JP2010131253A - Electrical muscle stimulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrical muscle stimulation device for obtaining a sufficient training effect by imparting electric stimulation to muscles in the deep part of a body. <P>SOLUTION: The electric muscle stimulation device for electrically stimulating the muscles in the deep part of a body of a user includes: at least a pair of electrodes to be brought into contact with the opposing positions of the body of the user respectively; and a supply part for supplying a low frequency pulse voltage between the pair of electrodes. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric muscle stimulation apparatus that performs treatment by electrically stimulating muscles.

Traditionally, treatments for muscle training and slimming are performed by bringing electrodes into contact with predetermined parts of the body such as the abdomen, arms, and legs, applying a pulsed low-frequency voltage, and electrically stimulating the muscles. An electromuscular stimulation device to perform is known (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).
JP 2005-13593 A

  However, the above-described conventional electric muscle stimulating device cannot provide stimulation to the muscles in the deep part of the body and cannot obtain a sufficient effect.

  The present invention adopts the following configuration in order to solve the above points.

<Constitution>
An electric muscle stimulating device according to the present invention includes at least a pair of electrodes for contacting each of opposing positions of a user's body in order to electrically stimulate a muscle inside the user's body, and between the pair of electrodes. And a supply unit for supplying a low-frequency pulse voltage.

  According to the electric muscle stimulating device of the present invention, for example, energization is performed between the electrodes brought into contact with the front and back surfaces of the body, so that it is possible to apply electrical stimulation to muscles deep in the body. Therefore, more effective muscle training is possible, and the viscera can be stimulated and activated, so that the slimming effect can be obtained by reducing visceral fat.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the outer shape of the housing of the electric muscle stimulating device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the outer shape of a one-pole pad, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the outer shape of a five-pole pad. FIG. 5 is a view showing the outer shape of the assembly pad of the first embodiment.
The electric muscle stimulating device 10 of this embodiment is used for business use, and includes a housing 11, a 1-pole pad 12, a 5-pole pad 13 and a set pad 14 that are used by being connected to the housing 11. Composed.
In the present embodiment, two 1-pole pads 12 and 2 5-pole pads 13 are provided, and these can be used by being connected to the housing 11 at the same time. The 1-pole pad 12, the 5-pole pad 13, and the assembly pad 14 are collectively referred to as pads.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a front portion of the casing 11 of the electromuscular stimulation device 10, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a rear portion of the casing 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the housing 11 of the electric muscle stimulating device 10 is provided with three connection ports 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c on the front portion.

  The connection port 15a is an output port of CH1 (channel 1) to which the 5-pole pad 13 (FIG. 4) is connected. The output system of CH1 is used to give a rotational stimulus or a surge stimulus (described later) to the muscle at the treatment site via the pentode pad 13 and the unipolar pad 12.

  Around the connection port 15a, as shown in FIG. 2A, a grounding terminal 16a is provided. The terminal 16a is used with a one-pole pad 12 (FIG. 3) connected thereto. Further, around the connection port 15a, as shown in FIG. 2A, a dial 17a for adjusting the output level of CH1, and a level display panel 18a for displaying the output level of CH1, Each is arranged.

  Similarly, the connection port 15b is an output port of CH2 (channel 2) to which the 5-pole pad 13 is connected. Similarly to the output system of CH1, the output system of CH2 is used for applying a rotational stimulus or a surge stimulus to the muscle at the treatment site via the 5-pole pad 13 and the 1-pole pad 12.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a grounding terminal 16b corresponding to CH2, a dial 17b, and a level display panel 18b are arranged around the connection port 15b. A one-pole pad 12 is connected to the terminal 16b.

  The connection port 15c is an output port of CH3 (channel 3) to which the assembly pad 14 (FIG. 5) is connected. The output system of CH3 is used to give EMS stimulation (described later) by an EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) signal to the muscle of the treatment site via the assembly pad 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a dial 17c for adjusting the output level of CH3 and a level display panel 18c for displaying the output level are arranged around the connection port 15c. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of operation buttons 19 a to 19 f are provided on the front portion of the housing 11.

The operation button 19a is a timer button for setting the operation duration time.
The operation button 19b is a select button for selecting an operation mode or the like.
The operation button 19c is a set button for determining selection by the operation button 19b.

The operation button 19d is a start button for issuing an output start instruction.
The operation button 19e is a stop button for issuing an output stop instruction.
The operation button 19f is a lock button for making it impossible to change each setting.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, a timer display panel 20 for displaying the remaining operation duration time, a selection screen for selecting an operation mode, and an operation are displayed on the front portion of the housing 11. A main display panel 21 for displaying a display screen or the like for displaying a state is provided.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the main display panel.
For example, the main display panel 21 displays a selection screen for allowing the operator to select an operation mode, as shown in FIG. The electric muscle stimulation device 10 of the present embodiment has two operation modes, that is, a first operation mode and a second operation mode. The first operation mode is an operation mode that is selected when a treatment site is designated and a treatment process is executed. The second operation mode is an operation mode selected when the CH3 output system is used.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the main display panel 21 displays a selection screen for allowing the operator to select one of the operation modes set corresponding to the first operation mode. Is done. In the electric muscle stimulating device 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, seven operation modes corresponding to the first operation mode, that is, an abdominal therapy mode, a metabolic mode, an abdominal / thigh mode, The lower body mode, the second arm / back mode, the hip peripheral mode, and the drainage mode are set. Each of these operation modes is selected according to the treatment site.

