EP2648622A1

EP2648622A1 - Portable monitoring, analysis and therapy assistance appliance

Info

Publication number: EP2648622A1
Application number: EP12753386.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Guy Leonard Kouemou
Original assignee: Beurer GmbH
Current assignee: Beurer GmbH
Priority date: 2011-12-20
Filing date: 2012-08-10
Publication date: 2013-10-16
Also published as: CN103491878B; CN103491878A; WO2013091613A1; CN103169474A; CN103169474B

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable appliance for monitoring the sleep of a test person or patient, in particular for analyzing and treating sleep-related breathing disorders by means of at least one sensor (2), which detects bio-acoustic signals and with which means for fixing in position proximate to the body are associated. The sensor serves to detect sound produced inside the body and comprises at least one voltage supply and a monitoring unit (3) serving to process the signals, and a number of stimulation units (4), which can be activated by the monitoring unit (3) and can provoke in the test person a stimulation counteracting the breathing disorder when a predeterminable acoustic sound pattern is detected. The number of stimulation units (4) is at least two, and the at least one stimulation unit (4) is designed as a mechanical stimulation unit (21) acting mechanically on the test person and the other stimulation unit (4) is designed as an electrical stimulation unit (22) acting electrically on the test person.

Description

Mobile Monitoring, Analysis and Therapy Assistance Device

The invention relates to a device for mobile sleep monitoring of a subject or patient, in particular for the analysis and therapy of sleep-related respiratory disorders by means of at least one bioacoustic signals detecting and means for torson position fixation

associated sensor for detecting intracorporeal sound produced, with at least one power supply and a processing unit for processing the signals, and a number of through the

Control unit activatable provocation units, by which the test person on detection of a predetermined acoustic noise pattern by the control unit a respiratory disturbance counteracting stimulus is provoked. A common sleep-disordered breathing disorder is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (respiratory arrest). Such apneas occur

For example, in a strong relaxation of the annular muscles around the upper respiratory tract. Due to the respiratory flow creates a negative pressure on the trachea, the upper part of the trachea due to the

Relaxed muscles are no longer able to oppose the negative pressure enough resistance. As a result, the upper part of the falls Trachea together, it comes to a disability of the respiratory tract and the oxygen content of the blood drops.

This decrease in the oxygen content can be measured, for example, with a device which is already known from DE 10 2008 063 231 A1.

Here are a method and an apparatus for measuring

Biosignalen on a patient revealed the diagnosis of

Sleep-related respiratory disorders serve. The device can be found especially in the field of home care application, where the

Oxygen saturation, the pulse rate, the raw pulse waves, the quality index of oxygen saturation and optionally the nasal respiratory flow and the

Snoring be detected.

The disadvantage of this device is the large number of measuring devices that are on the

Patients must be attached to capture the aforementioned parameters. Because with this type of sleep monitoring is always one

Wiring of the patient connected, which affects its sleep quality and thus the measurement result unintentionally. There are one

Atemschnschnchnasenbrille and provided on the patient's finger pulse oximetry sensor. In particular, the nasal cannula in the patient's face is a hindrance to a measurement in the usual

Sleep situation. Although this type of sleep monitoring provides good results for the diagnosis of sleeping disorders, but occur in the

Course of long-term monitoring repeatedly disturbing measurement errors, for example, resulting from a change in the position of the sleeping patient. Even if the device is declared for home use, it is still necessary to store the data recorded by the device in a hospital to be read out and evaluated. Only then are measures taken by a doctor to treat the diagnosed sleep-disordered breathing to cure the patient.

Furthermore, known from the prior art as a bracelet devices are known to alert the user in the detection of snoring sounds by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The

Snoring is not critical from a medical point of view, because as long as the

User snores is a continuous flow of gas to and from the

Respiratory organs guaranteed. In case of apnea, this gas flow is interrupted and also the snoring stops, whereby an alarm of the user does not occur. A dangerous apnea can thus not be detected with these devices and they are therefore considered exclusively as a remover of the disturbing, but medically safe, snoring.

