JP2012011102A - Electro-stimulating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electro-stimulating device which achieves both of the fixation of a joint and the suppression of decrease of muscular strength.SOLUTION: The electro-stimulating device comprises a support 20 which is worn on parts of a human body including joint-bridging muscles which are muscles that bridge between joints. The support 20 is provided with a plurality of electrode sections 31-33 for applying electric current to joint bridging muscles. Each electrode section 31-33 is provided so as to correspond with the joint bridging muscles of the thigh 60 and the lower leg 70.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to muscles.

  As a general method for relieving joint pain, there is known a method in which a joint is fixed by using a supporter to prevent a sudden displacement or joint displacement, which is a main cause of joint pain.

Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example, a supporter for holding a state in which the knee joint is fitted even when knee extension and flexion are repeated.
As another method for relieving joint pain, there is known a method of increasing muscle strength by applying electrical stimulation to muscles near the joint.

  Patent Document 2 discloses, as an example, a method for enhancing muscle strength by applying electrical stimulation and contracting the antagonist muscle when the main muscle and the antagonist muscle are contracting and extending, respectively.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a method for enhancing muscle strength by executing warm-up of an application site, muscle activation, muscle tightening, and the like using a pulse signal.

JP 2007-9362 A Japanese Patent No. 3026007 JP 2001-333990 A

Each of the above methods has the following problems.
According to the method using the supporter, since the supporter plays a role of quadriceps, etc. that protects the joints such as the knee, the muscle strength that has been compensated by the supporter is reduced when it is used for a long time. To do.

  In addition, according to the method of increasing muscle strength by applying electrical stimulation, joint pain is not sufficiently reduced until muscle strength is increased to such an extent that joint pain is reduced. Is big. Even if the muscle strength in the vicinity of the joint is increased, when the user's action (for example, an action to go down the stairs) in which the main and antagonist muscles do not expand and contract is performed, the joint is loaded and thus pain is felt.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, The objective is to provide the electrical stimulation apparatus which can make joint fixation and suppression of the fall of a muscular strength compatible.

  The electrical stimulation device of the present invention is an electrical stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to muscles, and is provided in a mounting unit that is mounted on a part of a human body including a joint straddle muscle that is a muscle straddling a joint, and the mounting unit. And an electrode part for passing an electric current to the joint straddle muscle.

  In this electrical stimulation device, at least one of an upper limb mounting portion to be mounted on the upper limb and a lower limb mounting portion to be mounted on the lower limb is provided as the mounting portion, and the upper limb mounting portion is a joint straddle on the upper arm of the upper limb. A first upper limb mounting portion to be mounted on a portion including the sitting muscle, and a second upper limb mounting portion to be mounted on a portion including the joint straddle muscle in the lower arm of the upper limb, wherein the lower limb mounting portion includes the lower limb It is preferable to include a first lower limb attachment part that is attached to a part including the joint straddle muscle in the thigh and a second lower limb attachment part that is attached to a part including the joint straddle muscle in the lower leg of the lower leg.

  The electrical stimulation apparatus includes joint displacement detection means for detecting joint displacement due to joint extension and flexion, and control means for controlling a current-carrying mode of the living body by the electrode unit, It is preferable to control the mode of energization to the joint straddle muscle by the electrode unit based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection means.

  The electrical stimulation device includes an operation state detection unit that detects an operation state of the living body, and a control unit that controls an energization mode of the living body by the electrode unit, and the control unit includes the operation state detection unit. It is preferable to control the energization mode of the current from the electrode unit to the joint straddle muscle based on the detection result.

  In this electrical stimulation device, the electrode part is provided as a joint rotator muscle that contributes to the rotation of the joint among the joint straddle muscles, and is provided at a site corresponding to the joint rotator muscle in the mounting part, The electrical stimulation apparatus includes joint rotation detection means for detecting joint rotation, and control means for controlling a current-carrying mode of the living body by the electrode unit, and the control means includes a detection result of the joint rotation detection means. Based on this, it is preferable to control an energization mode of current from the electrode portion to the joint rotator muscle.

  In this electrical stimulation device, as a mode for applying electrical stimulation to the living body, the joint is fixed by the mode A for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength by operating the living body and the joint straddle muscle It is preferable to include mode B for applying electrical stimulation for the purpose.

