JP2004129699A - Multi-channel surface functional electrostimulator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-channel surface functional electrostimulator capable of supplying appropriate electric stimulations to a proper part. <P>SOLUTION: This multi-channel surface functional electrostimulator is provided with a stimulation pulse generator 1, a distribution controller 2 connected to the stimulation pulse generator 1 and an electrode mounting member 3 composed by arranging a plurality of surface electrodes 4 for stimulations connected to the distribution controller 2. The electrode mounting member 3 is mounted on a part where the imparting of stimulation pulses is planned, the stimulated part by the stimulation pulses is measured by the plurality of surface electrodes 4 for the stimulation, the surface electrode 4 for the stimulation corresponding to the stimulated part is selected and the stimulation pulses are imparted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator, and more particularly to an electrical stimulator for applying a stimulation pulse to a part of a human body to perform rehabilitation or functional recovery treatment.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventional surface electrode FES devices (for example, Patent Literature 1 below) often have one or two channels, and are capable of reconstructing a coarse movement of a body part. Reconstruction was difficult. Therefore, reconstruction of the fine movement has been performed exclusively by the embedded electrode (for example, Patent Document 2 below).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-200104 (FIG. 1 on page 3)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-7-299149 (FIG. 1 on page 3-5)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the site to be stimulated is within a narrow range when viewed from the body surface, it is difficult to attach the surface electrode FES device to the optimum position, and the user must re-attach it many times or attach a large electrode. It also stimulates unnecessary parts. Further, even if the position where the electrode is attached is adjusted, if the electrode is peeled off after use, the same problem occurs again when the electrode is attached again, so that the reproducibility is very poor. On the other hand, when the embedded electrode is used, reproducibility can be relatively increased because the electrode does not move.
[0005]
However, when an implanted electrode is used, it is necessary to perform an implanted operation, so that there is a problem that it cannot be applied to a patient who has difficulty in performing an operation.
[0006]
Also, even if the surface electrode can be stuck at the optimal position, if a large number of electrodes are stuck to the body, a large number of wires will be required between the stimulator and the electrodes. Problems arise. In addition, when the sensor is attached to the body surface, the number of electric wires further increases, so that the appearance is not good.
[0007]
Furthermore, when the number of electrode channels increases, the number of connection ports of the stimulator main body increases, so that the size of the stimulator main body becomes unnecessarily large.
[0008]
By the way, the constant current stimulation has good reproducibility of muscle contraction, but there is a risk of burns when the skin impedance suddenly increases, such as when the surface electrode is likely to come off the skin.
[0009]
On the other hand, constant voltage stimulation is desirable to prevent burns, but if skin impedance is different, the stimulation intensity will be different, resulting in poor reproducibility of muscle contraction.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator that can provide an appropriate electrical stimulus to an appropriate site in view of the above situation.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention, in order to achieve the above object,
[1] In a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulation device, a stimulation pulse generator, a distribution controller connected to the stimulation pulse generator, and a plurality of stimulation surface electrodes connected to the distribution controller are arranged. An electrode mounting member comprising: the electrode mounting member is mounted at a location where the stimulation pulse is to be applied, and the stimulation site is measured by measuring impedance using the plurality of stimulation surface electrodes. It is characterized in that a stimulation surface electrode corresponding to a stimulation site is selected and a stimulation pulse is applied.
[0012]
[2] The multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator according to [1], wherein the plurality of stimulating surface electrodes are arranged in a matrix.
[0013]
[3] The multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator according to [1] or [2], wherein a sensor is further mounted at a location corresponding to the stimulating surface electrode.
[0014]
[4] In the multi-channel surface functional electrostimulator according to [1] or [2], the electrode mounting member can be arranged at a plurality of positions, and a stimulation pulse is applied to each electrode mounting member via a branch distribution control device. It is characterized by giving.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a multi-channel surface functional electrostimulator showing a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is an overall configuration diagram, and FIG. 1 (b) is a configuration diagram of the distribution control device. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an application example of the multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator.