A device of the type mentioned is already known from WO 2008/098 365 A1. Here, a bio-acoustic sensor is used to detect snoring or apnea by measuring body noise within the trachea. On a collar while a provocation unit is provided for stimulation of the trachea by Gleichbzw. AC. The energization of the patient should thereby the

Occurred apnea and / or counteract the snoring.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to use the device shown in the aforementioned document in patients with heart disease or in pregnant women, since the counteracting electrical stimulation irritation is highly dangerous for these at-risk groups. On the other hand, it is almost essential for certain populations, such as people suffering from obesity, to use stimulation by means of electrical stimulation, since this is often the only stimulus to which they respond adequately. Thus, in these populations of respiratory disorder often only by means of

Electrostimulation counteracted.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a device of the type mentioned, in addition to the exclusive diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing and a medically relevant

Provides therapy or a regeneration option for subjects or patients of different populations.

This object is achieved in a device for mobile sleep monitoring of a subject or patient according to the invention in that the number of provocation units is at least two, and that the at least one provocation as a mechanical on the

Test person acting mechanical provocation unit and the other provocation unit are formed as an electrically acting on the subject electrical provocation.

The invention has the advantage that the subject or patient is induced by the stimulus, for example, to change its position during an apnea. This change of position causes a collapse

Trachea counteracted, causing the airways are free again.

Besides, it is possible by the respiratory disorder

counteracting stimulus to cause stimulation of the annular musculature around the upper respiratory tract, so that they do not relax and the airways are thereby freed or remain free. Here is It is not necessary to fully awaken the patient by the stimulus, for it is sufficient to move him from a deep sleep phase to a higher one, in which his body has sufficient, a respiratory disorder counteracting, muscle tension. The bioacoustic sensor itself can preferably be arranged at the height of the trachea, where it detects the noise of the air flow to and from the lungs. However, the sensor can also be arranged at other relevant, torso-close points of the subject body, at which noise is generated, which make a respiratory disturbance acoustically detectable. The control unit checks continuously or at certain intervals and / or

Time, whether a certain predeterminable noise pattern occurs. For example, should the sound of the gas flow to and from the lungs mute for a certain time, the control unit activates one or both, preferably several of the provocation units. The acoustic signals detected by the sensor may correlate with the oxygen saturation of the blood. Therefore, it is possible with the invention to detect by means of acoustic signal detection, the oxygen saturation of the blood waiving a complex, optical

Pulse oximetry. The bioacoustic measurement of apnea, which results in a reduction of oxygen and an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood, is also faster than the optical one

Pulse oximetry. By a arranged on the trachea bio-acoustic sensor can be quickly determined whether a gas flow takes place to and from the lungs. If this is interrupted, then only gradually decreases the oxygen saturation in the blood and it passes more precious time until the oxygen-poor blood was pumped to the finger of the patient, at which the apnea can be detected by a pulse oximetry sensor. In the context of the invention, it is also preferred if the mechanical provocation unit as a vibrator and / or a mechanical

Striking unit and / or joint unit and / or picking unit formed. This ensures that each test subject can be equipped with the mechanical provocation unit that is relevant for him, since patients or test persons react to different mechanical stimuli to different degrees.

In particular, for example, the electrostimulation is not used in people with cardiac or arrhythmia and persons with

