower limb will be omitted below, and the “stimulation application unit 10 ” will be used as a general term for the stimulation application units for the right lower limb and the left lower limb.

The protector 20 is provided with: a thigh front part 21 covering the front of the thigh; a calf front part 22 covering the calf front; a first thigh back part 23 covering the back of the thigh; and a second thigh back overlapping the first thigh back part 23 Section 24. In addition, there are provided: a first calf back portion 25 covering the back of the calf; a second calf back portion 26 overlapping the first calf back portion 25; and a knee portion 27 covering the front of the knee joint. In this embodiment, the front thigh portion 21 , the first back thigh portion 23 , and the second thigh back portion 24 are provided as the first lower limb attachment portion attached to a part of the thigh including the cross-joint muscle. In addition, the calf front part 22 , the first calf back part 25 , and the second calf back part 26 are provided as second lower limb attaching parts attached to a part of the calf including the cross-joint muscles.

The loop surface 28A of the surface fastener is provided on the first thigh back portion 23 . The second thigh back part 24 is provided with a hook surface 28B of a planar fastener. The loop surface 29A of the planar buckle is provided on the first calf back portion 25 . The hook surface 29B of the planar buckle is provided on the second calf back portion 26 . The knee part 27 is provided with a hole 27A for making the knee joint easy to bend.

By attaching the loop surface 28A of the surface fastener to the hook surface 28B of the surface fastener, the thigh front portion 21 , the first thigh back portion 23 and the second thigh back portion 24 are fixed around the thighs.

By attaching the loop surface 29A of the surface fastener to the hook surface 29B of the surface fastener, the calf front portion 22 , the first calf rear portion 25 and the second calf rear portion 26 are fixed to the calf.

The electrode parts 31 to 33 are exposed on the back side of the protector 20 so as to directly contact the user's skin. In addition, the electrode units 31 to 33 are electrically connected to the stimulation control unit 40 via conductive wires 39 . The first electrode part 31 is provided on the thigh front part 21 . The second electrode part 32 is provided on the second thigh back part 24 . The third electrode part 33 is provided on the second calf back part 26 .

The configuration of the stimulation control unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 .

The stimulation control part 40 is provided with: a pulse generation part 51, which outputs a pulse signal; an operation part 52, which is used to switch the activation (on) and shutdown (off) of the stimulation control part 40; and a switching part 53, which is used to switch How the stimulus applying part 10 conducts electricity to the lower limbs. In addition, there are provided: a power supply unit 54 that supplies power to each component of the stimulation control unit 40; a storage unit 55 that stores a program for controlling each electrode unit 31 to 33 in advance; and a display unit 56 that displays Information indicating the site to which electrical stimulation was applied, its intensity, and the like. In addition, joint displacement detection sensors 41 for detecting joint displacements, joint rotation detection sensors 42 for detecting joint rotations, and motion state detection sensors 43 for detecting motion states of the living body are provided. In this embodiment, the sensor 41 is provided as a joint displacement detection unit, the sensor 42 is provided as a joint rotation detection unit, and the sensor 43 is provided as an operation state detection unit.

The output control unit 50 is configured to include a microcomputer. In addition, the output control unit 50 controls the manner of energizing the respective electrode units 31 to 33 based on signals input from the operation unit 52 , the switching unit 53 , the joint displacement detection sensor 41 , the joint rotation detection sensor 42 , and the operating state detection sensor 43 . The control of the energization method is performed based on programs stored in advance corresponding to the respective modes. When any one of the plurality of modes is selected by the operation of the switching unit 53 , the output control unit 50 controls the energization of the respective electrode units 31 to 33 corresponding to the selected mode. The energization control of each electrode part 31-33 is performed by adjusting the magnitude|size and frequency of the electric current to apply. In the present embodiment, the output control unit 50 functions as a joint displacement control unit, an operation state control unit, and a joint rotation control unit.

The operation unit 52 is provided with a switch for turning on and off the power supply of the stimulation control unit 40 , and switches and dials for performing various settings. A plurality of operating positions corresponding to a plurality of modes are provided in the switching portion 53 .

As the patterns of the energization control, the following patterns A to E are prepared in advance.

Mode A is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for increasing muscle strength by moving a living body. Mode B is set as a mode in which electrical stimulation for stimulating trans-articular muscles to fix the joint is applied. Mode C is set as a mode in which electrical stimulation for pain relief is applied. Mode D is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength without moving the living body. Mode E is set as a mode in which the manner of energizing the transjoint muscles is controlled based on the outputs of the sensors 41 to 43 .

