JP2023154743A - Electrostimulator - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electrostimulator capable of outputting electric stimulation in a narrow range as compared to a conventional product.SOLUTION: An electrostimulator equipped with a bipolar electrode 3a composed of two electrodes and a single electrode 3b detects a myoelectric potential of a person to be treated through the bipolar electrodes 3a and the single electrode 3b disposed on the skin surface of the person to be treated, and outputs electric stimulation based on the myoelectric potential between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrodes 3a. The electrostimulator has a first mode in which the electric stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrodes 3a and a second mode in which the electric stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the bipolar electrodes 3a and the single electrode 3b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical stimulation device.

Patent Document 1 describes an electrical stimulation device that has a function of outputting electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential of a paralyzed limb of a patient to the same paralyzed limb. A myoelectric detection/electrical stimulation electrode consisting of a bipolar electrode in which two electrodes are integrally formed with a base material and one reference electrode is brought into contact with the paralyzed limb of the patient, The myoelectric potential of the paralyzed limb is detected and electrical stimulation is output to the paralyzed limb.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-248344

Electrical stimulation using an electrode for both myoelectric detection and electrical stimulation is output between the entire bipolar electrode and the reference electrode, so there is a problem in that it is difficult to electrically stimulate a narrow part of the hyoid muscle group, for example. there were. Depending on the location of the hyoid muscle group to be electrically stimulated, the locations where the reference electrode and bipolar electrode are applied are limited. If the reference electrode and the bipolar electrode were attached at a distance, electrical stimulation would be output between these electrodes, making it impossible to precisely stimulate the hyoid muscle group.

The present invention was made in order to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical stimulation device that can output electrical stimulation in a narrower range than conventional ones.

The electrical stimulation device of the present invention according to claim 1 includes a bipolar electrode constituted by two electrodes and a single electrode, and the bipolar electrode and the single electrode are arranged on the skin surface of a patient. The present invention is characterized in that a myoelectric potential of the subject is detected through one electrode, and electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode. According to this configuration, since electrical stimulation can be output in a narrower range than before, it can be applied to treatment of a narrow part of the hyoid muscle group, for example.

An electrical stimulation device according to a second aspect of the invention includes a first mode in which electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode, and an electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential between the two electrodes. and a second mode for outputting between the single electrode and the single electrode. According to this configuration, the first mode and the second mode can be selected and used according to the treatment request. By using the first mode, it is possible to apply the treatment to a narrow region of the hyoid muscle group, for example. By using the second mode, it can be applied to, for example, motor function training of the elbow joint.

The electrical stimulation device according to claim 3 is characterized in that it includes a plurality of channels and is configured to be able to select the first mode and the second mode in at least one channel. According to this configuration, since it is provided with a plurality of channels, it can be applied to motor function training of two parts, such as the elbow joint and finger extension, and at least one channel has the first mode and the second mode. You can select and use the mode.

In the electrical stimulation device according to claim 4, when detecting the myoelectric potential of the patient in a certain channel among the plurality of channels, the electrical stimulation device does not output electrical stimulation in other channels while the certain channel is in use. or prohibiting the other channel from being used. For example, if a treatment mode that involves detection of myoelectric potential is used on two channels at the same time, when electrical stimulation is output from one channel, the electrical signal will be mixed into the bipolar electrode of the other channel and will be incorrectly detected as myoelectric potential. However, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the output of electrical stimulation from other channels from affecting the detection of myoelectric potentials in a certain channel, and to prevent errors in myoelectric potentials in a certain channel. Detection can be prevented.

The electrical stimulation device according to claim 5 is characterized in that the bipolar electrode is placed on the hyoid muscle group. According to this configuration, the muscular strength of the hyoid muscle group can be strengthened, and the swallowing function can be improved.

The electrical stimulation device according to claim 6 outputs electrical stimulation between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode when the patient makes a swallowing motion, and when the patient opens his/her mouth. The output of the electrical stimulation is stopped when the electrical stimulation is present. According to this configuration, the muscular strength of the hyoid muscle group can be strengthened, and the swallowing function can be improved.