  In this electrical stimulation device, as a mode for applying electrical stimulation to a living body, mode C for applying electrical stimulation for alleviating pain and electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength without operating the living body It is preferable that the mode D to be provided is included.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electrical stimulation apparatus which can make compatible fixation and suppression of the fall of a muscular strength can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS About the electrical stimulation apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a front view which shows the front structure, (b) is a rear view which shows the back structure. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electrical stimulation apparatus of the embodiment. Regarding the electrical stimulation apparatus of the embodiment, (a) is a front view of the thigh showing the positional relationship between the quadriceps muscle and the electrode portion, and (b) is a rear view of the thigh showing the positional relationship between the hamstring and the electrode portion. (C), The back view of the lower leg which shows the positional relationship of a gastrocnemius and an electrode part. (A) is a front view which shows the front structure, (b) is a rear view which shows the back structure about the user's leg with which the stimulus provision part of the electrical stimulation apparatus of the embodiment was mounted | worn. About the electrical stimulation apparatus of other embodiment of this invention, (a) is a rear view which shows the positional relationship of a lower leg bending muscle group and an electrode part, (b) shows the positional relationship of a lower leg extensor muscle group and an electrode part. A front view and (c) are front views which show the positional relationship of a crus peroneus muscle group and an electrode part. About the electrical stimulation apparatus of other embodiment of this invention, (a) is a front view which shows the positional relationship of a hip adductor muscle group and an electrode part, (b) is the front which shows the positional relationship of a hamstring and an electrode part. FIG. 4C is a rear view showing the positional relationship between the gluteal muscle and the electrode portion, and FIG. 5D is a front view showing the positional relationship between the hip adductor muscle group and the electrode portion. About the electrical stimulation apparatus of other embodiment of this invention, (a) is a front view which shows the positional relationship of an elbow flexor muscle group and an electrode part, (b) shows the positional relationship of an elbow extension muscle group and an electrode part. The front view, (c) is a front view showing the positional relationship between the finger extension muscle group and the electrode portion, (d) is a side view showing the positional relationship between the finger flexion muscle group and the electrode portion. About the electrical stimulation apparatus of other embodiment of this invention, (a) is a front view which shows the positional relationship of a shoulder raising convolution muscle group and an electrode part, (b) The position of a shoulder raising convolution muscle group and an electrode part The side view which shows a relationship.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is embodied as a supporter type electrical stimulation device to be worn on each of the left and right lower limbs is shown.

FIG. 1 shows a front structure and a back structure of the electrical stimulation device 1.
The electrical stimulation device 1 includes a stimulation applying unit 10 that applies electrical stimulation to the right lower limb, a stimulation applying unit (not shown) that applies electrical stimulation to the left lower limb, and a mode of applying electrical stimulation to the lower limb by each stimulation applying unit. And a stimulus control unit 40 for controlling the above.

  The stimulus applying unit 10 for the right lower limb includes a supporter 20 serving as a main body thereof, and a plurality of electrode units, that is, a first electrode unit 31, a second electrode unit 32, and a third electrode unit 33. The stimulus applying unit for the left lower limb corresponds to a structure in which the structure of the supporter 20 of the stimulus applying unit 10 for the right lower limb and the arrangement of each electrode unit are changed so as to correspond to the left lower limb. The portion 10 has substantially the same structure. For this reason, below, description about the stimulus provision part for left lower limbs is abbreviate | omitted, and "stimulation provision part 10" is used as a general term for the stimulus provision part for right lower limbs and left lower limbs.

  The supporter 20 is superposed on a thigh front portion 21 covering the front of the thigh, a lower thigh front portion 22 covering the front of the thigh, a first thigh back portion 23 covering the back of the thigh, and a first thigh back portion 23. A second thigh back surface portion 24 is provided. In addition, a first lower leg back part 25 covering the back of the lower leg, a second lower leg back part 26 superimposed on the first lower leg back part 25, and a knee part 27 covering the front of the knee joint are provided.

  The first thigh back surface portion 23 is provided with a loop surface 28A of a hook-and-loop fastener. The second thigh back surface portion 24 is provided with a hook surface 28B of a hook-and-loop fastener. The first lower leg back portion 25 is provided with a loop surface 29A of a hook-and-loop fastener. The second lower leg back portion 26 is provided with a hook surface 29B of a hook-and-loop fastener. The knee 27 is provided with a hole 27A for easily bending the knee joint.

  By attaching the loop surface 28A of the hook-and-loop fastener to the hook surface 28B of the hook-and-loop fastener, the thigh front part 21, the first thigh back part 23, and the second thigh back part 24 are fixed around the thigh.

  By attaching the loop surface 29A of the hook-and-loop fastener to the hook surface 29B of the hook-and-loop fastener, the lower leg front part 22, the first lower leg back part 25, and the second lower leg back part 26 are fixed to the lower leg.

  Each electrode part 31-33 is exposed in the back surface side of the supporter 20 so that it may contact with a user's skin directly. Further, it is electrically connected to the stimulus control unit 40 through the conductive wire 39. The first electrode part 31 is provided on the thigh front part 21. The second electrode portion 32 is provided on the second thigh back surface portion 24. The third electrode part 33 is provided on the second lower leg back part 26.

