TWI615168B - Electric stimulation system and method for strengthening squat muscle group - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical stimulation system and method for strengthening the chin muscle group, which comprises: an electrical stimulation unit having a first electrode and a second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are attached to one of the human body. The electric stimulation unit is used to generate a stimulation current and output the stimulation current to the lower jaw through the first electrode and the second electrode to electrically stimulate one of the human chin muscle groups; a feedback circuit based on the human breath The state and a reference signal generate a driving signal, and transmit the driving signal to the electric stimulation unit to drive the electric stimulation unit to electrically stimulate the chin muscle group. In this way, the present invention electrically stimulates the lower sacral muscle group of the human body to strengthen the muscle strength of the lower sacral muscle group and avoid the situation of respiratory arrest during sleep.

Description

Electrical stimulation system and method for strengthening chin muscle group

The present invention relates to an electrical stimulation system and method, and more particularly to an electrical stimulation system and method for strengthening the chin muscle group.

    Sleep apnea is divided into Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), Central Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CSAS), and Mixed Sleep Apnea Syndrome (MSAS) ), Where obstructive sleep apnea refers to intermittent respiratory arrests caused by airway obstruction during sleep, which must meet more than 5 respiratory arrests per hour, and each interruption must exceed 10 seconds . The obstruction of the respiratory tract may occur in the nose, soft palate, or the base of the tongue. These obstructions cause respiratory arrest, lowering blood oxygen levels, and disturbed sleep. Not only will it cause fragmentation of sleep, but it is also easy to combine with mental illness during the day. It may even affect cardiopulmonary function.

    Severe sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and stroke. When the long-term sleep quality is not good, the rate of diabetes and obesity will increase due to endocrine disorders. In addition, because of poor mentality, patients are far more likely to have car accidents and work injuries than the average person.

    Most people are caused by obesity caused by narrowing of the airway or insufficient muscle tension that maintains the airway to be easy to collapse, while a small number of people are due to congenital tonsils, overhanging overhangs, or abnormalities in the structure of the congenital skull. Caused by narrow airways.

    Please also refer to Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C. Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the normal breathing state of the human body during sleep, Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the partial respiratory tract obstruction while the human body is sleeping, and Figure 1C is a diagram of the state of respiratory cessation during the human sleep. schematic diagram. As shown in FIG. 1A, when the muscle strength of the tongue 101 of the human body 10 is sufficient, the tongue 101 will maintain a certain shape during sleep, so that the nasal airway 103 and the oral airway 105 remain open during breathing. As shown in Figure 1B, when the muscle strength of the tongue 101 portion of the human body 10 is insufficient, the tongue 101 will go backwards during sleep, and the upper airway collapse of the human body 10 will cause the oral airway 105 to block and cause the upper airway Narrowing, at this time the human body 10 may have snoring symptoms, making its sleep quality worse. As shown in Figure 1C, when the muscle strength of the tongue 101 portion of the human body 10 is severely insufficient, the tongue 101 will be excessively backward when sleeping, and the upper airway of the human body 10 is severely collapsed, making the oral airway 105 and the nasal airway 103 both Obstruction is the symptom of sleep apnea.

    From the above, it can be known that the muscle strength of the tongue is the key to affecting the obstructive sleep apnea. If the muscle strength of the tongue is increased, the condition of obstructive sleep apnea will be improved.

    However, in the past, non-surgical treatments for patients with obstructive sleep apnea have included continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) respirator therapy, which involves wearing a mask on the human nose during sleep, and Continuous positive pressure gas enters the larynx and trachea through the nasal cavity, forming a support frame to avoid breathing obstruction during sleep; intra-oral device, which uses various types of oral braces to pull the jaw and tongue forward, thereby Enlarge the airways to reduce respiratory obstruction. The above treatment methods for obstructive sleep apnea cannot be treated for the patients themselves. In other words, the above treatment methods are symptomatic and cannot cure the symptoms. When positive airway pressure respirators or intraoral devices are not used, patients will also have Sleep apnea symptoms occur.

Therefore, the present invention provides an electrical stimulation system for strengthening the chin muscle group by electrically stimulating the chin area of the human body to strengthen the chin muscle group, thereby solving the problem of insufficient strength of the chin muscle group in patients with sleep apnea. And methods.

    It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical stimulation system for strengthening the chin muscle group, which electrically stimulates the lower chin of the human body, thereby achieving the purpose of strengthening the muscle strength of the chin muscle group of the human body.

    An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical stimulation system for strengthening the chin muscle group. A feedback circuit is used to measure the breathing state of the human body, and the intensity of the stimulation current is adjusted according to the breathing state to prevent the human body from occurring during sleep. Apnea condition.

    In order to achieve the aforementioned purposes and effects, the present invention discloses an electrical stimulation system for strengthening the chin muscle group, which includes: an electrical stimulation unit having a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and The second electrode is attached to one of the lower chin of a human body, and the electrical stimulation unit is used to generate a stimulating current and output the stimulating current to the lower chin through the first and second electrodes to electrically stimulate one of the human's chin muscles. A feedback circuit that generates a driving signal according to the breathing state of the human body and a reference signal, and transmits the driving signal to the electric stimulation unit to drive the electric stimulation unit to electrically stimulate the lower diaphragm muscle group.

