WO2012002193A1 - Electro-stimulating device - Google Patents

Electro-stimulating device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012002193A1
WO2012002193A1 PCT/JP2011/064114 JP2011064114W WO2012002193A1 WO 2012002193 A1 WO2012002193 A1 WO 2012002193A1 JP 2011064114 W JP2011064114 W JP 2011064114W WO 2012002193 A1 WO2012002193 A1 WO 2012002193A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
joint
muscle
electrical stimulation
electrode
straddle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2011/064114
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
三原 泉
和宏 井出
亮 市村
Original Assignee
パナソニック電工 株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by パナソニック電工 株式会社 filed Critical パナソニック電工 株式会社
Priority to CN201180042110.9A priority Critical patent/CN103079637B/en
Publication of WO2012002193A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012002193A1/en

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/36003Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation of motor muscles, e.g. for walking assistance
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02Details
    • A61N1/04Electrodes
    • A61N1/0404Electrodes for external use
    • A61N1/0408Use-related aspects
    • A61N1/0452Specially adapted for transcutaneous muscle stimulation [TMS]
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02Details
    • A61N1/04Electrodes
    • A61N1/0404Electrodes for external use
    • A61N1/0472Structure-related aspects
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/36014External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes
    • A61N1/36021External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes for treatment of pain

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to muscles.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example, a supporter for maintaining a fitted state in a knee joint even when knee extension and flexion are repeated.
  • Patent Document 2 discloses, as an example, a method for enhancing muscle strength by applying electrical stimulation and contracting the antagonist muscle when the main muscle and the antagonist muscle are contracting and extending, respectively.
  • Patent Document 3 discloses a method for enhancing muscle strength by executing warm-up of an application site, muscle activation, muscle tightening, and the like using a pulse signal.
  • the supporter plays the role of quadriceps, etc., which protects the joints such as the knee, so that the muscle strength that has been supplemented by the supporter is reduced when it is used for a long time. To do.
  • joint pain is not sufficiently reduced until muscle strength is increased to such an extent that joint pain is reduced. Is big. Even if the muscle strength in the vicinity of the joint is increased, when the user's action (for example, an action to go down the stairs) in which the main and antagonist muscles do not expand and contract is performed, the joint is loaded and thus pain is felt.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical stimulation device that can achieve both joint fixation and suppression of a decrease in muscle strength.
  • an electrical stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to muscles is provided with a mounting unit that is mounted on a part of a human body including a joint straddle muscle that is a muscle that straddles a joint, and the mounting unit. And an electrode part for passing an electric current to the joint straddle muscle.
  • an electrical stimulation device that can achieve both joint fixation and suppression of muscle strength reduction.
  • (a) is a front view which shows the front structure
  • (b) is a rear view which shows the back structure.
  • the block diagram which shows the structure of the electrical stimulation apparatus of the embodiment.
  • (a) is a front view of the thigh showing the positional relationship between the quadriceps muscle and the electrode portion
  • (b) is a rear view of the thigh showing the positional relationship between the hamstring and the electrode portion.
  • (C) The back view of the lower leg which shows the positional relationship of a gastrocnemius and an electrode part.
  • (A) is a front view which shows the front structure
  • (b) is a rear view which shows the back structure about the user's leg with which the stimulus provision part of the electrical stimulation apparatus of the embodiment was mounted
  • (a) is a rear view which shows the positional relationship of a lower leg bending muscle group and an electrode part
  • (b) shows the positional relationship of a lower leg extensor muscle group and an electrode part.
  • a front view and (c) are front views which show the positional relationship of a crus peroneus muscle group and an electrode part.
  • (a) is a front view which shows the positional relationship of a hip adductor muscle group and an electrode part
  • (b) is the front which shows the positional relationship of a hamstring and an electrode part
  • FIG. 4C is a rear view showing the positional relationship between the gluteal muscle and the electrode portion
  • FIG. 5D is a front view showing the positional relationship between the hip adductor muscle group and the electrode portion.
  • (a) is a front view which shows the positional relationship of an elbow flexor muscle group and an electrode part
  • (b) shows the positional relationship of an elbow extension muscle group and an electrode part.
  • the front view is a front view showing the positional relationship between the finger extension muscle group and the electrode portion
  • (d) is a side view showing the positional relationship between the finger flexion muscle group and the electrode portion.
  • (a) is a front view which shows the positional relationship of a shoulder raising convolution muscle group and an electrode part
  • (b) The position of a shoulder raising convolution muscle group and an electrode part The side view which shows a relationship.
  • FIGS. An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
  • the present invention is embodied as a supporter type electrical stimulation device to be worn on each of the left and right lower limbs is shown.
  • FIG. 1 shows a front structure and a back structure of the electrical stimulation device 1.
  • the electrical stimulation device 1 includes a stimulation applying unit 10 that applies electrical stimulation to the right lower limb, a stimulation applying unit (not shown) that applies electrical stimulation to the left lower limb, and a mode of applying electrical stimulation to the lower limb by each stimulation applying unit. And a stimulus control unit 40 for controlling the above.
  • the stimulus applying unit 10 for the right lower limb includes a supporter 20 serving as a main body thereof, and a plurality of electrode units, that is, a first electrode unit 31, a second electrode unit 32, and a third electrode unit 33.
  • the supporter 20 is provided as a mounting portion (a lower limb mounting portion in the present embodiment).
  • the stimulus applying unit for the left lower limb corresponds to a structure in which the structure of the supporter 20 of the stimulus applying unit 10 for the right lower limb and the arrangement of the electrode units 31 to 33 are changed to correspond to the left lower limb. It has substantially the same structure as the stimulus imparting unit 10. For this reason, below, description about the stimulus provision part for left lower limbs is abbreviate
  • the supporter 20 is superposed on a thigh front portion 21 covering the front of the thigh, a lower thigh front portion 22 covering the front of the thigh, a first thigh back portion 23 covering the back of the thigh, and a first thigh back portion 23.
  • a second thigh back surface portion 24 is provided.
  • a first lower leg back part 25 covering the back of the lower leg, a second lower leg back part 26 superimposed on the first lower leg back part 25, and a knee part 27 covering the front of the knee joint are provided.
  • the thigh front part 21, the first thigh back part 23, and the second thigh back part 24 are provided as a first lower limb attachment part that is attached to a site including the joint straddle muscle of the thigh.
  • the lower leg front part 22, the first lower leg back part 25, and the second lower leg back part 26 are provided as a second lower limb attachment part to be attached to a part including the joint straddle muscle of the lower leg.
  • the first thigh back surface portion 23 is provided with a loop surface 28A of a hook-and-loop fastener.
  • the second thigh back surface portion 24 is provided with a hook surface 28B of a hook-and-loop fastener.
  • the first lower leg back portion 25 is provided with a loop surface 29A of a hook-and-loop fastener.
  • the second lower leg back portion 26 is provided with a hook surface 29B of a hook-and-loop fastener.
  • the knee 27 is provided with a hole 27A for easily bending the knee joint.
  • the loop surface 28A of the hook-and-loop fastener is attached to the hook surface 28B of the hook-and-loop fastener, whereby the thigh front part 21, the first thigh back part 23, and the second thigh back part 24 are fixed around the thigh.
  • the loop surface 29A of the hook and loop fastener is attached to the hook surface 29B of the hook and loop fastener, whereby the lower leg front part 22, the first lower leg back part 25, and the second lower leg back part 26 are fixed to the lower leg.
  • the electrode portions 31 to 33 are exposed on the back side of the supporter 20 so as to be in direct contact with the user's skin.
  • each of the electrode units 31 to 33 is electrically connected to the stimulation control unit 40 via the conductive wire 39.
  • the first electrode part 31 is provided on the thigh front part 21.
  • the second electrode portion 32 is provided on the second thigh back surface portion 24.
  • the third electrode part 33 is provided on the second lower leg back part 26.
  • the structure of the stimulus control unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG.
  • the stimulation control unit 40 includes a pulse generation unit 51 that outputs a pulse signal, an operation unit 52 for switching the stimulation control unit 40 on and off, and a switching for switching the mode of energization of the lower limbs by the stimulation applying unit 10. A portion 53 is provided.
  • a power supply unit 54 that supplies power to each component of the stimulation control unit 40, a storage unit 55 in which a program for controlling each of the electrode units 31 to 33 is stored in advance, and a part to which electrical stimulation is applied
  • a display unit 56 for displaying information indicating the strength and the like.
  • a joint displacement detection sensor 41 that detects the displacement of the joint
  • a joint rotation detection sensor 42 that detects the rotation of the joint
  • an operation state detection sensor 43 that detects the operation state of the living body.
  • the sensor 41 is provided as a joint displacement detection unit
  • the sensor 42 is provided as a joint rotation detection unit
  • the sensor 43 is provided as an operation state detection unit.
  • the output control unit 50 includes a microcomputer. Further, the output control unit 50 supplies power to the electrode units 31 to 33 based on signals input from the operation unit 52, the switching unit 53, the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the joint rotation detection sensor 42, and the operation state detection sensor 43. Control aspects. The control of the energization mode is performed based on a program stored in advance corresponding to each of the plurality of modes. When any of the plurality of modes is selected by operating the switching unit 53, the output control unit 50 performs energization control of each of the electrode units 31 to 33 corresponding to the selected mode. The energization control of each of the electrode portions 31 to 33 is performed by adjusting the magnitude and frequency of the applied current. In the present embodiment, the output control unit 50 functions as a joint displacement control unit, an operation state control unit, and a joint rotation control unit.
  • the operation unit 52 is provided with a switch for turning on and off the power of the stimulus control unit 40, and a switch and a dial for performing various settings.
  • the switching unit 53 is provided with a plurality of operation positions corresponding to a plurality of modes.
  • the following modes A to E are prepared in advance as energization control modes.
  • Mode A is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength by operating a living body.
  • Mode B is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for stimulating the joint straddle muscle and fixing the joint.
  • Mode C is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for alleviating pain.
  • Mode D is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength without operating the living body.
  • Mode E is set as a mode for controlling the energization mode of the joint straddle muscles based on the outputs of the sensors 41 to 43.
  • the joint displacement detection sensor 41 detects the displacement of the knee joint.
  • the displacement of the knee joint means the following. That is, a state in which the user has extended the knee joint is referred to as a neutral displacement state, and an operation in which the knee joint is bent from this state is referred to as joint displacement.
  • Knee joint rotation refers to the following: That is, the state in which the user does not apply force to the knee joint is referred to as a neutral rotation state, and the operation in which the knee joint rotates around the lower limb axis from this state is referred to as rotation of the knee joint.
  • rotation of the knee joint In the following, the movement of the knee joint rotating from the inside to the outside is referred to as “external rotation”, and the movement of the knee joint from the outside to the inside is referred to as “internal rotation”.
  • the operation state detection sensor 43 detects the operation state of the living body.
  • the operating state of the living body means the following. That is, a state in which the living body is upright is referred to as a neutral living body state, and a state in which a load is applied to the knee joint when the living body operates from this state is referred to as an operating state of the living body.
  • the operation state detection sensor 43 As the operation state detection sensor 43, a rotation sensor, an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, and an angle sensor are provided.
  • the movement state detection sensor 43 detects at least one change in the displacement of the knee joint, the acceleration of the knee joint, the pressure applied to a predetermined portion of the living body, and the angle of the limb. For this reason, based on the detection result of the movement state detection sensor 43, it can be confirmed whether or not the movement of the living body is a movement that puts a load on the knee joint.
  • the muscles that make up the thigh 60 include the quadriceps 61, the semi-tendon-like muscle 63, the biceps femoris 64, and the semi-membranous muscle 65.
  • the semi-tendon-like muscle 63, the biceps femoris muscle 64, and the semi-membranous muscle 65 are collectively referred to as a hamstring 62.
  • the muscles constituting the lower leg 70 include the gastrocnemius muscle 71.
  • the quadriceps 61, the hamstring 62, and the gastrocnemius 71 are muscles that straddle the knee joints of the lower limbs (joint straddle muscles). For this reason, when at least one of these muscles contracts, a force acts in a direction in which the displacement of the knee joint becomes smaller. That is, when the quadriceps 61 and the hamstring 62 contract, a force is exerted to return the knee joint to the neutral displacement state by pulling the knee joint upward. Further, when the gastrocnemius muscle 71 contracts, a force is applied to return the knee joint to the neutral displacement state by pulling the knee joint downward.