The structure of the stimulus control unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG.
The stimulation control unit 40 is configured to switch a pulse generation unit 51 that outputs a pulse signal, an operation unit 52 for switching on / off the switch of the stimulation control unit 40, and a mode of energization of the lower limbs by the stimulation applying unit 10. The switching unit 53 is provided. Moreover, the power supply part 54 which supplies electric power to each component of the stimulus control part 40, the memory | storage part 55 by which the program for controlling each electrode part 31-33 was stored beforehand, and the site | part which has given electrical stimulation And a display unit 56 for displaying information indicating the strength and the like. In addition, a joint displacement detection sensor 41 that detects the displacement of the joint, a joint rotation detection sensor 42 that detects the rotation of the joint, and an operation state detection sensor 43 that detects the operation state of the living body are provided.

  The output control unit 50 includes a microcomputer. Further, based on signals input from the operation unit 52, the switching unit 53, the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the joint rotation detection sensor 42, and the operation state detection sensor 43, the energization mode of each electrode unit 31 to 33 is controlled. The control of the energization mode is performed based on a program stored in advance corresponding to each of the plurality of modes. When any one of the plurality of modes is selected by the operation of the switching unit 53, the output control unit 50 performs energization control of each of the electrode units 31 to 33 corresponding to the selected mode. In control of each electrode part 31-33, the magnitude | size and frequency of the electric current to apply are adjusted.

  The operation unit 52 is provided with a switch for turning on and off the power supply of the stimulus control unit 40, and a switch and a dial for performing various settings. The switching unit 53 is provided with a plurality of operation positions corresponding to a plurality of modes.

As energization control modes, the following modes A to E are prepared in advance.
Mode A is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength by operating a living body. Mode B is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for stimulating the joint straddle muscle and fixing the joint. Mode C is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for alleviating pain. Mode D is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength without operating the living body. Mode E is set as a mode for controlling the energization mode based on the outputs of the sensors 41 to 43.

  The joint displacement detection sensor 41 detects the displacement of the knee joint. The displacement of the knee joint means the following. That is, a state in which the user has extended the knee joint is referred to as a neutral displacement state, and an operation in which the knee joint is bent from this state is referred to as joint displacement.

  The joint rotation detection sensor 42 detects the rotation and the rotation direction of the knee joint. Knee joint rotation refers to the following: That is, the state in which the user does not apply force to the knee joint is referred to as a neutral rotation state, and the operation in which the knee joint rotates around the lower limb axis from this state is referred to as rotation of the knee joint. In the following, the movement of the knee joint rotating from the inside to the outside is referred to as “external rotation”, and the movement of the knee joint from the outside to the inside is referred to as “internal rotation”.

  The operation state detection sensor 43 detects the operation state of the living body. The operating state of the living body means the following. That is, a state in which the living body is upright is defined as a neutral biological state, and a state in which a load is applied to the knee joint when the living body operates from this state is referred to as an operating state of the living body.

  As the operation state detection sensor 43, a rotation sensor, an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, and an angle sensor are provided. When the living body moves, at least one change in the displacement and acceleration of the knee joint, the pressure applied to a predetermined part of the living body, and the angle of the limb is reflected in the movement state detection sensor 43. For this reason, based on the detection result of the movement state detection sensor 43, it can be confirmed whether or not the movement of the living body is a movement that puts a load on the knee joint.

With reference to FIG. 3, the muscles of the lower limbs and the positions of the electrode portions 31 to 33 will be described.
The muscles that make up the thigh 60 include the quadriceps 61, semi-tendon-like muscle 63, biceps femoris 64, and semi-membranous muscle 65. The semi-tendon-like muscle 63, the biceps femoris muscle 64, and the semi-membranous muscle 65 are collectively referred to as a hamstring 62. The muscles constituting the lower leg 70 include the gastrocnemius muscle 71.

  Among the muscles of the lower limbs, the quadriceps 61, the hamstring 62, and the gastrocnemius 71 are muscles that straddle the knee joints of the lower limbs (joint straddle muscles). For this reason, when at least one of these muscles contracts, a force acts in a direction in which the displacement of the knee joint becomes smaller. That is, when the quadriceps 61 and the hamstring 62 contract, a force is exerted to return the knee joint to the neutral displacement state by pulling the knee joint upward. Further, when the gastrocnemius muscle 71 contracts, a force is applied to return the knee joint to the neutral displacement state by pulling the knee joint downward.

  The quadriceps 61 and hamstring 62 of the joint straddle muscles are muscles (joint rotator) that contribute to the rotation of the knee joint. For this reason, when at least one of these muscles contracts, a force acts in a direction in which the rotation of the knee joint becomes smaller. That is, when the quadriceps 61 and the hamstring 62 contract, a force is applied to return the knee joint from the externally rotated state or the internally rotated state to the neutrally rotated state.