According to the present invention, electrical stimulation can be output in a narrower range than before. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electrical stimulation device that can be applied to treatment of narrow areas of the hyoid muscle group, for example.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration regarding channel 1 of the electrical stimulation device. It is a figure for explaining the 1st example of treatment using the electric stimulation device. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd example of treatment using the same electric stimulation device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration regarding channel 2 of the electrical stimulation device. It is a block diagram regarding the control part of the electrical stimulation device. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a third treatment example using the electrical stimulation device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. It is a figure for explaining the 4th example of treatment using the same electric stimulation device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An electrical stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, an electrical stimulation device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a device main body 2 in which an electrical circuit for outputting electrical stimulation is provided, and The main components are a dual-purpose electrode 3 that is arranged to detect myoelectric potential and apply electrical stimulation, and a cable 4 that connects the dual-purpose electrode 3 to the main body 2 of the device. The device main body 2 is provided with output connectors 5a and 5b, and FIG. 1 shows an example in which the dual-use electrode 3 is connected to the output connector 5a via a cable 4. Each output connector 5a, 5b constitutes one channel, with output connector 5a being channel 1 and output connector 5b being channel 2. Note that the connector 27 provided on the device main body 2 will be described later.

The dual-purpose electrode 3 is at least one pair of electrodes, and includes, for example, a bipolar electrode 3a in which two electrodes are integrally formed of a non-conductive member, and one single electrode 3b. The bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b are hook-type gel electrodes whose back surfaces serve as adhesive surfaces to be applied to the skin surface of the patient.

The bipolar electrode 3a is placed on the skin surface of the muscle belly of the target muscle, and detects the weak myoelectric potential generated from the muscle activity of the patient between the two electrodes, and also provides electrical stimulation for applying electrical stimulation. functions as an electrode. The single electrode 3b functions as a reference electrode that determines a reference potential when detecting myoelectric potential between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a, and is placed on the skin surface of the muscle belly of the muscle to which electrical stimulation is to be applied. It also functions as an electrical stimulation electrode for applying electrical stimulation to muscles.

The two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a and the hooks of the single electrode 3b are hooked to each end of a cable 4 that branches into three at a midway position, and the connection plug 4a on the proximal end of the cable 4 is attached to the main body of the device. It is removably inserted into the output connector 5a provided at 2.

The device main body 2 includes a rotatable dial 6, a pushable determination button 7 arranged in the center of the dial 6, and a display section 8. The treatment conditions are set using the dial 6 and the decision button 7. The display section 8 is a touch panel, and this touch panel is also provided with the function of the decision button 7. The display unit 8 displays treatment conditions, treatment results, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, a hand switch 28 for controlling the operation of the electrical stimulation device 1 is connected to a connector 27 provided on the device main body 2 by a cable (not shown). The device main body 2 further includes an electrical stimulation means 9, an output switching section 10, a myoelectric detection circuit 11, a power supply circuit 12, a battery voltage detection circuit 13, a storage section 14, and a control section 15, which are connected to the device main body 2. is located inside. The control section 15 controls the electrical stimulation means 9, the output switching section 10, the storage section 14, and the display section 8, and is composed of a microcontroller. The storage unit 14 readably stores set treatment conditions and the like, and is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory (EEPROM). The control unit 15 receives signals from the dial 6, decision button 7, and touch panel (display unit 8) to set treatment conditions, etc., and the set treatment conditions and treatment result data are stored in the storage unit 14, for example. .

The electrical stimulation means 9 is a means for supplying electrical stimulation to the dual-purpose electrode 3, and receives input from a battery power source 16, a DC-DC converter 17 that boosts the voltage of the battery power source 16, and supplies it as an output power source. The output control circuit 18 includes an output control circuit 18 that controls the output voltage, an output transformer 19 that boosts the output voltage from the output control circuit 18, and a current detection circuit 20 that detects electrical stimulation (output current) from the output transformer 19. The output current signal detected by the current detection circuit 20 is input to the control section 15, and the control section 15 controls the output control circuit 18 to prevent, for example, overcurrent from occurring.