  • the quadriceps 61 and hamstring 62 of the joint straddle muscles are muscles (joint rotator) that contribute to the rotation of the knee joint. For this reason, when at least one of these muscles contracts, a force acts in a direction in which the rotation of the knee joint becomes smaller. That is, when the quadriceps 61 and the hamstring 62 contract, a force is applied to return the knee joint from the externally rotated state or the internally rotated state to the neutrally rotated state.
  • the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the first electrode unit 31 are held in contact with the skin of the lower limb corresponding to the quadriceps 61 respectively. Further, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the second electrode part 32 are held in contact with the skin of the lower limbs corresponding to the hamstring 62, respectively. Further, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the third electrode portion 33 are held in contact with the skin of the lower limbs corresponding to the gastrocnemius muscle 71, respectively.
  • FIG. 4 shows the right lower limb of the user to which the stimulus imparting unit 10 is attached.
  • the user can use the electrical stimulation apparatus 1 in the following procedure.
  • the stimulus imparting unit 10 is attached to the right leg and the left leg.
  • the operation unit 52 is operated to turn on the power.
  • the switching unit 53 is operated as necessary to switch the mode.
  • the power is turned off by operating the operation unit 52.
  • the stimulus imparting unit 10 is removed from the right leg and the left leg.
  • the control modes of the stimulus applying unit 10 by the stimulus control unit 40 are shown in the following (A) to (E).
  • the stimulation controller 40 applies electrical stimulation to the stretched antagonist muscle (hamstring 62). To do. That is, according to the contraction of the joint straddle muscles due to the movement of the living body, electrical stimulation is applied to the joint straddle muscles that are not contracted to give resistance in the contraction direction. Thereby, since the resistance to the contraction direction of the hamstring 62 becomes large, the reinforcement of the muscular strength is achieved.
  • the stimulation control unit 40 causes the low frequency to be applied to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 by at least one of the electrode units 31 to 33.
  • the pulse current is continuously applied.
  • the magnitude of the current supplied from the electrode portions 31 to 33 to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 is smaller than that in the mode A.
  • the stimulation control unit 40 performs electrical stimulation to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 by at least one of the electrode units 31 to 33. Continue granting. At this time, the magnitude of the current supplied from the electrode portions 31 to 33 to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 is larger than that in the mode C and smaller than that in the mode A and mode B. Thereby, since weak electrical stimulation is continuously given to the lower limbs, the muscular strength is enhanced without the lower limbs moving.
  • the stimulation control unit 40 performs electrical stimulation of the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43. Grant. Specifically, energization control is performed as in the following (E1) to (E3).
  • a supporter 20 attached to a human body part including the joint straddle muscle, and a plurality of electrode portions 31 to 31 provided in the supporter 20 for flowing current to the joint straddle muscle. 33 is provided.
  • the joint straddle muscle can be stimulated by passing an electric current through the joint straddle muscle.
  • the muscle contracts, so that the knee joint corresponding to the joint straddle muscle is difficult to displace.
  • the force for fixing the knee joint is stronger than when no current is supplied, thereby reducing the displacement of the knee joint. be able to.
  • the muscle strength of the user is reduced compared to a supporter that fixes the knee joint without supplying an electric current. Can be suppressed.
  • a supporter 20 to be attached to the thigh 60 and the lower leg 70 is provided as the stimulus applying unit 10.
  • the supporter 20 includes a thigh front part 21, a first thigh back part 23, and a second thigh back part 24 that are attached to the thigh 60 including a joint straddle muscle. Further, the supporter 20 includes a crus front part 22, a first crus back part 25, and a second crus back part 26 that are attached to a part including the joint straddle muscles in the crus 70.
  • the joint displacement detection sensor 41 that detects the displacement of the joint due to the extension and bending of the joint, and the output control unit 50 that controls the energization mode of the living body by the electrode units 31 to 33 are provided. Is provided. Based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the output control unit 50 controls the energization mode of the joint straddle muscles by the electrode units 31 to 33.
  • the muscle fast muscle fibers react to increase the degree of muscle activity.
  • fast muscle fibers tend to get tired, and when the electrical stimulation is excessively applied, the burden on the human body is large.
  • the burden on the knee joint varies depending on the displacement of the knee joint, and is most difficult when the knee joint is in the neutral displacement state.
  • the output control unit 50 controls the energization mode based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41. Therefore, when there is no need to fix the joint, the output control unit 50 energizes the knee joint. By stopping, fatigue of fast muscle fibers can be reduced. Further, even when the user is unconscious, such as during sleep, there is a low possibility of causing fatigue of the fast muscle fibers, so that the knee joint can be fixed by energization even when the user is unconscious. Thereby, the effect of reducing the displacement of the knee joint is further enhanced.
  • the electrical stimulation apparatus 1 is provided with an operation state detection sensor 43 for detecting the operation state of the living body and an output control unit 50 for controlling the energization mode of the living body by the electrode units 31 to 33. Based on the detection result of the motion state detection sensor 43, the output control unit 50 changes the current application mode of the joint straddle muscles by the electrode units 31 to 33.
  • the knee joint when the user goes down the stairs, the knee joint is in a neutral displacement state and the joint straddle muscle is not active. For this reason, knee pain occurs when weight is applied to one knee. Moreover, since the joint straddle muscle is not active, it is not possible to properly grasp the motion of the knee joint only by sensing the state of the muscle.
  • a joint rotation detection sensor 42 for detecting the rotation of the joint and an output control unit 50 for controlling the energization mode of the living body by the electrode units 31 to 33 are provided. . Based on the detection result of the joint rotation detection sensor 42, the output control unit 50 controls the current application mode from the electrode units 31 to 33 to the joint rotator muscle. According to this configuration, since the joint can be fixed by passing an electric current through the joint rotator muscle of the thigh 60, pain due to the rotation of the knee joint can be reduced.
  • mode A for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength by operating a living body, and stimulating the joint straddle muscle
  • a mode B for applying electrical stimulation for fixing the joint.
  • mode A the user can increase muscle strength while exercising and daily life.
  • mode B the knee joint is fixed by applying an electric current to the joint straddle muscle, so that knee pain can be reduced.
  • mode C for applying electrical stimulation for alleviating pain, and for increasing muscle strength without operating the living body
  • a mode D for applying electrical stimulation is provided. According to this configuration, in mode C, pain can be alleviated by applying a low-frequency pulse current. In mode D, by continuously applying electrical stimulation, muscle strength can be increased without the user moving the lower limbs.
  • the second electrode portion 32 is configured so that a current can flow through all of the semi-tendon-like muscle 63, the biceps femoris muscle 64, and the semi-membranous muscle 65 constituting the hamstring 62.
  • the second electrode 32 can also be configured so that a current can flow through only one or two of the semi-tendon-like muscle 63, the biceps femoris 64, and the semi-membranous muscle 65.
  • the first electrode portion 31 to the third electrode portion 33 are provided corresponding to each of the quadriceps muscle 61, the hamstring 62, and the gastrocnemius muscle 71, but one of the electrode portions 31 to 33 or Two can be omitted.
  • a plurality of electrode portions 31 to 33 for fixing the knee joint are provided.
  • An electrode portion can be provided.
  • the following electrode portions can be provided in place of all of the electrode portions 31 to 33, in place of any one or two of the electrode portions 31 to 33, or in addition to the electrode portions 31 to 33.
  • a fourth electrode part for fixing the ankle joint may be provided.
  • the electrode part 34A of FIG. 5A corresponding to the back of the lower leg
  • the electrode part 34B of FIG. 5B corresponding to the front of the lower leg
  • FIG. At least one of the electrode part 34C of c) can be provided.
  • the electrode part 34A of FIG. 5A is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the plurality of lower leg flexor muscle groups 72 including the gastrocnemius muscle.
  • the electrode part 34 ⁇ / b> B in FIG. 5B is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the crus extensor group 73.
  • the plurality of lower leg flexor muscle groups 72, lower leg extensor muscle groups 73, and lower leg radial muscle group 74 are joint straddle muscles for the ankle joint.
  • a fifth electrode part for fixing the hip joint may be provided.
  • the electrode portion 35A in FIG. 6A corresponding to the front surface of the thigh
  • the electrode portion 35B in FIG. 6B corresponding to the back surface of the thigh
  • FIG. 6C corresponding to the buttocks portion.
  • Electrode part 35C and the electrode part 35D of FIG. 6D corresponding to the front of the pelvis can be provided.
  • the electrode portion 35 ⁇ / b> A in FIG. 6A is provided as an electrode portion for allowing a current to flow through the hip adductor muscle group 66.
  • the electrode part 35 ⁇ / b> C in FIG. 6C is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the greater gluteus 67.
  • the electrode part 35 ⁇ / b> D in FIG. 6D is also provided as an electrode part for flowing a current through the hip flexor muscle group 68.
  • the hip adductor muscle group 66, the hamstring 62, the greater ankle muscle 67, and the hip flexor muscle group 68 are joint straddle muscles for the hip joint.
  • a sixth electrode part for fixing the elbow joint may be provided.
  • the electrode portion 36A in FIG. 7A corresponding to the side surface of the upper arm
  • the electrode portion 36B in FIG. 7B corresponding to the front surface of the upper arm
  • FIG. 7 corresponding to the outer side of the lower arm.
  • At least one of the electrode part 36C of (c) and the electrode part 36D of FIG. 7 (d) corresponding to the side surface of the lower arm can be provided.
  • the electrode portion 36 ⁇ / b> A in FIG. 7A is provided as an electrode portion for flowing current to the elbow flexor muscle group 81.
  • the elbow flexor muscle group 81, the elbow extensor muscle group 82, the finger extensor muscle group 91, and the finger flexor muscle group 92 are all joint straddle muscles for the elbow joint. That is, in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 7, the mounting portion such as the supporter 20 in the stimulus applying unit 10 of FIG.
  • the upper limb mounting portion is similar to the first lower limb mounting portion (21, 23, 24) and the second lower limb mounting portion (22, 25, 26) in the configuration of FIG. 82) and a second upper limb mounting portion mounted on a portion including the joint straddle muscles (91, 92) of the lower arm.
  • a seventh electrode part for fixing the shoulder joint may be provided.
  • the seventh electrode portion includes a minus pole 37A corresponding to the trapezius muscle, a plus pole 37B corresponding to the muscle in front of the shoulder joint, a plus pole 37C corresponding to the muscle inside and below the shoulder joint, and the back surface of the shoulder joint. And a plus pole 37D corresponding to the muscle of the other.
  • the seventh electrode portion is provided as an electrode portion for allowing a current to flow to the front side of the raised shoulder rotator muscle group 100.
  • the raised shoulder rotator muscle group 100 serves as a joint straddle muscle for the shoulder joint.
  • the stimulus control unit 40 directly detects the joint displacement by the joint displacement detection sensor 41.
  • the stimulus control unit 40 indirectly detects the joint displacement.
  • a device can also be provided.
  • An example thereof is an electromyogram measuring apparatus that measures an electromyogram. According to the configuration in which the electromyogram measurement device is provided, the stimulation control unit 40 predicts the muscle activity state based on the electromyogram measured by the electromyogram measurement device, and based on the predicted muscle activity state. Thus, the displacement of the joint can be determined.
  • the electrical stimulation is applied by the output controller 50 by each of the stimulus applying unit 10 for the right lower limb and the stimulus applying unit for the left lower limb, but for the user to select the stimulus applying unit to be used.
  • a function can also be provided.
  • the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the joint rotation detection sensor 42, and the operation state detection sensor 43 are provided in the stimulus control unit 40, but at least one of these sensors may be omitted.
  • the stimulus control unit 40 determines that the burden on the knee joint is small based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the stimulus control unit 40 stops supplying current to the joint straddle muscle. It can also be changed as follows. That is, when it is determined that the knee joint burden is small, the stimulation control unit 40 can supply a smaller amount of current to the joint straddle muscle than when it is determined that the knee joint burden is large.
  • the control of the energization mode (mode E) based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43 and the control of the energization mode by the modes A to D are performed independently.
  • the control based on the result and the control of modes A to D can be performed together. That is, when energization based on the detection results of the respective sensors 41 to 43 becomes necessary during execution of any of the controls of modes A to D, the energization control of any of modes A to D is temporarily suspended. It is also possible to perform energization control based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43.