Pacemakers or in pregnant women. It can also be a like in

Mobile phones used vibrator application, as these

in the meantime have particularly small dimensions and thus the device for mobile sleep monitoring itself remains very space-saving and compact. A further advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the electrical provocation unit is formed as an EMS / TENS device for stimulus formation by means of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and / or electrical muscle stimulation. This type of nerve or muscle stimulation is well suited to counteract a relaxation of the upper annular respiratory muscles. Of course, the EMS / TENS device can also be arranged at other locations of the subject's body, preferably on the extremities. The EMS / TENS device has electrodes that can be applied to the subject body, wherein it is advantageous to integrate the electrodes in the means for fixing the position to compact the device for mobile sleep monitoring. It is also possible to assign the EMS / TENS device to an arm and / or leg strap for attachment to the extremities. The Stimulation therapy provides a particularly quiet and effective mechanism to alert the subject or patient to a respiratory disorder. In particular, people with

mechanical provocation units can not be awakened or irritated respond to the EMS / TENS device formed

electrical provocation unit very good. These risk groups include obese individuals who do not respond to the stimulation by vibrators. In addition, it appears advantageous that other persons sleeping with the subject or patients in a room are not disturbed or even awakened by the irritation.

In the context of the invention, it also makes sense if the provocation units can be activated at different times when the predefinable acoustic noise pattern is detected. Thus, for example, a

first insert a more gentle provocation unit, and only when this gentler provocation unit can not counteract the respiratory disturbance, a further, stronger stimulus-emitting provocation unit is added. For example, a vibrator could be the first

Breathing disorder try to counteract before an electrical provocation unit begins after a predetermined time window. It is advantageous if a housing is provided, and if a selector switch associated with the housing is provided for selecting an operating mode "electrical", "mechanical" or "electromechanical." This has the advantage that the user or test person can choose himself How he wants to operate the device according to the invention: Exclusively with the mechanical provocation unit, exclusively with the

electrical provocation unit, or with both provocation units simultaneously or consecutively. However, it is also possible that more or less operating modes in particular embodiments of the

inventive device can be selected.

It is favorable if the stimulus that can be evoked by the provocation units and counteracts the respiratory disturbance is successively stepwise or continuously amplifiable. Thus, the irritation can initially be done very gently. If the gentle irritation of the respiratory disorder can not be counteracted, then this is recognized by the device according to the invention, whereby the irritation is enhanced.

In the context of the invention, it is also preferred if means for determining the body fat content of the subject are provided.

In this way, it can be determined whether the subject or patient would ever respond to the mechaniche provocation due to his body fat content, or whether not immediate use of electrical

Provocation unit is necessary.

In order to keep the device very compact, it makes sense if the means for determining the body fat content by the electrical provocation unit are formed for bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Thus, for example, electrodes of the electrical provocation unit can be used to perform the bioimpedance measurement. Thus, the electrical provocation unit can thus fulfill two functions.

It is furthermore advantageous if the housing having the sensor has on its side close to the subject body a transmission surface for the transmission of the bioacoustic signals and on the side remote from the subject body an insulation surface serving for sound insulation having. This ensures that the ambient noise is attenuated as much as possible and predominantly or exclusively the sounds from the subject body are detected by the bio-acoustic sensor. Therefore, it is also useful if the at least one sensor is assigned to the transmission surface, since the

Body noise due to the position of the sensor, in the manner of a

Stethoscopes of a doctor, can be optimally captured.

It is particularly favorable if at least one further sensor of the

Insulation surface is assigned. Thus, one of the bioacoustic sensors near the subject body and one of the bioacoustic

Sensors are located away from the subject body. This makes it possible to clearly identify sounds that are not from the subject body as ambient noise. If an ambient noise occurs, the noise is heard first by the

Subject body remote sensor detected before the sound from

Probe body near sensor is detected. The thus measurable path difference of the two detected noise patterns suggests ambient noise. Conversely, in this way, a body noise can be clearly identified as such, as a

Body noise signal on the subject body sensor is detected earlier detected than the subject body remote sensor.

Furthermore, it is preferred if a sound channel is formed in the insulation surface and / or in the transmission surface, because this significantly facilitates the detection of ambient noise. For example, this sound channel can be considered a simple hole in the

Housing be formed. Furthermore, it makes sense if a sound partition wall is arranged in the housing. So a subject body near sensor can be good against

Ambient noise and a subject body sensor can be isolated well against subject body noise. The sound separation wall is preferably formed from a foam and / or a plastic. There are also other preferred known from the prior art

Materials for the sound partition can be used.

