DE202011109226U1 - Mobile training system for electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) - Google Patents

Abstract

Training system for electronic muscle stimulation (EMS), comprising - at least one item of clothing (1, 2) with at least one contact electrode (E1 ... E6) for contact with the skin in the area of the muscle parts to be stimulated, and - a portable energy supply device, which can be connected to the contact electrode in order to deliver EMS voltage pulses to the contact electrode, the item of clothing (1, 2) having a connection element (4) for connection to a control device which controls the generation of the EMS voltage pulses, and a feed line ( 6) for connecting the connection element (4) to the contact electrode, the contact electrode being suitable for transmitting the EMS voltage pulses supplied by the energy supply device without the use of a conductivity-improving agent over the skin into the muscle parts to be trained, and wherein the portable power supply device contains a transformer , which provides a transformed voltage for generating the EMS voltage pulses.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a mobile training system for electronic muscle stimulation (EMS).

The EMS training is a partial or total body workout based on electrical impulses, which primarily appeal to the deep muscles (stabilization muscles).

Muscles need stimuli to be activated. Such stimuli are triggered by the central nervous system and transmitted via the spinal cord and nerve fibers to the appropriate muscles. Already these endogenous stimuli are electrical in the physical sense.

Electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) specifically strengthens the body's own electrical stimuli from the outside. Almost all motor units can be activated synchronously. In the time when you can usually train only a few muscle groups, you can use the EMS training to perform a full-body workout. Agonist and antagonist can be activated synchronously, which also makes training much more efficient.

With the help of the EMS systems, deeper muscle fibers can also be targeted for strengthening. Since the training intensity is not caused by high weights, but by electrostimulation, the EMS training is gentler on joints and musculoskeletal system than conventional strength training.

The effects of the EMS training are u. a. visible muscle building and muscle shaping, fat and cellulite removal, skin and body tightening and improving the condition. EMS training is just as suitable for the untrained as it is for recreational and competitive athletes. Discomfort in the shoulder and neck area, the spine, the entire pelvic area and in the hip and knee joint can be alleviated.

State of the art

The principles of EMS training are well known and its mode of action has been proven many times over. In physiotherapy, EMS training has been used successfully for decades. Newer applications include the medical and sports medicine, but also the leisure, beauty and lifestyle sector. More and more gyms and their own EMS studios rely on this training method. The devices are also used in rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

In a conventional embodiment of an EMS training system, the necessary for muscle stimulation contact electrodes are glued to the skin or attached by suction or clamping devices. By means of a contact gel, the contact resistance between the contact electrode and the skin is reduced. The adhesive electrodes placed directly on the skin are not particularly pleasant to the skin and also require some experience for the correct placement.

In connection with adhesive electrodes and mobile control units are known. These generate voltage pulses with amplitudes of only 30 to 60 V, but no effective EMS voltage pulses. The conventional devices cause at most a tingling sensation on the skin, but not a tension of the muscle. The stronger the voltage pulse, the greater the contraction of the muscle.

In addition, there are garments for electric muscle stimulation (EMS), such as jackets, belts, pants, arm or leg bands. These garments each have at least one contact electrode, via which current can be introduced into the body with a predetermined frequency pattern, thereby strengthening the muscles in the area of the contact electrode or else systemically throughout the body.

The electrodes used in such EMS garments today are usually formed in the form of a pad made of a conductive material. The conductive material must have some flexibility so that the electrode pad at least substantially abuts the body after application of the EMS garment. Suitable known materials are for example textile fabric with woven metal threads, preferably silver or copper metal threads because of the good electrical conductivity. Connections for the power supply of these electrodes are usually provided in the form of snaps, d. H. Each contact electrode is connected via a push button with a cable leading to the EMS device.

The EMS device is a stand-alone device that is set up, for example, in a gym, a doctor's office or even at the user's home and connected to the mains via a mains cable. The mains voltage of 220/230 V is necessary to provide the energy needed to generate the EMS voltage pulses.