    The invention further discloses an electrical stimulation method for strengthening the chin muscle group. The steps include: attaching a first electrode and a second electrode to a lower chin of a human body; an electrical stimulation unit generates a stimulation current, and the stimulation current The first electrode and the second electrode are output to the lower jaw to electrically stimulate one of the lower jaw muscle groups of the human body; a feedback circuit generates a driving signal according to the breathing state of the human body; and transmits the driving signal to the electric stimulation unit to drive The electric stimulation unit electrically stimulates the chin muscle group.

Wherein, when the breathing measurement module measures the breathing state to be normal, the electrical stimulation unit outputs a stimulation current of a fixed current amount according to the driving signal. When the respiration measurement module measures the breathing state, the electrical stimulation unit gradually increases the current of the stimulation current according to the driving signal, so as to strengthen the stimulation of the lower musculature of the human body, thereby relieving the abnormal breathing state. In this way, the present invention strengthens the muscle strength of the lower sacral muscle group by electrically stimulating the lower sacrum of the human body, especially the genioglossus muscle, geniohyoid muscle, and mandibular hyoid muscle are closely related to sleep apnea. . The respiration measurement module measures the breathing state of the human body, and adjusts the intensity of the electrical stimulation according to the breathing state, so as to avoid the situation that the human body stops breathing during sleep.

10‧‧‧Human Body
101‧‧‧ Tongue
103‧‧‧nasal cavity
105‧‧‧ Oral
20‧‧‧ Electric stimulation system
200‧‧‧electric stimulation device
201‧‧‧Electric stimulation unit
2011‧‧‧First electrode
2013‧‧‧Second electrode
202‧‧‧Feedback circuit
203‧‧‧Respiration measurement module
204‧‧‧ Computing Unit
205‧‧‧Air flow measurement unit
206‧‧‧ Muscle Measurement Unit
207‧‧‧weighted unit
208‧‧‧weighted unit
209‧‧‧Warning unit
30‧‧‧Human body
301‧‧‧ lower jaw
302‧‧‧ chin muscle group
303‧‧‧ Tongue
3031‧‧‧ genioglossus
3033 ‧ ‧ geniohyoid muscle
3035‧‧‧ Mandibular Hyoid
305‧‧‧ Nasal Respiratory Tract
307‧‧‧ Oral and Respiratory Tract
308‧‧‧Nasal
REF‧‧‧Reference signal
DR‧‧‧Drive signal
IS‧‧‧stimulation current
FB‧‧‧ feedback signal
FB1‧‧‧Airflow feedback signal
FB2‧‧‧ Muscle feedback signal
T1‧‧‧ Relaxation period
T3‧‧‧ systole
W1‧‧‧Air weighted signal
W2‧‧‧ Muscle Weighted Signal

Figure 1A: It is a schematic diagram of the normal breathing status of the human body during sleep;
Figure 1B: It is a schematic diagram of a part of the airway obstruction during human sleep;
Figure 1C: It is a schematic diagram of the state of breathing cessation during sleep;
Figure 2A: a block diagram of an electrical stimulation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of attaching the electrical stimulation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of normal breathing when the electrical stimulation system and the human body are connected according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram of a breathing suspension connected to the human body by the electrical stimulation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3A: a block diagram of an electrical stimulation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of attaching an electrical stimulation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the electrical stimulation system and the human body according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4A: a block diagram of an electrical stimulation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of attaching an electrical stimulation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
Fig. 4C is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the electrical stimulation system and the human body according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
5 is a block diagram of an electrical stimulation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a block diagram of an electrical stimulation system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the electrical stimulation method for strengthening the chin muscle group of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a treatment mode of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a training mode of the present invention; and FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram of a stimulation current of the present invention.

    In order to make the reviewing committee members have a better understanding and understanding of the features of the present invention and the effects achieved, we would like to provide a better embodiment and a detailed description with the following description:

    First, please refer to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B together. FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the electrical stimulation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a sticker of the electrical stimulation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. schematic diagram. As shown, the electrical stimulation system 20 includes: an electrical stimulation unit 201 and a feedback circuit 202. The electrical stimulation unit 201 has a first electrode 2011 and a second electrode 2013, and the first electrode 2011 and the second electrode 2013 are attached to one of the lower jaw 301 of the human body. The electrical stimulation unit 201 is used to generate a stimulation current IS, and via The first electrode 2011 and the second electrode 2013 output the stimulation current IS to the lower crotch portion 301 of the human body 30, and then electrically stimulate one of the lower crotch muscle groups of the human body 30. The feedback circuit 202 is used to measure the breathing state of the human body 30, and generates a driving signal DR according to a reference signal REF and the breathing state of the human body 30, and transmits the driving signal DR to the electric stimulation unit 201 to drive the electric stimulation unit 201 The stimulus current IS is output, and the lower thigh muscle group of the human body 30 is electrically stimulated.

    The feedback circuit 202 includes a breathing measurement module 203 and a computing unit 204. The respiration measurement module 203 is used to measure the breathing state of the human body 30 and generate a feedback signal FB. The computing unit 204 is coupled to the breathing measurement module 203 and compares the feedback signal FB with the reference signal REF, and generates a driving signal DR based on a difference between the feedback signal FB and the reference signal REF.