For example, the abdominal therapy mode is an operation mode that uses the output system of CH1 or CH2, and is used to give a rotational stimulus to the abdominal muscles to obtain a tightening effect.
Metabolic mode uses the CH1 or CH2 output system to apply rotational and surge stimulation to the abdominal muscles, and uses the CH3 output system to apply EMS stimulation to the abdominal muscles. This is an operation mode used to obtain a central tightening effect.

Abdominal / thigh mode is selected to use CH1 and CH2 to provide rotational and surge stimulation on the upper surface of the thigh, and to provide EMS stimulation to the abdomen using CH3 to obtain a tightening effect on the thigh and abdomen. Is done.
The lower body mode uses CH1 and CH2 to provide a drainage effect that improves lymph and blood flow by applying rotational and surge stimulation to the back of the thigh, while using CH3 to provide EMS stimulation to the calf. This is an operation mode used to obtain a leg tightening effect.

The second arm / back mode uses CH1 or CH2 to apply spin and surge stimulation to the back muscles and train the back muscles, and CH3 to apply EMS stimulation to the second arm and tighten the effect. Selected to get.
In hip peripheral mode, CH1 or CH2 is used to give rotation stimulation and surge stimulation to the muscles of the buttocks to obtain tightening and hip-up effects, and CH3 is used to give EMS stimulation to the back of the thigh, Used to obtain a tightening effect.

  The drainage mode is selected in order to obtain a drainage effect on the legs by sequentially applying EMS stimulation to the left and right legs and exercising muscles using CH3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, the main display panel 21 displays a mode selection screen for allowing the operator to select one of the operation modes set corresponding to the second operation mode. Is done. In the electric muscle stimulating device 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6C, three operation modes, that is, an EMS1 mode, an EMS2 mode, and an EMS3 mode are set corresponding to the second operation mode. Yes. Each of these operation modes is an operation mode for applying a relatively strong EMS stimulus to the muscles of the treatment site to exercise the muscles using the output system of CH3.

For example, the EMS1 mode is an operation mode suitable for a relatively fat part such as the thigh or the abdomen.
The EMS2 mode is an operation mode suitable for a part with relatively much muscle, such as a calf or a second arm.
The EMS3 mode is an operation mode suitable for a portion with relatively little fat such as the back.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, a terminal 22 is provided on the front portion of the housing 11. An unillustrated emergency stop switch cable can be connected to the terminal 22. By operating the emergency stop switch connected to the terminal 22, the output of the electromuscular stimulation device 10 can be forcibly stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the rear surface of the housing 11 is connected to a commercial AC power source through a power switch 23, a fuse 24 for protecting a circuit in the electromuscular stimulation device 10, and a plug. A connectable power cord 25 is provided.

  The 1-pole pad 12 is made of a disc-shaped conductive rubber, and is connected to the energization cord 26 as shown in FIG. The one-pole pad 12 is electrically connected by inserting a plug 26a provided at the end of the energization cord 26 into the CH1 or CH2 terminals 16a and 16b (FIG. 2A).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the 5-pole pad 13 includes a translucent fixed pad 13a made of sheet-like silicon rubber. Five conductive portions 13b-1 to 13-5 made of conductive rubber are fixed to the fixed pad 13a at predetermined intervals along the edge portion. As shown in FIG. 4, an energization cord 13 c is connected to each of the conductive portions 13 b-1 to 5. These energization cords 13c are bundled into one connection cord 27 at the edge of the fixed pad 13a. The connection cord 27 is used by being connected to the CH1 or CH2 connection ports 15a and 15b (FIG. 2A).

  The above-described 1-pole pad 12 is electrically connected to the housing 11 as a common electrode, and the conductive portions 13b-1 to 5-5 of the 5-pole pad 13 are counter-electrodes to constitute a 5-channel output system.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the assembly pad 14 is configured by connecting energization cords 14 b-1 to 6 to six one-pole pads 14 a-1 to 6 made of conductive rubber. Each of the energization cords 14b-1 to 14b-6 is collected into one connection cord 28, and the connection cord 28 is connected to the CH3 connection port 15c of the housing 11 and used. The set pad 14 is a pair of two 1-pole pads 14a-1 to 14a-6 and constitutes a 3-channel output system.

  Moreover, the electric muscle stimulating device 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a belt (not shown) for fixing each pad to the treatment site as an accessory.

Next, the control system of the electric muscle stimulating apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the electric muscle stimulation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electromuscular stimulation device 10 includes a power supply circuit 30, a switch circuit 31, a display panel unit 32, channel control units 33 a to 33 c, and a device control unit 34.

  The power supply circuit 30 is connected to a commercial AC power supply via the fuse 24 and the power supply cord 25, and supplies power to each unit such as the switch circuit 31 and the device control unit 34.

  The switch circuit 31 is configured to include operation buttons 19a to 19f and dials 17a to 17c, and generates corresponding signals based on operations of the operation buttons 19a to 19f and dials 17a to 17c by the operator. Input to the control unit 34.