For example, an EMS garment is from the DE 10 2007 046 886 B4 known. According to this solution, the electrode pad also serves as a liquid dispenser in addition to its function as a voltage pulse generator and is designed so that it emits a stored liquid at least under pressure. This liquid is previously applied to the electrodes formed as a liquid dispenser. As a result, the conductive effect necessary for the success of EMS training is achieved through the garment. However, wearing such a garment with soaked electrodes is usually quite uncomfortable for the user.

In addition, the wiring of the electrodes of these EMS garments is quite expensive. The electrodes may slip, terminals may become loose, and there may also be areas where the electrodes do not have sufficient body contact. The extensive wiring between the exerciser and the stimulation device restricts the movement and is uncomfortable.

From the DE 10 2009 017 179 A1 is a device for electromuscular stimulation with a close-fitting one-piece or multi-part suit made of an elastic textile fabric with integrated, textile-based electrodes, integrated moisture dispensers and integrated, textile-based electrical leads known. The moisturizers can be supplied with water via wicking thread structures from an internal source or an external source that can be connected in the manner of grease nipples. Alternatively, the entire suit can be briefly immersed in water and dried until the carrier layer is dry, but not the moisture storage layer. Therefore, this solution also requires the introduction of moisture in the suit, which makes its application when traveling as good as impossible. In addition, although a control part is integrated into the suit, but is coupled via a cable with the EMS device, which is designed as a standalone device. The adjoining 4 schematically shows such a system with an EMS suit 10 , Free-standing device 20 and cables 30 ,

There is a demand to be able to use such devices for EMS electric muscle stimulation on the road. For example, frequent flyers often have discomfort in the back or lumbar area and would therefore like to use an EMS device while traveling. Due to the fact that the conventional solutions always require a mains connection, they are hardly suitable for use on the move. In addition, the need to wet the electrodes also prevents application when traveling or even on the move.

Although there are already EMS full-body training suits with electrodes that no longer need to be pre-wetted. In this case, the electrodes consist of a high-quality silver knit, which originates from wound healing and is laminated on neoprene. The electrodes are incorporated in a highly elastic material. The full-body suits can be worn directly on the skin or on underwear. However, the use of this device is still limited to gyms and medical practices. The associated EMS devices can be transported and operated via a rechargeable battery. However, they are still so large that an application while traveling or traveling is hardly possible in a satisfactory manner. In addition, here also the electrodes are connected via individual cables to a control unit which is fastened, for example, to the belt of the wearer and is in turn coupled via cables to the EMS device or EMS stand device.

Finally revealed US 2007/0049814 A1 a system for the neuromuscular stimulation, in particular of patients with neurological diseases or degenerative disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The system comprises various garments with electrodes and a control unit for generating voltage pulses. The controller may be portable and also wirelessly coupled to the garments. Again, however, a contact gel between the electrodes and the skin is used, so that this system is also not suitable for use when traveling.

Presentation of the invention

The invention has for its object to provide a system for electromuscular stimulation that can be used while traveling and traveling.

This object is achieved by a mobile system for electromuscular stimulation with the features of patent claim 1.

The training system for electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) consists of at least one garment with at least one contact electrode for contact with the skin in the region of the muscle parts to be stimulated and a portable power supply device which is connectable to the contact electrode to deliver voltage pulses to the contact electrode. The garment comprises a connector for connection to a controller which controls the generation of EMS voltage pulses and a lead for connection of the connector to the contact electrode. The contact electrode is suitable for that of the power supply device delivered EMS voltage pulses without the use of a conductivity-enhancing agent through the skin to the muscles to be trained to transfer. According to the invention, the portable power supply device includes a transformer which provides a transformed voltage for generating the EMS voltage pulses.

Unlike conventional EMS training systems, the system according to the invention can be used not only in the studio or in the doctor's office, but also on the go, whether in sports, in everyday life or while traveling. Since the electrodes of the system according to the invention are not wetted, the garments of the system according to the invention can also be worn underneath the everyday clothing. Since the control unit does not need a mains connection, operation is possible on the way using the portable EMS device.

The mobile handset is designed to generate the voltage impulses needed for training. It essentially includes a unit for generating these voltage pulses and an energy source that provides the necessary energy. This power source has an output voltage which is transformed by means of a transformer to a higher voltage, which is used as the input voltage of the unit for generating the voltage pulses.