    For example, when the breathing measurement module 203 measures the breathing airflow of the breathing state of the human body 30 is greater than or equal to one of the set training target values, the breathing measurement module 203 outputs the feedback signal FB at this time to the arithmetic unit 204. Therefore, After the computing unit 204 compares the reference signal REF with the feedback signal FB, since the reference signal REF is less than or equal to the feedback signal FB at this time, that is, the breathing airflow of the human body 30 represented by the feedback signal FB is greater than or equal to that represented by the reference signal REF The training target value, so the computing unit 204 outputs a corresponding driving signal DR, and at this time the electric stimulation unit 201 outputs a stimulation current IS of a fixed current amount to the human body 30 according to the driving signal DR, so as to continuously and stably pass the first electrode 2011 and The second electrode 2013 electrically stimulates the thigh muscles below the human body 30.

    When the breathing measurement module 203 measures the breathing airflow of the breathing state of the human body 30 is less than the training target value, the breathing measurement module 203 outputs the feedback signal FB at this time to the arithmetic unit 204, and the reference signal is compared by the arithmetic unit 204 After the REF and the feedback signal FB, since the reference signal REF is larger than the feedback signal FB at this time, that is, the breathing airflow of the human body 30 represented by the feedback signal FB is less than the training target value represented by the reference signal REF, the arithmetic unit 204 outputs Corresponding to the driving signal DR, the electrical stimulation unit 201 gradually increases the current of the stimulation current IS according to the driving signal DR and after a period of time, so as to increase the intensity of the electrical stimulation to the lower crotch of the human body 30, so that the tongue of the human body 30 contracts. Furthermore, the human body 30 clears the airway until the breathing airflow of the human body 30 is greater than or equal to the training target value, the current amount of the stimulation current IS is restored to the initial value, or the output is stopped when the current amount of the stimulation current IS rises to an upper limit value. The upper limit is the maximum value that complies with safety regulations. It can be known from the above that the arithmetic unit 204 uses the difference between the reference signal REF and the feedback signal FB as a basis for judging the breathing state of the human body 30.

    Among them, the reference signal REF is used to determine whether the breathing airflow reaches the training target threshold in the breathing state of the human body 30. Therefore, the value of the reference signal REF can also be adjusted according to the user's needs. For example, the reference signal REF can be adjusted. Low, so that as long as the human body 30 is not breathing air, the current amount of the stimulation current IS is gradually increased. Alternatively, the reference signal REF can be increased so that when the human body 30 has breathing airflow but the breathing airflow is too small to reach the training target value, the current amount of the stimulation current IS is gradually increased.

    In addition, the electrical stimulation unit 201 will gradually increase the current of the stimulation current IS after a period of time according to the driving signal DR, and this time is used to determine whether the breathing airflow of the human body 30 is indeed lower than the training target value. For example, this The time is set to 1 minute, and the computing unit 204 transmits the driving signal DR corresponding to the training target value to the electric stimulation unit 201 for 1 minute. The electric stimulation unit 201 determines that the breathing airflow of the human body 30 is indeed lower than the training target value, and the electric stimulation The unit 201 increases the current amount of the stimulus current IS, and this action can also be performed by the arithmetic unit 204. For example, the reference signal REF received by the arithmetic unit 204 is greater than the feedback signal FB for one minute, and then the arithmetic unit 204 outputs a value corresponding to the training target value. According to the driving signal DR, the electrical stimulation unit 201 increases the current amount of the stimulation current IS.

    Referring again to FIG. 2A, in this embodiment, the breathing measurement module 203 includes an air flow measurement unit 205, and the air flow measurement unit 205 measures the airflow state of the breathing of the human body 30 to know the breathing of the human 30 Status, and a corresponding feedback signal FB is generated. The air flow measurement unit 205 is a thermocouple sensor. The principle of the thermocouple sensor is to sense the surrounding gas flow by sensing the surrounding temperature changes. The air flow measurement unit 205 uses the sensed temperature. The difference results in a corresponding feedback signal FB, but the present invention does not limit the air flow measurement unit 205 as a thermocouple sensor, as long as it senses the air flow generated by human breathing, it is in line with the spirit of the present invention.

    Among them, as shown in FIG. 2B, in this embodiment, a part of the electrical stimulation unit 201 and the computing unit 204 are set in an electrical stimulation device 200, and the first electrode 2011 and the second electrode 2013 outside the electrical stimulation device 200 are connected. And air flow measurement unit 205, but this arrangement is not intended to limit the present invention.

    In addition, the electrical stimulation system 20 of the present invention may also include an input interface, and according to a selection signal input by a user, the electrical stimulation unit 201 is controlled to select an initial value of the stimulation current IS.

    Please refer to FIG. 2C together, which is a schematic diagram of normal breathing connected to the electrical stimulation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the first electrode 2011 and the second electrode 2013 are attached to the surface of the lower jaw 301 under the human body 30, and the stimulation current IS is transmitted to the lower jaw 301 to electrically stimulate the lower jaw 301, and By electrically stimulating the chin 301, and then electrically stimulating the entire chin muscle group 302 of the human body 30, the purpose of strengthening the muscle strength of the entire chin muscle group 302 is achieved, and the genioglossus muscle 3031 in the chin muscle group 302 The geniohyoid muscle 3033 and mandibular hyoid muscle 3035 are the key to affecting sleep apnea. Strengthening the genioglossus 3031, geniohyoid muscle 3033 and mandibular hyoid muscle 3035 can effectively improve the body's 30 sleep When the tongue 303 lacks muscle strength and blocks the airway. Wherein, the air flow measurement unit 205 is placed in the nasal passage 308 of the human body 30 to detect the breathing airflow of the nasal passage 308 of the human body 30, but the present invention is not limited to the air flow measurement unit 205 disposed in the nasal passage 308 of the human body 30.