  The display panel unit 32 includes level display panels 18a to 18c, a timer display panel 20 and a main display panel 21, and a panel drive circuit (not shown). Based on control by the device control unit 34, the output level and The remaining time, selection screen, etc. are displayed.

  The channel control units 33a to 33c are based on the control of the device control unit 34, and are configured to control the output of the low frequency pulse signal from each channel, that is, the output system of CH1 to CH3. Supply.

  The channel control unit 33a includes a steady pulse signal generation unit 35a, an EMS signal generation unit 36a, and an output control unit 37a in order to control the output from the connection port 15a and the terminal 16a of CH1. Similarly, the channel control unit 33b includes a steady pulse signal generation unit 35b, an EMS signal generation unit 36b, and an output control unit 37b in order to control the output from the connection port 15b and the terminal 16b of CH2. Further, the channel control unit 33c includes an EMS signal generation unit 36c and an output control unit 37c in order to control the output from the CH3 connection port 15c.

The stationary pulse signal generators 35a to 35c are composed of circuits that generate stationary pulse signals.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal pattern of a stationary pulse signal.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the steady pulse signal is composed of positive and negative pulse signals having a predetermined amplitude voltage Vp and a pulse width Wp, and is output at a pulse frequency fp. Here, the amplitude voltage Vp, the pulse width Wp, and the pulse frequency fp are parameters, and are set according to each operation mode. The stationary pulse signal is used to give a rotational stimulus to the muscle at the treatment site.

The EMS signal generators 36a to 36c are circuits that generate EMS signals.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal pattern of the EMS signal.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the EMS signal is composed of a plurality of pulse signals having a constant pulse width Wp and modulating the output voltage V. The EMS signal generators 36a to 36c increase the output voltage V of the pulse signal from 0 to a predetermined amplitude voltage Vp, maintain it for a certain time Th, and then decrease it from Vp to 0. Thereafter, the next EMS signal is output across the pause time Tr. If the time required to increase the output voltage V from 0 to Vp is the ramp-up time Tu, and the time required to decrease the output voltage V from 0 is the ramp-down time Td, the energization time To of each EMS signal is To = Tu + Th + Td. In the present embodiment, the ramp-up time Tu and the ramp-down time Td are each set to 1 s. The energization time To and the rest time Tr are parameters, and are set according to each operation mode. Further, in the EMS signal, the amplitude voltage Vp, the pulse width Wp of each pulse signal, and the pulse frequency fp are similarly parameters, and are set according to each operation mode. The EMS signal is used to apply a surge stimulus or an EMS stimulus to the muscle at the treatment site.

  The output control units 37a and 37b have a function of controlling a 5-channel output system in two output modes including a 5-pole rotation mode and a surge mode. That is, the output control part 37a controls the output with respect to each electroconductive part 13b-1 of the 5 pole pad 13 connected to the connection port 15a of CH1. Moreover, the output control part 37b controls the output with respect to each electroconductive part 13b-1 of the 5 pole pad 13 connected to the connection port 15b of CH2.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an output pattern in the 5-pole rotation mode.
In the 5-pole rotation mode, as shown in FIG. 9, in order to give a rotational stimulus to the muscle of the treatment site, an output of one block consisting of a predetermined energization time To and a pause time Tr is sequentially shifted for each channel. Mode. Each block includes a plurality of stationary pulse signals shown in FIG. In each block, the amplitude voltage Vp and the pulse frequency fp of the stationary pulse signal are kept constant, but the pulse width Wp is modulated between 50 μs and 200 μs. In addition, the pause time Tr in each block is set to 40 ms, and the energization time To is set in the range of 120 ms to 200 ms.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a surge mode output pattern.
The surge mode is an output mode for outputting the EMS signal shown in FIG. 8 by shifting the channel for each pulse as shown in FIG. 10 in order to give a surge stimulus to the muscle at the treatment site. The output voltage V of each pulse signal is modulated between 0 and the amplitude voltage Vp. In the present embodiment, in the surge mode, the pulse frequency fp of the EMS signal is set to fp1 = 200 Hz and fp2 = 300 Hz. That is, the EMS signals having the pulse frequencies fp1 and fp2 are alternately output with the pause time Tr interposed therebetween. Further, the pulse width Wp of the pulse signal included in each EMS signal is set to 200 μs. Furthermore, the energization time To of the EMS signal is set to 8 s, and the pause time Tr is set to 2 s.

  Further, the output control unit 37c has a function of controlling the output system of the three channels, and controls output to each one-pole pad 14a-1 to 6a of the set pad 14 connected to the connection port 15c of CH3. The output control unit 37c performs control to output the EMS signal shown in FIG. 8 to each of the one-pole pads 14a-1 to 6-6 that make a pair by two.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the device control unit 34 includes a memory 38 and a CPU 39.

The memory 38 stores various programs, data, and the like for controlling each part of the electric muscle stimulating device 10.
The CPU 39 executes the program in the memory 38 and controls each part.

  For example, the memory 38 stores stationary pulse signal data and EMS signal data as signal data of the low frequency pulse signal. The steady pulse signal generators 35a and 35b generate a steady pulse signal having a signal pattern shown in FIG. 7 based on the steady pulse signal data. Similarly, the EMS signal generators 36a to 36c generate EMS signals having the signal pattern shown in FIG. 8 based on the EMS signal data.

