WO2004060481A1

WO2004060481A1 - Electric trainer

Info

Publication number: WO2004060481A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/000020
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dietrich H. W. GRÖNEMEYER; Till Grönemeyer; Peter Weuthen; Peter Friedrich
Original assignee: Groenemeyer Dietrich H W; Groenemeyer Till; Peter Weuthen; Peter Friedrich
Priority date: 2003-01-03
Filing date: 2004-01-05
Publication date: 2004-07-22
Also published as: DE10300069A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (7) for electrically stimulating the innervated muscle by means of transcutaneous transmission of electrical impulses that are applied via electrodes, the electrical impulses being generated in the low frequency range of from 2 Hz to 100 Hz. The electrical stimulation device is mainly used for neuromuscular stimulation.

Description

EP trainer

The invention relates to a device for electrical stimulation of a body by means of transcutaneous transmission of electrical impulses which are applied via electrodes.

The invention further relates to a method for generating therapeutically usable electrical pulses which are applied via electrodes.

Devices for the transcutaneous transmission of electrical impulses have proven to be powerful instruments in electromedical therapy and diagnostics.

Since certain frequencies have different physiological effects, a basic distinction is made between three frequency ranges.

Low frequency:> 0 Hz to 1000 Hz (= 1 KHz)

Medium frequency: 1 kHz to 100 kHz

High frequency:> 1000 KHz.

Low-frequency and medium-frequency currents generate electrical stimuli in excitable tissues. Therefore one speaks of stimulation current therapy. The excitation can either contain an analgesic, ie pain-relieving effect or motor muscle activity (muscle contraction). In particular, stimulation frequencies of 100 Hz and more can contribute to pain relief. Impulse currents in this frequency range also promote blood circulation. Stimulus frequencies of 100 Hz and above also initially generate muscle contractions. However, due to the fatigue of the neuromuscular system, there is a muscle surge without a directed (= exerting) contraction. These stimulus frequencies are therefore used to detonate the muscles. This can be used in many spinal and joint diseases because they are usually accompanied by painful muscle tension.

Most of the stimulation current devices currently used, however, generate periodic pulse currents that are far above the low frequency range. A stimulation current device for transcutaneous muscle stimulation by means of generating pulse-shaped currents in the medium frequency range is known from European Patent 0 203 336.

Increased attention is now being paid to exercises to strengthen and build muscles. This need results primarily from the knowledge that an increase in muscle strength contributes to physical well-being. Setup may also be necessary or useful for therapeutic reasons.

Scientific studies have shown that pulse series with frequencies of about 20-80 Hz serve to strengthen the muscles. In addition to the motor effect, low frequencies also have a beneficial effect on the metabolism of the muscle cells. From a stimulation frequency of 10 Hz the individual twitches change into a tetanic contraction, whereby the mechanical twitch lasts much longer than the electrical stimulus. As a result, the individual twitches build up on one another when stimulated with a pulse sequence of more than 10 Hz. With these contractions called tetanic, the muscle develops its strength. The result is that frequencies of around 20 to 80 Hz tonify the muscles. Therefore, this form of (neuromuscular) stimulation in a suitable dosage also promotes an increase in strength of the muscles. Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to provide a device and method for generating electrical impulses which can be used for neuromuscular stimulation. The device and method should be variably adjustable with regard to the pulse parameters so that an optimal therapeutic effect is achieved and in particular no signs of fatigue occur.

This task is solved on the basis of a device and method of the type mentioned at the outset in that at a voltage of 5 to 30 V the frequency of the electrical pulses is in the range from 2 Hz to 100 Hz, wherein

the pulse series duration can be set to a value from 1 s to 10 s,

- Pulses with a pulse width (2) of 50 μs to 400 μs can be generated, and

- A pulse pause (6) between 1 s and 10 s can be selected.

It has been shown that an optimal training / treatment effect can be achieved with pulses and parameters within the above-mentioned limits. The device according to the invention is expediently set up in such a way that the time regime is variable. In particular, different pulse series times, pulse widths, pulse pause times and

Training session times can be selected, whereby

- The pulse series duration can be increased or decreased in steps of 1 s, and / or

- The pulse width (2) can be varied in 50 μs steps, and / or

- The pulse pause (6) can be increased or decreased in steps of 1 s, and / or - A training time can be variably set from 5 min to 45 min, preferably from 5 min to 15 min in 1 min steps and from 15 min to 45 min in 5 min steps.

The variability of the device or method allows a good adaptation to the physiological conditions.

The device and method operate at a voltage in the range of 5 to 30 V, preferably 10 to 20 V. The power consumption of the device is less than 30 W, preferably less than 20 W, and the power output to the body for the individual pulse is accordingly in the range of 0.05 to 2.0 watts. The current strength and thus also the power output are defined in a known manner by the body resistance. The pulse frequency is preferably in the range from 20 to 100 Hz.

The generation of electrical impulses with different pulse durations, pulse widths and pulse pause durations within varying training unit times has the result that a habituation effect or learning effect of the nerves and muscles on uniform stimulation current impulses is avoided. This would stand in the way of an increased irritant effect of the stimulation current. The physical constitution of the training participants is also taken into account by the variable time regime. Training programs that are tailored to the needs of the training person can be implemented in this way.

The device is advantageously set up so that the electrical pulses have a different polarity. The resultant change in polarity of the bidirectional stimulation current is important in that with each change stimuli take place at different points in the muscle while avoiding an impairment of the ion balance on the membrane, so that a balanced charge balance is maintained. The change in polarity has the effect that early muscle fatigue is avoided.