As the battery power source 16, a dry battery such as an alkaline battery can be used, and a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery may be used. Further, a battery voltage detection circuit 13 is provided to detect the voltage value of the battery power source 16, and when the battery voltage detection circuit 13 detects that the voltage value of the battery power source 16 has decreased to a first threshold value, The control unit 15 displays an image on the display unit 8 to notify the therapist or the like of the decrease in the voltage value. Further, when the voltage value of the battery power source 16 reaches a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value, the control unit 15 turns off the power source of the electrical stimulation device 1. Note that the power supply circuit 12 is a circuit that is connected to the battery power supply 16 and supplies control power to the control unit 15.

Next, the configuration of myoelectric potential detection will be explained. A bidirectional square wave with a predetermined frequency (e.g. 20 Hz) and a predetermined pulse width (e.g. 50 μs) is output from the output transformer 19 between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b repeatedly three times as one unit, and this repetition The myoelectric potential for a period of time (for example, 8 ms) is detected between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a. The detected myoelectric potential is input to the myoelectric detection circuit 11, amplified by an amplifier (not shown), etc. to a level that can be recognized by the control section 15, and then taken into the control section 15. The control unit 15 performs signal processing to calculate the myoelectric potential, and controls the output control circuit 18 so that the next electrical stimulation has an intensity proportional to the intensity of the calculated myoelectric potential.

The electrical stimulation device 1 has a first mode and a second mode as treatment modes. In the first mode, a pulse with an intensity proportional to the myoelectric potential of the treatment target region detected by the bipolar electrode 3a is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a. In the second mode, a pulse with an intensity proportional to the myoelectric potential of the treatment target region detected by the bipolar electrode 3a is output between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b. In channel 1, output switching is performed to determine whether the pulse is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a (first mode) or between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b (second mode). It is switched by the section 10. That is, channel 1 is configured so that the first mode and the second mode can be selected. As an example of the pulse in the first mode, the waveform is a symmetrical biphasic rectangular wave, and the pulse width is 150 to 350 μsec. Since many muscles in the hyoidopharyngeal region involved in swallowing movements are fast-twitch muscle components, the frequency of the pulse in the first mode should be set to a frequency that can induce contraction of fast-twitch fibers, for example, 30 to 100 Hz. is desirable. Further, as an example of the pulse in the second mode, the waveform is a rectangular wave, the pulse width is 50 to 300 μsec, and the pulse frequency is 1 to 40 Hz.

Next, an example in which a therapist treats a patient using the first mode of the electrical stimulation device 1 will be described. FIG. 3A is a front view of the region from the neck to the chin of the patient with the chin raised, and shows the state in which the electrodes are arranged in the first treatment example. In the first treatment example, a bipolar electrode 3a is placed over the left anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31L and the right anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31R of the patient, and a single electrode is placed at a position away from the bipolar electrode 3a. 3b is placed. Note that since no electrical stimulation is output from the single electrode 3b, the position of the single electrode 3b is not particularly determined.

The therapist operates the dial 6, decision button 7, or touch panel (display section 8) of the electrical stimulation device 1 to set the treatment mode to the first mode, and also sets the treatment time, minimum and maximum intensity of electrical stimulation, Set various treatment conditions for myoelectric detection sensitivity. When setting the myoelectric detection sensitivity, the myoelectric potential is displayed on the display section 8 in, for example, 10 levels, so the myoelectric detection sensitivity is adjusted while checking the level. Specifically, when you apply force to the treatment target area, the myoelectric potential level is maximum (all 10 levels are displayed), and when you relax, the myoelectric potential level is the minimum (all 10 levels are displayed). Adjust the myoelectric detection sensitivity so that not everything is displayed. If the level does not reach the maximum even if you apply strong force, or if you feel that the electrical stimulation is weak during treatment, adjust the myoelectric detection sensitivity to be high. If this does not occur, or if you feel that the electrical stimulation is strong during treatment, you can adjust the myoelectric detection sensitivity to lower it.