[0017]
In these figures, reference numerals 1 and 1 ′ denote stimulus pulse generators, and 2 and 2 ′ denote distribution control devices (with an impedance measuring function) connected to the stimulus pulse generator 1, and a CPU (central processing unit) 2A, It comprises a memory 2B, an input interface 2C, a measurement interface 2D, a measurement device 2E, and an output interface 2F. As the impedance measurement method, for example, the method disclosed in Patent Document 2 described above can be used. That is, a reference electrode (not shown) is set at a site to which a stimulus is applied, and a minute sine wave signal is sequentially supplied from the measurement device 2E between the stimulus surface electrode and the reference electrode, which will be described later. Each of the impedances between the electrodes can be measured.
[0018]
Further, 3, 3 'are electrode mounting members, and 4, 4' are a plurality of stimulating surface electrodes mounted on the electrode mounting members 3, 3 '.
[0019]
The plurality of stimulating surface electrodes 4, 4 'are formed by regularly arranging a plurality of small electrodes on one electrode mounting member 3, 3' which is a nonconductive material. The size, shape and arrangement regularity of 'are determined as appropriate according to the body part to which the plurality of surface electrodes for stimulation 4 and 4' are applied.
[0020]
The number of channels of the plurality of stimulation surface electrodes 4, 4 'can be up to 512 channels. (If the communication speed increases, it can be further increased.)
For example, in the case of an application example of the multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator for restoring the separation movement of the fingers, as shown in FIG. 2, the electrode mounting member 3 'is mounted from the upper arm to the wrist, and the electrode mounting member is mounted. Impedance is measured by a plurality of stimulating surface electrodes 4 'mounted on the member 3' to determine a stimulating site and stimulate.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0022]
In this figure, 11 is a stimulus pulse generator, 12 is a branch distribution controller (with an impedance measuring function), 13 is a sensor and electrode mounting member, 14 is a sensor (for example, an acceleration sensor), 15 is the sensor 14 and electrode mounting There are a plurality of stimulation surface electrodes (matrix surface electrodes) mounted on the member 13.
[0023]
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator showing a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an application example of the multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator.
[0024]
In these figures, 21 is a stimulation pulse generator, 22 is a first branch distribution control device, 23 is an acceleration sensor, 24 is a stimulation surface electrode connected to the first branch distribution control device 22, and 25 is a second Is a plurality of surface electrodes for stimulation connected to the second branch distribution controller 25.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the electrodes mounted on the electrode mounting member 31 are imaged in a matrix, and the impedance of each electrode is measured to determine the stimulation site. Here, when it can be measured that the electrodes 1a, 1b, 3b have a high impedance (a part requiring stimulation) and the electrodes 1c, 3c have a low impedance (a part not requiring stimulation), the electrodes 1a, 1b, 3b are subjected to stimulation. Electrical stimulation can be performed by applying a stimulation pulse from the pulse generator 21 to the electrodes 1a, 1b, 3b.
[0026]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, by further connecting the second branch distribution control device to the first branch distribution control device 22, the electrode mounting member 26 can be further arranged. In other words, the branch distribution control device can be added and arranged at a plurality of locations, and a stimulation pulse can be applied to the plurality of electrode mounting members via the branch distribution control device.
[0027]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an application example of the multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator.
[0028]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, six electrode mounting members 42 to 47 are set at six stimulation parts 41 to the stimulation site 41 from the waist to the feet with six cables 48 to 53, and furthermore, a sensor (for example, an acceleration sensor) ) 54 to 59 are mounted on the electrode mounting members 42 to 47, and the pelvis is measured by the sensors 54 and 55, the thigh is measured by the sensors 56 and 57, and the lower leg is measured by the sensors 58 and 59. Then, by measuring the movement of the pelvis, thigh, and lower leg, the effect of the electrical stimulation can be confirmed.
[0029]
Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the part (electrode mounting member part) 61 to be stimulated is in a narrow range, that is, the optimal stimulation part 62 stimulates only the electrodes 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b by the stimulation pulse. .
[0030]
Therefore, since a stimulation pulse is applied only to a site where stimulation is required, effective stimulation can be performed with a small amount of current, and labor can be saved.