The joint displacement detection sensor 41 detects the displacement of the knee joint. The displacement of the knee joint refers to the following actions. That is, the state in which the user extends the knee joint is the neutral displacement state, and the motion of bending the knee joint from this state is called the displacement of the joint.

The joint rotation detection sensor 42 detects the rotation and rotation direction of the knee joint. The rotation of the knee joint refers to the following actions. That is, a state in which the user does not apply force to the knee joint is defined as a neutral rotation state, and an operation in which the knee joint rotates around the axis of the lower limb from this state is referred to as rotation of the knee joint. Hereinafter, the movement of the knee joint from the inside to the outside is called "external rotation", and the movement of the knee joint from the outside to the inside is called "internal rotation".

The operating state detection sensor 43 detects the operating state of the living body. The operating state of the living body refers to the following states. That is, the state in which the living body stands upright is referred to as the neutral living body state, and the state in which the living body moves from this state and the knee joint is loaded is called the operating state of the living body.

As the operating state detection sensor 43, a rotation sensor, an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, and an angle sensor are provided. When the living body moves, the movement state detection sensor 43 detects a change in at least one of the displacement of the knee joint, the acceleration of the knee joint, the pressure applied to a predetermined part of the living body, and the angle of the limbs. Therefore, based on the detection result of the motion state detection sensor 43 , it can be confirmed whether or not the motion of the living body is a motion that applies a load to the knee joint.

The muscles of the lower limbs and the positions of the electrode units 31 to 33 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .

The muscles constituting the thigh 60 include a quadriceps 61 , a semitendinosus 63 , a biceps femoris 64 , and a semimembranosus 65 . Regarding the semitendinosus 63 , the biceps femoris 64 , and the semimembranosus 65 , these muscles are collectively referred to as a hamstring 62 . The gastrocnemius muscle 71 is included among the muscles constituting the calf 70 .

Among the muscles of the lower limbs, the quadriceps 61 , the hamstrings 62 , and the gastrocnemius 71 are muscles that straddle the knee joint of the lower limbs (cross-joint muscles). Therefore, when at least one of these muscles contracts, a force acts in a direction in which the displacement of the knee joint becomes smaller. That is, when the quadriceps 61 and the hamstrings 62 are contracted, a force that pulls the knee joint upward to return the knee joint to the neutral displacement state acts. Also, when the gastrocnemius muscle 71 contracts, a force that pulls the knee joint downward to return the knee joint to a neutral displacement state acts.

Among the cross-joint muscles, the quadriceps 61 and the hamstrings 62 are muscles that contribute to the rotation of the knee joint (joint rotators). Therefore, when at least one of these muscles contracts, a force acts in a direction in which the rotation of the knee joint becomes smaller. That is, when the quadriceps 61 and the hamstrings 62 are contracted, a force for returning the knee joint to a neutral rotation state from an externally rotated state or an internally rotated state acts.

When the stimulation applying unit 10 is attached to the lower limb of the user, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the first electrode unit 31 are kept in contact with the skin of the lower limb corresponding to the quadriceps 61 . In addition, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the second electrode part 32 are kept in a state of being in contact with the skin of the lower limb corresponding to the hamstring muscle group 62 , respectively. In addition, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the third electrode part 33 are kept in a state of being in contact with the skin of the lower limb corresponding to the gastrocnemius muscle 71 , respectively.

FIG. 4 shows the user's right lower limb to which the stimulation applying unit 10 is attached.

The user can use the electrostimulation device 1 according to the following procedure.

(Procedure 1) The stimulation applying unit 10 is attached to the right lower limb and the left lower limb.

(Procedure 2) Operate the operation unit 52 to turn on the power.

(Procedure 3) Switch the mode by operating the switching unit 53 as necessary.

(Procedure 4) Operate the operation unit 52 to turn off the power supply.

(Procedure 5) The stimulation applying part 10 is detached from the right lower limb and the left lower limb.

When a current is passed from the first electrode unit 31 to the thigh 60 , electrical stimulation is applied to the quadriceps muscle 61 . As a result, the quadriceps muscle 61 is contracted, so that a force that pulls the knee joint upward is applied to the knee joint. Therefore, the force for fixing the knee joint becomes stronger than when no current is passed from the first electrode part 31 to the thigh 60 . When the quadriceps 61 is contracted, in particular, downward and forward dislocation of the knee joint is suppressed.