In the first mode, when force is applied to the treatment target area, the myoelectric potential detected by the bipolar electrode 3a is input to the myoelectric detection circuit 11, and the control unit 15 calculates the amount of myoelectric potential and adjusts the amount of myoelectric potential according to the magnitude. The electrical stimulation flows between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a, and is applied between the left anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31L and the right anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31R. For example, by operating the hand switch 28 connected to the connector 27 of the device main body 2, the therapist outputs electrical stimulation when the patient swallows, and Prevent electrical stimulation from being output when the door is open. The "thing" here is preferably saliva or water. When the set treatment time has elapsed, the output of electrical stimulation will automatically stop, thus ending the treatment. By the way, the digastric muscle 31 is one of the muscles (suprahyoid muscle group) that pulls up the hyoid bone 32, and when the digastric muscle 31 contracts with the mouth closed, it pulls up the hyoid bone 32. According to the first treatment example shown in FIG. 3A, it is possible to strengthen the muscle strength of the digastric muscle 31, and it is possible to improve the swallowing function. Note that the digastric muscle 31 is divided into the anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31L, 31R and the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, but the rear belly of the digastric muscle is not shown. In addition to the digastric muscle 31, the suprahyoid muscle group includes the mylohyoid muscle, geniohyoid muscle, and stylohyoid muscle, and by strengthening the muscle strength of the suprahyoid muscle group, swallowing function is improved. can be improved.

FIG. 3B is a diagram similar to FIG. 3A, showing the electrodes in the second treatment example in the first mode. In the second treatment example, a bipolar electrode 3a is placed on the right anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31R of the patient, and a single electrode 3b is placed at a position away from the bipolar electrode 3a. The method of using the electrical stimulation device 1 is the same as the first treatment example, and the second treatment example shown in FIG. 3B can strengthen the muscle strength of the right anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31R and improve swallowing function. can.

Here, an example of the distance between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a (the distance between the centers of the two electrodes) is 20 mm. On the other hand, when performing treatment by outputting electrical stimulation between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b as in the conventional case, the distance between the electrodes is, for example, 40 mm. By outputting electrical stimulation between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a, the distance between the electrodes that output electrical stimulation is smaller than before, and electrical stimulation can be output to a narrower range than before. I can do it. Therefore, it can be applied, for example, to treatment of narrow areas of the suprahyoid muscle group.

Next, an example in which a therapist treats a patient using the second mode of the electrical stimulation device 1 will be described. The therapist attaches the bipolar electrode 3a to the muscle bellies of the wrist dorsiflexor muscles and finger extensor muscles of the forearm, which is the paralyzed limb of the patient. Further, a single electrode 3b is pasted near one end (on the wrist side) of the muscle belly of the wrist dorsiflexion muscles and the finger extensor muscles of the forearm of the patient. The therapist operates the dial 6, decision button 7, or touch panel (display section 8) of the electrical stimulation device 1 to set the treatment mode to the second mode, and also sets the treatment time, the minimum intensity and maximum intensity of the electrical stimulation, Set various treatment conditions for myoelectric detection sensitivity. When the patient puts pressure on the forearm, electrical stimulation corresponding to the magnitude of the myoelectric potential detected by the bipolar electrode 3a flows between the entire bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b, and the dorsiflexor muscles of the wrist joint are stimulated. Electrical stimulation is applied to the finger extensor muscle group and finger extensor muscle group. Application of this electrical stimulation promotes muscle contraction of the wrist dorsiflexion muscles and the finger extensor muscles, allowing the patient to perform motor function training of the wrist and finger joints. When the set treatment time has elapsed, the output of electrical stimulation will automatically stop, thus ending the treatment.