  • the stimulation control unit 40 when the stimulus control unit 40 detects that the knee joint is rotating, the stimulation control unit 40 supplies current to the quadriceps 61 and the hamstring 62 which are the joint rotator muscles of the joint straddle muscles.
  • the stimulation control unit 40 passes a current through the gastrocnemius muscle 71 which is a joint straddle muscle other than the joint rotator muscle.
  • the stimulus applying unit 10 is of a type that is worn from the thigh 60 to the lower leg 70 via the knee joint. However, a portion corresponding to the thigh 60 and a part corresponding to the lower leg 70 are provided. It can also be formed separately.
  • a type that is worn on the lower limb is provided as the stimulus applying unit 10, but instead of or in addition to this, a type of stimulus applying unit that is worn on the upper limb can be provided.
  • the following changes (A) to (D) can be made in an electrical stimulation apparatus including at least one of a stimulus applying unit attached to the lower limb and a stimulus applying unit attached to the upper limb.
  • the stimulus applying part for the lower limb is changed to a type that is worn only on the thigh 60.
  • the stimulus applying part for the lower limb is changed to a type that is worn only on the lower leg 70.
  • C Change the stimulus applying part for the upper limb to a type that is worn only on the upper arm 80.
  • the stimulus applying part for the upper limb is changed to a type that is worn only on the lower arm 90.
  • the parts corresponding to the upper arm 80 and the lower arm 90 can be formed separately.
  • the stimulus imparting unit 10 is configured as a supporter type that is worn on each of the left and right lower limbs. You can also.

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Abstract

An electro-stimulating device (1) comprises a support (20) which is worn on parts of the human body including joint-bridging muscles (61, 62, 71) which are muscles that bridge between joints. The support (20) is provided with a plurality of electrode sections (31-33) for applying electric current to joint bridging muscles (61, 62, 71). A first electrode section (31) and a second electrode section (32) are provided so as to correspond with the joint bridging muscle of the thigh (60), and a third electrode section (33) is provided so as to correspond with the joint bridging muscle of the lower leg (70).

Description

電気刺激装置Electrical stimulator
 本発明は、筋肉に電気刺激を付与する電気刺激装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an electrical stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to muscles.
 関節の痛みをやわらげる一般的な方法として、サポータを用いて関節を固定することにより、関節痛の主な原因である関節の急激な変位や関節のずれを防ぐものが知られている。 As a general method for relieving joint pain, it is known to fix a joint using a supporter to prevent sudden joint displacement or joint displacement, which is the main cause of joint pain.
 特許文献1には、その一例として、膝の伸展および屈曲が繰り返された場合でも膝関節にフィットした状態を保持するためのサポータが開示されている。 Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example, a supporter for maintaining a fitted state in a knee joint even when knee extension and flexion are repeated.
 関節の痛みをやわらげる別の方法として、関節付近の筋肉に電気刺激を与えて筋力を増強させる方法が知られている。 As another method for relieving joint pain, there is known a method of increasing muscle strength by applying electrical stimulation to muscles near the joint.
 特許文献2には、その一例として、主動筋および拮抗筋がそれぞれ収縮および伸長しているときに電気刺激を付与して拮抗筋を収縮させることにより、筋力を増強させる方法が開示されている。 Patent Document 2 discloses, as an example, a method for enhancing muscle strength by applying electrical stimulation and contracting the antagonist muscle when the main muscle and the antagonist muscle are contracting and extending, respectively.
 特許文献3には、パルス信号により適用部位のウォームアップ、筋肉の活性化および筋肉の引き締め等を実行することにより、筋力を増強させる方法が開示されている。 Patent Document 3 discloses a method for enhancing muscle strength by executing warm-up of an application site, muscle activation, muscle tightening, and the like using a pulse signal.
特開2007-9362号公報JP 2007-9362 A 特許第3026007号Japanese Patent No. 3026007 特開2001-333990号公報JP 2001-333990 A
 上記の各方法には、それぞれ次の問題がある。 Each of the above methods has the following problems.
 サポータを用いる方法によれば、サポータが膝等の関節を保護する大腿四頭筋等の役割を補助的に担うため、長時間にわたり使用し続けたときにはサポータによって補われていた分の筋力が低下する。 According to the method using the supporter, the supporter plays the role of quadriceps, etc., which protects the joints such as the knee, so that the muscle strength that has been supplemented by the supporter is reduced when it is used for a long time. To do.
 また、電気刺激を付与して筋力を増強させる方法によれば、関節の痛みが軽減される程度に筋力が増強されるまでは関節の痛みが十分に軽減されないため、日常生活においてユーザにかかる負担が大きい。また、関節付近の筋力が増強されたとしても、主動筋および拮抗筋が伸縮しないユーザの動作(例えば階段を降りる動作)が行われた場合には、関節に負荷がかかるために痛みを感じる。 In addition, according to the method of increasing muscle strength by applying electrical stimulation, joint pain is not sufficiently reduced until muscle strength is increased to such an extent that joint pain is reduced. Is big. Even if the muscle strength in the vicinity of the joint is increased, when the user's action (for example, an action to go down the stairs) in which the main and antagonist muscles do not expand and contract is performed, the joint is loaded and thus pain is felt.
 本発明はこのような実情に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、関節の固定と筋力の低下の抑制とを両立することのできる電気刺激装置を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical stimulation device that can achieve both joint fixation and suppression of a decrease in muscle strength.
 本発明の一態様によれば、筋肉に電気刺激を付与する電気刺激装置は、関節を跨ぐ筋肉である関節跨坐筋を含む人体の部位に装着される装着部と、この装着部に設けられて前記関節跨坐筋に電流を流すための電極部とを含むことを特徴とする。 According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrical stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to muscles is provided with a mounting unit that is mounted on a part of a human body including a joint straddle muscle that is a muscle that straddles a joint, and the mounting unit. And an electrode part for passing an electric current to the joint straddle muscle.
 本発明によれば、関節の固定と筋力の低下の抑制とを両立することのできる電気刺激装置を提供することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical stimulation device that can achieve both joint fixation and suppression of muscle strength reduction.
本発明の一実施形態の電気刺激装置について、(a)はその正面構造を示す正面図、(b)はその背面構造を示す背面図。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS About the electrical stimulation apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a front view which shows the front structure, (b) is a rear view which shows the back structure. 同実施形態の電気刺激装置の構成を示すブロック図。The block diagram which shows the structure of the electrical stimulation apparatus of the embodiment. 同実施形態の電気刺激装置について、(a)は大腿四頭筋と電極部との位置関係を示す大腿の正面図、(b)はハムストリングと電極部との位置関係を示す大腿の背面図、(c)は腓腹筋と電極部との位置関係を示す下腿の背面図。Regarding the electrical stimulation apparatus of the embodiment, (a) is a front view of the thigh showing the positional relationship between the quadriceps muscle and the electrode portion, and (b) is a rear view of the thigh showing the positional relationship between the hamstring and the electrode portion. (C), The back view of the lower leg which shows the positional relationship of a gastrocnemius and an electrode part. 同実施形態の電気刺激装置の刺激付与部が装着されたユーザの下肢について、(a)はその正面構造を示す正面図、(b)はその背面構造を示す背面図。(A) is a front view which shows the front structure, (b) is a rear view which shows the back structure about the user's leg with which the stimulus provision part of the electrical stimulation apparatus of the embodiment was mounted | worn. 本発明のその他の実施形態の電気刺激装置について、(a)は下腿屈曲筋肉群と電極部との位置関係を示す背面図、(b)は下腿伸筋群と電極部との位置関係を示す正面図、(c)は下腿腓骨筋群と電極部との位置関係を示す正面図。About the electrical stimulation apparatus of other embodiment of this invention, (a) is a rear view which shows the positional relationship of a lower leg bending muscle group and an electrode part, (b) shows the positional relationship of a lower leg extensor muscle group and an electrode part. A front view and (c) are front views which show the positional relationship of a crus peroneus muscle group and an electrode part. 本発明のその他の実施形態の電気刺激装置について、(a)は股関節内転筋群と電極部との位置関係を示す正面図、(b)はハムストリングと電極部との位置関係を示す正面図、(c)は大殿筋と電極部との位置関係を示す背面図、(d)は股関節内転筋群と電極部との位置関係を示す正面図。About the electrical stimulation apparatus of other embodiment of this invention, (a) is a front view which shows the positional relationship of a hip adductor muscle group and an electrode part, (b) is the front which shows the positional relationship of a hamstring and an electrode part. FIG. 4C is a rear view showing the positional relationship between the gluteal muscle and the electrode portion, and FIG. 5D is a front view showing the positional relationship between the hip adductor muscle group and the electrode portion. 本発明のその他の実施形態の電気刺激装置について、(a)は肘屈曲筋群と電極部との位置関係を示す正面図、(b)は肘伸展筋群と電極部との位置関係を示す正面図、(c)は指伸展筋群と電極部との位置関係を示す正面図、(d)は指屈曲筋群と電極部との位置関係を示す側面図。About the electrical stimulation apparatus of other embodiment of this invention, (a) is a front view which shows the positional relationship of an elbow flexor muscle group and an electrode part, (b) shows the positional relationship of an elbow extension muscle group and an electrode part. The front view, (c) is a front view showing the positional relationship between the finger extension muscle group and the electrode portion, (d) is a side view showing the positional relationship between the finger flexion muscle group and the electrode portion. 本発明のその他の実施形態の電気刺激装置について、(a)は肩挙上回旋筋群と電極部との位置関係を示す正面図、(b)肩挙上回旋筋群と電極部との位置関係を示す側面図。About the electrical stimulation apparatus of other embodiment of this invention, (a) is a front view which shows the positional relationship of a shoulder raising convolution muscle group and an electrode part, (b) The position of a shoulder raising convolution muscle group and an electrode part The side view which shows a relationship.
 図1~図4を参照して、本発明の一実施形態について説明する。なお、本実施形態では左右の下肢のそれぞれに装着するサポータ型の電気刺激装置として本発明を具体化した一例を示している。 An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is embodied as a supporter type electrical stimulation device to be worn on each of the left and right lower limbs is shown.
 図1に、電気刺激装置1の正面構造および背面構造を示す。 FIG. 1 shows a front structure and a back structure of the electrical stimulation device 1.
 電気刺激装置1は、右下肢に電気刺激を付与する刺激付与部10と、左下肢に電気刺激を付与する刺激付与部(図示略)と、各刺激付与部による下肢への電気刺激の付与態様を制御する刺激制御部40とを含む。 The electrical stimulation device 1 includes a stimulation applying unit 10 that applies electrical stimulation to the right lower limb, a stimulation applying unit (not shown) that applies electrical stimulation to the left lower limb, and a mode of applying electrical stimulation to the lower limb by each stimulation applying unit. And a stimulus control unit 40 for controlling the above.
 右下肢用の刺激付与部10は、その本体となるサポータ20と、複数の電極部、すなわち第1電極部31、第2電極部32、および第3電極部33とを含む。サポータ20は装着部(本実施形態では下肢装着部)として設けられている。左下肢用の刺激付与部は、右下肢用の刺激付与部10のサポータ20の構造および電極部31~33の配置が左下肢に対応するように変更されたものに相当し、右下肢用の刺激付与部10と実質的に同じ構造を有する。このため、以下では左下肢用の刺激付与部についての説明を省略し、右下肢用および左下肢用の刺激付与部の総称として「刺激付与部10」を用いる。 The stimulus applying unit 10 for the right lower limb includes a supporter 20 serving as a main body thereof, and a plurality of electrode units, that is, a first electrode unit 31, a second electrode unit 32, and a third electrode unit 33. The supporter 20 is provided as a mounting portion (a lower limb mounting portion in the present embodiment). The stimulus applying unit for the left lower limb corresponds to a structure in which the structure of the supporter 20 of the stimulus applying unit 10 for the right lower limb and the arrangement of the electrode units 31 to 33 are changed to correspond to the left lower limb. It has substantially the same structure as the stimulus imparting unit 10. For this reason, below, description about the stimulus provision part for left lower limbs is abbreviate | omitted, and "stimulation provision part 10" is used as a general term for the stimulus provision part for right lower limbs and left lower limbs.