It is also advantageous if an at least unidirectional communication connection and / or control option is provided between the provocation units and the control unit. This is

ensures that the provocation units can be safely and, above all, reliably activated by the control unit. The

Communication connection can be conventionally wired or wireless by means of Bluetooth, wireless LAN, radio or the like.

It is furthermore preferred if the provocation units are realized as a component that is separate from the other components, because then the provocation units can be arranged without contact at different points of the subject body or even with it. It is also advantageous if the provocation units are arranged in the housing or integrated into the means formed as a belt system for torso-positional fixation. This ensures that the device is made very compact and thus the sleep of the subject or patient is not affected by the device. The housing itself may be made of materials known to a person skilled in the art, preferably from a plastic, made of aluminum or a skin-friendly alloy.

It seems particularly useful if the mechanical provocation unit is formed as an actuator of the bed. So it is possible that the patient's position is changed by adjusting the bed in the event of a respiratory disorder, to free the airways.

In order to localize other sources of noise in the room for noise, it has also been found preferable when exactly three of the sensors are provided, because this can be a

Triangulation measurement are performed.

In order to make the control unit particularly compact and small, it has proven to be particularly useful to the control unit as a microcontroller or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) or FPGA

(Field Programmable Gate Array) or FPAA (Field Programmable Analog Array).

Furthermore, it makes sense if at least one storage unit serving for storing and / or reading data is provided. This makes it possible to record overnight data in order to evaluate them the next day, for example by means of an external PC. Also interfaces may be provided on the device, which allow a reading of the data or provide a telemedicine. These can be formed as USB or LAN ports or the like, wherein the

Use of a wireless connection such as Bluetooth, W-LAN or the like is possible. Also, the storage unit as

Removable disk, for example, as flash EEPROM (Flash-electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), preferably as a Secure Digital Memory Card (SD card), as a Compact Flash card, as a SmartMedia card (SM card) or the like. In such a

Embodiment is a slot for the corresponding card on

Microcontroller provided and the housing has a

corresponding card recording.

It is also advantageous if the microcontroller is assigned at least one filter system for noise artifact filtering. This allows ambient noise in the room, which covers the respiratory flow

Body sounds, such as the heartbeat and the

Noise, resulting from the subject's movement during respiration and inspiration, is filtered out.

Preferably, the filter system is formed as a single- or multi-channel, hard- and / or software-based filter. The noise artifact filtering can be done via a correspondingly configured field-programmed analog arrangement (FPAA). For artefact removal, various FPAA configurable analog blogs (CABs) are positioned in a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional array, having one input and one output, and at least one operational amplifier, configurable capacitances and resistors, configurable connection resources (conductors,

Circuits) and a configuration data memory. Each CAB of the FPAA is configured as a bandpass or as a band-stop filter to filter out certain frequency ranges of the input signal previously defined as artifact frequency ranges. For example, the FPAA input noises generated by the patient as they move during sleep are filtered out by one of the CABs, causing the patient to experience the same

Output signal of the FPAA is freed from motion artifacts. It is also advantageous if an internal or external analog-to-digital converter connected to the microcontroller or ASIC or FPGA or FPAA is provided. Thus, the evaluation of the data can already be performed in the device for mobile sleep monitoring. The bioacoustic sensor can be formed integrally with the analog-to-digital converter. This also increases the compatibility of the device according to the invention with a multiplicity of different microcontrollers. Of the

Microcontroller in turn can also be integral with a

field programmable gate array (FPGA), this digital integrated circuit can be configured such that it on a miniature basis consuming arithmetic operations based on a

learnable, playable and / or replaceable algorithm performs.

Furthermore, it is preferred if means are provided for the calibration, which are preferably operated automatically. As a result, ambient noise can be recorded in advance, which can be filtered out by the filter system during the measurement on the subject.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one operating element is provided, which is preferably arranged on the housing. This control element can serve to switch on or off the device, wherein furthermore a calibration is carried out by, for example, a longer press of the device.