  The memory 38 stores pattern data indicating an output pattern according to each output mode. For example, the memory 38 stores rotation pattern data indicating the output pattern shown in FIG. 9 corresponding to the 5-pole rotation mode. The memory 38 stores surge pattern data indicating the output pattern shown in FIG. 10 corresponding to the surge mode.

  Further, the memory 38 stores an operation program corresponding to each operation mode. Each operation program sets the combination data of the 5-pole rotation mode and the surge mode, and the parameter values of the steady pulse signal and the EMS signal. In the electric muscle stimulation device 10 according to the present embodiment, the memory 38 stores ten operation programs corresponding to the seven operation modes of the first operation mode and the three operation modes of the second operation mode. ing. The device control unit 34 controls the output pattern of the low frequency pulse signal in each CH, that is, the output level and output timing, based on the program corresponding to the selected operation mode.

Next, the operation of the electric muscle stimulator 10 of the present embodiment will be described.
Here, a description will be given by taking as an example a case where a treatment for the user's abdomen is performed using the output system of CH1.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the treatment operation of the electric muscle stimulating device according to the first embodiment.

  In the housing 11 of the electromuscular stimulation device 10, the connection cord 27 of the pentode pad 13 is connected to the CH1 connection port 15a. The energization cord 26 of the 1-pole pad 12 is connected to the ground terminal 16a of CH1.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the pentode pad 13 and the unipolar pad 12 are attached to the user's abdomen and back so as to face each other.

  Prior to mounting the pad, a conduction gel is applied to the skin surface of the treatment site. The conduction gel enhances the electrical conductivity at the treatment site and the adhesion of each pad to the skin surface, and also protects the skin and prevents rough skin.

  The operator visually observes the translucent fixing pad 13a and arranges the pentode pad 13 on the skin surface of the user's abdomen so that the five conductive parts 13b-1 to 5 surround the navel. In addition, the operator brings the one-pole pad 12 into contact with the skin surface of the back facing the arrangement position of the five-pole pad 13. Then, a fixing belt (not shown) which is an accessory of the electric muscle stimulating device 10 is wound from the outside to fix the pentode pad 13 and the unipolar pad 12.

  Further, the operator operates the operation button 19b and the operation button 19c to select an operation mode. When the treatment process for the abdomen is executed using only the output system of CH1, the operator selects the abdominal therapy mode of the first operation mode.

  When the power switch 23 (FIG. 2B) of the housing 11 is turned on, the selection screen shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the main display panel 21. When the operator operates the operation button 19b to select the first operation mode while the selection screen is displayed, when the operator presses the operation button 19c, the main display panel 21 is as shown in FIG. 6B. Then, a selection screen corresponding to the first operation mode is displayed. The operator operates the operation button 19b, selects the abdominal therapy mode, and presses the operation button 19c.

  Further, the operator operates the dial 17a corresponding to CH1 to set a desired output level. Thereafter, the operator presses the operation button 19d to give an output start instruction.

  The switch circuit 31 generates and outputs a corresponding signal based on the operation of the dial 17a and the operation buttons 19b to 19d by the operator. The device control unit 34 executes an operation program corresponding to the abdominal therapy mode of the first operation mode based on the input signal from the switch circuit 31, and controls the channel control unit 33a of CH1.

  In the abdominal therapy mode, the channel controller 33a outputs a steady pulse signal in the clockwise five-pole rotation mode in five phases from phase 1 to phase 5. As a result of this output, the five conductive portions 13b-1 to 5-5 of the five-pole pad 13 have the one-pole pad 12 connected to the terminal 16a as GND, and as shown by an arrow A in FIG. A potential is applied in order. That is, each of the conductive portions 13b-1 to 13b-5 is set to ch1 to ch5, and a steady pulse signal is output as shown in FIG.

  First, as phase 1, output in the 5-pole rotation mode (FIG. 9) is performed via the connection port 15a and the terminal 16a. In phase 1, the pulse frequency fp = 200 Hz of the stationary pulse signal and the energization time To = 200 ms of each block are set. In addition, the initial value of the amplitude voltage Vp in each phase is set based on the output level set based on the operation of the operator, and becomes stronger with the passage of time.

  The stationary pulse signal generator 35a generates a stationary pulse signal based on each set parameter. Then, the output control unit 37a first outputs the generated steady pulse signal to the conductive unit 13b-1. When the energization time To = 200 ms elapses, the output control unit 37a outputs the output destination from the conductive unit 13b-1 to the conductive unit 13b-2 as shown by an arrow A in FIG. Switch to. Then, the output of the steady pulse signal is resumed. Subsequently, when the energization time To elapses, the output control unit 37 a switches the output destination from the conductive unit 13 b-2 to the conductive unit 13 b-3 and resumes output after the output stop of the pause time Tr.

  As described above, the stationary pulse signals are sequentially output clockwise to the respective conductive portions 13b-1 to 13b-1. In phase 1, this output makes one round in 1.2 seconds, and the output control unit 37a switches the output destination from the conductive unit 13b-5 to the conductive unit 13b-1. The channel control unit 33a continues this phase 1 output for 3 minutes. That is, the channel control unit 33a outputs 300 revolutions to each of the conductive units 13b-1 to 5 of the 5-pole pad 13 as phase 1.

