JP6378407B1 - Current stimulation apparatus and current stimulation method - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To give a feeling of relaxation and refreshing to the whole body.
In order to achieve the above solution, the present invention has taken the following measures. That is, the current stimulating device of the present invention is a current stimulating device having an annular main body, a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the main body, and an output circuit for outputting an electric signal. The first electrode comes into contact with the wrist on the back side or palm side of the wrist when worn on the wrist, and the second electrode comes into contact with the wrist on the opposite side of the wrist with respect to the first electrode. The output circuit outputs an electrical signal that is not felt by the user, and applies the output to the first electrode and the second electrode.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a method of applying an electrical signal for current stimulation or a current stimulation device for performing transcutaneous stimulation in the vicinity of a peripheral portion of an extremity by an electric current.

  A technique for applying an electrical signal to a human body has been put into practical use. Most commonly, EMS that improves muscle output by causing muscle contraction is known as a transcutaneous stimulation device using electric current. EMS is an abbreviation for Electrical Muscle Simulation. By electrically stimulating motor nerves from the outside, the muscles connected to the nerves are contracted or released to perform efficient muscle training. Device. It is a device that restores the body's motor dysfunction by applying a strong load to the muscle tissue and repairing the broken muscle fibers by repairing the broken muscle fibers and increasing the muscle output. . On the other hand, for example, as in Patent Document 1, a technique has been proposed in which a weak current characteristic of muscle is added to temporarily improve or decrease muscle output.

JP 2006-202445 A

  EMS contracts muscles by strong current stimulation to perform efficient strength training and enlarges muscles. As a result, the muscle output is improved, and the muscle output cannot be improved until the muscle is enlarged. Furthermore, with regard to relaxing the muscle, there is only a method of obtaining the muscle relaxation as a result of repeating the contraction and release of the muscle, and the conventional current stimulating device cannot directly perform the muscle relaxation. . On the other hand, in the above-mentioned patent document 1, a muscle is improved and relaxed by attaching a conductor to a specific target muscle and applying an electrical stimulus with controlled ramp-up or ramp-down time. Although possible, it was not possible to obtain an effect on many muscles at once. Furthermore, it was not possible to give the whole body a feeling of relaxation and refreshment.

(1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the following measures are taken in the present invention. That is, the current stimulating device of the present invention includes a ring-shaped or belt-shaped body, a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the body, an output circuit that outputs an electrical signal, a control unit that controls the electrical signal, having said output circuit and a power supply unit for supplying electric power from a battery or electrical outlet to said control unit, a device for providing a tension throughout the body, the first electrode when mounting the body on the user's wrist Is disposed on the back side or palm side of the wrist, and the second electrode is disposed on the opposite side of the wrist with respect to the first electrode, and the electrical signal is transmitted to the first electrode and are those using the second electrode to be supplied to the wrist, as an electrical signal output from said output circuit is an electric signal the user an electrical signal which does not give a muscle contraction does not perceive Along with the hand Is an electric signal that gives a sense of tension to the entire body by supplying to the first pulse group that is composed of a plurality of pulses, and the second pulse that maintains a constant amplitude with the first pulse group that gradually increases in amplitude. A first electric group configured to include a pulse group and a third pulse group whose amplitude gradually decreases, and each of the durations of the first pulse group and the third pulse group is 1.5 seconds or more. A signal is supplied to the wrist .

(2) Further, in the electrical stimulation device of the present invention, in addition to the first electrical signal, a device that provides a second electrical signal, the second electrical signal is an electrical device that does not cause muscle contraction. The second electric signal when the first electric signal is supplied to the wrist. It is characterized by notifying the user using .

  (3) An electric signal that the user does not feel by using a first electrode disposed on the wrist of the user and a second electrode that contacts the wrist on the opposite side of the wrist with respect to the first electrode. For applying an electric signal to the wrist

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can provide a current stimulation device that can provide a refreshing feeling and a relaxed feeling throughout the body by applying a weak current stimulation to the peripheral part of the limb or the vicinity thereof.

It is explanatory drawing of main body A1 concerning this invention. It is a block diagram of the controller concerning the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the output waveform by this invention. It is explanatory drawing of main body B2 concerning this invention. It is a block diagram of the controller concerning the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the other example concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the other example concerning this invention.