 サポータ20には、大腿の正面を覆う大腿正面部21と、下腿の正面を覆う下腿正面部22と、大腿の背面を覆う第1大腿背面部23と、第1大腿背面部23に重ね合わせられる第2大腿背面部24とが設けられている。また、下腿の背面を覆う第1下腿背面部25と、第1下腿背面部25に重ね合わせられる第2下腿背面部26と、膝関節の正面を覆う膝部27とが設けられている。本実施形態では、大腿正面部21、第1大腿背面部23、および第2大腿背面部24は、大腿の関節跨坐筋を含む部位に装着される第1下肢装着部として設けられている。また、下腿正面部22、第1下腿背面部25、および第2下腿背面部26は、下腿の関節跨坐筋を含む部位に装着される第2下肢装着部として設けられている。 The supporter 20 is superposed on a thigh front portion 21 covering the front of the thigh, a lower thigh front portion 22 covering the front of the thigh, a first thigh back portion 23 covering the back of the thigh, and a first thigh back portion 23. A second thigh back surface portion 24 is provided. In addition, a first lower leg back part 25 covering the back of the lower leg, a second lower leg back part 26 superimposed on the first lower leg back part 25, and a knee part 27 covering the front of the knee joint are provided. In the present embodiment, the thigh front part 21, the first thigh back part 23, and the second thigh back part 24 are provided as a first lower limb attachment part that is attached to a site including the joint straddle muscle of the thigh. Further, the lower leg front part 22, the first lower leg back part 25, and the second lower leg back part 26 are provided as a second lower limb attachment part to be attached to a part including the joint straddle muscle of the lower leg.
 第1大腿背面部23には、面ファスナのループ面28Aが設けられている。第2大腿背面部24には、面ファスナのフック面28Bが設けられている。第1下腿背面部25には、面ファスナのループ面29Aが設けられている。第2下腿背面部26には、面ファスナのフック面29Bが設けられている。膝部27には、膝関節を曲げやすくするための穴27Aが設けられている。 The first thigh back surface portion 23 is provided with a loop surface 28A of a hook-and-loop fastener. The second thigh back surface portion 24 is provided with a hook surface 28B of a hook-and-loop fastener. The first lower leg back portion 25 is provided with a loop surface 29A of a hook-and-loop fastener. The second lower leg back portion 26 is provided with a hook surface 29B of a hook-and-loop fastener. The knee 27 is provided with a hole 27A for easily bending the knee joint.
 面ファスナのループ面28Aが面ファスナのフック面28Bに取り付けられることにより、大腿正面部21、第1大腿背面部23および第2大腿背面部24が大腿の周囲に固定される。 The loop surface 28A of the hook-and-loop fastener is attached to the hook surface 28B of the hook-and-loop fastener, whereby the thigh front part 21, the first thigh back part 23, and the second thigh back part 24 are fixed around the thigh.
 面ファスナのループ面29Aが面ファスナのフック面29Bに取り付けられることにより、下腿正面部22および第1下腿背面部25および第2下腿背面部26が下腿に固定される。 The loop surface 29A of the hook and loop fastener is attached to the hook surface 29B of the hook and loop fastener, whereby the lower leg front part 22, the first lower leg back part 25, and the second lower leg back part 26 are fixed to the lower leg.
 各電極部31~33は、ユーザの皮膚と直接的に接触するようにサポータ20の裏面側において露出している。また、各電極部31~33は、導電線39を介して刺激制御部40と電気的に接続されている。第1電極部31は、大腿正面部21に設けられている。第2電極部32は、第2大腿背面部24に設けられている。第3電極部33は、第2下腿背面部26に設けられている。 The electrode portions 31 to 33 are exposed on the back side of the supporter 20 so as to be in direct contact with the user's skin. In addition, each of the electrode units 31 to 33 is electrically connected to the stimulation control unit 40 via the conductive wire 39. The first electrode part 31 is provided on the thigh front part 21. The second electrode portion 32 is provided on the second thigh back surface portion 24. The third electrode part 33 is provided on the second lower leg back part 26.
 図2を参照して、刺激制御部40の構造について説明する。 The structure of the stimulus control unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG.
 刺激制御部40には、パルス信号を出力するパルス発生部51と、刺激制御部40のオンおよびオフを切り換えるための操作部52と、刺激付与部10による下肢への通電態様を切り換えるための切換部53とが設けられている。また、刺激制御部40の各構成要素に電力を供給する電源部54と、各電極部31~33を制御するためのプログラムが予め記憶された記憶部55と、電気刺激を付与している部位およびその強さを示す情報等を表示するための表示部56とが設けられている。また、関節の変位を検出する関節変位検出センサ41と、関節の回旋を検出する関節回旋検出センサ42と、生体の動作状態を検出する動作状態検出センサ43とが設けられている。本実施形態では、センサ41は関節変位検出部として設けられ、センサ42は関節回旋検出部として設けられ、センサ43は動作状態検出部として設けられている。 The stimulation control unit 40 includes a pulse generation unit 51 that outputs a pulse signal, an operation unit 52 for switching the stimulation control unit 40 on and off, and a switching for switching the mode of energization of the lower limbs by the stimulation applying unit 10. A portion 53 is provided. In addition, a power supply unit 54 that supplies power to each component of the stimulation control unit 40, a storage unit 55 in which a program for controlling each of the electrode units 31 to 33 is stored in advance, and a part to which electrical stimulation is applied And a display unit 56 for displaying information indicating the strength and the like. In addition, a joint displacement detection sensor 41 that detects the displacement of the joint, a joint rotation detection sensor 42 that detects the rotation of the joint, and an operation state detection sensor 43 that detects the operation state of the living body are provided. In the present embodiment, the sensor 41 is provided as a joint displacement detection unit, the sensor 42 is provided as a joint rotation detection unit, and the sensor 43 is provided as an operation state detection unit.
 出力制御部50は、マイクロコンピュータを含めて構成されている。また、出力制御部50は、操作部52、切換部53、関節変位検出センサ41、関節回旋検出センサ42および動作状態検出センサ43から入力された信号に基づいて各電極部31~33への通電態様を制御する。通電態様の制御は、複数のモードのそれぞれに対応して予め記憶されているプログラムに基づいて行われる。切換部53の操作により複数のモードのいずれかが選択されているとき、出力制御部50は選択されているモードに対応した各電極部31~33の通電制御を行う。各電極部31~33の通電制御は、印加する電流の大きさおよび周波数を調整することによって行われる。本実施形態では、出力制御部50が、関節変位制御部、動作状態制御部、および関節回旋制御部として機能する。 The output control unit 50 includes a microcomputer. Further, the output control unit 50 supplies power to the electrode units 31 to 33 based on signals input from the operation unit 52, the switching unit 53, the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the joint rotation detection sensor 42, and the operation state detection sensor 43. Control aspects. The control of the energization mode is performed based on a program stored in advance corresponding to each of the plurality of modes. When any of the plurality of modes is selected by operating the switching unit 53, the output control unit 50 performs energization control of each of the electrode units 31 to 33 corresponding to the selected mode. The energization control of each of the electrode portions 31 to 33 is performed by adjusting the magnitude and frequency of the applied current. In the present embodiment, the output control unit 50 functions as a joint displacement control unit, an operation state control unit, and a joint rotation control unit.
 操作部52には、刺激制御部40の電源をオンおよびオフするためのスイッチと、各種の設定を行うためのスイッチおよびダイヤルとが設けられている。切換部53には、複数のモードに対応した複数の操作位置が設けられている。 The operation unit 52 is provided with a switch for turning on and off the power of the stimulus control unit 40, and a switch and a dial for performing various settings. The switching unit 53 is provided with a plurality of operation positions corresponding to a plurality of modes.
 通電制御のモードとしては、次のモードA~Eが予め用意されている。 The following modes A to E are prepared in advance as energization control modes.
 モードAは、生体を動作させることにより筋力を増強するための電気刺激を付与するモードとして設定されている。モードBは、関節跨坐筋を刺激して関節を固定するための電気刺激を付与するモードとして設定されている。モードCは、疼痛を緩和するための電気刺激を付与するためのモードとして設定されている。モードDは、生体を動作させることなく筋力を増強するための電気刺激を付与するモードとして設定されている。モードEは、各センサ41~43の出力に基づいて関節跨坐筋への通電態様を制御するモードとして設定されている。 Mode A is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength by operating a living body. Mode B is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for stimulating the joint straddle muscle and fixing the joint. Mode C is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for alleviating pain. Mode D is set as a mode for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength without operating the living body. Mode E is set as a mode for controlling the energization mode of the joint straddle muscles based on the outputs of the sensors 41 to 43.
 関節変位検出センサ41は、膝関節の変位を検出する。膝関節の変位とは次のものをいう。すなわち、ユーザが膝関節を伸ばした状態を中立変位状態として、この状態から膝関節が曲げられる動作を関節の変位という。 The joint displacement detection sensor 41 detects the displacement of the knee joint. The displacement of the knee joint means the following. That is, a state in which the user has extended the knee joint is referred to as a neutral displacement state, and an operation in which the knee joint is bent from this state is referred to as joint displacement.
 関節回旋検出センサ42は、膝関節の回旋および回旋方向を検出する。膝関節の回旋とは次のものをいう。すなわち、ユーザが膝関節に力を入れていない状態を中立回旋状態として、この状態から下肢の軸周りで膝関節が回旋する動作を膝関節の回旋という。以下では、膝関節が内側から外側に向けて回旋する動作を「外旋」とし、膝関節が外側から内側に向けて回旋する動作を「内旋」とする。 The joint rotation detection sensor 42 detects the rotation and rotation direction of the knee joint. Knee joint rotation refers to the following: That is, the state in which the user does not apply force to the knee joint is referred to as a neutral rotation state, and the operation in which the knee joint rotates around the lower limb axis from this state is referred to as rotation of the knee joint. In the following, the movement of the knee joint rotating from the inside to the outside is referred to as “external rotation”, and the movement of the knee joint from the outside to the inside is referred to as “internal rotation”.
 動作状態検出センサ43は、生体の動作状態を検出する。生体の動作状態とは次のものをいう。すなわち、生体が直立した状態を中立生体状態として、この状態から生体が動作することにより膝関節に負荷がかかる状態を生体の動作状態という。 The operation state detection sensor 43 detects the operation state of the living body. The operating state of the living body means the following. That is, a state in which the living body is upright is referred to as a neutral living body state, and a state in which a load is applied to the knee joint when the living body operates from this state is referred to as an operating state of the living body.
 動作状態検出センサ43としては、回転センサ、加速度センサ、圧力センサ、および角度センサが設けられている。生体が動作したときには、膝関節の変位、膝関節の加速度、生体の所定部位にかかる圧力、および四肢の角度の少なくとも1つの変化が動作状態検出センサ43によって検出される。このため、動作状態検出センサ43の検出結果に基づいて、生体の動作が膝関節に負荷をかけるような動作か否かを確認することができる。 As the operation state detection sensor 43, a rotation sensor, an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, and an angle sensor are provided. When the living body moves, the movement state detection sensor 43 detects at least one change in the displacement of the knee joint, the acceleration of the knee joint, the pressure applied to a predetermined portion of the living body, and the angle of the limb. For this reason, based on the detection result of the movement state detection sensor 43, it can be confirmed whether or not the movement of the living body is a movement that puts a load on the knee joint.
 図3を参照して、下肢の筋肉および各電極部31~33の位置について説明する。 Referring to FIG. 3, the muscles of the lower limbs and the positions of the electrode portions 31 to 33 will be described.
 大腿60を構成する筋肉には、大腿四頭筋61、半腱様筋63、大腿二頭筋64および半膜様筋65が含まれている。半腱様筋63、大腿二頭筋64および半膜様筋65については、これら筋肉をひとまとめにしてハムストリング62と称される。下腿70を構成する筋肉には、腓腹筋71が含まれている。 The muscles that make up the thigh 60 include the quadriceps 61, the semi-tendon-like muscle 63, the biceps femoris 64, and the semi-membranous muscle 65. The semi-tendon-like muscle 63, the biceps femoris muscle 64, and the semi-membranous muscle 65 are collectively referred to as a hamstring 62. The muscles constituting the lower leg 70 include the gastrocnemius muscle 71.