The mobile control unit is traveling with regard to the use of the system according to the invention, and in particular when traveling, d. H. trained in the car, plane or train. It's no bigger than any of today's popular smartphones, and it's not much heavier, but it can still deliver the same amount of energy as the standard devices used to date for EMS training. The shape and strength of the voltage pulses provided by the mobile handset correspond to those of the conventional EMS devices.

Preferred optional features will be apparent from the dependent claims.

The energy source is preferably a rechargeable battery that provides a voltage of, for example, 5 volts. This is transformed by means of the transformer to a higher voltage so that voltage pulses with amplitudes of up to 200 V can be generated at the electrodes. Thus, this mobile handset can generate the same voltage pulses as the stationary studio equipment, so that there are no differences in terms of training efficiency. These EMS voltage pulses are preferably rectangular pulses with amplitudes of a maximum of 200 V, depending on the respective pulse duration and the frequency used.

The portable power supply device may be integrated in the control unit. The control unit then comprises both the power supply, in particular the rechargeable battery, as well as a control device for generating the voltage pulses necessary for the EMS training. Alternatively, the control unit and power supply but also be provided separately. Thus, the power supply can be integrated as a battery in the garment, for example, while the control unit controls the power supply for generating the voltage pulses as a separate handset, this control can also be done wirelessly. In the latter case could be used as a control device, a smartphone that has appropriate software. Through inputs to the mobile controller, the user can control the parameters of the pulses such as pulse frequency, pulse shape, pulse width, pulse width, contraction duration, pause duration, repetition number, etc. itself. In this case, suitable programs can be specified or generated by the user himself.

The term "garment" is broad and includes, for example, belts, chest straps, pants, jackets, vests, shirts, T-shirts, full or partial body suits. Preferably, the system according to the invention comprises various garments in the form of a multi-part suit, so that the wearer can choose a garment according to the muscles currently being trained and wear on the move instead of having to put on a complete suit under his everyday wear. A "garment" within the meaning of the present application could also be an electrode stocking, the z. B. could be used for the prevention of thrombosis on long-haul flights.

The contact electrodes are preferably textile-based. They can consist of a fabric of silver threads and spandex. The silver threads are, for example, a silver-coated plastic yarn, for example silver-coated polyamide fiber material. This material is in itself conductive enough to transmit the voltage pulses without moistening or the use of gel over the skin into the muscle areas to be trained. The garment of the system according to the invention remains completely dry during use, for transmitting the voltage pulse from the electrodes via the skin into the muscle regions to be trained, the moisture already present on the skin is sufficient. It thus eliminates the necessary in most previously known solutions wetting or moistening the underwear or moistening a moisture storage layer, which is provided between the electrodes and the carrier material of the garment and must also be supplied with liquid. This feature enables the mobile system of the invention for travel use.

The body-facing surface of the garment, d. H. its inner surface is at least partially covered with the contact electrodes. With regard to the number and arrangement of the contact electrode (s) on the garment, there are basically no restrictions. The garment according to the invention may be completely covered with textile-based electrodes, or the electrodes may be provided only in partial areas of the garment. But it is also conceivable to make the garment as a whole from the material that forms the contact electrodes.

In this example, electrodes may be arranged in pairs to train the chest muscles, the upper arm muscles, the abdominal muscles and the thigh muscles. Additional electrodes may be integrated into the garment for stimulation of the back muscles, glutes, and other muscle groups.

The silver knit can be applied to a carrier material which consists, for example, of neoprene, spandex, lycra or spandex. This is preferably done by plotting or laminating the Silbergewirks on the substrate. The garment according to the invention is washable together with the integrated electrodes, leads and push buttons in the washing machine.

The supply line for connecting the connection element to the contact electrode is preferably textile-based. In particular, the supply line may be in the form of a conductive yarn applied to or in the garment. The conductive yarn may be incorporated between two layers of the carrier layer or be knitted or knitted in this or be introduced into the garment in the form of a stitch. Alternatively, these leads can also be woven into the garment.