Embodiment 1

  Fig.1 (a) has shown the external appearance side surface of main body A1 of the current stimulating device by this invention. The main body A1 includes a belt portion 101, a stretchable portion 107, and a controller 104. The belt portion 101 is provided with an electrode A102 that is a first electrode that contacts the human body and an electrode B103 that is a second electrode, and these electrodes are connected to the controller 104 by a harness 108 disposed inside the belt portion 101. ing. Since the harness 108 is not visible from the outside, only its position is indicated by a dotted line. FIG. 4B is a front view of the main body A1 as viewed from the direction of the arrow A in FIG.

  The stretchable part 107 is made of, for example, silicon rubber and can be easily stretched. The stretchable part 107 is stretched to attach the main body part to the extremities, for example, the wrist. In the wearing state, the electrode A102 and the electrode B103 can be in contact with the skin of the wrist and can apply an electrical stimulus described later. The part to which the main body A1 is attached is not limited to the wrist but may be an ankle, and is preferably attached to the peripheral part or the vicinity thereof. In particular, it is desirable to attach to the wrist or ankle, such as ease of wearing, difficulty in detachment, and handling during use. In the present embodiment, the main body A1 will be described as being attached to the wrist. The stretchable portion 107 is not limited to silicon rubber, and may be natural rubber or urethane rubber.

  The main body A1 is mounted so that the controller 104 is on the back side of the wrist, and the electrode A102 is in contact with the back side of the wrist and the electrode B103 is in contact with the palm side of the wrist. On the contrary, the controller 104 may be mounted on the palm side so that the electrode A102 contacts the palm side of the wrist and the electrode B103 contacts the back side of the wrist.

  The main body A1 is configured in an annular shape by the belt portion 101 and the expansion / contraction portion 107, but the belt portion is formed in an annular shape by silicon rubber or natural rubber regardless of the expansion / contraction portion 107, and the main body A1 is formed on the wrist or the like by expansion / contraction of the entire belt portion. The structure which can be mounted may be used. Here, the term “annular” does not have to be a circle, but may be, for example, a rectangle, or any other shape as long as it can be appropriately attached to the wrist.

  The belt part may be a belt instead of an endless ring, and fixing means such as hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons or hooks may be attached to both ends. For example, the belt part is wrapped around a wrist or the like and fixed with a hook-and-loop fastener to make it endless. It may be configured. Alternatively, a rectangular belt part that is partly released using, for example, a leaf spring having bending elasticity or the like that has an open end but does not endless even when mounted, is configured by the elasticity of the leaf spring. It may be configured to facilitate mounting and to make contact of the electrodes easily and reliably.

  The electrode A102 and the electrode B103 are made of, for example, conductive gel. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be a metal such as a stainless steel plate that is molded so that the electrode fits on the part to which the main body A1 is attached, or may be a conductive cloth using silver thread or the like. Alternatively, a conductive paint may be used. Alternatively, a conductive rubber may be used. For example, a conductive rubber having conductivity by mixing a conductive material typified by carbon powder using silicon rubber or urethane rubber as a base material can be used.

  The controller 104 is provided with a switch 105 and an LED 106, and can control electric signals applied from the electrode A102 and the electrode B103. When the switch 105 is pressed, the LED 106 is turned on, and the electrical stimulation described later is supplied to the vicinity of the distal part of the limb via the electrode A102 and the electrode B103, and to the wrist in this embodiment.

  FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the controller 104. The controller 104 includes a control unit 202, a waveform generation unit 204 that is an output circuit, a timer 207, a user IF unit 201, a power supply unit 206, a battery 203, and the like. In addition to the CPU and memory, the control unit 202 has a built-in interface unit for connection to each unit, a waveform generation unit 204 that generates an electrical signal for applying a current stimulus, a timer 207 for managing output for a certain period of time, and a switch 105. And connected to the user IF unit 201 connected to the LED 106 to control them. The power supplied from the battery 203 is controlled to a predetermined constant voltage value, for example, 5 V by the power source unit 206 and is supplied to each unit via the control unit 202.