When the current is passed from the second electrode unit 32 to the thigh 60 , electrical stimulation is applied to the hamstring muscle group 62 . As a result, the hamstring muscle group 62 is contracted, so that a force that pulls the knee joint upward is applied to the knee joint. Therefore, the force for fixing the knee joint becomes stronger than when no current is passed from the second electrode part 32 to the thigh 60 . When the hamstring muscle group 62 is contracted, in particular, the dislocation of the knee joint to the left and right is suppressed.

When a current is passed from the third electrode unit 33 to the calf 70 , electrical stimulation is applied to the gastrocnemius muscle 71 . As a result, the gastrocnemius muscle 71 is contracted, so that a force that pulls the knee joint downward is applied to the knee joint. Therefore, the force for fixing the knee joint becomes stronger than when no current is passed from the third electrode part 33 to the lower leg 70 . When the gastrocnemius muscle 71 is contracted, in particular, downward and forward displacement of the knee joint and lateral displacement are suppressed.

When electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limbs through the first electrode unit 31 and the third electrode unit 33 , a force that pulls the knee joint upward and a force that pulls the knee joint downward are applied to the knee joint. Therefore, the force for fixing the knee joint becomes stronger than when electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limbs by only one of the electrode units 31 to 33 .

When electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limbs by the second electrode unit 32 and the third electrode unit 33 , a force pulling the knee joint upward and a force pulling the knee joint downward are applied to the knee joint. Therefore, the force for fixing the knee joint becomes stronger than when electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limbs by only one of the electrode units 31 to 33 .

When electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limbs by the first electrode unit 31 , the second electrode unit 32 and the third electrode unit 33 , a force pulling the knee joint upward and a force pulling the knee joint downward are applied to the knee joint. Therefore, the force for fixing the knee joint becomes stronger than when electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limbs by one or both of the electrode parts 31 to 33 .

The following (A) to (E) show how the stimulus control unit 40 controls the stimulus applying unit 10 .

(A) When the operation position of the switching part 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to the pattern A, the stimulation control part 40 alternately repeats the application of the following electrical stimulation: Applying electrical stimulation; applying electrical stimulation to the hamstring muscle group 62 through the second electrode part 32 .

In addition, when the agonist muscle (quadriceps 61 ), which is a muscle that extends and bends the knee joint, contracts, the stimulus control unit 40 applies electrical stimulation to the antagonistic muscle (hamstring 62 ) that relaxes. That is, electrical stimulation is applied to non-contracted interjoint muscles in response to the contraction of the interjoint muscles by the movement of the living body so as to apply resistance in the direction of contraction. As a result, the resistance in the direction of contraction of the hamstring muscle group 62 increases, thereby enhancing the muscular strength.

(B) When the operation position of the switching part 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to the mode B, the stimulation control part 40 simultaneously applies the following electrical stimulation: 60 apply electrical stimulation; apply electrical stimulation to the calf 70 through the third electrode part 33 . As a result, the cross-joint muscles contract, thereby strengthening the force that fixes the knee joint.

(C) When the operation position of the switching part 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to the mode C, the stimulation control part 40 continuously applies a low-frequency pulse to the thigh 60 or the calf 70 through at least one of the electrode parts 31-33 current. At this time, the magnitude of the current supplied from each of the electrode parts 31 to 33 to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 is smaller than the magnitude of the current in the mode A. FIG. As a result, weak electrical stimulation is continuously applied to the lower limbs, so that pain is relieved.

(D) When the operating position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operating position corresponding to the mode D, the stimulation control unit 40 continuously applies electrical stimulation to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 through at least one of the electrode units 31 to 33 . At this time, the magnitude of the current supplied from the electrode parts 31 to 33 to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 is larger than the magnitude of the current in the mode C and smaller than the magnitude of the current in the modes A and B. As a result, weak electrical stimulation is continuously applied to the lower limbs, so that the muscle strength of the lower limbs is enhanced without moving.

(E) When the operation position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to the mode E, the stimulation control unit 40 applies electrical stimulation to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43 . Specifically, energization control is performed as in (E1) to (E3) below.