 下肢の筋肉のうちの大腿四頭筋61、ハムストリング62および腓腹筋71は、下肢の膝関節を跨ぐ筋肉(関節跨坐筋)となる。このため、これら筋肉の少なくとも1つが収縮したときには膝関節の変位が小さくなる方向に力が働く。すなわち、大腿四頭筋61およびハムストリング62が収縮したときには、膝関節を上側に引っ張ることにより膝関節を中立変位状態に戻そうとする力が働く。また、腓腹筋71が収縮したときには、膝関節を下側に引っ張ることにより膝関節を中立変位状態に戻そうとする力が働く。 Among the muscles of the lower limbs, the quadriceps 61, the hamstring 62, and the gastrocnemius 71 are muscles that straddle the knee joints of the lower limbs (joint straddle muscles). For this reason, when at least one of these muscles contracts, a force acts in a direction in which the displacement of the knee joint becomes smaller. That is, when the quadriceps 61 and the hamstring 62 contract, a force is exerted to return the knee joint to the neutral displacement state by pulling the knee joint upward. Further, when the gastrocnemius muscle 71 contracts, a force is applied to return the knee joint to the neutral displacement state by pulling the knee joint downward.
 関節跨坐筋のうちの大腿四頭筋61およびハムストリング62は、膝関節の回旋に寄与する筋肉(関節回旋筋)となる。このため、これら筋肉の少なくとも1つが収縮したときには、膝関節の回旋が小さくなる方向に力が働く。すなわち、大腿四頭筋61およびハムストリング62が収縮したときには、膝関節を外旋した状態または内旋した状態から中立回旋状態に戻そうとする力が働く。 The quadriceps 61 and hamstring 62 of the joint straddle muscles are muscles (joint rotator) that contribute to the rotation of the knee joint. For this reason, when at least one of these muscles contracts, a force acts in a direction in which the rotation of the knee joint becomes smaller. That is, when the quadriceps 61 and the hamstring 62 contract, a force is applied to return the knee joint from the externally rotated state or the internally rotated state to the neutrally rotated state.
 ユーザの下肢に刺激付与部10が装着されたとき、第1電極部31のプラス極およびマイナス極がそれぞれ大腿四頭筋61と対応する下肢の皮膚に接触した状態に保持される。また、第2電極部32のプラス極およびマイナス極がそれぞれハムストリング62と対応する下肢の皮膚と接触した状態に保持される。また、第3電極部33のプラス極およびマイナス極がそれぞれ腓腹筋71と対応する下肢の皮膚に接触した状態に保持される。 When the stimulus applying unit 10 is mounted on the user's lower limb, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the first electrode unit 31 are held in contact with the skin of the lower limb corresponding to the quadriceps 61 respectively. Further, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the second electrode part 32 are held in contact with the skin of the lower limbs corresponding to the hamstring 62, respectively. Further, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the third electrode portion 33 are held in contact with the skin of the lower limbs corresponding to the gastrocnemius muscle 71, respectively.
 図4に、刺激付与部10が装着されたユーザの右下肢を示す。 FIG. 4 shows the right lower limb of the user to which the stimulus imparting unit 10 is attached.
 ユーザは次の手順で電気刺激装置1を使用することができる。
(手順1)右下肢および左下肢に刺激付与部10を装着する。
(手順2)操作部52を操作して電源をオンにする。
(手順3)必要に応じて切換部53を操作してモードを切り換える。
(手順4)操作部52を操作して電源をオフにする。
(手順5)右下肢および左下肢から刺激付与部10を取り外す。
The user can use the electrical stimulation apparatus 1 in the following procedure.
(Procedure 1) The stimulus imparting unit 10 is attached to the right leg and the left leg.
(Procedure 2) The operation unit 52 is operated to turn on the power.
(Procedure 3) The switching unit 53 is operated as necessary to switch the mode.
(Procedure 4) The power is turned off by operating the operation unit 52.
(Procedure 5) The stimulus imparting unit 10 is removed from the right leg and the left leg.
 第1電極部31から大腿60に電流が流されているとき、大腿四頭筋61に電気刺激が付与される。これにより、大腿四頭筋61が収縮するため、膝関節を上方に引っ張る力が膝関節に加えられる。従って、第1電極部31から大腿60に電流が流されていないときと比較して、膝関節を固定する力が強くなる。大腿四頭筋61が収縮したときには、特に膝関節の下方および前方へのずれが抑制される。 When the current is passed from the first electrode portion 31 to the thigh 60, electrical stimulation is applied to the quadriceps 61. Thereby, since quadriceps 61 contracts, the force which pulls a knee joint upward is applied to a knee joint. Therefore, the force for fixing the knee joint is stronger than when no current is flowing from the first electrode portion 31 to the thigh 60. When the quadriceps 61 contracts, especially the downward and forward displacement of the knee joint is suppressed.
 第2電極部32から大腿60に電流が流されているとき、ハムストリング62に電気刺激が付与される。これにより、ハムストリング62が収縮するため、膝関節を上方に引っ張る力が膝関節に加えられる。従って、第2電極部32から大腿60に電流が流されていないときと比較して、膝関節を固定する力が強くなる。ハムストリング62が収縮したときには、特に膝関節の左右方向へのずれが抑制される。 When the current is passed from the second electrode portion 32 to the thigh 60, electrical stimulation is applied to the hamstring 62. Thereby, since the hamstring 62 contracts, a force for pulling the knee joint upward is applied to the knee joint. Accordingly, the force for fixing the knee joint is stronger than when no current is flowing from the second electrode portion 32 to the thigh 60. When the hamstring 62 contracts, especially the displacement of the knee joint in the left-right direction is suppressed.
 第3電極部33から下腿70に電流が流されているとき、腓腹筋71に電気刺激が付与される。これにより、腓腹筋71が収縮するため、膝関節を下方に引っ張る力が膝関節に加えられる。従って、第3電極部33から下腿70に電流が流されていないときに比べて、膝関節を固定する力が強くなる。腓腹筋71が収縮したときには、特に膝関節の下方および前方へのずれ並びに左右方向へのずれが抑制される。 When the current flows from the third electrode portion 33 to the lower leg 70, electrical stimulation is applied to the gastrocnemius muscle 71. Thereby, since the gastrocnemius 71 contracts, a force for pulling the knee joint downward is applied to the knee joint. Accordingly, the force for fixing the knee joint is stronger than when no current is flowing from the third electrode portion 33 to the lower leg 70. When the gastrocnemius muscle 71 contracts, especially the downward and forward displacement of the knee joint and the lateral displacement are suppressed.
 第1電極部31と第3電極部33とにより下肢に電気刺激が付与されているとき、膝関節を上方に引っ張る力および膝関節を下方に引っ張る力が膝関節に加えられる。従って、各電極部31~33の1つのみにより下肢に電気刺激が付与されているときと比較して、膝関節を固定する力が強くなる。 When an electrical stimulus is applied to the lower limb by the first electrode portion 31 and the third electrode portion 33, a force for pulling the knee joint upward and a force for pulling the knee joint downward are applied to the knee joint. Accordingly, the force for fixing the knee joint is stronger than when electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limbs by only one of the electrode portions 31 to 33.
 第2電極部32と第3電極部33とにより下肢に電気刺激が付与されているとき、膝関節を上方に引っ張る力および膝関節を下方に引っ張る力が膝関節に加えられる。従って、各電極部31~33の1つのみにより下肢に電気刺激が付与されているときと比較して、膝関節を固定する力が強くなる。 When electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limbs by the second electrode portion 32 and the third electrode portion 33, a force for pulling the knee joint upward and a force for pulling the knee joint downward are applied to the knee joint. Accordingly, the force for fixing the knee joint is stronger than when electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limbs by only one of the electrode portions 31 to 33.
 第1電極部31と第2電極部32と第3電極部33とにより下肢に電気刺激が付与されているとき、膝関節を上方に引っ張る力および膝関節を下方に引っ張る力が膝関節に加えられる。従って、各電極部31~33の1つまたは2つにより下肢に電気刺激が付与されているときと比較して、膝関節を固定する力が強くなる。 When electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limbs by the first electrode part 31, the second electrode part 32, and the third electrode part 33, a force that pulls the knee joint upward and a force that pulls the knee joint downward are applied to the knee joint. It is done. Accordingly, the force for fixing the knee joint becomes stronger as compared with the case where electrical stimulation is applied to the lower limb by one or two of the electrode portions 31 to 33.
 刺激制御部40による刺激付与部10の制御態様を以下の(A)~(E)に示す。 The control modes of the stimulus applying unit 10 by the stimulus control unit 40 are shown in the following (A) to (E).
 (A)切換部53の操作位置がモードAに対応した操作位置に設定されているとき、刺激制御部40は、第1電極部31による大腿四頭筋61への電気刺激の付与と、第2電極部32によるハムストリング62への電気刺激の付与とを交互に繰り返す。 (A) When the operation position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to mode A, the stimulation control unit 40 applies electrical stimulation to the quadriceps 61 by the first electrode unit 31, The application of electrical stimulation to the hamstring 62 by the two electrode portions 32 is repeated alternately.
 また、膝関節を伸展および屈曲させる筋肉である主動筋(大腿四頭筋61)が収縮しているとき、刺激制御部40は、伸張している拮抗筋(ハムストリング62)に電気刺激を付与する。すなわち、生体の動作による関節跨坐筋の収縮に応じて、収縮していない関節跨坐筋に電気刺激を付与して収縮方向への抵抗を与える。これにより、ハムストリング62の収縮方向への抵抗が大きくなるため、筋力の増強が図られる。 Further, when the main muscle (quadriceps 61), which is a muscle that extends and bends the knee joint, is contracted, the stimulation controller 40 applies electrical stimulation to the stretched antagonist muscle (hamstring 62). To do. That is, according to the contraction of the joint straddle muscles due to the movement of the living body, electrical stimulation is applied to the joint straddle muscles that are not contracted to give resistance in the contraction direction. Thereby, since the resistance to the contraction direction of the hamstring 62 becomes large, the reinforcement of the muscular strength is achieved.
 (B)切換部53の操作位置がモードBに対応した操作位置に設定されているとき、刺激制御部40は、第1電極部31および第2電極部32による大腿60への電気刺激の付与と、第3電極部33による下腿70への電気刺激の付与とを併せて行う。これにより、関節跨坐筋が収縮するため、膝関節を固定する力が強くなる。 (B) When the operation position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to the mode B, the stimulation control unit 40 applies electrical stimulation to the thigh 60 by the first electrode unit 31 and the second electrode unit 32. And the application of electrical stimulation to the lower leg 70 by the third electrode portion 33 are also performed. Thereby, since the joint straddle muscle contracts, the force for fixing the knee joint becomes stronger.
 (C)切換部53の操作位置がモードCに対応した操作位置に設定されているとき、刺激制御部40は、電極部31~33の少なくとも1つにより大腿60または下腿70への低周波のパルス電流の付与を継続して行う。このとき、各電極部31~33から大腿60または下腿70に供給される電流の大きさは、モードAのときよりも小さい。これにより、下肢に微弱な電気刺激が継続して付与されるため、疼痛が緩和される。 (C) When the operation position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to the mode C, the stimulation control unit 40 causes the low frequency to be applied to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 by at least one of the electrode units 31 to 33. The pulse current is continuously applied. At this time, the magnitude of the current supplied from the electrode portions 31 to 33 to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 is smaller than that in the mode A. Thereby, since weak electrical stimulation is continuously given to a leg, pain is relieved.
 (D)切換部53の操作位置がモードDに対応した操作位置に設定されているとき、刺激制御部40は、電極部31~33の少なくとも1つにより大腿60または下腿70への電気刺激の付与を継続して行う。このとき、各電極部31~33から大腿60または下腿70に供給される電流の大きさは、モードCよりも大きくかつモードAおよびモードBよりも小さい。これにより、下肢に弱い電気刺激が継続して付与されるため、下肢が動作することなく筋力が増強される。 (D) When the operation position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to the mode D, the stimulation control unit 40 performs electrical stimulation to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 by at least one of the electrode units 31 to 33. Continue granting. At this time, the magnitude of the current supplied from the electrode portions 31 to 33 to the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 is larger than that in the mode C and smaller than that in the mode A and mode B. Thereby, since weak electrical stimulation is continuously given to the lower limbs, the muscular strength is enhanced without the lower limbs moving.
 (E)切換部53の操作位置がモードEに対応した操作位置に設定されているとき、刺激制御部40は、センサ41~43の検出結果に基づいて大腿60または下腿70への電気刺激の付与を行う。具体的には以下の(E1)~(E3)のように通電制御を行う。 (E) When the operation position of the switching unit 53 is set to the operation position corresponding to the mode E, the stimulation control unit 40 performs electrical stimulation of the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70 based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43. Grant. Specifically, energization control is performed as in the following (E1) to (E3).