  When the user presses the switch 105 after wearing the main body A1 on the wrist, the information is sent to the control unit 202 via the user IF unit 201, and the control unit 202 outputs a later-described electric signal so as to output an electric signal. An instruction is issued to 204. The electrical signal output by the waveform generation unit 204 is supplied to the electrode A102 connected to the terminal A208 by the harness 108. The terminal B209 is connected to the electrode B103 by a harness 108. In synchronization with the output instruction to the waveform generation unit 204, the timer 207 is instructed to measure time, and the timer 207 starts measuring for a predetermined time, for example, one hour. Information related to the measurement of the timer 207, for example, information that a predetermined time has elapsed, is fed back to the control unit 202, and by the feedback, the control unit 202 stops outputting power to the waveform generation unit 204 to output an electric signal. Stop.

  The control unit 202 instructs the user IF unit 201 to turn on the LED 106 in accordance with the power supply to the waveform generation unit 204, and the user IF unit 201 supplies power to the LED 106 to turn on the LED 106. Conversely, when the power supply to the waveform generation unit 204 is stopped, the control unit 202 instructs the user IF unit 201 to turn off the LED 106, and the user IF unit 201 stops the power supply to the LED 106 and the LED 106. Turn off the light.

  As the battery 203, since the main body A1 uses a weak current, a battery having a relatively small capacity can be used. For example, a button-type battery may be used. Or the battery which can be repeatedly used by charge like a lithium ion battery may be used. Alternatively, a configuration that can be used by connecting to a DC power source using an AC 100 V household outlet instead of the battery 203 may be used.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an electrical signal supplied to the limb according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical direction represents current value. In this embodiment, as the set of the plurality of pulses is referred to as pulse groups FIG. 3 (a), the second pulse group including a plurality of pulses of constant amplitude is used, the time an electrical signal is not output (T4 ) After the passage, the second pulse group is output again, and this is repeated.

  The second pulse group is controlled with a frequency of 50 Hz, a pulse width of 200 μsec, and an output of 50 μA as an example. Therefore, more pulses than those shown in the figure are actually applied, but only a part of the pulses are described for the sake of clarity and simplicity.

  In this embodiment, by applying the electrical signal set to the above parameters to the vicinity of the peripheral part of the limbs using only one set of electrodes, the tension can be reduced throughout the body, and a comfortable and relaxing feeling can be obtained. Can be obtained. Therefore, use after exercise is desirable because a more efficient cool-down can be expected, or use before going to bed is also desirable.

Embodiment 2

  In the present embodiment, the electrical stimulation is applied to the wrist, which is the peripheral part of the limb, in the same manner as the main body A1, but the electrical signal to be applied is different, specifically, FIG. Use an electrical signal like This electrical signal is composed of a plurality of pulse groups. In particular, the electrical signal in the present embodiment includes a first pulse group in which the output gradually increases, a second pulse group in which a constant output is maintained, and a third pulse group in which the output gradually decreases. In other words, the first pulse group is a pulse group in which the amplitude of each pulse constituting the pulse group is gradually increased, or the first pulse is generated by the first pulse of the first output and the output larger than the first output. It can be said that it is a pulse group including at least a pulse output after the first pulse, or a pulse group including at least a first pulse having the first amplitude and a pulse output after the first pulse with an amplitude larger than the first amplitude. The second pulse group is a pulse group in which the amplitude of the plurality of pulse groups is constant in the second pulse group, or a pulse group composed of a plurality of pulses of the second output, or a plurality of pulses of the second amplitude It can be said that it is a pulse group composed of The third pulse group is a pulse group in which the amplitude of each pulse constituting the pulse group gradually decreases, or is output after the third pulse by the third pulse of the third output and an output smaller than the third output. It can be said to be a pulse group including at least a pulse to be output, or a pulse group including at least a third pulse having a third amplitude and a pulse output after the third pulse with an amplitude smaller than the third amplitude. Furthermore, a pulse group composed of the first pulse group, the second pulse group, and the third pulse group is referred to as a fourth pulse group. The fourth pulse group is repeated at a predetermined time interval in a predetermined time, for example, 1 hour. Here, the duration of the first pulse group is T1, the duration of the second pulse group is T2, the duration of the third pulse group is T3, the pause time of the fourth pulse group, that is, the output of the third pulse group is finished. A time interval until the output of the first pulse group is started again later is T4. In the present embodiment, the first pulse group and the third pulse group are used in combination for use different from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 4 shows the main body B2 in the present embodiment. Since the main body B2 is substantially the same as the main body A1, the front view is omitted. Since the same reference numerals as those of the main body A1 are applied to the same reference numerals as those of the main body A1, description thereof will be omitted. The difference between the main body A1 and the main body B2 is that the controller 404 is used.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the controller 404. Since the controller 404 is different from the controller 104 only in the waveform generation unit 504, the other description is omitted. The waveform generation unit 504 outputs an electrical signal as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, T1 is 1.8 seconds, T2 is 3 seconds, and T3 is 1.8 seconds. The frequency, pulse width, etc., which are other parameters relating to the electric signal, may be the same as those of the main body A1. Therefore, more pulses than those shown in the figure are actually applied, but only a part of the pulses are described for the sake of clarity and simplicity.