Therefore, it is also useful if the control element as

One-button control is formed. As a result, the device remains compact and the control element can be formed as a simple rotary, sliding, tactile or other known from the prior art switch. Be particularly favorable, it has also proved, if the

Provocation unit by means of the control element is switched on or off, because sometimes you do not want to trigger a stimulus that counteracts the respiratory disorder in the diagnosis or in the patient or a subject in order to be able to determine a sleep-related respiratory disturbance.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that formed of textile material and preferably as a chest belt means for

Position fixing are provided. This ensures that the

bioacoustic sensor can be optimally attached to the body of the subject. Textile materials feel more comfortable on the skin, such as plastic materials, so that the means for fixing the position of the subject are comfortable to wear. Also, textile materials are optimal when sweating occurs, especially when worn for long periods. Also, biocides, fungi and bacteria can not arise so quickly in textile breast straps. It is particularly advantageous if the means for torso-position fixation is removable and washable. These

Cleaning option offers hygienic benefits for the subject. In the means for fixing the position, it is particularly useful if they are formed adjustable in length and the determination of the length serving closing, for example in the form of buckles or other

Have fastening means. In order to reduce or completely suppress noises between the device for mobile sleep monitoring and the duvet or the pajamas of the test person, it has proven to be preferred if the housing and / or the means for fixing the position close to the torso on the side facing away from the subject with a sliding surface are formed. Ultimately, it has also proven to be particularly useful if at least one biofeedback sensor in the housing and / or on the means for fixing the position is provided. In this way, further signals are detected, such as the body temperature by means of a temperature sensor, the humidity by means of a moisture sensor when sweating and the oculomotor by means of a Augenbzw. Lidsensors. In particular, with the latter a REM sleep phase (rapid eye movement) can be detected and examined. In addition, it is possible to use a muscle sensor to monitor the subject's muscle contractions. Optionally, the device also has a cardiac activity unit that, because of cardiac activity detection, ensures that the carrying unit is properly attached to the subject. In this way it is possible that the subject is already warned when putting the device that this is not properly attached to the body. In addition, the subject can be warned if the device should slip during sleep.

In the following the invention is illustrated in the drawing

Embodiments explained in more detail; show it:

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention

Device arranged on a subject in a front view,

Fig. 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in a side view, shown partially cut and Fig. 3, a further embodiment of the device arranged on

a subject in front view.

In FIGS. 1 to 3, the device according to the invention is mobile

Sleep monitoring of a subject or patient, especially for the analysis and therapy of sleep-disordered breathing. Two bioacoustic signals detecting sensors 2/7, one

Power supply and a control unit 3 serving to process the signals are arranged in a housing 1. The

Power supply is formed here as an accumulator, but may also be formed as a simple and replaceable battery or as another known from the prior art electrical storage cell. One of the sensors 2 is assigned for detection of intracorporally generated sound to a means 17 formed as a chest belt 15 for torso-like position fixing 9. This can in particular be formed by a chest strap, a bra or sports bra with device receptacle, shirt with device receptacle or pajamas with device receptacle. In the exemplary embodiment shown, precisely two provocation units 4 which can be activated by the control unit 3 are provided, by means of which a stimulus counteracting the respiratory disturbance can be elicited by the subject. This is caused when recognizing a predetermined acoustic noise pattern. It is a mechanical acting on the subjects mechanical

Provocation unit 21 and an electrically acting on the subject electrical provocation unit 22 is provided.