 (E1)刺激制御部40は、関節変位検出センサ41の検出結果に基づいて、膝関節の変位が所定量よりも小さい旨判定したとき、すなわち膝関節にかかる負荷が小さいと予測されるとき、電極部31~33による関節跨坐筋への通電を行わない。一方、刺激制御部40は、関節変位検出センサ41の検出結果に基づいて、膝関節の変位が所定量と同じまたはこれよりも大きい旨判定したとき、すなわち膝関節にかかる負荷が大きいと予測されるとき、刺激制御部40は、電極部31~33の少なくとも1つにより関節跨坐筋への通電を行う。このときの通電態様として、刺激制御部40は、膝関節の変位量が大きくなるにつれて各電極部31~33による電流の供給量を大きくしてもよいし、或いは膝関節の変位量によらず一定の電流を供給してもよい。 (E1) When the stimulus control unit 40 determines that the displacement of the knee joint is smaller than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, that is, when the load applied to the knee joint is predicted to be small, The electrode straddle muscles are not energized by the electrode portions 31-33. On the other hand, when the stimulus control unit 40 determines that the displacement of the knee joint is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, that is, the load on the knee joint is predicted to be large. In this case, the stimulation control unit 40 energizes the joint straddle muscle by at least one of the electrode units 31 to 33. As an energization mode at this time, the stimulation control unit 40 may increase the amount of current supplied by each of the electrode units 31 to 33 as the displacement amount of the knee joint increases, or regardless of the displacement amount of the knee joint. A constant current may be supplied.
 (E2)刺激制御部40は、関節回旋検出センサ42の検出結果に基づいて、膝関節の回旋が所定量よりも小さい旨判定したとき、すなわち膝関節にかかる負荷が小さいと予測されるとき、電極部31,32による関節回旋筋への通電を行わない。一方、刺激制御部40は、関節回旋検出センサ42の検出結果に基づいて、膝関節の回旋が所定量と同じまたはこれよりも大きい旨判定したとき、すなわち膝関節にかかる負荷が大きいと予測されるとき、電極部31,32の少なくとも一方により関節回旋筋への通電を行う。このときの通電態様として、刺激制御部40は、膝関節の回旋量が大きくなるにつれて各電極部31,32による電流の供給量を大きくしてもよいし、或いは膝関節の回旋量によらず一定の電流を供給してもよい。 (E2) When the stimulation control unit 40 determines that the rotation of the knee joint is smaller than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint rotation detection sensor 42, that is, when the load applied to the knee joint is predicted to be small, The electrode 31 and 32 do not energize the joint rotator muscle. On the other hand, when the stimulus control unit 40 determines that the rotation of the knee joint is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the joint rotation detection sensor 42, that is, the load on the knee joint is predicted to be large. In this case, the joint rotator muscle is energized by at least one of the electrode portions 31 and 32. As an energization mode at this time, the stimulation control unit 40 may increase the amount of current supplied by the electrode units 31 and 32 as the amount of rotation of the knee joint increases, or regardless of the amount of rotation of the knee joint. A constant current may be supplied.
 (E3)刺激制御部40は、動作状態検出センサ43の検出結果に基づいて、ユーザが膝関節に負荷がかかる動作を行わない旨判定したとき、電極部31~33による関節跨坐筋への通電を行わない。一方、刺激制御部40は、動作状態検出センサ43の検出結果に基づいて、ユーザが膝関節に負荷がかかる動作を行う旨判定したとき、電極部31~33の少なくとも1つにより関節跨坐筋への通電を行う。なお、膝関節に負荷がかかる動作としては、歩行、階段の下り動作、立ち上がる動作、および座る動作が挙げられる。 (E3) When the stimulus control unit 40 determines based on the detection result of the motion state detection sensor 43 that the user does not perform an operation that places a load on the knee joint, the stimulation control unit 40 Do not energize. On the other hand, when the stimulus control unit 40 determines that the user performs an operation that puts a load on the knee joint based on the detection result of the motion state detection sensor 43, the joint straddle muscle is used by at least one of the electrode units 31 to 33. Energize to. In addition, as an operation | movement which applies a load to a knee joint, a walk, the descent | fall operation | movement of a staircase, the operation | movement which stands up, and the operation | movement which sits down are mentioned.
 本実施形態によれば以下の作用効果を奏することができる。 According to this embodiment, the following operational effects can be achieved.
 (1)電気刺激装置1においては、関節跨坐筋を含む人体の部位に装着されるサポータ20と、このサポータ20に設けられて関節跨坐筋に電流を流すための複数の電極部31~33とが設けられている。 (1) In the electrical stimulation device 1, a supporter 20 attached to a human body part including the joint straddle muscle, and a plurality of electrode portions 31 to 31 provided in the supporter 20 for flowing current to the joint straddle muscle. 33 is provided.
 この構成によれば、関節跨坐筋に電流を流すことにより、関節跨坐筋を刺激することができる。関節跨坐筋が刺激されたときには同筋肉が収縮するため、関節跨坐筋に対応する膝関節が変位しにくくなる。これにより、ユーザが電気刺激装置1を装着した状態において電流が供給されたときには、電流が供給されていないときと比較して膝関節を固定する力が強くなるため、膝関節のずれを低減することができる。また、関節跨坐筋に電流を供給することによりこのような膝関節の固定が行われるため、電流を供給することなく膝関節を固定するタイプのサポータと比較して、ユーザの筋力の低下を抑制することができる。 According to this configuration, the joint straddle muscle can be stimulated by passing an electric current through the joint straddle muscle. When the joint straddle muscle is stimulated, the muscle contracts, so that the knee joint corresponding to the joint straddle muscle is difficult to displace. As a result, when a current is supplied while the user is wearing the electrical stimulation apparatus 1, the force for fixing the knee joint is stronger than when no current is supplied, thereby reducing the displacement of the knee joint. be able to. In addition, since the knee joint is fixed by supplying an electric current to the joint straddle muscle, the muscle strength of the user is reduced compared to a supporter that fixes the knee joint without supplying an electric current. Can be suppressed.
 (2)電気刺激装置1においては、刺激付与部10として、大腿60および下腿70に装着されるサポータ20が設けられている。サポータ20は、大腿60において関節跨坐筋を含む部位に装着される大腿正面部21と第1大腿背面部23と第2大腿背面部24とを含む。また、サポータ20は、下腿70において関節跨坐筋を含む部位に装着される下腿正面部22と第1下腿背面部25と第2下腿背面部26とを含む。 (2) In the electrical stimulation device 1, a supporter 20 to be attached to the thigh 60 and the lower leg 70 is provided as the stimulus applying unit 10. The supporter 20 includes a thigh front part 21, a first thigh back part 23, and a second thigh back part 24 that are attached to the thigh 60 including a joint straddle muscle. Further, the supporter 20 includes a crus front part 22, a first crus back part 25, and a second crus back part 26 that are attached to a part including the joint straddle muscles in the crus 70.
 この構成により、大腿60および下腿70の関節跨坐筋に電流を流すことができるため、大腿60および下腿70のいずれか一方の関節跨坐筋に電流を流す構成と比べて、膝関節を固定する力がより強くなる。これにより、膝関節のずれを低減する効果がより高められる。 With this configuration, current can flow through the joint straddle muscles of the thigh 60 and the lower leg 70, so that the knee joint is fixed as compared with the configuration in which current flows through the joint straddle muscle of either the thigh 60 or the lower leg 70. The power to do becomes stronger. Thereby, the effect of reducing the displacement of the knee joint is further enhanced.
 (3)電気刺激装置1においては、関節の伸展および屈曲による関節の変位を検出する関節変位検出センサ41と、各電極部31~33による生体への通電態様を制御する出力制御部50とが設けられている。出力制御部50は、関節変位検出センサ41の検出結果に基づいて、各電極部31~33による関節跨坐筋への通電態様を制御する。 (3) In the electrical stimulation apparatus 1, the joint displacement detection sensor 41 that detects the displacement of the joint due to the extension and bending of the joint, and the output control unit 50 that controls the energization mode of the living body by the electrode units 31 to 33 are provided. Is provided. Based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the output control unit 50 controls the energization mode of the joint straddle muscles by the electrode units 31 to 33.
 一般に、筋肉に電気刺激が付与されたとき、筋肉の速筋繊維が反応して筋肉の活動度合が高められる。しかし、速筋繊維は疲労しやすいため、電気刺激が過度に付与されたときには人体への負担が大きい。一方、膝関節にかかる負担は膝関節の変位に応じて異なるとともに、膝関節が中立変位状態のときに最も負担がかかりにくい。 Generally, when electrical stimulation is applied to muscles, the muscle fast muscle fibers react to increase the degree of muscle activity. However, fast muscle fibers tend to get tired, and when the electrical stimulation is excessively applied, the burden on the human body is large. On the other hand, the burden on the knee joint varies depending on the displacement of the knee joint, and is most difficult when the knee joint is in the neutral displacement state.
 上記(3)の構成によれば、出力制御部50は、関節変位検出センサ41の検出結果に基づいて通電態様を制御しているため、関節を固定する必要がないときには膝関節への通電を停止することにより速筋繊維の疲労を低減することができる。また、睡眠中等のようにユーザの無意識のときに通電しても速筋繊維の疲労をまねくおそれが低いため、ユーザが無意識のときにも通電による膝関節の固定を行うことができる。これにより、膝関節のずれを低減する効果がより高められる。 According to the configuration of (3) above, the output control unit 50 controls the energization mode based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41. Therefore, when there is no need to fix the joint, the output control unit 50 energizes the knee joint. By stopping, fatigue of fast muscle fibers can be reduced. Further, even when the user is unconscious, such as during sleep, there is a low possibility of causing fatigue of the fast muscle fibers, so that the knee joint can be fixed by energization even when the user is unconscious. Thereby, the effect of reducing the displacement of the knee joint is further enhanced.
 (4)電気刺激装置1においては、生体の動作状態を検出する動作状態検出センサ43と、各電極部31~33による生体への通電態様を制御する出力制御部50とが設けられている。出力制御部50は、動作状態検出センサ43の検出結果に基づいて、各電極部31~33による関節跨坐筋への電流の通電態様を変更している。 (4) The electrical stimulation apparatus 1 is provided with an operation state detection sensor 43 for detecting the operation state of the living body and an output control unit 50 for controlling the energization mode of the living body by the electrode units 31 to 33. Based on the detection result of the motion state detection sensor 43, the output control unit 50 changes the current application mode of the joint straddle muscles by the electrode units 31 to 33.
 例えば、ユーザが階段を下りるときには、膝関節が中立変位状態にあり関節跨坐筋が活動していない。このため、片足の膝に体重がかかるときに膝痛がおこる。また、関節跨坐筋が活動していないため、筋肉の状態をセンシングしているだけでは、膝関節の動作を適切に把握することができない。 For example, when the user goes down the stairs, the knee joint is in a neutral displacement state and the joint straddle muscle is not active. For this reason, knee pain occurs when weight is applied to one knee. Moreover, since the joint straddle muscle is not active, it is not possible to properly grasp the motion of the knee joint only by sensing the state of the muscle.
 上記(4)の構成によれば、ユーザの動作状態を検出しているため、例えばユーザが階段を下りる動作を行う場合に膝関節が中立変位状態にあるとき、膝関節に大きな負荷がかかることを予め把握することができる。これにより、関節跨坐筋に電流が流されて膝関節が固定されるため、膝関節のずれを低減する効果がより高められる。 According to the configuration of (4) above, since the user's operation state is detected, for example, when the user performs an operation of going down the stairs, when the knee joint is in a neutral displacement state, a large load is applied to the knee joint. Can be grasped in advance. Thereby, since an electric current is sent through the joint straddle muscle and the knee joint is fixed, the effect of reducing the displacement of the knee joint is further enhanced.
 (5)電気刺激装置1においては、関節の回旋を検出するための関節回旋検出センサ42と、各電極部31~33による生体への通電態様を制御する出力制御部50とが設けられている。出力制御部50は、関節回旋検出センサ42の検出結果に基づいて各電極部31~33から関節回旋筋への電流の通電態様を制御している。この構成によれば、大腿60の関節回旋筋に電流を流すことにより関節を固定することができるため、膝関節の回旋による痛みを低減することができる。 (5) In the electrical stimulation device 1, a joint rotation detection sensor 42 for detecting the rotation of the joint and an output control unit 50 for controlling the energization mode of the living body by the electrode units 31 to 33 are provided. . Based on the detection result of the joint rotation detection sensor 42, the output control unit 50 controls the current application mode from the electrode units 31 to 33 to the joint rotator muscle. According to this configuration, since the joint can be fixed by passing an electric current through the joint rotator muscle of the thigh 60, pain due to the rotation of the knee joint can be reduced.