    Referring back to FIG. 2C, as shown in the figure, when the electrical stimulation system 20 is turned on, the electrical stimulation unit 201 of the electrical stimulation training device 20 outputs the stimulation current IS with an initial value of current to strengthen the body 30 under the electrical stimulation. The sacroiliac muscle group 302, especially the genioglossus muscle 3031, the geniohyoid muscle 3033, and the mandibular hyoid muscle 3035. At this time, the tongue 305 does not collapse, so the nasal airway 305 and the oral airway 307 are kept open. And because the breathing airflow in the breathing state of the human body 30 is greater than or equal to the training target value, the air flow measurement unit 205 outputs a corresponding feedback signal FB to call the stimulation unit 201 to continuously output the stimulation current IS of the initial value current amount to continuously and Stable electrical stimulation and strengthening of the lower muscle group 302 of the human body 30.

    Please also refer to FIG. 2D, which is a schematic diagram of the breathing suspension connected to the human body by the electrical stimulation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, when the tongue 305 collapses back and blocks both the nasal airway 305 and the oral airway 307, since the breathing airflow in the breathing state of the human body 30 at this time is less than the training target value, the output of the air flow measurement unit 205 corresponds to The feedback signal FB is sent to the computing unit 204 to call the stimulation unit 201 to gradually increase the current of the stimulation current IS to strengthen the stimulation of the zygomatic muscle group 302 under the human body 30. At this time, the genioglossus muscle 3031 in the zygomatic muscle group 302 Hyoid muscle 3033 and mandibular hyoid muscle 3035 are also strengthened to stimulate the physiological phenomenon of muscle contraction. This phenomenon will cause the tongue 303 to be pulled forward to restore the position shown in Figure 2C, and until the position of the tongue 303 is restored As shown in FIG. 2C, when the nasal airway 305 and the oral airway 307 are unobstructed and the breathing airflow of the human body 30 is greater than or equal to the training target value, the stimulation current IS returns to the initial value, or when the stimulation current IS When the amount of current increases to the upper limit, the output will stop.

    It can be known from the above first embodiment that in this embodiment, when the breathing airflow of the human body 30 is greater than or equal to the training target value, the stimulation current IS of a fixed current is output, and when the breathing airflow of the human body 30 is less than the training target value, the stimulation current is gradually increased. IS, to strengthen the lower muscle group 302 of the human body 30 and prevent the occurrence of respiratory arrest, so this operation mode can be regarded as a training mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also lower the value of the reference signal REF, and the reference signal REF is only used as a threshold value for judging whether the airway of the human body 30 is unobstructed. The stimulation current IS is not output, and the stimulation current IS is output only when the breathing state of the human body 30 is airway obstruction, and if the breathing state of the human body 30 continues to be airway obstruction, the current amount of the stimulation current IS is gradually increased until the breathing of the human body 30 When the state is restored to the unobstructed airway, the stimulation current IS that maintains the amount of current in the previous state is maintained as a treatment mode.

    Please refer to FIGS. 3A and 3B together. FIG. 3A is a block diagram of the electrical stimulation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of the electrical stimulation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is only that the breathing measurement module 203 of this embodiment includes a muscle measurement unit 206, and the muscle measurement unit 206 measures the breathing state of the human body, and the rest is not More details.

    As shown in the figure, the muscle measurement unit 206 detects the skin surface vibration induced by the muscles of the lower crotch of the human body 30 to obtain the breathing state of the human body 30 and generates a corresponding feedback signal FB. The muscle measurement unit 206 may be a mechanical accelerometer, a piezoelectric voltage accelerometer, a charge accelerometer, or a capacitive accelerometer. The muscle measurement unit 206 is disposed under the human body 30 and the crotch 301. The crotch 301 is caused by the acceleration of the skin surface vibration induced by the muscles for analysis of the Mechanomyogrphy (MMG), and learns the breathing state of the human body 30. When the breathing airflow of the human body 30 breathing state is greater than or equal to the training target value The vibration amplitude of the skin surface of the crotch 301 below the human body 30 is small, that is, a relatively stable state, and when the breathing airflow in the breathing state of the human body 30 is less than the training target value, the skin surface of the crotch 301 below the human body 30 The amplitude of the vibration will be larger, so the muscle measurement unit 206 will output the corresponding feedback signal FB according to the measured skin surface vibration induced by the muscle 301 under the human body 30.

    However, the muscle measurement unit 206 of the present invention is not limited to detecting the muscle vibrations on the skin surface of the crotch 301 under the human body 30, and the muscle measurement unit 206 can also be set on other parts of the human body 30 (such as the chest or the back). As long as the breathing state can be known by measuring muscles, it is in line with the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the present invention can also detect the respiratory state of the human body 30 by detecting the electrical activity of the muscles of the human body 30 to perform electromyography (EMG) analysis.