  When the stimulus applying unit 10 is attached to the user's lower limb, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the first electrode unit 31 are held in contact with the skin of the lower limb corresponding to the quadriceps 61 respectively. Further, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the second electrode part 32 are held in contact with the skin of the lower limbs corresponding to the hamstring 62, respectively. Further, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the third electrode portion 33 are held in contact with the skin of the lower limbs corresponding to the gastrocnemius muscle 71, respectively.

FIG. 4 shows a user's right lower limb to which the stimulus imparting unit 10 is attached.
The user can use the electrical stimulation apparatus 1 in the following procedure.
(Procedure 1) The stimulus imparting unit 10 is attached to the right leg and the left leg.
(Procedure 2) The operation unit 52 is operated to turn on the power.
(Procedure 3) The switching unit 53 is operated as necessary to switch the mode.
(Procedure 4) The power is turned off by operating the operation unit 52.
(Procedure 5) The stimulus imparting unit 10 is removed from the right leg and the left leg.

  When a current is passed from the first electrode portion 31 to the thigh 60, electrical stimulation is applied to the quadriceps 61. Thereby, since quadriceps 61 contracts, the force which pulls a knee joint upward is applied to a knee joint. Therefore, the force for fixing the knee joint is stronger than when no current is flowing from the first electrode portion 31 to the thigh 60. When the quadriceps 61 contracts, especially the downward and forward displacement of the knee joint is suppressed.

  When a current is passed from the second electrode portion 32 to the thigh 60, electrical stimulation is applied to the hamstring 62. Thereby, since the hamstring 62 contracts, a force for pulling the knee joint upward is applied to the knee joint. Accordingly, the force for fixing the knee joint is stronger than when no current is flowing from the second electrode portion 32 to the thigh 60. When the hamstring 62 contracts, especially the displacement of the knee joint in the left-right direction is suppressed.

  When current is passed from the third electrode portion 33 to the lower leg 70, electrical stimulation is applied to the gastrocnemius muscle 71. Thereby, since the gastrocnemius 71 contracts, a force for pulling the knee joint downward is applied to the knee joint. Accordingly, the force for fixing the knee joint is stronger than when no current is flowing from the third electrode portion 33 to the lower leg 70. When the gastrocnemius muscle 71 contracts, especially the downward and forward displacement of the knee joint and the lateral displacement are suppressed.

  When electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limb by the first electrode portion 31 and the third electrode portion 33, a force for pulling the knee joint upward and a force for pulling the knee joint downward are applied to the knee joint. Therefore, compared with the case where electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limb by only one of the electrode portions 31 to 33, the force for fixing the knee joint is increased.

  When electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limb by the second electrode portion 32 and the third electrode portion 33, a force for pulling the knee joint upward and a force for pulling the knee joint downward are applied to the knee joint. Therefore, compared with the case where electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limb by only one of the electrode portions 31 to 33, the force for fixing the knee joint is increased.

  When electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limbs by the first electrode part 31, the second electrode part 32, and the third electrode part 33, a force for pulling the knee joint upward and a force for pulling the knee joint downward are applied to the knee joint. It is done. Therefore, the force which fixes a knee joint becomes strong compared with the case where the electrical stimulation is provided to the leg by one or two of each electrode parts 31-33.

Control modes of the stimulus applying unit 10 by the stimulus control unit 40 are shown in the following (A) to (E).
(A) When the operation position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to mode A, application of electrical stimulation to the quadriceps 61 by the first electrode unit 31 and hum by the second electrode unit 32 The application of electrical stimulation to the string 62 is repeated alternately.

  When the main muscle (quadriceps 61), which is a muscle that extends and bends the knee joint, is contracted, electrical stimulation is applied to the stretched antagonist muscle (hamstring 62). That is, according to the contraction of the joint straddle muscles due to the movement of the living body, electrical stimulation is applied to the joint straddle muscles that are not contracted to give resistance in the contraction direction. Thereby, since the resistance to the contraction direction of the hamstring 62 becomes large, the reinforcement of the muscular strength is achieved.

  (B) When the operation position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to mode B, the application of electrical stimulation to the thigh 60 by the first electrode unit 31 and the second electrode unit 32 and the third electrode unit Application of electrical stimulation to the lower leg 70 by 33 is also performed. Thereby, since the joint straddle muscle contracts, the force for fixing the knee joint becomes stronger.

  (C) When the operation position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to the mode C, the application of the low-frequency pulse current to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 is performed by at least one of the electrode units 31 to 33. Continue. At this time, the magnitude of the current supplied from the electrode portions 31 to 33 to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 is smaller than that in the mode A. Thereby, since weak electrical stimulation is continuously given to a leg, pain is relieved.