 (6)電気刺激装置1においては、人体に電気刺激を付与するためのモードとして、生体を動作させることにより筋力を増強するための電気刺激を付与するモードAと、関節跨坐筋を刺激して関節を固定するための電気刺激を付与するモードBとが設けられている。この構成によれば、モードAではユーザが運動や日常生活をしながら筋力を増強させることができる。また、モードBでは関節跨坐筋に電流を流すことにより膝関節の固定が行われるため、膝の痛みを低減することができる。 (6) In the electrical stimulation device 1, as a mode for applying electrical stimulation to the human body, mode A for applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength by operating a living body, and stimulating the joint straddle muscle And a mode B for applying electrical stimulation for fixing the joint. According to this configuration, in mode A, the user can increase muscle strength while exercising and daily life. Further, in mode B, the knee joint is fixed by applying an electric current to the joint straddle muscle, so that knee pain can be reduced.
 (7)電気刺激装置1においては、生体に電気刺激を付与するためのモードとして、疼痛を緩和するための電気刺激の付与を行うモードCと、生体を動作させることなく筋力量を増加するための電気刺激の付与を行うモードDが設けられている。この構成によれば、モードCでは低周波のパルス電流を与えることにより、疼痛を緩和することができる。また、モードDでは電気刺激を継続して与えることにより、ユーザが下肢を動かさなくとも筋力の増強を図ることができる。 (7) In the electrical stimulation device 1, as a mode for applying electrical stimulation to the living body, mode C for applying electrical stimulation for alleviating pain, and for increasing muscle strength without operating the living body A mode D for applying electrical stimulation is provided. According to this configuration, in mode C, pain can be alleviated by applying a low-frequency pulse current. In mode D, by continuously applying electrical stimulation, muscle strength can be increased without the user moving the lower limbs.
 (その他の実施形態)
 なお、本発明の実施形態は上記実施形態に限られるものではなく、これを例えば以下に示すように変更して実施することもできる。また以下の各変形例は、上記実施形態についてのみ適用されるものではなく、異なる変形例同士を互いに組み合わせて実施することもできる。
(Other embodiments)
In addition, embodiment of this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, For example, this can be changed and implemented as shown below. The following modifications are not applied only to the above-described embodiment, and different modifications can be combined with each other.
 ・上記実施形態では、ハムストリング62を構成する半腱様筋63、大腿二頭筋64および半膜様筋65の全部に電流を流すことができるように第2電極部32を構成しているが、次のように変更することもできる。すなわち、半腱様筋63、大腿二頭筋64および半膜様筋65の1つのみまたは2つのみに電流を流すことができるように第2電極32を構成することもできる。 In the above embodiment, the second electrode portion 32 is configured so that a current can flow through all of the semi-tendon-like muscle 63, the biceps femoris muscle 64, and the semi-membranous muscle 65 constituting the hamstring 62. However, it can be changed as follows. That is, the second electrode 32 can also be configured so that a current can flow through only one or two of the semi-tendon-like muscle 63, the biceps femoris 64, and the semi-membranous muscle 65.
 ・上記実施形態では、大腿四頭筋61、ハムストリング62および腓腹筋71のそれぞれに対応させて第1電極部31~第3電極部33を設けているが、電極部31~33の1つまたは2つを省略することもできる。 In the above embodiment, the first electrode portion 31 to the third electrode portion 33 are provided corresponding to each of the quadriceps muscle 61, the hamstring 62, and the gastrocnemius muscle 71, but one of the electrode portions 31 to 33 or Two can be omitted.
 ・上記実施形態では、膝関節を固定するための複数の電極部31~33を設けているが、以下の(A)~(D)に示されるように、膝関節とは別の関節を固定するための電極部を設けることもできる。下記の各電極部は、電極部31~33の全部に代えて、または電極部31~33のいずれか1つまたは2つに代えて、または電極部31~33に加えて設けることができる。 In the above embodiment, a plurality of electrode portions 31 to 33 for fixing the knee joint are provided. However, as shown in the following (A) to (D), a joint different from the knee joint is fixed. An electrode portion can be provided. The following electrode portions can be provided in place of all of the electrode portions 31 to 33, in place of any one or two of the electrode portions 31 to 33, or in addition to the electrode portions 31 to 33.
 (A)図5に示されるように、足関節を固定するための第4電極部を設けることもできる。第4電極部としては、下腿の背面に対応した図5(a)の電極部34Aと、下腿の正面に対応した図5(b)の電極部34Bと、下腿の正面に対応した図5(c)の電極部34Cとの少なくとも1つを設けることができる。図5(a)の電極部34Aは、腓腹筋を含む複数の下腿屈曲筋群72に電流を流すための電極部として設けられる。図5の(b)の電極部34Bは、下腿伸筋群73に電流を流すための電極部として設けられる。図5(c)の電極部34Cは、下腿腓骨筋群74に電流を流すための電極部として設けられる。なお、複数の下腿屈曲筋群72、下腿伸筋群73、および下腿腓骨筋群74は、いずれも足関節についての関節跨坐筋となる。 (A) As shown in FIG. 5, a fourth electrode part for fixing the ankle joint may be provided. As the fourth electrode part, the electrode part 34A of FIG. 5A corresponding to the back of the lower leg, the electrode part 34B of FIG. 5B corresponding to the front of the lower leg, and FIG. At least one of the electrode part 34C of c) can be provided. The electrode part 34A of FIG. 5A is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the plurality of lower leg flexor muscle groups 72 including the gastrocnemius muscle. The electrode part 34 </ b> B in FIG. 5B is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the crus extensor group 73. The electrode part 34 </ b> C in FIG. 5C is provided as an electrode part for flowing a current through the crus peroneal muscle group 74. The plurality of lower leg flexor muscle groups 72, lower leg extensor muscle groups 73, and lower leg radial muscle group 74 are joint straddle muscles for the ankle joint.
 (B)図6に示されるように、股関節を固定するための第5電極部を設けることもできる。第5電極部としては、大腿の正面に対応した図6(a)の電極部35Aと、大腿の背面に対応した図6(b)の電極部35Bと、殿部に対応した図6(c)の電極部35Cと、骨盤の正面に対応した図6(d)の電極部35Dとの少なくとも1つを設けることができる。図6(a)の電極部35Aは、股関節内転筋群66に電流を流すための電極部として設けられる。図6(b)の電極部35Bは、ハムストリング62に電流を流すための電極部として設けられる。図6(c)の電極部35Cは、大臀筋67に電流を流すための電極部として設けられる。図6(d)の電極部35Dは、股関節屈曲筋群68に電流を流すための電極部としても設けられる。なお、股関節内転筋群66、ハムストリング62、大臀筋67、および股関節屈曲筋群68は、いずれも股関節についての関節跨坐筋となる。 (B) As shown in FIG. 6, a fifth electrode part for fixing the hip joint may be provided. As the fifth electrode portion, the electrode portion 35A in FIG. 6A corresponding to the front surface of the thigh, the electrode portion 35B in FIG. 6B corresponding to the back surface of the thigh, and FIG. 6C corresponding to the buttocks portion. ) Electrode part 35C and the electrode part 35D of FIG. 6D corresponding to the front of the pelvis can be provided. The electrode portion 35 </ b> A in FIG. 6A is provided as an electrode portion for allowing a current to flow through the hip adductor muscle group 66. The electrode part 35 </ b> B in FIG. 6B is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the hamstring 62. The electrode part 35 </ b> C in FIG. 6C is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the greater gluteus 67. The electrode part 35 </ b> D in FIG. 6D is also provided as an electrode part for flowing a current through the hip flexor muscle group 68. The hip adductor muscle group 66, the hamstring 62, the greater ankle muscle 67, and the hip flexor muscle group 68 are joint straddle muscles for the hip joint.
 (C)図7に示されるように、肘関節を固定するための第6電極部を設けることもできる。第6電極部としては、上腕の側面に対応する図7(a)の電極部36Aと、上腕の正面に対応する図7(b)の電極部36Bと、下腕の外側に対応する図7(c)の電極部36Cと、下腕の側面に対応する図7(d)の電極部36Dとの少なくとも1つを設けることができる。図7(a)の電極部36Aは、肘屈曲筋群81に電流を流すための電極部として設けられる。図7(b)の電極部36Bは、肘伸展筋群82に電流を流すための電極部として設けられる。図7(c)の電極部36Cは、指伸展筋群91に電流を流すための電極部として設けられる。図7(d)の電極部36Dは、指屈曲筋群92に電流を流すための電極部として設けられる。なお、肘屈曲筋群81、肘伸展筋群82、指伸展筋群91、および指屈曲筋群92は、いずれも肘関節についての関節跨坐筋となる。つまり、図7の実施例の場合には、図1の刺激付与部10におけるサポータ20等の装着部が、上肢装着部として機能する。この場合、上肢装着部は、図1の構成における第1下肢装着部(21,23,24)及び第2下肢装着部(22,25,26)と同様、上腕の関節跨坐筋(81,82)を含む部位に装着される第1上肢装着部と、下腕の関節跨坐筋(91,92)を含む部位に装着される第2上肢装着部とを含む。 (C) As shown in FIG. 7, a sixth electrode part for fixing the elbow joint may be provided. As the sixth electrode portion, the electrode portion 36A in FIG. 7A corresponding to the side surface of the upper arm, the electrode portion 36B in FIG. 7B corresponding to the front surface of the upper arm, and FIG. 7 corresponding to the outer side of the lower arm. At least one of the electrode part 36C of (c) and the electrode part 36D of FIG. 7 (d) corresponding to the side surface of the lower arm can be provided. The electrode portion 36 </ b> A in FIG. 7A is provided as an electrode portion for flowing current to the elbow flexor muscle group 81. The electrode part 36 </ b> B in FIG. 7B is provided as an electrode part for flowing current to the elbow extensor muscle group 82. The electrode part 36 </ b> C in FIG. 7C is provided as an electrode part for passing a current through the finger extensor muscle group 91. The electrode part 36 </ b> D in FIG. 7D is provided as an electrode part for allowing a current to flow through the finger flexor muscle group 92. The elbow flexor muscle group 81, the elbow extensor muscle group 82, the finger extensor muscle group 91, and the finger flexor muscle group 92 are all joint straddle muscles for the elbow joint. That is, in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 7, the mounting portion such as the supporter 20 in the stimulus applying unit 10 of FIG. 1 functions as the upper limb mounting portion. In this case, the upper limb mounting portion is similar to the first lower limb mounting portion (21, 23, 24) and the second lower limb mounting portion (22, 25, 26) in the configuration of FIG. 82) and a second upper limb mounting portion mounted on a portion including the joint straddle muscles (91, 92) of the lower arm.
 (D)図8に示されるように、肩関節を固定するための第7電極部を設けることもできる。第7電極部は、僧帽筋に対応するマイナス極37Aと、肩関節の正面の筋肉に対応するプラス極37Bと、肩関節の内側下方の筋肉に対応するプラス極37Cと、肩関節の背面の筋肉に対応するプラス極37Dとにより構成される。また、第7電極部は、肩挙上回旋筋群100の正面側に電流を流すための電極部として設けられる。なお、肩挙上回旋筋群100は肩関節についての関節跨坐筋となる。 (D) As shown in FIG. 8, a seventh electrode part for fixing the shoulder joint may be provided. The seventh electrode portion includes a minus pole 37A corresponding to the trapezius muscle, a plus pole 37B corresponding to the muscle in front of the shoulder joint, a plus pole 37C corresponding to the muscle inside and below the shoulder joint, and the back surface of the shoulder joint. And a plus pole 37D corresponding to the muscle of the other. In addition, the seventh electrode portion is provided as an electrode portion for allowing a current to flow to the front side of the raised shoulder rotator muscle group 100. The raised shoulder rotator muscle group 100 serves as a joint straddle muscle for the shoulder joint.