  A single parameter may be applied to each pulse group, but a different parameter may be applied to each pulse group. For example, the frequency and pulse width may be controlled to be different for each pulse group.

  In the main body B2, T1 and T3 are set to 1.8 seconds, which is 1.5 seconds or more. By applying such electrical stimulation, that is, a pulse group with T1 and T3 of, for example, 1.8 seconds to the vicinity of the peripheral part of the limbs, an appropriate tension can be obtained throughout the body, and a pleasant refreshment can be achieved by the tension. A feeling can be obtained. Therefore, it is desirable to use when getting up in the morning, when fatigued, or before starting exercise.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The modification which is other embodiment is shown below. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and the following modified examples may be used in combination with the main body A1 and the main body B2, and the following modified examples and the first and second embodiments are included. You may combine at least two from.

  FIG. 6 shows a main body C3 as a modification. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the controller 104 and the controller 404 are mounted so as to be on the back side or the palm side of the wrist, so that the electrodes A102 and B103 are also on the palm side of the wrist or the back side of the wrist. However, the electrode A102 and the electrode B103 may be arranged so as to be in contact with each other on the side of the wrist like the main body C3. Although this figure shows the case where the electrode position of the main body B2 is changed as an example, the electrode position may be changed in this way in the main body A1. Note that the two electrodes are preferably arranged so as to sandwich the wrist in consideration of ease of wearing, difficulty in displacement, etc., but it is sufficient if the above-mentioned electrical signal can be appropriately applied. For example, the electrodes are arranged on the wrist. You may arrange.

  Another modification is shown. Each of the above embodiments is a single main body, and the second pulse group (hereinafter referred to as the first signal) as shown in FIG. 3A or the fourth pulse group as shown in FIG. 3B (hereinafter referred to as the first signal). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which both electrical signals are output by one main body may be used. In this case, for example, the first signal may be output when the switch 105 is pressed first, and the second signal may be output when the switch 105 is pressed again. The configuration may be such that is stopped.

  Another modification is shown. The pulse output used in the above is 50 μA, but is not limited to this, and may be 70 μA or 100 μA, for example. Alternatively, the output value may be adjusted so as to obtain a desired effect. For example, the output may be adjusted by providing the controller 104 or the controller 404 with a volume function. The above effects may vary among individuals, and it is desirable to be able to adjust the output.

  Another modification is shown. As for the output of the pulse used in the above, for example, the output used for the second pulse group is 50 μA as described above, and one value is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may change the output value in a 1st signal and a 2nd signal. For example, the first signal may be 50 μA, but the second signal may be 100 μA. Alternatively, in the second signal, the output value may be changed from 50 μA in units of the fourth pulse group. For example, immediately after the switch 105 is pressed, that is, the output of the second pulse group in the first fourth pulse group is 50 μA, but the output of the second pulse group in the next fourth pulse group is 52 μA. The output value may be gradually changed in units of the fourth pulse. Or the structure which raises or lowers an output value may be sufficient.