If the leads to the electrodes are textile-based, in particular consist of silver threads, the cables for coupling the individual electrodes of the garment with the connecting elements, which in turn are connected to the control unit. The silver knit used for the electrodes and also the leads are elastic, so that the wearing properties of the garment do not change significantly due to the presence of the electrodes and leads.

Preferably, a plurality of electrodes and associated connection elements and leads are present, and at least two of the existing connection elements are arranged in the form of a terminal block. From each of the individual electrodes leads an electrical lead to the terminal block, which may also be integrated into the garment. Wiring may still be done between the terminal block on the garment and the mobile handset. However, there are no interfering cables over the body of the user away to the individual electrodes and are connected there, which could interfere with and could cause, for example, connections in the back area are easily interrupted when sitting.

The at least one connection element can be connectable to the control unit by means of a connection cable. In this case, the connection element is designed for example as a metallic or metallized push button. The existing pushbuttons can preferably be arranged close to one another, for example in a row, in the region of said contact strip. For each of these push buttons, there is a counterpart, which is connected via a connecting cable to the mobile handset. In this case, the cables connected to the terminal strip via the pushbuttons are preferably combined in the form of a cable channel, so that only one lead leads from the terminal block to the mobile handset.

Alternatively, the at least one connection element also wireless, z. B. via a Bluetooth connection, be connected to the controller. In this case, a battery can be integrated into the suit to provide the necessary energy for the voltage pulses, whereas the control of the electrodes is wireless. The control program could be in the form of an application ("app") for a smartphone, for example.

Brief description of the drawings

1 shows an EMS belt as a garment of an EMS system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 shows an EMS shorts as a garment of an EMS system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

3 Figure 2 shows two exemplary series of voltage pulses generated in an EMS system according to the present invention.

4 shows a conventional EMS training system with free-standing device and cable connection between stand and EMS suit.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

The 1 shows a first embodiment of a garment of an EMS system according to the present invention. The garment is a belt 1 , The belt stimulates not only the straight, oblique and lateral abdominal and back muscles, but the entire musculature of the trunk. For this purpose, a total of six electrodes E1 to E6 are arranged in pairs to train the abdominal muscles, the muscles of the lower back (lumbar region) and the muscles of the upper back (thoracic vertebrae area).

These electrodes are made of a silver fabric which faces the body of the wearer facing surface of the neoprene carrier material 5 has been laminated. The electrodes are optimally tailored in shape and size to the muscle groups to be stimulated. The ability to control the electrode pairs in different ways, a current flow can also diagonal, from left to right, and from top to bottom reach. The use of this technology enables effective training of all muscle groups.

The 2 shows a second embodiment of a garment of an EMS system according to the present invention. The garment is a pair of shorts or shorts 2 , by means of which, above all, the muscles in the buttocks, crotch or pelvic floor and knee area can be trained. As well as the belt 1 in 1 shows the shorts 2 on a carrier material 5 that in this case z. B. made of Lycra or spandex, a total of six paired contact electrodes E.1 to E.6 on.

These pants can also be used in sports, for example, to achieve increased resistance when running or jumping.

In both cases, these electrodes are made of a silver fabric, which points to the body of the wearer facing surface of the substrate 5 has been laminated. The contact electrodes are directly on the skin.

Each contact electrode E.1 to E.6 is via an associated supply line 6 with a connection element 4 connected. These connection elements 4 are used for wireless or wired connection with a handheld controller (not shown here). This mobile control unit outputs rectangular pulses at the output driver and thus controls the electrodes.

To simplify the handling of the system, all existing connection elements 4 - in the 1 and 2 six connection elements each 4 for the six existing contact electrodes E.1 to E.6 - in the form of a terminal block 3 arranged in a row next to each other. In the case of the belt in 1 runs this terminal block 3 in use, vertically in the waist area of the wearer. In the case of shorts 2 in 2 is this terminal block 3 also in the waist area and extends horizontally. The connection elements are therefore not distributed over the garment away, but all summarized in the area of the terminal block. This considerably facilitates the connection of the electrodes to the control unit, since the user no longer needs to make any plug connections in the region of the individual electrodes, but only in the area of the terminal block.