  (D) When the operation position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to the mode D, the electrical stimulation is continuously applied to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 by at least one of the electrode units 31 to 33. Do. At this time, the magnitude of the current supplied from the electrode portions 31 to 33 to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 is larger than that in the mode C and smaller than that in the mode A and mode B. Thereby, since weak electrical stimulation is continuously given to the lower limbs, the muscular strength is enhanced without the lower limbs moving.

  (E) When the operation position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to the mode E, electrical stimulation is applied to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43. Specifically, energization control is performed as in the following (E1) to (E3).

  (E1) When it is determined that the displacement of the knee joint is smaller than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, that is, when it is predicted that the load applied to the knee joint is small, each of the electrode units 31 to 33 Do not energize the joint straddle muscle. On the other hand, when it is determined that the displacement of the knee joint is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, that is, when the load on the knee joint is predicted to be large, Energization to the joint straddle muscle is performed by at least one of 31-33. As an energization mode at this time, there are one that increases the amount of current supplied by the electrode portions 31 to 33 as the amount of displacement of the knee joint increases, and one that supplies a constant current regardless of the amount of displacement of the knee joint. It is done.

  (E2) When it is determined that the rotation of the knee joint is smaller than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint rotation detection sensor 42, that is, when it is predicted that the load applied to the knee joint is small, each electrode unit 31 and 32 Do not energize the joint rotator muscle. On the other hand, when it is determined that the rotation of the knee joint is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint rotation detection sensor 42, that is, when it is predicted that the load applied to the knee joint is large, each electrode unit Energization of the joint rotator muscle is performed by at least one of 31 and 32. As energization modes at this time, there are one that increases the amount of current supplied by the electrode portions 31 and 32 as the amount of rotation of the knee joint increases, and one that supplies a constant current regardless of the amount of rotation of the knee joint. It is done.

  (E3) When it is determined based on the detection result of the motion state detection sensor 43 that the user does not perform an operation in which a load is applied to the knee joint, the electrodes 31 to 33 are not energized to the joint straddle muscles. On the other hand, when it is determined based on the detection result of the motion state detection sensor 43 that the user performs an operation that puts a load on the knee joint, the joint straddle muscle is energized by at least one of the electrode portions 31 to 33. . In addition, as an operation | movement which applies a load to a knee joint, walking, the descent | fall operation | movement of stairs, the operation | movement which stood up, and the operation | movement which sit down are mentioned.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the electrical stimulation device 1, a supporter 20 attached to a human body part including a joint straddle muscle, and a plurality of electrode portions 31 to 31 provided in the supporter 20 for flowing current to the joint straddle muscle 33 is provided.

  According to this configuration, the joint straddle muscle can be stimulated by passing an electric current through the joint straddle muscle. When the joint straddle muscle is stimulated, the muscle contracts, so that the knee joint corresponding to the joint straddle muscle is difficult to displace. As a result, when a current is supplied while the user is wearing the electrical stimulation apparatus 1, the force for fixing the knee joint is stronger than when no current is supplied, thereby reducing the displacement of the knee joint. be able to. In addition, since the knee joint is fixed by supplying an electric current to the joint straddle muscle, the muscle strength of the user is reduced compared to a supporter that fixes the knee joint without supplying an electric current. Can be suppressed.

  (2) In the electrical stimulation device 1, the supporter 20 to be attached to the thigh 60 and the lower leg 70 is provided as the stimulus applying unit 10. The supporter 20 includes a thigh front part 21, a first thigh back part 23, and a second thigh back part 24 that are attached to the thigh 60 including a joint straddle muscle. In addition, the lower leg 70 includes a lower leg front part 22, a first lower leg back part 25, and a second lower leg back part 26 that are attached to a portion including the joint straddle muscle.

  With this configuration, current can flow through the joint straddle muscles of the thigh 60 and the lower leg 70, so that the knee joint is fixed as compared with the configuration in which current flows through the joint straddle muscle of either the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70. The power to do becomes stronger. Thereby, the effect of reducing the displacement of the knee joint is further enhanced.

  (3) In the electrical stimulation device 1, the joint displacement detection sensor 41 that detects the displacement of the joint due to the extension and bending of the joint, and the output control unit 50 that controls the energization mode of the living body by the electrode units 31 to 33 are provided. Is provided. Based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the output control unit 50 controls the energization mode of the joint straddle muscles by the electrode units 31 to 33.

  Generally, when electrical stimulation is applied to muscles, the muscle fast muscle fibers react to increase the degree of muscle activity. However, fast muscle fibers tend to get tired, and when the electrical stimulation is excessively applied, the burden on the human body is large. On the other hand, the burden on the knee joint varies depending on the displacement of the knee joint, and is most difficult when the knee joint is in the neutral displacement state.