    Please refer to FIG. 3C together, which is a schematic diagram of the connection between the electrical stimulation system and the human body according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the muscle measurement unit 206 is disposed on the surface of the crotch 301 below the human body 30 to detect the skin surface vibration induced by the muscles of the crotch 301 below the human body 30. When the tongue 303 does not collapse backward, while the nasal airway 305 and oral airway 307 remain unobstructed, since the breathing airflow in the breathing state of the human body 30 is greater than or equal to the training target value, the muscle measurement unit 206 outputs a corresponding feedback signal FB The stimulus unit 201 is called to continuously output the stimulus current IS with an initial value of current, so as to strengthen the lower musculature group 302 of the human body 30 with continuous and stable electrical stimulation.

    When the tongue 305 collapses backward (as shown in FIG. 2D) and both the nasal airway 305 and the oral airway 307 are blocked, since the breathing airflow in the breathing state of the human body 30 falls below the training target value, the muscle measurement unit 206 outputs The corresponding feedback signal FB is sent to the computing unit 204, and the stimulation unit 201 is called to gradually increase the current of the stimulation current IS, so as to strengthen the stimulation of the muscle group 302 below the human body 30, so as to relieve the situation of respiratory arrest, so that the nasal airway 305 and the oral cavity When the airway 307 is unblocked, the stimulation current IS returns to the current value of the initial value, or the stimulation current IS rises to an upper limit value and stops outputting.

    In addition, the muscle measurement unit 206 of the present invention can also learn the muscle strength of the part of the human body 30 (for example, the chin muscle group 302) by sensing the vibration of the skin surface, and set the training target value to correspond to the human body 30 The training threshold of the muscle strength of the lower muscle group 302. When the muscle measuring unit 206 measures the muscle strength of the lower muscle group 302 is greater than or equal to the training target value, a corresponding feedback signal FB is output to call the stimulation unit 201. The stimulation current IS of the initial value current is continuously output to continuously and stable electrical stimulation to strengthen the lower muscle group 302 of the human body 30. And when the muscle measurement unit 206 measures the muscle strength of the lower muscle group 302 less than the training target value, it outputs a corresponding feedback signal FB to call the stimulation unit 201 to gradually increase the current amount of the stimulation current IS to strengthen the stimulation of the human body 30 The chin muscle group 302, but the present invention is not limited to training the chin muscle group 302.

    Please refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B together. FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an electrical stimulation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of an electrical stimulation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this embodiment is a combination of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The respiratory measurement module 203 includes both the air flow measurement unit 205 and the muscle measurement unit 206, so that the air flow measurement unit 205 and The muscle measurement unit 206 measures the breathing state of the human body 30, and the arithmetic unit 204 adds one of the airflow feedback signal FB1 and one muscle feedback signal FB2 generated by the air flow measurement unit 205 and the muscle measurement unit 206, respectively, to do For the feedback signal FB, the driving signal DR is generated by comparing with the reference signal REF, that is, the proportions of the reference air flow measurement unit 205 and the muscle measurement unit 206 for measuring the breathing state of the human body 30 are respectively Fifty percent, and the remaining principles are as described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

Please refer to FIG. 4C together, which is a schematic diagram of the connection between the electrical stimulation system and the human body according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this embodiment combines the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the air flow measurement unit 205 is placed in the nasal passage 308 of the human body 30 to detect the airflow of the nasal passage 308 of the human body 30 and simultaneously The muscle measurement unit 206 is disposed on the surface of the crotch 301 below the human body 30 to simultaneously detect the surface vibration of the crotch 301 below the human body 30, and at the same time, the air flow measurement unit 205 and the muscle measurement unit 206 are used as the breathing volume The basis of the measurement module 203 for determining the breathing state of the human body 30. The remaining operation principles are as described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and are not repeated here.
Please refer to FIG. 5, which is a block diagram of an electrical stimulation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the third embodiment is that this embodiment is

A weighting unit 207 is connected between the measurement unit 205 and the operation unit 204, and a weighting unit 208 is connected between the muscle measurement unit 206 and the operation unit 204. The rest is the same, so it will not be described again.

    As shown in the figure, the weighting unit 207 is configured to multiply the airflow feedback signal FB1 generated by the airflow measurement unit 205 by an airflow weighted value to generate an airflow weighted signal W1, and the weighting unit 208 is used to generate the muscle measurement unit 206. The muscle feedback signal FB2 is multiplied by a muscle weighted value to generate a muscle weighted signal W2, and the arithmetic unit 204 adds the airflow weighted signal W1 and the muscle weighted signal W2 as the feedback signal FB, and does the same as the reference signal REF Compare.

    The airflow weighting value and the muscle weighting value can be set according to the user's needs. For example, when the airflow weighting value is set to 0.8 and the muscle weighting value is set to 0.2, the electrical stimulation system 20 refers to the airflow measurement unit 205 and the muscles. The proportions of the measurement unit 206 for measuring the breathing state of the human body 30 are 80% and 20%, respectively. In this way, in this embodiment, by adjusting the airflow weighting value and the muscle weighting value of the weighting units 207 and 208, the specific gravity of the breathing state of the human body 30 to be measured with reference to the airflow measurement unit 205 and the muscle measurement unit 206 can be adjusted.

    Please refer to FIG. 6, which is a block diagram of an electrical stimulation system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is that the electrical stimulation system 20 of this embodiment further includes a warning unit 209. The warning unit 209 is used to issue a warning signal according to the driving signal DR. For example, when the human body When the breathing state of 30 is the airway obstruction or the respiratory airflow is less than the training target value, the warning unit 209 issues a warning signal according to the driving signal DR at this time, or the warning unit 209 can also set a preset time. When the breathing state is continuously received as When the airway obstruction or respiratory airflow is less than the driving signal DR of the training target value for longer than the preset time, a warning signal is issued to remind the user, physician or surrounding personnel. The warning unit 209 may be a buzzer, a warning light, or a display device, and the warning signal may be a sound from a buzzer, a light of a different color from the warning light, or an image or subtitle displayed on the display device.