As described above, the channel 1 of the electrical stimulation device 1 has two modes: a first mode in which electrical stimulation based on the detected myoelectric potential of the patient is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a; It is configured such that electrical stimulation can be selected from a second mode in which electrical stimulation based on the electrical stimulation is output between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b. Therefore, the first mode and the second mode can be selected and used according to treatment needs.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electrical stimulation device 1a according to Embodiment 2, and the same components as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the second embodiment, an electrical stimulation electrode 22 is connected to the output connector 5b of the channel 2 via a cable 21. The electrical stimulation electrode 22 is at least one pair of electrodes, and for example, it is composed of a pair of two electrodes, and the back surface of each electrode is a hook-type gel electrode that is used as a pasting surface to be pasted on the skin surface of the patient. has been done. Each hook of the electrode 22 is attached to each end of the cable 21 which is branched into two at a midway position, and the connection plug 21a on the proximal end of the cable 21 is detachably connected to the output connector 5b provided on the device main body 2. inserted. Note that the dual-purpose electrode 3 is connected to the output connector 5a of the channel 1 via the cable 4, and the block diagram regarding the channel 1 is the same as that in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram regarding the channel 2 of the electrical stimulation device 1a, and the same components as in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The control section 15a controls the electrical stimulation means 9, the output connector 5b, the storage section 14, and the display section 8. The electrical stimulation means 9 is a means for supplying electrical stimulation to the electrical stimulation electrode 22 via the output connector 5b. FIG. 6 is a block diagram regarding the control section of the electrical stimulation device 1a, and the control section 15 of channel 1 and the control section 15a of channel 2 are controlled by the main control section 23.

Channel 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1, and channel 1 of the electrical stimulation device 1a is configured to be able to select and implement the first mode and the second mode. In channel 2, for example, the third mode outputs electrical stimulation to the electrical stimulation electrode 22 under set stimulation conditions, and the electrical stimulation output is controlled on/off by input from an external sensor (pressure sensor, angle sensor, acceleration sensor, etc.). A fourth mode can be implemented.

Here, in the treatment mode (first mode, second mode) performed on channel 1, the myoelectric potential of the treated person is detected, but when channel 1 and channel 2 are used simultaneously, A false detection occurred in the detection of myoelectric potential. As a result of examining the causes of this false detection, we found that when electrical stimulation was output on channel 2, an electrical signal was mixed into the bipolar electrode 3a of channel 1 and was mistakenly detected as a myoelectric potential. It was found that when the electrodes connected to channel 2 were placed close together, the myoelectric potential in the target muscle on the opposite side was incorrectly detected. Therefore, the main control unit 23 controls the control units 15 and 15a so that while channel 1 is in use, output of electrical stimulation in channel 2 is prohibited or channel 2 is disabled. This makes it possible to prevent the output of electrical stimulation from channel 2 from affecting the detection of myoelectric potentials from channel 1. In other words, when detecting the myoelectric potential of a patient in a certain channel among multiple channels, while one channel is in use, the output of electrical stimulation in other channels is prohibited or the other channels are made unavailable. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the output of electrical stimulation from other channels from affecting the detection of the myoelectric potential of a certain channel.

In addition, in the electrical stimulation device 1a, the fifth mode outputs a pulse with an intensity proportional to the myoelectric potential of a region different from the treatment target region to the treatment target region, or the myoelectric potential of the region different from the treatment target region is set to the set threshold. It is also possible to implement a sixth mode in which electrical stimulation is output to the treatment target region under the set stimulation conditions when the stimulation condition is reached. Here, the site different from the treatment target site is, for example, someone other than the treated person or a healthy limb part of the treated person. In this case, one treatment can be performed using channel 1 and channel 2 by arranging dual-purpose electrode 3 at a site different from the treatment target site and arranging electrical stimulation electrode 22 at the treatment target site.