 ・上記実施形態では、刺激制御部40は、関節変位検出センサ41により関節の変位を直接的に検出したが、同センサ41に代えてまたは加えて、関節の変位を間接的に検出するための装置を設けることもできる。その一例としては、筋電図を計測する筋電図計測装置が挙げられる。筋電図計測装置を設ける構成によれば、刺激制御部40は、筋電図計測装置により計測された筋電図に基づいて筋肉の活動状態を予測し、その予測した筋肉の活動状態に基づいて関節の変位を判定することができる。 In the above embodiment, the stimulus control unit 40 directly detects the joint displacement by the joint displacement detection sensor 41. However, instead of or in addition to the sensor 41, the stimulus control unit 40 indirectly detects the joint displacement. A device can also be provided. An example thereof is an electromyogram measuring apparatus that measures an electromyogram. According to the configuration in which the electromyogram measurement device is provided, the stimulation control unit 40 predicts the muscle activity state based on the electromyogram measured by the electromyogram measurement device, and based on the predicted muscle activity state. Thus, the displacement of the joint can be determined.
 ・上記実施形態では、右下肢用の刺激付与部10および左下肢の刺激付与部のそれぞれによる電気刺激の付与が出力制御部50により行われるが、使用する刺激付与部をユーザが選択するための機能を備えることもできる。その一例としては、操作部52に使用する刺激付与部を選択するためのボタンを設ける構成が挙げられる。 In the above embodiment, the electrical stimulation is applied by the output controller 50 by each of the stimulus applying unit 10 for the right lower limb and the stimulus applying unit for the left lower limb, but for the user to select the stimulus applying unit to be used. A function can also be provided. As an example, a configuration in which a button for selecting a stimulus applying unit used for the operation unit 52 is provided.
 ・上記実施形態では、関節変位検出センサ41、関節回旋検出センサ42、および動作状態検出センサ43を刺激制御部40に設けたが、これらセンサの少なくとも1つを省略することもできる。 In the above embodiment, the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the joint rotation detection sensor 42, and the operation state detection sensor 43 are provided in the stimulus control unit 40, but at least one of these sensors may be omitted.
 ・上記実施形態では、刺激制御部40は、関節変位検出センサ41の検出結果に基づいて膝関節の負担が小さいと判定したときには、関節跨坐筋への電流の供給を停止したが、これを次のように変更することもできる。すなわち、刺激制御部40は、膝関節の負担が小さいと判定したとき、膝関節の負担が大きいと判定したときよりも少ない量の電流を関節跨坐筋に電流を供給することもできる。 In the above embodiment, when the stimulus control unit 40 determines that the burden on the knee joint is small based on the detection result of the joint displacement detection sensor 41, the stimulus control unit 40 stops supplying current to the joint straddle muscle. It can also be changed as follows. That is, when it is determined that the knee joint burden is small, the stimulation control unit 40 can supply a smaller amount of current to the joint straddle muscle than when it is determined that the knee joint burden is large.
 ・上記実施形態では、各センサ41~43の検出結果に基づく通電態様の制御(モードE)とモードA~Dによる通電態様の制御とが独立して行われるが、各センサ41~43の検出結果に基づく制御とモードA~Dの制御とを併せて行うこともできる。すなわち、モードA~Dのいずれかの制御の実行中において各センサ41~43の検出結果に基づく通電の必要が生じたときには、モードA~Dのいずれかの通電制御を一時的に保留して各センサ41~43の検出結果に基づく通電制御を行うこともできる。 In the above embodiment, the control of the energization mode (mode E) based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43 and the control of the energization mode by the modes A to D are performed independently. The control based on the result and the control of modes A to D can be performed together. That is, when energization based on the detection results of the respective sensors 41 to 43 becomes necessary during execution of any of the controls of modes A to D, the energization control of any of modes A to D is temporarily suspended. It is also possible to perform energization control based on the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43.
 ・上記実施形態では、刺激制御部40は、膝関節が回旋していることを検出したときに関節跨坐筋のうち関節回旋筋である大腿四頭筋61およびハムストリング62に電流を流したが、さらに関節回旋筋以外の関節跨坐筋である腓腹筋71に電流を流すこともできる。 In the above embodiment, when the stimulus control unit 40 detects that the knee joint is rotating, the stimulation control unit 40 supplies current to the quadriceps 61 and the hamstring 62 which are the joint rotator muscles of the joint straddle muscles. However, it is also possible to pass a current through the gastrocnemius muscle 71 which is a joint straddle muscle other than the joint rotator muscle.
 ・上記実施形態では、刺激付与部10として、大腿60から膝関節を介して下腿70にわたり装着されるタイプのものを設けているが、大腿60に対応する部分と下腿70に対応する部分とを各別に形成することもできる。 In the above embodiment, the stimulus applying unit 10 is of a type that is worn from the thigh 60 to the lower leg 70 via the knee joint. However, a portion corresponding to the thigh 60 and a part corresponding to the lower leg 70 are provided. It can also be formed separately.
 ・上記実施形態では、刺激付与部10として下肢に装着するタイプのものを設けているが、これに代えてまたは加えて、上肢に装着するタイプの刺激付与部を設けることもできる。また、下肢に装着される刺激付与部および上肢に装着される刺激付与部の少なくとも一方を備える電気刺激装置において、以下の(A)~(D)の変更を加えることもできる。
(A)下肢用の刺激付与部を大腿60のみに装着されるタイプに変更する。
(B)下肢用の刺激付与部を下腿70のみに装着されるタイプに変更する。
(C)上肢用の刺激付与部を上腕80のみに装着されるタイプに変更する。
(D)上肢用の刺激付与部を下腕90のみに装着されるタイプに変更する。
In the above-described embodiment, a type that is worn on the lower limb is provided as the stimulus applying unit 10, but instead of or in addition to this, a type of stimulus applying unit that is worn on the upper limb can be provided. In addition, the following changes (A) to (D) can be made in an electrical stimulation apparatus including at least one of a stimulus applying unit attached to the lower limb and a stimulus applying unit attached to the upper limb.
(A) The stimulus applying part for the lower limb is changed to a type that is worn only on the thigh 60.
(B) The stimulus applying part for the lower limb is changed to a type that is worn only on the lower leg 70.
(C) Change the stimulus applying part for the upper limb to a type that is worn only on the upper arm 80.
(D) The stimulus applying part for the upper limb is changed to a type that is worn only on the lower arm 90.
 ・上肢に装着される刺激付与部を含む構成において、上腕80および下腕90に対応する部位を各別に形成することもできる。 In the configuration including the stimulus imparting part that is worn on the upper limb, the parts corresponding to the upper arm 80 and the lower arm 90 can be formed separately.
 ・上記実施形態では、刺激付与部10を左右の下肢のそれぞれに装着するサポータ型のものとして構成したが、股上および左右の下肢に対応する部位を含むパンツ型またはズボン型のものに変更することもできる。 In the above embodiment, the stimulus imparting unit 10 is configured as a supporter type that is worn on each of the left and right lower limbs. You can also.

Claims (7)

  1.  筋肉に電気刺激を付与する電気刺激装置であって、
     関節を跨ぐ筋肉である関節跨坐筋を含む人体の部位に装着される装着部と、
     前記装着部に設けられて前記関節跨坐筋に電流を流すための電極部と
    を備えることを特徴とする電気刺激装置。
    An electrical stimulation device for applying electrical stimulation to muscles,
    A mounting part to be mounted on a part of a human body including a joint straddle muscle that is a muscle straddling a joint;
    An electrical stimulation device comprising: an electrode portion provided in the mounting portion and configured to flow an electric current through the joint straddle muscle.
  2.  請求項1に記載の電気刺激装置は更に、
     前記装着部として、上肢に装着される上肢装着部および下肢に装着される下肢装着部の少なくとも一方を備え、
     前記上肢装着部は、前記上肢の上腕において関節跨坐筋を含む部位に装着される第1上肢装着部と、前記上肢の下腕において関節跨坐筋を含む部位に装着される第2上肢装着部とを含み、
     前記下肢装着部は、前記下肢の大腿において関節跨坐筋を含む部位に装着される第1下肢装着部と、前記下肢の下腿において関節跨坐筋を含む部位に装着される第2下肢装着部とを含む
    ことを特徴とする電気刺激装置。
    The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1 further includes:
    As the mounting portion, it comprises at least one of an upper limb mounting portion to be mounted on the upper limb and a lower limb mounting portion to be mounted on the lower limb,
    The upper limb mounting portion includes a first upper limb mounting portion that is mounted on a portion including the joint straddle muscle in the upper arm of the upper limb, and a second upper limb mounting that is mounted on a portion including the joint straddle muscle in the lower arm of the upper limb. Including
    The lower limb mounting portion includes a first lower limb mounting portion to be mounted on a portion including the joint straddle muscle in the lower limb thigh, and a second lower limb mounting portion to be mounted on a portion including the joint straddle muscle in the lower leg of the lower limb. An electrical stimulation device comprising:
  3.  請求項1または2に記載の電気刺激装置は更に、
     関節の伸展および屈曲による関節の変位を検出する関節変位検出部と、
     前記関節変位検出部の検出結果に基づいて前記電極部による前記関節跨坐筋への通電態様を制御する関節変位制御部と
    を備えることを特徴とする電気刺激装置。
    The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2, further
    A joint displacement detector for detecting joint displacement due to joint extension and flexion;
    An electrical stimulation apparatus comprising: a joint displacement control unit configured to control an energization mode of the joint straddle muscle by the electrode unit based on a detection result of the joint displacement detection unit.
  4.  請求項1~3のいずれか一項に記載の電気刺激装置は更に、
     生体の動作状態を検出する動作状態検出部と、
     前記動作状態検出部の検出結果に基づいて前記電極部による前記関節跨坐筋への通電態様を制御する動作状態制御部と
    を備えることを特徴とする電気刺激装置。
    The electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
    An operation state detection unit for detecting the operation state of the living body;
    An electrical stimulation apparatus comprising: an operation state control unit that controls an energization mode of the joint straddle muscle by the electrode unit based on a detection result of the operation state detection unit.
  5.  請求項1~4のいずれか一項に記載の電気刺激装置において、
     前記電極部は、前記関節跨坐筋に電流を流す複数の電極部のうちの1つであり、前記関節跨坐筋は、関節の回旋に寄与する関節回旋筋を含み、前記複数の電極部は、前記関節回旋筋に電流を流す電極部を含み、
     当該電気刺激装置は更に、
     前記関節の回旋を検出する関節回旋検出部と、
     前記関節回旋検出部の検出結果に基づいて前記電極部による前記関節回旋筋への通電態様を制御する関節回旋制御部と
    を備えることを特徴とする電気刺激装置。
    The electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
    The electrode portion is one of a plurality of electrode portions that cause current to flow through the joint straddle muscle, and the joint straddle muscle includes a joint rotator muscle that contributes to the rotation of the joint, and the plurality of electrode portions Includes an electrode portion for passing an electric current to the joint rotator muscle,
    The electrical stimulation device further includes
    A joint rotation detector for detecting the rotation of the joint;
    An electrical stimulation apparatus comprising: a joint rotation control unit configured to control an energization mode of the joint rotation muscle by the electrode unit based on a detection result of the joint rotation detection unit.
  6.  請求項1~5のいずれか一項に記載の電気刺激装置において、
     当該電気刺激装置は、生体を動作させることにより筋力を増強するための電気刺激を付与する際に実行される第1のモードと、前記関節跨坐筋により関節を固定するための電気刺激を前記関節跨坐筋に付与する際に実行される第2のモードとを制御可能であることを特徴とする電気刺激装置。
    The electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
    The electrical stimulation device includes a first mode executed when applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength by operating a living body, and electrical stimulation for fixing a joint by the joint straddle muscle. An electrical stimulation device characterized by being capable of controlling the second mode executed when applied to the joint straddle muscle.
  7.  請求項1~6のいずれか一項に記載の電気刺激装置において、
     当該電気刺激装置は、疼痛を緩和するための電気刺激を付与する際に実行される第3のモードと、生体を動作させることなく筋力を増強するための電気刺激を付与する際に実行される第4のモードとを制御可能であることを特徴とする電気刺激装置。
    The electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
    The electrical stimulation device is executed when a third mode executed when applying electrical stimulation for alleviating pain and when applying electrical stimulation for enhancing muscle strength without operating a living body. An electric stimulator capable of controlling the fourth mode.
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CN103079637A (en) 2013-05-01

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