    In addition, the electrical stimulation system 20 of the present invention may further be provided with a safety emergency switch (not shown in the figure). When the human body 30 suffers from a respiratory abnormality other than the cessation of breathing or a state of discomfort in the body, the user, the physician or the surrounding personnel may This safety emergency switch comes to close the electrical stimulation system 20.

    Please refer to FIG. 7, which is a flowchart of the electrical stimulation method for strengthening the chin muscle group of the present invention. As shown in the figure, step S10 is first performed, and the first electrode 2011 and the second electrode 2013 are attached to the surface of the crotch 301 below the human body 30. Then, a treatment mode (step S20) or a training mode (step S30) can be selected according to the needs of the human body 30. The treatment mode is simply to give the stimulation current IS to make the airway of the human body 30 clear when the breathing of the human body 30 is stopped, while the training mode is The stimulation current IS is continuously given, and when the breathing of the human body 30 is stopped, the current of the stimulation current IS is increased to strengthen the muscle group below the human body 30 and at the same time avoid obstruction of the airway of the human body 30. The details of the treatment mode and training mode are described below.

    Please refer to FIG. 8, which is a flowchart of a treatment mode of the present invention. The treatment mode of step S20 includes steps S201 to S214. First, step S201 is performed. This step is set in the treatment mode. When the human body 30 stops breathing, the initial value of the stimulation current IS to be output and the current change of the stimulation current IS are increased. 0.01 milliampere (mA) to 0.1 milliampere safety specifications, and the amount of change in current may be, for example, 0.1 milliamp per step or minute. Next, step S202 is performed. This step is to set a treatment time, and the treatment time can be set in advance or set by the user. Since the use of the treatment mode can be when the human body is sleeping, the time set in step S202 can also be infinite. It is large, that is, there is no need to set a treatment time, and the electrical stimulation system is automatically turned off when the human body 30 wakes up, but the manner of setting the time is not intended to limit the present invention. Next, step 203 is executed to set a safety stimulation time, which can be set in advance or set by a user, and the safety stimulation time is used to prevent the human body 30 from receiving excessive electrical stimulation, which causes a burden on the body.

    Next, step S204 is performed, and the breathing measurement module 203 continuously measures the breathing state of the human body 30. When the breathing state of the human body 30 is an unobstructed airway, execute step S205 to determine whether it is the initial breathing state of the human body 30 and the initial breathing state That is, when the electrical stimulation system 20 does not provide electrical stimulation, the airway of the human body 30 is unobstructed. If it is the initial breathing state, step S206 is performed. The electrical stimulation unit 201 continues not to output the stimulation current, and then executes step S207 to detect the treatment time to detect whether the treatment time set in step S202 has arrived. If not, then Continue to return to step S204 to measure the breathing state of the human body 30. If it arrives, execute step S208 to end the treatment and stop the entire electrical stimulation system 10.

    When the breathing state of the human body 30 in step S204 is airway obstruction (breathing stop), step S209 is executed, and the electric stimulation unit 201 generates a stimulation current IS of the initial value current amount set in step S201 according to the driving signal DR, and passes the The first electrode 2011 and the second electrode 2013 are output to the lower crotch portion 301 of the human body 30 to electrically stimulate the lower crotch muscle group 302 of the human body 30 to make the airway of the human body 30 open. Then step S210 is performed to increase the current amount of the stimulation current IS by a current change amount, and then step S211 is performed to detect the treatment time. This step is the same as step S207. If the treatment time has arrived, step S208 is performed to end the treatment. Then, step S212 is performed to detect whether the safety stimulation time has arrived.

    Regarding the above step S212, when the human body 30 is breathing obstructed, the electrical stimulation system 10 will electrically stimulate the human body 30 through step S209. If the human body 30's airway obstruction lasts longer, the more electrical stimulation is received, so By counting the time when the airway obstruction of the human body 30 starts, that is, when the electrical stimulation system 10 starts to output the stimulation current IS, if the time of the airway obstruction is greater than or equal to this safe stimulation time, it means that the state of the human body 30's respiratory cessation can no longer be stimulated by electricity. And recovery, so if it continues to cause electrical stress to the body, it may cause additional burden on the body, so steps S208 and S213 are performed to send a warning signal to remind the user, physician or surrounding personnel that the human body 30 is breathing stopped, and the treatment is ended. .

    If it is determined in step S212 that the airway obstruction of the human body 30 has not exceeded the safety stimulus time, then return to step S204 to continuously measure the breathing state of the human body 30. If the airway of the human body 30 is not continuously measured, then return to In step S209, the stimulation current IS is output, and because the current amount of the stimulation current IS has been increased by a current change amount in step S210, the current amount of the stimulation current IS output at this time is added to the current change amount. Until the airway of the human body 30 is unblocked, step S205 is performed to determine whether it is the initial breathing state of the human body 30. At this time, the airway of the human body 30 is unblocked, which is caused by the electric stimulation provided by the electric stimulation system 20 in the previous state. Therefore, it is determined as NO in step S205, and step S214 is performed to continuously provide the stimulation current IS to the human body 30 and maintain the current amount of the stimulation current IS output in the previous state, and then execute step S207.