(E1) When the stimulation control unit 40 judges that the displacement of the knee joint is smaller than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, that is, when it is predicted that the load applied to the knee joint is small, the stimulus control unit 40 does not send stimulation to the trans-joint muscles through the electrodes 31 to 33. power ups. On the other hand, when the stimulation control unit 40 judges that the displacement of the knee joint is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, that is, when the load applied to the knee joint is predicted to be large, the stimulation control unit 40 At least one of the electrode parts 31 to 33 is used to supply electricity to the trans-articular muscles. As an energization method at this time, the stimulation control unit 40 may increase the amount of current supplied to each of the electrode parts 31 to 33 as the displacement of the knee joint increases, or may supply a constant current regardless of the displacement of the knee joint. .

(E2) When the stimulation control unit 40 judges that the knee joint has rotated less than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint rotation detection sensor 42, that is, when it is predicted that the load applied to the knee joint is small, the stimulation control unit 40 does not send any stimulation to the joint rotator muscle through the electrode units 31 and 32. power ups. On the other hand, when the stimulation control unit 40 determines that the rotation of the knee joint is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint rotation detection sensor 42, that is, when the load applied to the knee joint is predicted to be large, At least one of 31, 32 energizes the joint rotator muscles. As the energization method at this time, the stimulation control unit 40 may increase the amount of current supplied to each electrode unit 31, 32 as the amount of rotation of the knee joint increases, or may supply a constant current regardless of the amount of rotation of the knee joint. .

(E3) The stimulation control unit 40 does not energize the transjoint muscles through the electrodes 31 to 33 when it is determined that the user is not performing an action that applies a load to the knee joint based on the detection result of the action state detection sensor 43 . On the other hand, when the stimulus control unit 40 determines that the user is performing an action that applies a load to the knee joint based on the detection result of the action state detection sensor 43 , the stimulation control unit 40 energizes the transjoint muscle through at least one of the electrode units 31 to 33 . In addition, examples of motions that apply a load to the knee joint include walking, step-down motions, standing up motions, and sitting down motions.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

(1) The electric stimulation device 1 is provided with: a protector 20 attached to a human body part including transjoint muscles; and a plurality of electrode parts 31 to 33 provided on the protector 20, used to pass current to the muscles across the joint.

According to this configuration, the transjoint muscle can be stimulated by passing an electric current to the transjoint muscle. When the transarticular muscle is stimulated, the muscle contracts, so the knee joint corresponding to the transarticular muscle is difficult to displace. Accordingly, when the electric current is supplied with the user wearing the electrostimulation device 1 , the force for fixing the knee joint becomes stronger than when the electric current is not supplied, so that the displacement of the knee joint can be reduced. In addition, since such a knee joint is fixed by supplying an electric current across the joint muscles, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the user's muscle strength compared to a type of brace that fixes the knee joint without supplying an electric current.

(2) In the electrostimulation device 1 , as the stimulation applying unit 10 , the protector 20 attached to the thigh 60 and the lower leg 70 is provided. The protector 20 includes a thigh front portion 21 , a first thigh back portion 23 , and a second thigh back portion 24 attached to a portion of the thigh 60 including trans-joint muscles. In addition, the supporter 20 includes a calf front portion 22 , a first calf back portion 25 , and a second calf back portion 26 attached to a portion of the calf 70 including the trans-joint muscles.

According to this configuration, current can be passed to the inter-joint muscles of the thigh 60 and the lower leg 70, so that the force for fixing the knee joint becomes stronger compared to a configuration in which current is passed to the inter-joint muscles of either the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70. . As a result, the effect of reducing the displacement of the knee joint is further enhanced.

(3) In the electrical stimulation device 1, there are provided: a joint displacement detection sensor 41, which detects the displacement of the joint caused by the extension and bending of the joint; How living organisms are powered. The output control unit 50 controls how each electrode unit 31 to 33 energizes the transjoint muscle based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41 .

Generally, when electrical stimulation is applied to a muscle, the fast-twitch fibers of the muscle respond and the range of motion of the muscle increases. However, fast-twitch fibers are prone to fatigue, so excessive application of electrical stimulation places a heavy burden on the human body. On the other hand, the load imposed on the knee joint differs according to the displacement of the knee joint, and the load is the smallest when the knee joint is in a neutral displacement state.

According to the configuration of (3) above, the output control unit 50 controls the energization method based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41 , so that the fatigue of the fast muscle fibers can be reduced by stopping the energization to the knee joint when it is not necessary to fix the joint. In addition, even if the user is energized when the user is unconscious, such as during sleep, the possibility of fast-twitch fatigue is low, so the knee joint can be fixed by energizing even when the user is unconscious. As a result, the effect of reducing the displacement of the knee joint is further enhanced.