  Next, in phase 2, output in the 5-pole rotation mode is performed via the connection port 15a and the terminal 16a. In phase 2, the pulse frequency fp remains at 200 Hz as in phase 1, and the energization time of each block is changed to To = 160 ms. At this time, the output to each of the conductive portions 13b-1 to 5 is made one round in 1.0 seconds. The channel control unit 33a continues this phase 2 for 5 minutes.

  Subsequently, in phase 3, output in the 5-pole rotation mode is performed via the connection port 15a and the terminal 16a. In phase 3, pulse frequency fp = 300 Hz and energization time To = 140 ms are set. At this time, the output to each of the conductive portions 13b-1 to 5 is made one round in 0.9 seconds. The channel control unit 33a continues this phase 3 for 5 minutes.

  Next, as Phase 4, the output in the 5-pole rotation mode is performed via the connection port 15a and the terminal 16a. In phase 4, a pulse frequency fp = 400 Hz and energization time To = 140 ms are set. The channel control unit 33a continues this phase 4 for 10 minutes.

  And as phase 5, the output of 5 pole rotation mode is performed via the connection port 15a and the terminal 16a. In phase 5, a pulse frequency fp = 400 Hz and energization time To = 120 ms are set. The channel control unit 33a stops the output after continuing this phase 5 for 7 minutes. Thereby, the treatment process for 30 minutes by the electric muscle stimulating device 10 is completed.

  As described above, the electromuscular stimulation device 10 outputs a steady pulse signal via the connection port 15a based on the abdominal therapy mode operation program stored in the memory 38. As shown in FIG. 9, the channel control unit 33 a sequentially switches the output destination in the clockwise direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the channel control unit 33 a applies plus and minus to the conductive parts 13 b-1 to 5-5 of the five-pole pad 13. Are alternately applied.

  When a pulse potential is applied to each of the conductive portions 13b-1 to 13, a pulse-shaped potential difference, that is, a pulse voltage is generated between the conductive portion 13b-1 and the one-electrode pad 12 as GND. For example, when a positive potential is applied to the conductive portion 13 b-1, a pulse voltage is supplied between the conductive portion 13 b-1 and the 1-pole pad 12. Based on this pulse voltage, a pulse current flows from the conductive portion 13b-1 to the one-pole pad 12, as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. Similarly, when a negative potential is applied to the conductive portion 13b-1, a pulse voltage having a reverse polarity is generated between the conductive portion 13b-1 and the one-pole pad 12, and the one-pole pad 12 to the conductive portion 13b-1. As shown by an arrow C in FIG. 11, a pulse current flows.

  Between each conductive part 13b-1-5 of the 5 pole pad 13 arrange | positioned so that it may contact | abut a user's abdomen, and the 1 pole pad 12 arrange | positioned on the back side so that this 5 pole pad 13 may be opposed When the pulse current is generated, a low-frequency pulse current flows from the user's abdomen to the back (arrow B) or from the back to the abdomen (arrow C), as shown in FIG. As a result, electrical stimulation is applied to the muscles of the trunk of the user.

  By applying this electrical stimulation, a training effect on the trunk muscles is obtained, and effects such as an increase in muscle mass, a decrease in subcutaneous fat, and an increase in basal metabolism are obtained. In addition, edema around the viscera, water content, and visceral fat are expected to decrease. Furthermore, activation of the internal organs is expected, for example, by inducing peristaltic movement of the intestines and eliminating constipation by applying a clockwise rotation stimulus to the abdomen.

  Even when the treatment site is changed, the electromuscular stimulation apparatus 10 is energized to the user's body by attaching the pentode pad 13 and the unipolar pad 12 to the opposite positions of the user's body and performing output. The electrical stimulation can be applied to the muscles deep in the body.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining energization between each conductive portion and one-pole pad.
As described above, positive and negative potentials are alternately applied to the conductive portions 13b-1 to 13b-5 of the five-pole pad 13. As a result, a positive or negative potential is applied to the epidermis layer of the skin with which the five-pole pad 13 contacts, as shown in FIG. The one-pole pad 12 connected to the grounding terminal 16a or 16b is in contact with the opposite skin surface as shown in FIG. This one-pole pad 12 acts as GND, and a low frequency pulse voltage is generated between the skin layer to which a potential is applied. As a result, a low-frequency pulse current is generated between the skin layer on the contact surface of the 5-pole pad 13 and the contact surface of the 1-pole pad 12, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. That is, a low-frequency pulse current flows inside the user's body, and electrical stimulation is applied to the muscles deep in the body.

  Therefore, in order to confirm the effect of the electric muscle stimulating device 10 of the present embodiment, a treatment process is performed on the plurality of subjects by the electric muscle stimulating device 10, and the weight, abdominal size, fat percentage of the subject before and after the treatment, A fat area etc. were measured and the change amount of the measurement result was investigated.

  Here, for the seven subjects (subjects 1 to 7) using the electric muscle stimulator 10 of the present embodiment, the metabolic mode of the first operation mode is selected for 8 weeks, and 30 minutes. Treatment treatment was performed twice a week for a total of 16 times.

  In the metabolic mode, the treatment process is executed by using the output system of CH1 and CH3 with the abdomen and the side of the subject as treatment sites, respectively.