(Embodiment 3)
The electrical stimulation device according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which the dual-purpose electrode 3 is further connected to the output connector 5b (channel 2) in the electrical stimulation device 1 according to the first embodiment. The block diagram regarding channel 2 is the same as that in FIG. 2, and the control section 15 of channel 1 and the control section 15 of channel 2 are controlled by the main control section 23 described using FIG. 6. For channel 1 and channel 2, the first mode and the second mode can be selected and implemented.

FIG. 7A is a diagram similar to FIG. 3A, showing the electrodes in the third treatment example in the first mode. In the third treatment example, a bipolar electrode 3a1 is placed on the right anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31R of the patient, and a single electrode 3b1 is placed at a position away from the bipolar electrode 3a1. A bipolar electrode 3a2 is placed on the left anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31L of the patient, and a single electrode 3b2 is placed at a position away from the bipolar electrode 3a2. The bipolar electrode 3a1 and the single electrode 3b1 are connected to the output connector 5a, and the bipolar electrode 3a2 and the single electrode 3b2 are connected to the output connector 5b.

The therapist sets the treatment mode to the first mode by operating the dial 6, decision button 7, or touch panel (display section 8) for channels 1 and 2, and also sets the treatment time, the minimum and maximum intensity of electrical stimulation, Set various treatment conditions for myoelectric detection sensitivity. When channel 1 and channel 2 are used simultaneously as described above, erroneous detection may occur in detecting the myoelectric potential of the patient using channel 1 or channel 2. Therefore, while channel 1 is in use, the output of electrical stimulation in channel 2 is prohibited, or channel 2 is disabled, and while channel 2 is in use, the output of electrical stimulation in channel 1 is prohibited, or channel 1 is disabled. The main control unit 23 controls each control unit 15 for channels 1 and 2 so as to disable the channel. Thereby, erroneous detection of myoelectric potentials in each channel 1 and 2 can be prevented. According to the third treatment example shown in FIG. 7A, it is possible to strengthen the muscle strength of the left and right digastric muscle anterior abdomens 3L and 3R, and it is possible to improve the swallowing function.

FIG. 7B is a diagram similar to FIG. 3A, showing the state in which the electrodes are placed in the fourth treatment example in the first mode. In the fourth treatment example, a bipolar electrode 3a1 is placed on the left anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31L and the right anterior belly of the digastric muscle 31R of the patient, and A bipolar electrode 3a2 is placed above the right sternohyoid muscle 33R. The positions of the single electrodes 3b1 and 3b2 are not particularly determined and are arranged at arbitrary positions. By the way, the sternohyoid muscle 33 is one of the muscles (subhyoid muscle group) that pulls down the hyoid bone 32, and when the sternohyoid muscle 33 contracts, it pulls down the hyoid bone 32 forward and downward. According to the fourth treatment example shown in FIG. 7B, it is possible to strengthen the muscles that pull up the hyoid bone 32 (digastric muscle 31) and the muscles that pull down the hyoid bone 32 (sternohyoid muscle 33), and improve swallowing function. can be achieved. In addition to the sternohyoid muscle 33, the infrahyoid muscle group includes the omohyoid muscle, sternothyroid muscle, and thyrohyoid muscle, and improving the swallowing function by strengthening the muscle strength of the infrahyoid muscle group. can be achieved. Note that the hyoid muscle group is composed of the suprahyoid muscle group and the infrahyoid muscle group.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an electrical stimulation device 1b according to Embodiment 4, and the same components as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The dual purpose electrode 3 is connected to the output connector 5a, and the electrical stimulation electrode 22 is connected to the output connector 5b. The electrical stimulation means 9 is a means for supplying electrical stimulation to the dual use electrode 3 and the electrical stimulation electrode 22, and the electrical stimulation output from the electrical stimulation means 9 is outputted to the dual use electrode 3 by the output switching unit 24, or Switch whether to output to the electrical stimulation electrode 22. Further, the output switching unit 10 switches between outputting the electrical stimulation between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode 3a or between the bipolar electrode 3a and the single electrode 3b.