(4) The electrical stimulation device 1 is provided with: an operating state detection sensor 43 which detects the operating state of the living body; and an output control unit 50 which controls how the electrodes 31 to 33 energize the living body. The output control unit 50 changes the manner in which the respective electrode units 31 to 33 conduct current to the transjoint muscle based on the detection result of the operating state detection sensor 43 .

For example, when a user descends a step, the knee joint is in a neutral displacement state and the cross-joint muscles are inactive. Therefore, knee pain is triggered when body weight is carried on the knee of one leg. In addition, since the cross-joint muscles are not active, it is impossible to properly grasp the motion of the knee joint only by sensing the state of the muscles.

According to the configuration of (4) above, since the motion state of the user is detected, for example, when the user is descending a step, the load applied to the knee joint can be grasped in advance when the knee joint is in a neutral displacement state. As a result, the knee joint is immobilized by passing an electric current through the transarticular muscles, and thus the effect of reducing the displacement of the knee joint can be further enhanced.

(5) The electrical stimulation device 1 is provided with: the joint rotation detection sensor 42 for detecting the joint rotation; and the output control unit 50 for controlling how each electrode unit 31 to 33 energizes the living body. The output control unit 50 controls how the current is supplied from the electrode units 31 to 33 to the joint rotator muscles based on the detection result of the joint rotation detection sensor 42 . According to this configuration, since the joint can be fixed by passing an electric current to the joint rotator muscle of the thigh 60, pain caused by the rotation of the knee joint can be reduced.

(6) In the electric stimulation device 1, as a mode for applying electric stimulation to the human body, a mode A and a mode B are provided, and in this mode A, electric stimulation for enhancing muscle strength by moving a living body is applied, In this mode B, electrical stimulation for stimulating the transarticular muscles to immobilize the joint is applied. According to this configuration, in the mode A, the user can strengthen the muscle strength while exercising and doing daily life. In addition, in the mode B, the knee joint is immobilized by passing an electric current to the trans-joint muscle, so the pain of the knee can be reduced.

(7) In the electrical stimulation device 1, as a mode for applying electrical stimulation to a living body, there are provided a mode C and a mode D in which the electrical stimulation for pain relief is applied, and a mode D in which the electrical stimulation is applied Electrical stimulation used to increase muscle strength without moving the organism. According to this configuration, in the mode C, pain can be relieved by supplying a low-frequency pulse current. In addition, in mode D, by continuously providing electrical stimulation, muscle strength can be enhanced even if the user does not move the lower limbs.

(Other implementations)

In addition, embodiment of this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, it can change and implement as shown below. In addition, the following modification examples are not only applicable to the above-mentioned embodiment, and different modification examples may be implemented in combination with each other.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the second electrode part 32 is configured to be able to pass current to all of the semitendinosus 63, biceps femoris 64, and semimembranosus 65 constituting the hamstring muscle group 62, but it can also be changed as follows . That is, the second electrode 32 is configured to allow current flow to only one or two of the semitendinosus 63 , biceps femoris 64 , and semimembranosus 65 .

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first electrode part 31 to the third electrode part 33 are respectively provided corresponding to the quadriceps femoris 61, the hamstring muscle group 62, and the gastrocnemius 71, but it is also possible to omit the one or two.

· In the above-mentioned embodiment, a plurality of electrode parts 31 to 33 are provided for fixing the knee joint, but as shown in (A) to (D) below, they can also be provided for fixing other joints than the knee joint the electrode part. The following electrode parts can be provided instead of all of the electrode parts 31-33, or can be provided instead of one or some two of the electrode parts 31-33, or can be provided in addition to the electrode parts 31-33.

(A) It is also possible to provide a fourth electrode portion for fixing the foot joint as shown in FIG. 5 . As the fourth electrode part, the electrode part 34A of Fig. 5 (a) corresponding to the back of the calf, the electrode part 34B of Fig. 5 (b) corresponding to the front of the calf, and the electrode part 34B of Fig. 5 (b) corresponding to the front of the calf and the front of the calf can be provided. At least one of the electrode portions 34C of (c). The electrode unit 34A in FIG. 5( a ) is provided as an electrode unit for passing current to a plurality of calf flexor muscle groups 72 including the gastrocnemius muscle. The electrode part 34B in FIG. 5( b ) is provided as an electrode part for passing a current to the calf extensor group 73 . The electrode part 34C in (c) of FIG. In addition, the plurality of calf flexor groups 72, calf extensor groups 73, and calf peroneal muscles 74 are trans-articular muscles for foot joints.