  In the treatment process using the abdomen as the treatment site, the CH1 output system is used as in the abdominal therapy mode. As shown in FIG. 11, the 5-pole pad 13 and the 1-pole pad 12 are respectively attached to the user's abdomen and back surface. From the connection port 15a and the terminal 16a, an output that combines the clockwise and counterclockwise 5-pole rotation mode (FIG. 9) and the surge mode (FIG. 10) is executed based on the operation program, and rotates to the abdominal muscles. Stimulation and surge stimulation are applied.

  In the treatment process using the side of the stomach as a treatment site, the 1-pole pads 14a-1, 2 and 14a-3, 4 forming a pair of paired pads 14 are mounted on the left and right side of the stomach, respectively. An EMS signal (FIG. 8) having a pulse frequency fp = 400 Hz is output from the connection port 15c, and a positive potential is applied to the 1-pole pads 14a-1 and 14a-3, and a 1-pole pad 14a-2 and 14a-4 is applied to the 1-pole pads 14a-2 and 14a-4. A negative potential is applied to each. As a result, EMS stimulation is applied to the muscles of the stomach.

In this embodiment, in order to examine the treatment effect on the abdomen by the above-described treatment treatment, the cross section of the abdomen of the subject is computed tomographically (CT), the total fat area is measured based on the photographed image, and the total fat is measured. The fat area was measured by classifying into visceral fat and subcutaneous fat. These measurement results are shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing measurement results of the abdominal fat area before and after the treatment.

13A corresponds to the subject 1 and FIG. 13B corresponds to the subject 4.
There is a decrease in total fat area for all subjects. The reduction rate of the total fat area of the subject 1 is 40.50%, and the reduction rate of the subject 4 is 20.40%.

  In addition, for any subject, the visceral fat area was significantly reduced compared to the subcutaneous fat area. That is, it can be seen that the visceral fat located inside the body has decreased due to the treatment of the abdomen and the side by the metabolic mode.

Next, the measurement results for each subject will be described in more detail.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the amount of change before and after the treatment of the measurement results for each subject.
FIG. 14A shows the change amount of the abdomen size of each subject and the average value of the change amounts.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (a), size reduction was observed before and after the treatment at all measurement sites in the waist, the circumference of the navel, and the lower abdomen. The average value of the amount of change is -2.7 cm for the waist size, -2.9 cm for the circumference of the navel, and -2.9 cm for the lower abdomen size. From this, it is considered that the abdominal fat and the abdominal abdominal fat of each subject decreased by the treatment treatment on the abdomen and the side of the abdomen, and the sizes of the waist, the circumference of the navel and the lower abdomen decreased.

  FIG. 14B shows the body weight, BMI (body mass index), body fat percentage, trunk fat percentage, right leg fat percentage, left leg fat percentage, right arm fat percentage, and left arm fat percentage of each subject before and after treatment. The change amount and the average value of the change amount are shown.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, a decrease in the measured amount was observed before and after the treatment for all the measurement items for all the subjects except for the weight of the subject 6. In particular, the trunk fat percentage has a large decrease compared to the other fat percentages, and the change in the trunk fat percentage is −3.3% even in the subject 6 whose weight has slightly increased. Yes. From this, it can be seen that the treatment effect using the electric muscle stimulating device 10 provided a training effect on the muscles in the deep part of the body. In other words, not only the amount of fat in the abdomen is reduced, but also the muscle mass in the trunk increases and the basal metabolism increases, so the burning of whole body fat including the legs and arms is promoted and the slimming effect is obtained. Conceivable.

  As described above, the electromuscular stimulation device 10 according to the present embodiment supplies power to the inside of the body by supplying a low-frequency pulse voltage between pads attached to the front and back of the user's body, for example. Electric stimulation can be applied to muscles deep in the body. Accordingly, muscles can be effectively trained, and body fat including visceral fat can be reduced. Further, by sequentially applying a potential to the plurality of conductive portions 13b-1 to 5 provided on the pentode pad 13 formed in a disc shape, it is possible to activate the internal organs by applying a rotational stimulus. . Further, since the pulse voltage and the pulse frequency are changed together with the combination of the steady pulse signal and the EMS signal, a more effective treatment effect can be obtained by applying a stimulating stimulus.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the outer shape of the main body of the electric muscle stimulating device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a connection example of the electric muscle stimulation device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an outer shape of the assembly pad according to the second embodiment.
The electric muscle stimulating device 50 according to the present embodiment is used as a home-use beauty machine with a 5-pole belt 56 and a set pad 57 connected to the main body 51.
In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The main body 51 of the electric muscle stimulating device 50 of this embodiment is small and light and can be carried, and includes a lid 52 that can be opened and closed as shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the main body 51 is provided with a liquid crystal panel 53 and a plurality of operation buttons 54a to 54f.

  The operation button 54a is a power switch for turning on / off the power.

The operation button 54b is a mode button for selecting an operation mode.
The electric muscle stimulating device 50 of this embodiment has eight operation modes, that is, an abdominal 1 mode, an abdominal 2 mode, a back mode, a thigh mode, a mottled mode, a hip mode, a calf mode, and a drainage mode. The names of these operation modes are printed on the main body 51. When the operation button 54a is pressed and the power is turned on, the liquid crystal panel 53 displays a mode pointer indicating the selected operation mode. The user selects the desired operation mode by pressing the operation button 54b while viewing the display of the mode pointer.