  According to the above configuration, the energization mode is controlled based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41. Therefore, when it is not necessary to fix the joint, the energization to the knee joint is stopped to thereby fatigue the fast muscle fibers. Can be reduced. Thereby, even if it energizes when a user is unconscious, such as during sleep, there is a low risk of causing fatigue of fast muscle fibers, so that the knee joint can be fixed by energization even when the user is unconscious. Thereby, the effect of reducing the displacement of the knee joint is further enhanced.

  (4) The electrical stimulation device 1 is provided with an operation state detection sensor 43 that detects an operation state of the living body and an output control unit 50 that controls the energization mode of the living body by the electrode units 31 to 33. Based on the detection result of the operation state detection sensor 43, the output control unit 50 changes the current application mode of the joint straddle muscles by the electrode units 31 to 33.

  For example, when the user goes down the stairs, the knee joint is in a neutral displacement state and the joint straddle muscle is not active. For this reason, knee pain occurs when weight is applied to one knee. Moreover, since the joint straddle muscle is not active, it is not possible to properly grasp the motion of the knee joint only by sensing the state of the muscle.

  According to the above configuration, since the user's operation state is detected, for example, when the user performs an operation of going down the stairs, when the knee joint is in a neutral displacement state, it is grasped in advance that a large load is applied to the knee joint. be able to. Thereby, since an electric current is sent through the joint straddle muscle and the knee joint is fixed, the effect of reducing the displacement of the knee joint is further enhanced.

  (5) In the electrical stimulation apparatus 1, the joint rotation detection sensor 42 for detecting the rotation of the joint and the output control unit 50 for controlling the energization mode of the living body by the electrode units 31 to 33 are provided. . The output control unit 50 controls the current application mode from the electrode units 31 to 33 to the joint rotator based on the detection result of the joint rotation detection sensor 42. According to this configuration, since the joint can be fixed by passing an electric current through the joint rotator muscle of the thigh 60, pain due to the rotation of the knee joint can be reduced.

  (6) In the electrical stimulation device 1, as a mode for applying electrical stimulation to the human body, mode A for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength by operating a living body, and stimulating the joint straddle muscle And a mode B for applying electrical stimulation for fixing the joint. According to this configuration, in mode A, the user can increase muscle strength while exercising and daily life. Further, in mode B, the knee joint is fixed by applying an electric current to the joint straddle muscle, so that knee pain can be reduced.

  (7) In the electrical stimulation device 1, as a mode for applying electrical stimulation to the living body, mode C for applying electrical stimulation for alleviating pain, and for increasing muscle strength without operating the living body A mode D for applying electrical stimulation is provided. According to this configuration, in mode C, pain can be alleviated by applying a low-frequency pulse current. In mode D, by continuously applying electrical stimulation, muscle strength can be increased without the user moving the lower limbs.

(Other embodiments)
In addition, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment exemplified in the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented by changing it as shown below, for example. The following modifications are not applied only to the above-described embodiment, and different modifications can be combined with each other.

  In the above embodiment, the second electrode portion 32 is configured so that a current can flow through all of the semi-tendon-like muscle 63, the biceps femoris muscle 64, and the semi-membranous muscle 65 constituting the hamstring 62. However, it can be changed as follows. That is, the second electrode 32 can also be configured so that a current can flow through only one or two of the semi-tendon-like muscle 63, the biceps femoris 64, and the semi-membranous muscle 65.

  In the above embodiment, the first electrode part 31 to the third electrode part 33 are provided corresponding to each of the quadriceps 61, the hamstring 62, and the gastrocnemius 71, but one of the electrode parts 31 to 33 is provided. Or two can be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the plurality of electrode portions 31 to 33 for fixing the knee joint are provided, but as shown in the following (A) to (D), a joint different from the knee joint is fixed. An electrode portion can be provided. The following electrode portions are provided in place of all of the electrode portions 31 to 33, or in place of any one or two of the electrode portions 31 to 33, or in addition to the electrode portions 31 to 33. Can do.

  (A) As FIG. 5 shows, the 4th electrode part for fixing an ankle joint can also be provided. As the fourth electrode part, the electrode part 34A of FIG. 5A corresponding to the back of the lower leg, the electrode part 34B of FIG. 5B corresponding to the front of the lower leg, and FIG. At least one of the electrode part 34C of c) can be provided. The electrode portion 34A in FIG. 5A is provided as an electrode portion for flowing a current through a plurality of lower leg flexor muscle groups 72 including the gastrocnemius muscle. The electrode part 34 </ b> B in FIG. 5B is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the crus extensor group 73. The electrode part 34 </ b> C in FIG. 5C is provided as an electrode part for flowing a current through the crus peroneal muscle group 74. The plurality of lower leg flexor muscle group 72, lower leg extensor muscle group 73, and lower leg radial muscle group 74 are joint straddle muscles for the ankle joint.