(B) It is also possible to provide a fifth electrode portion for fixing the hip joint as shown in FIG. 6 . As the fifth electrode part, the electrode part 35A of Fig. 6 (a) corresponding to the front of the thigh, the electrode part 35B of Fig. 6 (b) corresponding to the back of the thigh, and the electrode part 35B of Fig. 6 (b) corresponding to the buttocks can be provided. At least one of the electrode part 35C of c) and the electrode part 35D of FIG. 6(d) corresponding to the front of the pelvis. The electrode part 35A of FIG. 6( a ) is provided as an electrode part for passing a current to the hip joint internal rotator group 66 . The electrode part 35B in FIG. 6( b ) is provided as an electrode part for passing a current to the hamstring muscle group 62 . The electrode portion 35C in FIG. 6( c ) is provided as an electrode portion for passing a current to the gluteus maximus 67 . The electrode portion 35D in FIG. 6( d ) is also provided as an electrode portion for passing a current to the hip flexor group 68 . In addition, hip internal rotators 66, hamstrings 62, gluteus maximus 67, and hip flexors 68 are all cross-articular muscles targeting the hip joint.

(C) It is also possible to provide a sixth electrode portion for fixing the elbow joint as shown in FIG. 7 . As the sixth electrode part, the electrode part 36A of Fig. 7(a) corresponding to the side surface of the upper arm, the electrode part 36B of Fig. 7(b) corresponding to the front of the upper arm, and the electrode part 36B corresponding to the outer side of the lower arm can be provided. At least one of the electrode portion 36C in (c) of FIG. 7 and the electrode portion 36D in (d) of FIG. 7 corresponding to the side surface of the lower arm. The electrode part 36A of FIG. 7( a ) is provided as an electrode part for passing a current to the elbow flexor muscle group 81 . The electrode portion 36B in FIG. 7( b ) is provided as an electrode portion for passing a current to the elbow extensor muscles 82 . The electrode portion 36C in FIG. 7( c ) is provided as an electrode portion for passing current to the finger extensor muscles 91 . The electrode part 36D in FIG. 7( d ) is provided as an electrode part for passing a current to the flexor muscle group 92 . In addition, the elbow flexor muscle group 81 , the elbow extensor muscle group 82 , the finger extensor elbow muscle group 91 and the finger flexor muscle group 92 are cross-joint muscles for the elbow joint. That is, in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the attachment parts such as the protector 20 in the stimulation applying part 10 of FIG. 1 function as an upper limb attachment part. In this case, the upper limb mounting part includes the same as the first lower limb mounting part (21, 23, 24) and the second lower limb mounting part (22, 25, 26) in the structure of Fig. 1 : the first upper limb mounting part , which is mounted on a site including the trans-joint muscles (81, 82) of the upper arm; and a second upper limb mounting part, which is mounted on a site including the trans-joint muscles (91, 92) of the lower arm.

(D) It is also possible to provide a seventh electrode portion for fixing the shoulder joint as shown in FIG. 8 . The seventh electrode part includes a negative electrode 37A corresponding to the trapezius muscle, a positive electrode 37B corresponding to the front muscles of the shoulder joint, a positive electrode 37C corresponding to the muscles below the inner side of the shoulder joint, and a positive electrode 37D corresponding to the muscles on the back of the shoulder joint . In addition, the seventh electrode unit is provided as an electrode unit for passing a current to the front side of the shoulder rotator muscle group (shoulder rotator group) 100 . In addition, the shoulder lift rotator group 100 is a cross-articular muscle for the shoulder joint.

· In the above embodiment, the stimulation control unit 40 directly detects the joint displacement by the joint displacement detection sensor 41 , but instead of the sensor 41 or on top of it, a device for indirectly detecting the joint displacement may be provided. An example thereof is an electromyography measurement device that measures electromyography. According to the structure in which the electromyography measuring device is installed, the stimulation control unit 40 can predict the activity state of the muscle based on the electromyogram measured by the electromyography measuring device, and can judge the displacement of the joint based on the predicted activity state of the muscle. .