The operation buttons 54c and 54d are buttons for setting an output level.
Two connection ports 55 a and 55 b are provided on the side surface of the main body 51. The connection port 55a is an output port of CH1, and the connection port 55b is an output port of CH2. The user can set the output level in CH1 and CH2 by operating the operation buttons 54c and 54d. The set output level is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 53.

The operation button 54e is a timer button for setting the operation duration time.
The remaining time of the set operation continuation time is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 53.

  The operation button 54f is a button for turning on / off the buzzer.

  Further, the electric muscle stimulating device 50 of the present embodiment is provided with a quintuple belt 56, a unipolar pad 12, and a set pad 60.

The 5-pole belt 56 shown in FIG. 16 is a waist belt to be attached to the abdomen and buttocks.
As shown in FIG. 16, the five-pole belt 56 is provided with five conductive portions 57-1 to 5-5 as counter electrodes.

  Each of the conductive portions 57-1 to 5-5 is made of conductive rubber, and is arranged and fixed at a predetermined interval along a circular arc at a central portion on one side of the five-pole belt 56. In the 5-pole belt 56, the surface on which the conductive portions 57-1 to 5-5 are provided is defined as a conductive portion surface. An energization cord is connected to each of the conductive portions 57-1 to 5-5.

  The 5-pole belt 56 is further provided with a connecting portion 58 as shown in FIG. The connecting portion 58 includes an input / output terminal 58a and a ground terminal 58b. Each energization cord connected to the conductive portions 57-1 to 5-5 is connected to the output side of the input / output terminal 58a. A connection cord 59 is connected to the input side of the input / output terminal 58a. The other end of the connection cord 59 is connected to one of the connection ports 55a and 55b provided in the main body 51 of the electromuscular stimulation device 50, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the 1-pole pad 12 is connected to the grounding terminal 58b of the connecting portion 58 via the energization cord 26 and used as a common electrode.

  In addition, the electric muscle stimulating device 50 of the present embodiment is provided with two leg belts in addition to the waist belt shown in FIG. The waist belt and the leg belt have the same configuration in which the five conductive portions 57-1 to 5-5 are arranged and fixed along the arc at the central portion of the conductive portion surface, and the thickness and length of the belt portion are the same. Is different.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the set pad 60 of the present embodiment is configured by connecting energizing cords 62-1 to 6-3 to three one-pole pads 61-1 to 3 made of conductive rubber and having adhesiveness. Is done. The energization cords 62-1 to 62-3 are combined into one connection cord 63, and the terminal 63a of the connection cord 63 is inserted into any one of the connection ports 55a and 55b of the main body 51 to be electrically connected. Is done.

Next, the control system of the electric muscle stimulating device 50 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the main body of the electric muscle stimulating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the main body 51 of the electric muscle stimulation device 50 includes a power supply circuit 64, a switch circuit 65, a buzzer circuit 66, a display panel unit 67, channel control units 68 a and 68 b, and a device control unit 69. Composed.

  The power supply circuit 64 is a circuit that can be connected to a commercial AC power supply via a power cord of an accessory (not shown) and can be charged, and supplies power to each unit.

  The switch circuit 65 includes operation buttons 54a to 54f, generates corresponding signals based on the operations of the operation buttons 54a to 54f, and inputs the signals to the device control unit 69.

  The buzzer circuit 66 notifies the end of the operation continuation time and the occurrence of an error based on the control of the device control unit 69.

  The display panel unit 67 includes a liquid crystal panel 53 and a panel drive circuit (not shown), and displays a mode pointer, output level, remaining time, and the like based on the control of the device control unit 69.

  The channel control units 68a and 68b are configured by a circuit that controls the output of the low-frequency pulse signal through the connection ports 55a and 55b based on the control of the device control unit 69, and supplies the low-frequency pulse voltage as a supply unit. .

  The channel control unit 68a includes a steady pulse signal generation unit 70a, an EMS signal generation unit 71a, and an output control unit 72a in order to control the output from the connection port 55a of CH1. Similarly, the channel controller 68b includes a steady pulse signal generator 70b, an EMS signal generator 71b, and an output controller 72b in order to control the output from the CH2 connection port 55b.

The stationary pulse signal generators 70a and 70b are circuits that generate a stationary pulse signal (FIG. 7).
The EMS signal generators 71a and 71b are circuits that generate EMS signals (FIG. 8).

  The output controllers 72a and 72b have a function of controlling a 5-channel output system in two output modes including a five-pole rotation mode (FIG. 9) and a surge mode (FIG. 10). That is, the output control unit 72a controls the output to each of the conductive units 57-1 to 5-5 of the 5-pole belt 56 connected to the CH1 connection port 55a. Moreover, the output control part 72b controls the output with respect to each electroconductive part 57-1-5 of the 5 pole belt 56 connected to the connection port 55b of CH2.

  Further, the output control units 72a and 72b have a function of controlling the output system of the three channels, and control the output to the 1-pole pads 61-1 to 6-3 of the set pad 60 connected to the connection ports 55a and 55b. .

  As shown in FIG. 18, the device control unit 69 includes a memory 73 and a CPU 74.