From the control unit 3 to the electrical provocation unit 22, which is here formed as an EMS / TENS device 1 for stimulation by means of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a unidirectional

Communication connection effective. Likewise, a unidirectional communication link is effective between the control unit 3 and the mechanical provocation unit 21 formed as a vibrator. The electrodes 16 of the EMS / TENS device 11 are integrated in the chest belt 15, while the vibrator is arranged in the housing 1. The two shown

Embodiments each have a display unit 17, on which the currently measured acoustic parameters, the energy charge of the arranged in the housing 1 electric memory cell, the measuring mode - such as the operation of the device with or connected

switched off provocation unit 4 or other values to be displayed for the expert in a known manner. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the housing 1 shown is formed on its side close to the subject's body with a transmission surface 5 for the transmission of the bioacoustic signals. Im shown

Embodiment, a sound separation wall 8 is disposed within the housing 1, which absorbs the ambient noise, that is from the outside, and the body noise from the subject body inside. Here, the one of the two sensors 2 near the subject body

Transmissionsoberfiäche 5 and the other sensor 7 of the subject body far side of the housing 1 assigned.

The control unit 3 is formed as a microcontroller 12, and the apparatus further includes a memory unit 13 serving to store and read out data. On the microcontroller 12 stochastic adaptive filters are provided which filter out noise artifacts. On the housing 1 exactly one operating element 14 is provided, which is formed as a one-button operating element. This can be pressed and / or rotated, whereby the device or the provocation 4 itself can be turned on and off.

In the apparatus of Figure 3, the electrical provocation unit 22 is realized as a separate component from the other components, whereas the mechanical provocation unit 21 is in turn arranged in the housing 1 and formed as a vibrator. The electrical provocation unit 21 is a multi-part of one, on a bracelet 18 and a leg strap 19th arranged, EMS / TENS device 11 formed. The electrodes on

Wrist are formed in the embodiment shown as a bracelet or a clock. In the immediate vicinity of the auditory canal of the subject, a sound generator 10 in the form of a headphone 20 is arranged. Thus, in this embodiment, an acoustic provocation unit 4 is provided, in addition to the mechanical provocation unit 21 and the electrical provocation unit 22.

The patient may thus be irritated by electrostimulation via the electrodes 16 of the EMS / TENS device 11, by the vibration alarm of the vibrator and by alarm sounds via the headphone 20 as soon as a sleep-related respiratory disturbance occurs. The EMS / TENS device 11 is equipped with electrodes 16 which can also be used for electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) on the arm or leg of the patient.

Below is the mode of operation of the device for mobile

Sleep monitoring according to Figure 1 of the subject will be explained.

The two acoustic sensors 2/7 continuously detect noises, it being possible to distinguish between the sounds of the sound

Subject or surrounding sounds. Here, the sensor near the sensor 2 detects the sounds of the body of the subject and the sensor body remote sensor 7 the

Ambient noise. Should ambient noise reach the internal sensor 2, a filter system formed as a stochastic adaptive filter filters out previously known noise patterns, such as, for example, noises of the position change. In the memory unit 13 is this one

Database stored, which has pre-stored most noise artifacts. These can also be achieved by a previous calibration in the

Memory unit 13 are deposited.

The internal sensor 2 mainly detects the intracorporeal noise of the trachea. When an apnea occurs, a previously known and stored in the memory unit 13 noise pattern, for example, a certain rest, detected by the inner sensor 2. This noise pattern is detected by the microcontroller 12, whereupon it first activates the vibrator via the unidirectional communication connection. If the respiratory disorder is not eliminated within a given period of time, then the

unidirectional communication link the EMS / TENS device 11 activated. Due to the vibration or electrostimulation of the

Subject body via the electrodes 6 of the EMS / TENS device 11 a counteracting to the subjects of the respiratory disturbance stimulus is exercised, whereby he then, for example, changes his position. This simple change of position of the subject often already results in an airway clearance.