The electrical stimulation device 1b includes an operation switch section 25 for setting treatment conditions, etc., and an LED display section 26 used for setting myoelectric detection sensitivity. The LED display section 26 has a plurality of (for example, five) LEDs arranged side by side, and is configured so that as the detected myoelectric potential intensity increases, the number of LEDs that turn on increases. The myoelectric detection sensitivity is adjusted so that all five LEDs of the LED display section 26 light up when force is applied to the treatment target region, and all the LEDs turn off when the patient loses strength. If all the LEDs do not light up even if you apply strong force, or if you feel that the output of the electrical stimulation signal is weak during treatment, adjust the myoelectric detection sensitivity to be high. If the light does not turn off or if you feel that the electrical stimulation output is strong during treatment, you can adjust the myoelectric detection sensitivity to be low.

In the electrical stimulation device 1b, the dual-purpose electrode 3 is connected to the output connector 5a, and the dual-purpose electrode 3 can be used to perform treatment in the first mode or the second mode, and the first mode and the second mode can be selected. It is configured. In addition, the dual-purpose electrode 3 and the electrical stimulation electrode 22 are connected to the output connectors 5a and 5b, respectively, and the dual-purpose electrode 3 is used to detect the myoelectric potential of another person or the treated person, and the electrical stimulation electrode 22 to apply electrical stimulation to the treatment target site of the patient, the fifth mode or the sixth mode described above can be implemented. In addition, the third mode and the fourth mode described above are implemented by connecting the electrical stimulation electrode 22 to the output connector 5b and applying electrical stimulation to the treatment target region of the patient using the electrical stimulation electrode 22. can do. In this way, the electrical stimulation device 1b is configured to perform one treatment using the dual purpose electrode 3 connected to the output connector 5a and/or the electrical stimulation electrode 22 connected to the output connector 5b. 5a and the output connector 5b constitute one channel.

In addition, instead of one type of bipolar electrode 3a and single electrode 3b, a plurality of types may be used. For example, it is possible to use a plurality of types of bipolar electrodes 3a having different distances between the two electrodes. A plurality of types of bipolar electrodes 3a and single electrodes 3b2 having different conductive areas can be used. Alternatively, the bipolar electrode 3a may have a structure in which two separate electrodes are detachably attached to the orthosis. With this structure, the bipolar electrode 3a can be obtained in which the distance between the two electrodes does not change. . As the bipolar electrode 3a, one electrode may be configured to be attached to a device that is integrally formed with another electrode in a detachable manner. Further, one or three or more channels may be provided.

It can be applied to electrical stimulation devices used to treat dysphagia.

1 Electric stimulation device 2 Device main body 3 Dual electrode 3a Bipolar electrode 3b Single electrode 5a, 5b Output connector (channel)
9 Electrical stimulation means 10 Output switching section 11 Myoelectric detection circuit 15, 15a, 15b Control section 22 Electric stimulation electrode 23 Main control section 24 Output switching section 31 Digastric muscle 31L, 31R Anterior belly of digastric muscle 33, 33L, 33R sternohyoid muscle

Claims (6)

It is equipped with a bipolar electrode constituted by two electrodes and a single electrode, and the myoelectric potential of the treated person is transmitted through the bipolar electrode and the single electrode arranged on the skin surface of the treated person. An electrical stimulation device that detects the myoelectric potential and outputs electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode. a first mode in which electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode; and an electrical stimulation based on the myoelectric potential is output between the bipolar electrode and the single electrode. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, further comprising a second mode. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 2, comprising a plurality of channels, and configured to be able to select the first mode and the second mode in at least one channel. When detecting the myoelectric potential of the subject in a certain channel among the plurality of channels, while the certain channel is in use, the output of electrical stimulation in other channels is prohibited, or the other channel is used. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 3, wherein the electrical stimulation device is disabled. The electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bipolar electrode is placed on the hyoid muscle group. Electrical stimulation is output between the two electrodes of the bipolar electrode when the treated person makes a swallowing motion, and output of the electrical stimulation is stopped when the treated person opens his mouth. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 5, characterized in that:

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