In the above-described embodiment, the application of electrical stimulation by the stimulation application unit 10 for the right lower limb and the stimulation application unit for the left lower limb is performed by the output control unit 50 , but it is also possible to provide an output control unit for the user to select to use. The function of the stimulation application part. As one example of this, a configuration in which a button for selecting a stimulus application unit to be used is provided on the operation unit 52 may be mentioned.

- In the above embodiment, the stimulation control unit 40 is provided with the joint displacement detection sensor 41 , the joint rotation detection sensor 42 , and the motion state detection sensor 43 , but at least one of these sensors may be omitted.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the stimulation control unit 40 stops supplying the current to the transjoint muscle when it is determined that the load on the knee joint is small based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41 , but it can also be changed as follows. In other words, the stimulation control unit 40 can also supply a smaller amount of current to the trans-articular muscles when it is determined that the burden on the knee joint is small than when it is determined that the burden on the knee joint is large.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the control of the energization method based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43 (mode E) and the control of the energization method in the modes A to D are performed independently. 43 detection result control and mode A~D control. That is, when it is necessary to conduct power supply based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43 during the execution of the control of any of the modes A to D, it is also possible to temporarily hold the power supply to any one of the modes A to D. control, and conducts energization control based on the detection results of the sensors 41-43.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, when the stimulation control unit 40 detects that the knee joint is rotated, the current is passed through the quadriceps femoris 61 and the hamstring muscle group 62 as joint rotators among the trans-joint muscles. A current flows through the gastrocnemius muscle 71 , which is a joint muscle other than the joint rotator muscle.

- In the above-mentioned embodiment, the stimulation applying unit 10 is installed from the thigh 60 to the lower leg 70 via the knee joint, but the portion corresponding to the thigh 60 and the portion corresponding to the lower leg 70 may be separately formed.

- In the above-mentioned embodiment, the stimulation application part 10 of the type attached to the lower limbs was provided, but it is also possible to provide the stimulation application part of the type attached to the upper limbs instead of this stimulation application part or in addition to it. In addition, the following changes (A) to (D) can also be added to the electrical stimulation device including at least one of the stimulation applying unit attached to the lower limb and the stimulation applying unit attached to the upper limb.

(A) The stimulation applying part for the lower limbs is changed to a type attached only to the thigh 60 .

(B) The stimulation applying part for the lower limbs is changed to a type attached only to the calf 70 .

(C) The stimulation applying part for the upper limb is changed to a type attached only to the upper arm 80 .

(D) The stimulation applying part for the upper limb is changed to a type attached only to the lower arm 90 .

- In the structure including the stimulation application part attached to an upper limb, it is also possible to form the parts corresponding to the upper arm 80 and the lower arm 90 respectively.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the stimulation applying part 10 is configured as a protector-type member attached to each of the left and right lower limbs, but it can also be changed to a shorts-type or trousers-type member including the riser and parts corresponding to the left and right lower limbs. .

Claims (9)

1. an electrical stimulation device, applies electricity irritation to muscle, it is characterized in that possessing:

Installation portion, it is installed on the human body comprising trans-articular flesh, and this trans-articular flesh is across the muscle in joint;

Electrode section, it is arranged at above-mentioned installation portion, for above-mentioned trans-articular flesh circulating current;

Output control part, it controls the step mode of above-mentioned electrode section to above-mentioned trans-articular flesh, and

Operating state test section, it detects the operating state of organism,

Wherein, above-mentioned installation portion comprises the first installation portion and the second installation portion that are installed on across relative position, joint,

At least any one installation portion place in above-mentioned first installation portion and above-mentioned second installation portion and the muscle contributing to joint displacements in above-mentioned trans-articular flesh arrange above-mentioned electrode section accordingly,

Above-mentioned output control part comes by above-mentioned electrode section to above-mentioned trans-articular flesh circulating current based on the load that above-mentioned joint is applied in, fix above-mentioned joint, when detecting the operating state of above-mentioned organism by above-mentioned operating state test section, under the neutral position shifting state in the inactive above-mentioned joint of above-mentioned trans-articular flesh, by above-mentioned electrode section to above-mentioned trans-articular flesh circulating current, fix above-mentioned joint.

2. electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Respectively above-mentioned electrode section is set accordingly with the muscle contributing to joint displacements in above-mentioned trans-articular flesh at above-mentioned first installation portion and above-mentioned second installation portion place,

Above-mentioned output control part to come by the electrode section of at least one party in the electrode section of above-mentioned first installation portion and the electrode section of above-mentioned second installation portion, to above-mentioned trans-articular flesh circulating current, to fix above-mentioned joint based on the load that above-mentioned joint is applied in.

3. electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Also possess joint displacements test section, the displacement of this joint displacements test section to the stretching, extension in joint and bending caused joint detects,

Above-mentioned output control part comprises joint displacements control part, and this joint displacements control part controls the step mode of above-mentioned electrode section to above-mentioned trans-articular flesh based on the testing result of above-mentioned joint displacements test section.

4. electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned output control part comprises operating state control part, and this operating state control part controls the step mode of above-mentioned electrode section to above-mentioned trans-articular flesh based on the testing result of above-mentioned operating state test section.

5. electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned trans-articular flesh comprises the joint rotation flesh contributing to joint and rotate,

This electrical stimulation device also possesses joint rotation detection portion, and this joint rotation detection portion rotation to above-mentioned joint detects,

Above-mentioned output control part comprises joint rotation control unit, and this joint rotation control unit controls based on the testing result of above-mentioned joint rotation detection portion the step mode that the above-mentioned joint of subtend rotates the electrode section of flesh circulating current.

6. electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned installation portion be the upper limb installation portion that is installed on upper limb and be installed in the lower limb installation portion of lower limb at least one,

Above-mentioned upper limb installation portion comprises the first upper limb installation portion and the second upper limb installation portion, this the first upper limb installation portion is installed on the position comprising trans-articular flesh in the upper arm of above-mentioned upper limb, this the second upper limb installation portion is installed on the position comprising trans-articular flesh in the underarm of above-mentioned upper limb

Above-mentioned lower limb installation portion comprises the first lower limb installation portion and the second lower limb installation portion, this the first lower limb installation portion is installed on the position comprising trans-articular flesh in the thigh of above-mentioned lower limb, and this second lower limb installation portion is installed on the position comprising trans-articular flesh in the shank of above-mentioned lower limb.

7. the electrical stimulation device according to any one in claim 1 ~ 6, is characterized in that,

This electrical stimulation device can control first mode and the second pattern, this first mode performs when being applied for by making organism action carry out the electricity irritation of muscle strength reinforcing, and this second pattern is being applied for above-mentioned trans-articular flesh performing when utilizing above-mentioned trans-articular flesh to fix the electricity irritation in joint.

8. electrical stimulation device according to claim 7, is characterized in that,

This electrical stimulation device can control the 3rd pattern and four-mode, and the 3rd pattern performs when being applied for lenitive electricity irritation, this four-mode be be applied for not making organism action and the electricity irritation of muscle strength reinforcing time perform.

9. an electrical stimulation device, applies electricity irritation to muscle, it is characterized in that possessing:

Installation portion, it is installed on the human body comprising trans-articular flesh, and this trans-articular flesh is across the muscle in joint;

Electrode section, it is arranged at above-mentioned installation portion, for above-mentioned trans-articular flesh circulating current;

Operating state test section, it detects the operating state of organism; And

Operating state control part, its testing result based on above-mentioned operating state test section controls the step mode of above-mentioned electrode section to above-mentioned trans-articular flesh,

Wherein, as above-mentioned installation portion, possess the upper limb installation portion that is installed on upper limb and be installed at least one in the lower limb installation portion of lower limb,

Above-mentioned upper limb installation portion comprises the first upper limb installation portion and the second upper limb installation portion, this the first upper limb installation portion is installed on the position comprising trans-articular flesh in the upper arm of above-mentioned upper limb, this the second upper limb installation portion is installed on the position comprising trans-articular flesh in the underarm of above-mentioned upper limb

Above-mentioned lower limb installation portion comprises the first lower limb installation portion and the second lower limb installation portion, this the first lower limb installation portion is installed on the position comprising trans-articular flesh in the thigh of above-mentioned lower limb, this the second lower limb installation portion is installed on the position comprising trans-articular flesh in the shank of above-mentioned lower limb

Above-mentioned operating state control part is when the testing result based on above-mentioned operating state test section is judged as that joint is applied in load, by above-mentioned electrode section to above-mentioned trans-articular flesh supply electric current, when detecting the operating state of above-mentioned organism by above-mentioned operating state test section, under the neutral position shifting state in the inactive above-mentioned joint of above-mentioned trans-articular flesh, by above-mentioned electrode section to above-mentioned trans-articular flesh circulating current, fix above-mentioned joint.