  (B) As shown in FIG. 6, a fifth electrode part for fixing the hip joint may be provided. As the fifth electrode portion, the electrode portion 35A in FIG. 6A corresponding to the front surface of the thigh, the electrode portion 35B in FIG. 6B corresponding to the back surface of the thigh, and FIG. 6C corresponding to the buttocks portion. ) Electrode part 35C and the electrode part 35D of FIG. 6D corresponding to the front of the pelvis can be provided. The electrode portion 35 </ b> A in FIG. 6A is provided as an electrode portion for allowing a current to flow through the hip adductor muscle group 66. The electrode part 35 </ b> B in FIG. 6B is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the hamstring 62. The electrode part 35 </ b> C in FIG. 6C is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the greater gluteus 67. The electrode part 35 </ b> D in FIG. 6D is also provided as an electrode part for flowing a current through the hip flexor muscle group 68. The hip adductor muscle group 66, the hamstring 62, the greater ankle muscle 67, and the hip flexor muscle group 68 are joint straddle muscles for the hip joint.

  (C) As FIG. 7 shows, the 6th electrode part for fixing an elbow joint can also be provided. As the sixth electrode portion, the electrode portion 36A in FIG. 7A corresponding to the side surface of the upper arm, the electrode portion 36B in FIG. 7B corresponding to the front surface of the upper arm, and FIG. 7 corresponding to the outer side of the lower arm. At least one of the electrode part 36C of (c) and the electrode part 36D of FIG. 7 (d) corresponding to the side surface of the lower arm can be provided. The electrode portion 36 </ b> A in FIG. 7A is provided as an electrode portion for flowing current to the elbow flexor muscle group 81. The electrode part 36 </ b> B in FIG. 7B is provided as an electrode part for flowing current to the elbow extensor muscle group 82. The electrode part 36 </ b> C in FIG. 7C is provided as an electrode part for passing a current through the finger extensor muscle group 91. The electrode part 36 </ b> D in FIG. 7D is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the finger flexor muscle group 92. The elbow flexor muscle group 81, the elbow extensor muscle group 82, the finger extensor muscle group 91, and the finger flexor muscle group 92 are all joint straddle muscles for the elbow joint.

  (D) As shown in FIG. 8, a seventh electrode part for fixing the shoulder joint may be provided. The seventh electrode portion includes a minus pole 37A corresponding to the trapezius muscle, a plus pole 37B corresponding to the muscle in front of the shoulder joint, a plus pole 37C corresponding to the muscle inside and below the shoulder joint, and the back surface of the shoulder joint. And a plus pole 37D corresponding to the muscle of the other. In addition, it is provided as an electrode portion for allowing a current to flow to the front side of the shoulder raising rotator muscle group 100. The raised shoulder rotator muscle group 100 serves as a joint straddle muscle for the shoulder joint.

  In the above embodiment, the joint displacement detection sensor 41 directly detects the joint displacement. However, instead of or in addition to the sensor 41, a device for indirectly detecting the joint displacement may be provided. . An example thereof is an electromyogram measuring apparatus that measures an electromyogram. According to the configuration in which the electromyogram measuring apparatus is provided, the muscle activity state can be predicted based on the electromyogram measured by the apparatus, and the joint displacement can be predicted based on the result.

  In the above embodiment, the electrical stimulation is applied by the output controller 50 by each of the stimulus applying unit 10 for the right lower limb and the stimulus applying unit for the left lower limb, but for the user to select the stimulus applying unit to be used. A function can also be provided. As an example, a configuration in which a button for selecting a stimulus applying unit used for the operation unit 52 is provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the joint rotation detection sensor 42, and the operation state detection sensor 43 are provided in the stimulus control unit 40. However, at least one of these sensors may be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the load on the knee joint is small based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the supply of current to the joint straddle muscle is stopped, but this is changed as follows. You can also. That is, when it is determined that the knee joint load is small, a smaller amount of current can be supplied to the joint straddle muscle than when the knee joint load is determined to be large.

  In the above embodiment, the control of the energization mode (mode E) based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43 and the control of the energization mode by the modes A to D are performed separately, but the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43 It is also possible to perform the control based on the above and the control of modes A to D together. That is, when energization based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43 is required during execution of any of the control modes A to D, the energization control of any mode A to D is temporarily suspended. The energization control based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43 can also be performed.

  In the above embodiment, when it is detected that the knee joint is rotating, current is supplied to the quadriceps 61 and hamstring 62 which are the joint rotator muscles of the joint straddle muscles. It is also possible to pass an electric current through the gastrocnemius muscle 71 which is a joint straddle muscle other than the above.