  Another modification is shown. As for the output of the pulse used in the above, for example, the output used for the second pulse group is 50 μA as described above, and the output that the human body cannot sense electrical stimulation (hereinafter referred to as insensitive output) is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The output may be such that an electrical stimulus can be sensed at the wrist (hereinafter referred to as a sensitive output), and the output may be within a range where no muscle contraction or pain is felt by the electrical stimulus, for example, an output of about 950 μA. Further, both the first signal and the second signal may be sensible outputs, but at least one may be a sensible output. For example, the first signal is a sensible output and the second signal is a sensible output. Such a configuration may be used, or vice versa. This is more preferable because the user can easily determine which of the first signal and the second signal is used. Generally, when the current value exceeds 20 mA, pain due to the current tends to occur. This numerical value of 20 mA requires an output of 20 mA or more to cause muscle contraction, as can be read from P242 of EBM Physiotherapy Original 2nd Edition (Medical and Dental Publishing Co., Ltd.) and FIGS. 8-20. Conversely, if it is 20 mA or less, although it feels that electrical stimulation is given, muscle contraction does not occur. Furthermore, it is less likely to feel pain by setting it to several mA. Of course, the sensitivity to pain varies from person to person. However, by setting it to 950 μA as described above, it seems that a person will not feel pain if there is no wound on the wrist.

  Another modification is shown. As for the output of the pulses used in the above, for example, the output used for the second pulse group is a constant output as described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. Immediately after the start of output, a sensible output, for example, 950 μA is used as the output of the second pulse group. For example, the configuration may be changed to 50 μA. For example, the output may be changed from a sensitive output to an insensitive output, that is, from 950 μA to 50 μA, or gradually changed from 950 μA to 800 μA, 700 μA, and finally to 50 μA. You may control so that it may become. Since the sensitive output is very weak power that does not cause pain as described above, it can be used as the second signal, and the sensitive output using 950 μA is used in combination with the insensitive output. However, when the output is relatively small like the sensitive output or when the pulse is supplied for a relatively short time, the same effect as the insensitive output can be obtained. It does not hinder the effect of output. For example, use of sensitive output reduces the effect of insensitive output, lengthens the time to supply insensitive output according to the time used for sensitive output, or uses sensitive output There are no malfunctions or harmful effects. Therefore, temporarily using the sensitive output leads to the effect of the insensitive output more effectively as follows.

  When using the insensitive output as described above, the user cannot sense the output, and if the switch 105 is missed or the remaining amount of the battery 203 is low, an appropriate output is not made. There is a problem that the user cannot know and that the user does not notice. However, by using a sensitive output after the start of output as described above, the user can easily know that an electrical signal is being output, and conversely, a sensitive electrical stimulus is obtained immediately after the start of output. If it is not possible, the user can easily know that the output has not been made, and the problem can be avoided easily. For example, it is possible to easily make improvements such as recognizing that the switch operation has been mistaken or the battery running out, and re-operating the battery 203 or replacing the battery 203. Furthermore, since the user cannot feel an electrical stimulus with an insensitive output, the user may be wondering whether the electrical signal is actually output, that is, whether the apparatus is operating normally. However, since there is a temporary sensation of electrical stimulation, the user can easily know the normal operation of the apparatus, and by realizing the output, the effect can be improved.

  The temporary sensory output as described above can be used not only immediately after the start of output but also before the end of output. For example, it is possible to notify the user that the output will be completed soon by switching to the sensitive output instead of the insensitive output 30 seconds before the output ends. When insensitive output was used, there was a problem that the user could not know when the output ended, but the user can easily use the sensitive output just before the output ends. You can know the end. It should be noted that the insensitive output may be changed from the insensitive output to, for example, the insensitive output of 50 μA from 50 μA to 950 μA, or may be changed gradually from 50 μA to 300 μA, 400 μA, and 500 μA. It may be controlled to be 950 μA.

The temporary sensory output as described above can be used not only at the start or end of output but also at both the start and end of output. Alternatively, it is possible to notify the user of the passage of time along with the normal operation of the apparatus by using a temporary sensory output periodically. For example, the output may be performed the output of sensible every time it is continued for 10 minutes in the second pulse group in the double dose of the second pulse group or the fourth pulse group. In addition, when the user feels a sensation by changing the duration of the sensation output when the output is performed subsequently to the duration of the sensation output used when the output ends. It is more preferable because it can be easily determined whether the output is completed or whether the output is just a lapse of time.