The advantageous positioning of the terminal block in the waist area is also ensured that the connectors do not dissolve so easily during use of the system, even if the wearer is in motion during exercise.

The reference number 7 denotes the connection point between contact electrode and supply line 6 ,

For the design of the leads 6 between the contact electrodes E.1 to E.6 and the associated connection elements 4 serves in the embodiments according to the 1 and 2 a conductive sewing thread. This sewing thread can be made, for example, of silver-coated polyamide fibers which are provided with a non-conductive insulating sheath. The sewing thread may be applied to or into the substrate in a conventional manner 5 sewed on or sewn or embroidered.

The supply lines 6 ends at the connection elements 4 , which may be configured, for example, in the form of metallic or metallized snaps, so that corresponding cables can be connected for connection to the control unit via these push buttons.

In the case of a wireless connection between the electrodes and the control unit are the leads 6 and connection elements 4 also available. The latter are then configured in the form of receivers that can receive signals from the control unit. In this case, a battery can be integrated in the garment to those necessary for generating the voltage pulses To provide energy. Alternatively, the energy can be wirelessly from the control unit via the connection elements 4 and supply lines 6 be transferred to the electrodes.

3 Figure 2 shows two exemplary series of voltage pulses generated in an EMS system according to the present invention. In the first case, all pulses have the same pulse duration and an amplitude of 200 volts. In the second case alternate longer and shorter pulses, each having an amplitude of 80 volts. In principle, pulses with different amplitudes and / or different pulse durations can be combined to form a training program.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007046886 B4 [0013]
• DE 102009017179 A1 [0015]
• US 2007/0049814 A1 [0018]

Claims (17)

Training system for electronic muscle stimulation (EMS), consisting of - at least one garment ( 1 . 2 ) having at least one contact electrode (E1 ... E6) for contact with the skin in the region of the muscle parts to be stimulated, and a portable energy supply device connectable to the contact electrode to deliver EMS voltage pulses to the contact electrode Clothing ( 1 . 2 ) a connection element ( 4 ) for connection to a controller which controls the generation of the EMS voltage pulses, and a supply line ( 6 ) for connecting the connecting element ( 4 ) with the contact electrode, the contact electrode being adapted to transmit the EMS voltage pulses supplied by the power supply means via the skin to the muscle parts to be trained without the use of a conductivity enhancing agent, and wherein the portable power supply means includes a transformer provides a transformed voltage for generating the EMS voltage pulses. Training system according to claim 1, wherein the portable power supply means comprises a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery, which provides a voltage of, for example, 5 volts, which is transformed by the transformer to a higher voltage, so that at the electrodes voltage pulses with amplitudes of up to 200V can be generated. Training system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portable power supply device is integrated in the control unit. Training system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the garment is a belt ( 1 ) or a chest strap or shirt or jacket or vest or trousers or shorts ( 2 ) or a T-shirt or a whole or partial body suit. Training system according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises at least two pieces of clothing which can be used individually or together. Training system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrodes (E1 ... E6) are designed textile-based and preferably consist of a knit of silver threads and spandex. A training system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the garment is made entirely of the material forming the contact electrodes. Training system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the electrodes are applied to a carrier material, in particular laminated or aufgeplottet. A training system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the garment is a belt which is substantially fully covered with electrodes. Training system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the garment is provided in pairs with electrodes, e.g. B. in the gluteal, crotch and knee area. Training system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the supply line ( 6 ) is textile-based for connecting the connection element to the contact electrode. Training system according to claim 11, wherein the supply line ( 6 ) is formed in the form of a conductive yarn applied to or in the garment. Training system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of electrodes and associated connection elements ( 4 ) and supply lines ( 6 ) are present and at least two of the existing connection elements in the form of a terminal block ( 3 ) are arranged. Training system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one connecting element ( 4 ) is connectable by means of a connecting cable to the control unit. Training system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connection element wirelessly, for. B. via a Bluetooth connection, with the controller is connectable. Portable power supply device for use in a training system according to any one of the preceding claims. Control device for use in a training system according to one of claims 1 to 15.

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