[0031]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it consists of the stimulation pulse generator main body, the surface electrode for stimulation (intelligent electrode), and the communication cable, and the FES apparatus using the conventional embedded electrode, such as being able to carry out the elaborate movement of the finger and the recovery of the walking motion, is possible. A surface FES device comparable to the above can be obtained. In particular, the surface electrode for stimulation, which is the center of this device, consists of a distribution pulse control device, a sensor, and a large number of small electrodes in the form of a matrix. Can be expanded.
[0032]
Further, the distribution control device has an impedance measuring function, and can automatically detect an optimal stimulating site by measuring a skin impedance distribution.
[0033]
According to the present invention, further application expansion in the field of functional electrical stimulation in the fields of medical welfare and health promotion is expected.
[0034]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0036]
(A) Since a large number of stimulation sites within a narrow range can be separated and stimulated, it is possible to reconstruct a separation motion such as a finger.
[0037]
As a result, despite being a surface electrode FES device, comparable reconstruction is possible when an implanted electrode is used, and since implant surgery is not required, application to patients who had difficulty in surgery can be expected. In addition, since it can be applied from an early stage after injury to a patient with spinal cord injury, an effect of preventing secondary bone atrophy due to long-term rest can be expected.
[0038]
(B) By comparing the body surface map of the skin impedance value of the subject with a known body surface map stored in a database by impedance measurement, the optimum stimulation position can be automatically found.
[0039]
As a result, the reproducibility of the operation reconstruction can be improved to a degree close to the case where the embedded electrode is used.
[0040]
Furthermore, since the stimulation voltage can be determined from the necessary stimulation current based on the skin impedance, reproducibility similar to the constant current stimulation can be obtained even with the constant voltage stimulation.
[0041]
(C) Since the stimulating surface electrode is integrated as an intelligent electrode, the time and effort required for the user to attach the electrode is greatly reduced, and the technique is also technically easy. Similarly, although two cables were originally required, the integration makes it possible to connect with a single communication cable, so that the burden on the user is greatly reduced.
[0042]
(D) By simply selecting the type of the matrix electrode, the shape of the electrode is optimized to the characteristics of the sticking position, so that the technical burden on the user can be reduced.
[0043]
(E) It is possible to add a part to be stimulated, change the combination of stimulation parts, change the sensor, etc. only by redesigning the intelligent electrode, and there is no need to change the hardware of the stimulator itself. When viewed from the side, the function can be easily extended. Further, it is possible to reduce the size of the stimulator main body.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an application example of the multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an application example of a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an application example of a multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an application example of another multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,1 ', 11,21 Stimulation pulse generator 2,2' Distribution controller (with impedance measurement function)
2A CPU (central processing unit)
2B Memory 2C Input interface 2D Measurement interface 2E Measurement device 2F Output interface 3, 3 ', 31, 42 to 47 Electrode mounting members 4, 4', 15, 24, 26 Surface electrode for stimulation 12 Branch distribution controller (impedance measurement With function)
13 Sensor and electrode mounting member 14, 54 to 59 Sensor (for example, acceleration sensor)
22 First branch distribution control device 23 Acceleration sensor 25 Second branch distribution control device 41 Stimulation sites 48 to 53 applied from waist to foot Cable 61 Site to be stimulated (electrode mounting member site)
62 Optimal stimulation site

Claims (4)

(A) a stimulation pulse generator;
(B) a distribution control device connected to the stimulation pulse generator;
(C) an electrode mounting member having a plurality of stimulation surface electrodes connected to the distribution control device,
(D) mounting the electrode mounting member at a location where a stimulation pulse is to be applied, measuring a stimulation site by measuring impedance using the plurality of stimulation surface electrodes, and measuring a stimulation corresponding to the stimulation site; A multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator characterized by selecting a surface electrode for use and applying a stimulation pulse. 2. The multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of stimulating surface electrodes are arranged in a matrix. 3. The multi-channel functional electrostimulator according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor mounted at a location corresponding to the stimulating surface electrode. 3. The multi-channel surface functional electrostimulator according to claim 1, wherein the electrode mounting member can be arranged at a plurality of positions, and a stimulation pulse is applied to each electrode mounting member via a branch distribution control device. Multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulator.

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