In the context of the invention, it makes sense if the frequency of the mechanical provocation unit 22 can be varied. This allows you to adjust the strength of the stimulus. Furthermore, it often makes sense to vary the voltage or the current of the electrical provocation unit 22. In this case, the voltage waveform can be sinusoidal, rectangular, triangular, sawtooth-shaped or formed from any other superposition of several waves. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 housing

2 sensor

3 control unit

4 provocation unit

5 transmission surface

6 insulation surface

7 more sensor

8 sound partition

9 means for torso-positional fixation

10 sounders

11 EMS / TENS device

12 microcontrollers

13 storage unit

14 control element

15 chest strap

16 electrodes

17 display unit

18 bracelet

19 leg band

20 headphones

21 mechanical provocation unit

22 electrical provocation unit

Claims

claims:

1. Device for mobile sleep monitoring of a subject or patient, in particular for the analysis and therapy of sleep-related

Breathing disorders by means of at least one bioacoustic signal detecting device and means for torso-positional fixation (9)

associated sensor (2) for detecting intracorporeal sound generated, with at least one power supply and a control unit (3) serving the processing of the signals, and with a number of activatable by the control unit (3) provocation units (4) through which the subject at recognition a predeterminable acoustic noise pattern can be produced by the control unit (3), a stimulus that counteracts the respiratory disturbance, characterized in that the number of provocation units (4) is at least two, and that the at least one provocation unit (4) acts as one

mechanically acting on the subjects mechanical

Provocation unit (21) and the other provocation unit (4) as an electrically acting on the subject electrical provocation unit (22) are formed.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the

mechanical provocation unit (21) is formed as a vibrator and / or a mechanical impact unit and / or impact unit and / or picking unit.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical provocation unit (22) as an EMS / TENS device (11) for stimulus formation by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and / or electrical muscle stimulation is formed.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that upon detection of the predeterminable acoustic noise pattern, the provocation units (4) are activated at different times.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a housing (1) is provided, and that a housing (1) associated selector switch is provided for selecting a

Operating mode "Electrical", "Mechanical" or "Electromechanical".

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that by the provocation units (4) can be evoked, the respiratory disorder counteracting stimulus, successively stepwise or continuously amplified.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that means are provided for determining the body fat content of the subject.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the means for determining the body fat content by the electric

Provocation unit (22) are formed for bioelectric

Impedance analysis (BIA).

9. Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the sensor (2) having housing (1) on its side close to the subject body a transmission surface (5) for transmission of the bio-acoustic signals and on the

Test person facing away from one side of the sound insulation serving insulation surface (6).

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one sensor (2) of the transmission surface (5) is associated.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one further sensor (7) of the insulation surface (6) is associated.

12. Device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that in the insulation surface (6) and / or in the

Transmission surface (5) a sound channel is formed.

13. Device according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that in the housing (1) a sound separation wall (8) is arranged.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that between the provocation units (4) and the control unit (3) an at least unidirectional communication connection and / or control unit is provided.

15. Apparatus according to claim 1 to 14, characterized in that the

Provocation units (4) are realized as a separate component from the other components.

16. Device according to one of claims 5 to 14, characterized in that the provocation units (4) arranged in the housing (1) or in the means formed as a belt system means for torso-positional fixation (9) are integrated.

17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that exactly three of the sensors (2) are provided.

18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the control unit (3) as a microcontroller (12) or ASIC or FPGA or FPAA is formed.

19. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that at least one storage and / or readout of data serving memory unit (13) is provided.

20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the microcontroller (12) at least one filter system for

Associated with noise artifact filtering.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the

Filter system as a single- or multi-channel, hard- and / or

software-based filter is formed.

22. Device according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that with the microcontroller (12) or ASIC or FPGA or FPAA connected internal or external analog-to-digital converter is provided.

23. Device according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that means are provided for calibration, which are preferably operable automatically.

24. Device according to one of claims 5 to 23, characterized in that at least one operating element (14) is provided, which is preferably arranged on the housing (1).

25. Device according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the means for torso-positional fixation (9) are formed as a textile material formed from chest strap (15).

26. Device according to one of claims 5 to 25, characterized in that the housing (1) and / or the means for torsonahen

Positional fixing (9) are formed on the side facing away from the subject body with a sliding surface.

27. Device according to one of claims 5 to 26, characterized in that at least one biofeedback sensor in the housing (1) and / or provided on the means for torso-positional fixation.