    Please refer to FIG. 9, which is a flowchart of the training mode of the present invention. The training mode of step S30 includes steps S301 to S312. First, step S301 is performed. This step is to set the initial value of the stimulus current IS to be output in the training mode and the current change amount of the stimulus current IS to increase. This current amount may be, for example, 0.01 milliamps, and the current change amount may be For example, 0.1 milliamps per time or minute. Next, step S302 is executed to set a training target value. This part can be set in advance or set by the user. This training target value can be set to 3L / S (liters / second) for the breathing airflow of the human body 30, but not limited to this. , And the training target value is the value of the reference signal REF compared with the feedback signal FB described above. Next, step S303 is executed to set the training time. This part can also be set in advance or set by the user. Then, step 304 is performed to set a safety stimulation time, and this safety stimulation time may also be set in advance or set by a user. Next, step S305 is executed to cause the electrical stimulation unit 20 to generate the stimulation current IS with an initial value of current, and output the stimulation current IS to the crotch 301 below the human body 30 through the first electrode 2011 and the second electrode 2013 to electrically stimulate the human body 30 below颏 muscle group 302. Then step S306 is executed, the breathing state of the human body 30 is measured by the breathing measurement module 203, and the difference between the reference signal REF and the feedback signal FB is compared by the arithmetic unit 204, and the corresponding driving signal DR is output. When the breathing airflow in the breathing state is greater than or equal to the training target value, step S307 is performed. If the breathing airflow in the breathing state of the human body 30 is less than the training target value, step S309 is performed.

    When it is judged that the breathing airflow of the human body 30 is greater than or equal to the training target value after executing step S306, it means that the breathing airflow of the human body 30 is 3L / S or more, that is, the electric current is stimulated to the human body 30 by the stimulation current IS of the initial value current. The airway of 30 can reach the expected degree of patency, and the chin muscle group also reaches the expected strengthening training. Therefore, step S307 is performed to detect the training time to detect the training time set in step S302. Step S308 is executed to end the training and the electrical stimulation system 20 is closed, or the user may judge the length of time and turn off the electrical stimulation system 20 by himself. If the training time is not reached, return to step S306 to continue measuring the breathing state of the human body. And maintain the current amount of the stimulation current IS at this time.

    When it is judged that the breathing airflow of the human body 30 is less than the training target value after executing step S306, it means that the breathing airflow of the human body 30 is less than 3L / S at this time, that is, the electrical stimulation received by the human body 30 at this time is not enough to make the respiratory tract of the human body 30 reach the desired value. The expected degree of patency and the chin muscle group cannot reach the expected intensive training, so step S309 is performed, and the electrical stimulation unit 201 increases the current amount of the stimulation current IS by a current change amount according to the driving signal DR to increase the amount of current on the human body. The intensity of the electrical stimulation of the musculature group below 30, thereby contracting the tongue 303 of the human body 30 to achieve the effect of clearing the airway and strengthening the training. Then, step S309 is performed after step S309 to detect the training time. This step is the same as the step In step S307, if the training time has arrived, step S308 is performed to end the training. If the training time has not arrived, step S311 is performed.

    Step S311 is to detect whether the safety stimulation time has arrived. When the safety stimulation time has been reached, execute steps S308 and S312 to issue a warning signal and end the training. If the safety stimulation time has not been reached, return to step S306 to measure the breathing state of the human body 30. If the breathing airflow of the human body 30 continues to be less than the training target value, then execute step S309 to continue to increase the current amount of the stimulation current IS until the breathing airflow of the human body 30 is greater than or equal to the training target value, then execute step S307 and maintain the stimulation at this time. When the current amount of the current IS and the current amount of the stimulation current IS rise to the upper limit, step S308 is also executed to end the training and close the electrical stimulation system 20, or the user may judge the length of time and turn off the electrical stimulation system 20 by himself.

    In addition, the training target value in step S302 may also be set to 50 units corresponding to the muscle strength of the muscle group 302 below the human body 30, and whether the muscle strength of the muscle group 302 below the human body 30 is measured in step S306. When this target value is reached, step S307 or S309 is performed, and the rest are the same as the above-mentioned paragraph [0052] of the present invention.

    From the above, it can be known that the electrical stimulation method for strengthening tongue muscles of the present invention can set a course of treatment for patients with sleep apnea, for example, twice a week, and set a predetermined time each time, training for a total of 8 weeks, use The electrical stimulation system 20 of the present invention continuously performs electrical stimulation on the lower chin 301 of the human body 30 to strengthen the lower musculature muscle group 302 of the human 30, and if the patient is suffering from a state of respiratory cessation on the way, the electrical stimulation system of the present invention 20 will increase the current of the stimulation current IS, and unblock the airway of the patient to ensure the patient's life safety. When the predetermined time is reached, the electrical stimulation system 20 is closed, but the method of setting the treatment course is not intended to limit the present invention. .

    In addition, since the electrical stimulation system 20 of the present invention can increase the current of the stimulation current IS when the patient has a cessation of breathing condition, in order to open the patient's respiratory tract to ensure the patient's life safety, the patient is awake or sleeping. The electrical stimulation system 20 of the present invention can be used, so the electrical stimulation method of strengthening the tongue muscles of the present invention can set a general day course or sleep course for patients.