It proves to be advantageous if changes in the time regime can be made during the training period. This ensures that the Training person has a direct influence on the individual training program. Changes in the time regime during the training period also have the advantage that the habituation or learning effects of the muscles on uniform stimulation current impulses are additionally avoided.

It makes sense to have several electrodes available for specific areas of the body. These can be, for example, back electrodes, stomach electrodes or also leg electrodes or buttock electrodes. An electrode application, taking into account anatomic ^'functional conditions is a prerequisite for the success of a' training session.

The device and method according to the invention is used to strengthen the muscles of the training person. However, the area of application can be expanded even further. The device and method according to the invention are also suitable for endurance training, for body relaxation and for slimming programs.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a timing diagram to define the

Stimulation parameters;

Fig. 2 diagram for calculating the

pulse power

FIG. 1 shows a pulse diagram 10 of the device 7 according to the invention. A monopolar pulse is used as a basis. The pulse intensity 1, the pulse width 2, the pulse rise time 3, the pulse fall time 4 and the pulse frequency are important for the irritation of the nerves and muscles. In the device 7 according to the invention, these stimulus parameters can be varied independently of one another by means of the button function 8. The pulse intensity 1 indicates the peak value of the current intensity I. The pulse rise time 3 characterizes the steepness of the pulse, ie it corresponds the time in which the current rises from the value zero to the peak value I, whereas the pulse decay time 4 corresponds to the time in which the current rises from the peak value to zero. The pulse width 2 results from the sum of the pulse rise time 3 and the pulse fall time 4. Pulse intensity 1, pulse width 2, pulse rise 3 and fall time 4 determine the pulse shape 9. The number of pulses per unit of time indicates the pulse frequency, whereas the pulse period 5 indicates the time interval between the starting base points of two successive pulses. The time interval between the end point of a pulse series and the start point of the following pulse series is determined by the pulse pause. 6 denotes the pause between two individual pulses.

The device and method according to the invention can be used, for example, for therapeutic purposes, but also for muscle building and training, as part of slimming programs, for body relaxation, etc.

example

The following treatment parameters are used in the therapeutic follow-up treatment of an upper arm fracture to strengthen and build up the muscles:

Voltage: 16 V.

Pulse series duration: 4 s

Break duration: 2 s

Frequency: 80 Hz

Rise time: <0.1 s

Pulse width: 350 μs

Treatment time: 20 min

Operating mode: bipolar

The program runs automatically with the selected setting. to

The therapeutic effect can be increased, for example, by the pulse series duration, pause duration and pulse width over the treatment time be varied so that phases with high and low stimulus potential result or replace. The impulses are applied via a cuff electrode and a moist textile covering of the upper arm. The electrodes are always placed around the extremity in pairs.

The diagram shown in FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the voltage U and the current I in a pair of arm electrodes, which can be produced, for example, in a treatment for strengthening the muscles after a fracture of the upper arm. The time scale (horizontal) is 2 ms / cm. The scale (vertical) for pulse 11 is 10 V / cm and for pulse 12 50 mA / cm. The pulse width amounts to 350 μs. The diagram shows that at a voltage of approx. 16 V a current of approx. 30 mA flows. The pulse power can be calculated from this according to the formula P = U * l. It is 16 * 0.03 A = 0.48 W. The electrical work of the positive pulse is therefore according to the formula A = P * t with a pulse width of 350 μs = 0.035 ms = 0.00035 s

0.48 W * 0.00035s = 0.00017 Ws. The same power is given approximately with the negative impulse. At 80 pulses per second, 0.00017 * 2 * 80 = 0.03 Ws are delivered to the body in one second.

In the example, the body resistance, which here represents the total resistance of the two electrodes and the body between the two arm electrodes, is 16 V / 0.03 A, that is to say about 530 ohms.

- Expectations -

Claims

claims

1. Device for electrical stimulation of a body by means of transcutaneous transmission of electrical pulses that are generated according to a predetermined program and applied via electrodes, characterized in that at a voltage of 5 to 30 V, the frequency of the electrical pulses in the range from 2 Hz to 100 Hz lies, where

- the pulse series duration is adjustable from 1 s to 10 s,

- Pulses with a pulse width (2) of 50 μs to 400 μs can be generated, and

- A pulse pause (6) between 1 s and 10 s can be selected.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a variable time regime can be selected.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

- the pulse series duration can be set in steps of 1 s,

- the pulse width (2) can be varied in steps of 50 μs,

- The pulse pause (6) can be varied in steps of 1 s, and / or

- A training time from 5 min to 45 min can be set.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the polarity of the electrical pulses is adjustable.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the time regime can be changed over a selected period.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has one or more electrodes specific for certain body regions.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6 for use in the cosmetics / wellness and fitness area.

8. Method for generating therapeutically usable electrical

Pulses that are applied via electrodes, characterized in that at a voltage of 5 to 30 V electrical pulses are generated in the low frequency range from 2 Hz to 100 Hz, whereby

- a pulse series duration of 1 s to 10 s is set,

- Pulses with a pulse width (2) of 50 μs to 400 μs are generated, and

- A pulse pause (6) is set between 1 s and 10 s.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that a time regime is selected.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that

- the pulse duration is increased or decreased in steps of 1 s,

- the pulse width (2) is varied in steps of 50 μs, - The pulse pause (6) is increased or decreased in steps of 1 s, and / or

- a training time of 5 min to 45 min is set.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the electrical pulses have a different polarity.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that changes in the time regime are made during the training period.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that a plurality of electrodes specific to certain body regions are acted upon with stimulation current.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13 for use in cosmetics Λ / wellness, fitness as for use in medical therapy.