  The above-described configuration that uses sensation at the start or end of output or periodically for a short time, that is, temporarily uses sensation output, is more desirable in the following points. Although the perceived output does not cause the person to feel pain, feeling this stimulus for a long time does not necessarily cause stress to the person. Therefore, it is desirable to use the sensitive output for a short period of time even if the sensitive output does not cause pain, and it is stressful for the user to use such sensitive output temporarily instead of the insensitive output. Is more desirable in that it does not give

  Another modification is shown. The output in the main body A1 is only the output of the second pulse group as shown in FIG. 3A, but the present invention is not limited to this. Also in the main body A1, an electric signal as shown in FIG. However, in this case, the same effect as in FIG. 3A cannot be obtained unless T1 and T3 are set to 0.5 seconds or less. In order to obtain a comfortable feeling of relaxation, it is desirable to set it to zero as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7A shows another modification. In the main body A1 and the main body B2 as described above, the various circuit parts built in the controller 104 or the controller 404 are arranged in the belt part 101, but the invention is not limited to this. May be provided. As shown in the figure, for example, the controller 705 may be configured as a separate body from the main body D4. The state seen from the direction of arrow B in the figure is shown in FIG. Although the controller 705 is omitted in FIG. 10A, it is shown in FIG. In this case, the separate controller 705 may be configured to be used around the neck by a neck strap (not shown), or may be configured to be used in a pocket. In this case, the controller 705 is connected to the terminal portion A 702 and the terminal portion B 703 of the mount portion 701 provided on the belt portion 101 by the cable 704 and the connector 708, so that the electrical signal is connected to the electrode A 102 connected to the terminal portion A 702. A configuration may be adopted in which the wrist can be supplied by the electrode B103 connected to the terminal portion B702. Each terminal part and the electrode are connected by a harness 709 in the belt part 101. The controller 705 is provided with a switch 706 and an LED 707 and is used in the same manner as the switch 105 and the LED 106.

1 Body A
2 Body B
3 Body C
4 Body D
101 Belt part 102 Electrode A
103 Electrode B
104 Controller 105 Switch 106 LED
107 Expansion / contraction unit 108 Harness 201 User IF unit 202 Control unit 203 Battery 204 Waveform generation unit 205 Memory 206 Power supply unit 207 Timer 208 Output A
209 Output B
404 Controller 504 Waveform Generation Unit 701 Mount Unit 702 Terminal Unit A
703 Terminal B
704 Cable 705 Controller 706 Switch 707 LED
708 connector 709 harness

Claims (2)

An annular or belt-shaped body;
A first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the body;
An output circuit for outputting electrical signals;
A control unit for controlling the electrical signal;
Having said output circuit and a power supply unit for supplying electric power from a battery or electrical outlet to said control unit, a device for providing a tension throughout the body,
When the main body is mounted on a user's wrist, the first electrode is disposed on the back side or the palm side of the wrist,
The second electrode is disposed on the opposite side of the wrist with respect to the first electrode, and the electric signal can be supplied to the wrist using the first electrode and the second electrode. Is,
As an electric signal output from the output circuit, together with the user an electrical signal which does not give a muscle contraction is an electrical signal that is not felt,
It is an electrical signal that gives tension to the entire body by supplying it to the wrist,
A pulse group composed of a plurality of pulses, including a first pulse group in which the amplitude gradually increases, a second pulse group in which a constant amplitude is maintained, and a third pulse group in which the amplitude gradually decreases. Configured,
Supplying a first electrical signal to the wrist, wherein durations of the first pulse group and the third pulse group are each 1.5 seconds or more;
A device that gives tension to the entire body . A device for applying a second electrical signal in addition to the first electrical signal,
The second electric signal is an electric signal that does not give muscle contraction, and the electric signal that the user does not feel pain but can feel that the electric signal is given,
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second electrical signal is used to notify the user when the first electrical signal is supplied to the wrist.