    Please refer to FIG. 10 together, which is a waveform diagram of the stimulation current of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the stimulation current IS is a symmetric biphasic output, and its frequency is between 50 Hz and 60 Hz. The initial value of the stimulation current IS, for example, in the training mode, when the breathing state is normal The amount of current is 0.01 milliamps, and it has a relaxation period T1 and a contraction period T3. The stimulation current IS does not output current during the relaxation period T1, and the current is output only during the contraction period T3. When the human 30 breathing airflow is less than the training target value or the breathing is stopped, the stimulation current IS rises by 0.01 milliamps per minute until the breathing state returns to normal and falls to the initial value of 0.01 milliamps, or the stimulation current IS rises to the upper limit of 0.1 milliamps. When it is output. However, the present invention is not limited to the values of the frequency and current amount of the stimulation current IS.

    In summary, the electrical stimulation system and method for strengthening tongue muscles of the present invention uses an electrical stimulation unit to electrically stimulate the lower chin of the human body to strengthen the muscles of the lower musculature of the human body, thereby solving the problem of sleep apnea. Symptoms, and a respiration measurement module is used to measure the breathing state of the human body, and the current amount of the stimulation current is adjusted according to the breathing state, so as to avoid the situation of breathing cessation during sleep.

    However, the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. For example, all changes and modifications of the shapes, structures, features, and spirits in accordance with the scope of the patent application for the present invention are made. Shall be included in the scope of patent application of the present invention.

The invention is truly a novel, progressive, and industrially available user, which should meet the patent application requirements stipulated by the Chinese Patent Law. No doubt, the invention patent application was submitted in accordance with the law. prayer.

20‧‧‧ Electric stimulation system

201‧‧‧Electric stimulation unit

202‧‧‧Feedback circuit

203‧‧‧Respiration measurement module

204‧‧‧ Computing Unit

205‧‧‧Air flow measurement unit

206‧‧‧ Muscle Measurement Unit

30‧‧‧Human body

REF‧‧‧Reference signal

DR‧‧‧Drive signal

IS‧‧‧stimulation current

FB1‧‧‧Airflow feedback signal

FB2‧‧‧ Muscle feedback signal

Claims (5)

An electrical stimulation system for strengthening the mandibular muscle group is suitable for awake users. The electrical stimulation system includes: an electrical stimulation unit having a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode are attached to a One of the chins of the human body, the electrical stimulation unit is used to generate a stimulus current, and output the stimulus current to the chins through the first electrode and the second electrode to electrically stimulate one of the chin muscles of the human body And a feedback circuit that generates a driving signal based on one of the training target values required for the breathing state of the human body and the muscle strength of the chin muscle group, and transmits the driving signal to the electrical stimulation unit to drive the electrical stimulation The unit electrically stimulates the mandibular muscle group; wherein the feedback circuit includes a breathing measurement module, which includes: an air flow measurement unit, which detects the airflow state of the human breath to know the breathing state of the human body, and Generating an airflow feedback signal; a muscle measurement unit that detects the skin surface vibration of the human body induced by the muscles to know the breathing state of the human body, and generates a muscle feedback signal; and Calculation unit, adding the gas stream and the feedback signal as a feedback signal muscle feedback signal and the feedback signal to generate the drive signal and the training target value based on the difference. The electrical stimulation system according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the feedback circuit further includes: a first weighting unit, receiving the airflow feedback signal, and multiplying the airflow feedback signal by an airflow weighted value to generate An airflow weighted signal; and a second weighting unit that receives the muscle feedback signal and multiplies the muscle feedback signal by a muscle weighted value to generate a muscle weighted signal; wherein the arithmetic unit adds the airflow weighted signal And the muscle weighted signal as a feedback signal, and the driver is generated based on the difference between the feedback signal and the training target value Motion signal. The electrical stimulation system according to item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein when the breathing airflow of the human breathing state and the muscle strength of the chin muscle group are greater than or equal to the training target value, the feedback circuit transmits the driving signal to the The electric stimulation unit is used to drive the electric stimulation unit to output the stimulation current of the initial value current amount, and when the strength of the breathing airflow of the human breathing state and the muscle strength of the chin muscle group is less than the training target value, the feedback circuit The driving signal is transmitted to the electrical stimulation unit to drive the electrical stimulation unit to gradually increase the current amount of the stimulation current. The electrical stimulation system according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein when the muscle strength of the human chin muscle group is greater than or equal to the training target value, the feedback circuit transmits the driving signal to the electrical stimulation unit to drive The electrical stimulation unit outputs the stimulation current of an initial value current amount, and when the muscle strength of the chin muscle group of the human body is less than the training target value, the feedback circuit transmits the driving signal to the electrical stimulation unit to drive The electrical stimulation unit gradually increases the amount of current of the stimulation current. The electrical stimulation system according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein when the breathing state of the human body is unobstructed and the muscle strength of the chin muscle group is greater than or equal to the training target value, the feedback circuit transmits the driving signal to the An electric stimulation unit, so that the electric stimulation unit does not output the stimulation current, and when the human breathing state is airway obstruction and the muscle strength of the chin muscle group is less than the training target value, the feedback circuit transmits the driving signal to The electrical stimulation unit is configured to drive the electrical stimulation unit to output the stimulation current.