  In the above embodiment, the stimulus applying unit 10 is of a type that is worn over the thigh 60, the knee joint, and the lower leg 70. However, a part corresponding to the thigh 60 and a part corresponding to the lower leg 70 are formed separately. You can also

In the above-described embodiment, a type that is worn on the lower limb is provided as the stimulus applying unit 10, but instead of or in addition to this, a type of stimulus applying unit that is worn on the upper limb can be provided. Moreover, the following (A)-(D) can also be added in the electrical stimulation apparatus provided with at least one of the stimulus imparting part with which a lower limb is equipped, and the stimulus imparting part with which an upper limb is equipped.
(A) The stimulus applying part for the lower limb is changed to a type that is worn only on the thigh 60.
(B) The stimulus applying part for the lower limb is changed to a type that is worn only on the lower leg 70.
(C) Change the stimulus applying part for the upper limb to a type that is worn only on the upper arm 80.
(D) The stimulus applying part for the upper limb is changed to a type that is worn only on the lower arm 90.

-In the structure containing the stimulus imparting part with which an upper limb is mounted | worn, the site | part corresponding to the upper arm 80 and the lower arm 90 can also be formed separately.
In the above embodiment, the stimulus imparting unit 10 is configured as a supporter type that is worn on each of the left and right lower limbs. You can also.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electrical stimulator, 20 ... Supporter (mounting part), 21 ... Front part of thigh (first leg mounting part), 22 ... Front part of lower leg (second leg mounting part), 23 ... Back part of first thigh (first Lower limb attachment part), 24 ... second thigh back part (first lower limb attachment part), 25 ... first lower leg back part (second lower limb attachment part), 26 ... second lower leg back part (second lower limb attachment part), DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 ... 1st electrode part (electrode part), 32 ... 2nd electrode part (electrode part), 33 ... 3rd electrode part (electrode part), 41 ... Joint displacement detection sensor (joint displacement detection means), 42 ... Joint rotation Detection sensor (joint rotation detection means), 43 ... motion state detection sensor (motion state detection means), 60 ... thigh, 61 ... quadriceps muscle (joint straddle muscle, joint rotator muscle), 62 ... hamstring (joint straddle) Sciaticus, joint rotator) 63 ... Hemitendon-like muscle (joint straddle muscle, joint rotator) 64 ... Biceps femoris (joint) Suwasuji, joint rotator cuff), 65 ... semimembranosus muscle (joint straddle Suwasuji, joint rotator cuff), 70 ... lower leg, 71 ... gastrocnemius (joint straddle Suwasuji), 80 ... upper arm, 90 ... lower arm.

Claims (7)

In an electrical stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to muscles,
A mounting portion that is mounted on a part of a human body including a joint straddle muscle that is a muscle that straddles a joint, and an electrode portion that is provided in the mounting portion and allows an electric current to flow through the joint straddle muscle. Electrical stimulation device. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1.
As the attachment part, at least one of an upper limb attachment part attached to the upper limb and a lower limb attachment part attached to the lower limb is provided,
The upper limb mounting portion includes a first upper limb mounting portion to be mounted on a portion including the joint straddle muscle in the upper arm of the upper limb, and a second upper limb mounting to be mounted on a portion including the joint straddle muscle in the lower arm of the upper limb. Including
The lower limb mounting portion includes a first lower limb mounting portion to be mounted on a portion including the joint straddle muscle in the lower limb thigh, and a second lower limb mounting portion to be mounted on a portion including the joint straddle muscle in the lower leg. An electrical stimulator characterized by including. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2,
Joint displacement detection means for detecting displacement of the joint due to extension and bending of the joint, and control means for controlling an energization mode to the living body by the electrode unit,
The control unit controls an energization mode of the joint straddle muscle by the electrode unit based on a detection result of the joint displacement detection unit. The electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An operation state detection unit that detects an operation state of the living body, and a control unit that controls a conduction mode of the living body by the electrode unit,
The control unit controls an energization mode of a current from the electrode unit to the joint straddle muscle based on a detection result of the operation state detection unit. In the electric stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The electrode portion is provided at a portion corresponding to the joint rotator muscle in the mounting portion, with the joint rotator muscle serving as a joint rotator muscle among the joint straddle muscles,
The electrical stimulation device includes joint rotation detection means for detecting joint rotation, and control means for controlling an energization mode of the living body by the electrode unit,
The control means controls an energization mode of a current from the electrode portion to the joint rotator muscle based on a detection result of the joint rotation detection means. In the electric stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
As modes for applying electrical stimulation to the living body, mode A for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength by operating the living body and electrical stimulation for fixing the joint by the joint straddle muscle are applied. An electrical stimulation device comprising mode B. The electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
As modes for applying electrical stimulation to a living body, mode C for applying electrical stimulation for alleviating pain and mode D for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength without operating the living body are included. An electrical stimulator characterized by.

Images