The memory 73 stores various programs, data, and the like for controlling each part of the electric muscle stimulating device 50.
The CPU 74 executes a program in the memory 73 and controls each unit.

Next, the operation of the electric muscle stimulating device 50 of this embodiment will be described.
Here, a description will be given by taking as an example a case where a treatment for the user's abdomen is performed using the output system of CH1.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the treatment operation of the electric muscle stimulating device according to the second embodiment.

  A connection cord 59 connected to the input / output terminal 58a of the waist five-pole belt 56 is connected to the CH1 connection port 55a of the main body 51 of the electric muscle stimulating device 50. The energization cord 26 of the 1-pole pad 12 is connected to the ground terminal 58 b of the 5-pole belt 56.

  The pentode belt 56 and the unipolar pad 12 are attached to the user's abdomen and back as shown in FIG. Prior to the attachment of the 5-pole belt 56 and the 1-pole pad 12, a conduction gel is applied to the skin surface of the user's treatment site, as in the first embodiment.

  The user wears the pentode belt 56 wrapped around the abdomen. At this time, the user adjusts the mounting position of the pentode belt 56 so that the conductive portion surface of the pentode belt 56 contacts the skin surface of the abdomen and each of the conductive portions 57-1 to 5-5 surrounds the navel. Moreover, a user arrange | positions and fixes the 1 pole pad 12 between a back surface and the 5 pole belt 56 so that each electroconductive part 57-1-5 may be opposed.

  Further, the user operates the operation buttons 54a to 54f of the main body 51 to select an operation mode and set an output level.

  The device control unit 69 executes an operation program corresponding to the selected operation mode based on the input signal from the switch circuit 65, and controls the CH1 channel control unit 68a.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the channel controller 68a causes the conductive portions 57-1 to 5-5 of the five-pole belt 56 to have positive and negative potentials in the clockwise direction with the one-pole pad 12 as GND. Is granted. That is, a low frequency pulse voltage is supplied between each of the conductive parts 57-1 to 5 and the one-pole pad 12, and a low frequency pulse current flows inside the user's body.

  The channel control unit 68a performs output based on the operation program, and stops the output when the operation duration time ends. Thereby, the treatment process of the abdomen by the electric muscle stimulating device 50 is completed.

  As described above, in the electric muscle stimulating device 50 according to the present embodiment, since the five conductive portions 57-1 to 5-5 are provided on the five-pole belt 56, the user himself can easily wear it. Moreover, since the main-body part 51 is small and light-weight and is rechargeable and can be carried freely, convenience is improved regardless of the place of use.

It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the electric muscle stimulating device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external shape of the housing | casing of the electric muscle indication apparatus which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the external shape of 1 pole pad. It is a figure which shows the external shape of a 5 pole pad. It is a figure which shows the external shape of the assembly pad of Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a main display panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the signal pattern of a stationary pulse signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the signal pattern of an EMS signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the output pattern of 5 pole rotation mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the output pattern of surge mode. It is a figure explaining the treatment operation | movement of the electric muscle stimulating device which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the electricity supply between each electroconductive part and 1 pole pad. It is a figure which shows the measurement result of the abdominal fat area before and behind treatment. It is a figure which shows the variation | change_quantity before and behind treatment of the measurement result with respect to each test subject. It is a figure which shows the external shape of the main-body part of the electric muscle stimulating device which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection of the electric muscle stimulating device which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the external shape of the assembly pad of Example 2. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the main-body part of the electric muscle stimulating device which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the treatment operation | movement of the electric muscle stimulating device which concerns on Example 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 50 Electric muscle stimulator 12 1 pole pad 13 5 pole pad 13b-1-6 Conductive part 14, 60 Pair pad 33a, 33b, 33c Channel control part 34 Apparatus control part 35a, 35b Steady pulse signal generation part 36a, 36b , 36c EMS signal generator 37a, 37b, 37c Output controller 56 5-pole belt 57-1-5 Conductor 68a, 68b Channel controller 69 Device controller 70a, 70b Steady pulse signal generator 71a, 71b EMS signal generator 72a, 72b Output control unit

Claims (7)

An electric muscle stimulator for electrically stimulating muscles inside a user's body,
At least a pair of electrodes for contacting the opposite positions of the user's body;
A supply unit for supplying a low-frequency pulse voltage between the pair of electrodes;
An electric muscle stimulating device comprising: The pair of electrodes includes one common electrode and at least one counter electrode,
The electric muscle stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit supplies the low-frequency pulse voltage between the common electrode and each counter electrode.   The electromuscular stimulation device according to claim 2, wherein the common electrode and each counter electrode are fixed to the body by a belt that is wound around the user's body. Each of the counter electrodes is arranged at a predetermined interval along the arc,
The electric muscle stimulation device according to claim 2, wherein the supply unit supplies the low-frequency pulse voltage in order between the common electrode and each of the counter electrodes.   5. The electromuscular stimulation device according to claim 4, wherein each counter electrode is fixed to a surface of a belt that is wound around a user's body.   5. The electromuscular stimulation device according to claim 4, wherein each of the counter electrodes is fixed by a fixing pad.   The electromuscular stimulation device according to claim 6, wherein the fixing pad is made of silicon rubber.

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