JP2010057805A - Living body stimulating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a living body stimulating apparatus effectively stimulating the deep layers of muscles present in the deep portions of a living body. <P>SOLUTION: The living body stimulating apparatus which makes electrodes 21 abut on a living body and applies an electric current from the electrodes 21 to the living body and stimulates the living body, applies the stimulus to the living body by superimposing a high-frequency pulse HF on a low-frequency pulse LF. One of the low-frequency pulse LF and the high-frequency pulse HF is defined as a rectangular wave. The high-frequency pulse HF is superposed on a part of the low-frequency pulse LF to stimulate the deep layers of the muscles. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a biostimulation apparatus that applies a conductor containing an electrode to a living body and applies a current to the living body from the conductor to give a stimulus.

Conventionally, in this type of biostimulator, a relatively low-frequency pulse current of about several kHz effective for muscle contraction is applied to the living body to provide stimulation. However, when only a low frequency pulse current is passed through the living body, the stimulation becomes too strong and the pain becomes noticeable, so that the current is repeatedly passed through the living body as a low frequency pulse group including a plurality of high frequency pulses. Yes (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). According to these biological stimulation devices, there is an advantage that a relatively soft stimulation feeling can be obtained.
JP 2004-344444 A JP 2005-224387A

  According to the biostimulator disclosed in Patent Document 1, a current composed of a pulse group including a plurality of on-pulses having a variable density is repeatedly output from a conductor to a living body. As a result, the living body has a capacitive reactance of an equivalent circuit combining a capacitor and a resistor, so that the impedance is lowered by the on-pulse, which is a high frequency signal component, and the waveform of the entire pulse group is distorted inside the living body. Thus, the distortion waveform is like a pseudo sine wave as a whole. Therefore, a relatively soft feeling of stimulation can be obtained.

  Further, according to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, a current composed of a pulse group including a plurality of ON pulses having a variable duty ratio is repeatedly output from a conductor to a living body. In this case, if the duty ratio is increased, a strong stimulus can be applied, and if the duty ratio is decreased, a weak stimulus can be applied. Therefore, the stimulus applied to the living body can be increased or decreased by changing the duty ratio. It becomes. Therefore, a relatively soft feeling of stimulation can be obtained also in this case.

  However, since the biostimulator is a device that allows current to flow through the living body percutaneously, stimulation of the surface muscles is easy, but it is not easy to give stimulation to the deep muscles in the deep part of the living body where current is difficult to reach. For example, when a low-frequency pulse current effective for muscle contraction is passed, a large differential current flows even if the average current is small, which gives strong pain to the living body. Therefore, it is not easy to move the deep muscle.

  In the biostimulators disclosed in each of the above-mentioned patent documents, a stimulation current consisting of a pulse group including a plurality of high-frequency pulses is passed, so there is an advantage that a soft stimulation feeling can be obtained, but the deep muscles are moved. However, there is a problem that the effective low frequency pulse component is insufficient and the deep muscles in the deep part of the living body cannot be stimulated.

  This invention is made | formed in view of said situation, and makes it a subject to provide the biological stimulation apparatus which can give irritation | stimulation effectively also to the deep muscle which exists in the deep part of a biological body.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the living body stimulating apparatus for applying a stimulus to a living body by applying a conductor to the living body and flowing a current from the conductor to the living body, the high frequency pulse is superimposed on the low frequency pulse to give the living body a stimulus. Is a biological stimulation device characterized by

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the biostimulator according to the first aspect, one or both of the low-frequency pulse and the high-frequency pulse are rectangular waves.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the biostimulator according to the first or second aspect, the high frequency pulse is superimposed on a part of the cycle of the low frequency pulse.

  According to the present invention, the magnitude of the low-frequency pulse current and the high-frequency pulse current flowing through the living body can be appropriately controlled, so that it is effective not only for the surface layer muscle but also for the deep muscle existing in the deep part of the living body. It is possible to realize a biostimulation apparatus that can give a stimulus to the body. That is, according to the biostimulator according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the differential current caused by the low frequency pulse. In addition, the pain and the amount of stimulation can be optimized by combining the low-frequency pulse current and the high-frequency pulse current flowing through the biological load and combining the treatment effect by the low-frequency pulse current and the treatment effect by the high-frequency pulse current. As a result, soft and effective stimulation can be given to the surface layer muscle and the deep layer muscle. These treatment effects cannot be achieved by only one of the low frequency pulse and the high frequency pulse.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a biostimulator according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a stabilized power source that converts an AC input to a DC output in a stabilized state. Here, AC 100V AC voltage is converted to DC 15V and DC 5V DC voltages, respectively. Reference numeral 2 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control means that operates by a DC 5V DC voltage from the stabilized power source 1 and a reference clock signal from the crystal oscillator 3. As is well known, the CPU 2 incorporates input / output means, storage means, arithmetic processing means, and the like, and generates a predetermined pattern of stimulation current according to a control sequence stored in the storage means (not shown). To give to.

  A plurality of switches 4 serving as mode selection means for selecting a specific stimulation mode from various stimulation modes are connected to the input side port of the CPU 2. Correspondingly, a plurality of LEDs 5 serving as mode display means for indicating which stimulus mode is selected and executed are connected to the output side port of the CPU 2. In addition, a segment LED 6 is connected to the output side port of the CPU 2 as time display means for counting and displaying the stimulation time. In the present embodiment, only one segment LED 6 is shown for convenience, but in reality, two or more segment LEDs 6 are arranged in parallel. For example, the LED 5 and the segment LED 6 may be integrated and displayed by a common LCD display or the like.

  Further, a setter composed of a plurality of variable resistors 7 capable of setting operation is connected to the input side port of the CPU 2. These variable resistors 7 can change the frequency, pulse duration, and amplitude of the low-frequency pulse and high-frequency pulse, which are biological stimulation signals, to arbitrary values. On the other hand, the output side port of the CPU 2 outputs two output voltage instruction signals and a pulse drive signal corresponding to the selected stimulation mode and the value set by the variable resistor 7. . Of these two systems of output voltage instruction signal and pulse drive signal, one system signal is used for generating a high frequency pulse, and the other one system signal is used for generating a low frequency pulse.

  The output voltage control circuits 8 and 9 operate with a DC voltage of 15 V DC from the stabilized power source 1 and output DC voltages corresponding to the two output voltage instruction signals output from the CPU 2. That is, the output voltage control circuit 8 supplies a variable output signal having a predetermined voltage level designated in the range of DC0V to DC15V to the high-frequency pulse stimulation generating means 11. Further, the output voltage control circuit 9 supplies a variable output signal having a predetermined voltage level designated in the range of DC0V to DC15V to the low frequency pulse stimulus generating means 12.

  Here, the stimulus generating means 11 and 12 convert each output voltage from the output voltage control circuits 8 and 9 into a pulse having a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined frequency at a timing corresponding to the selected stimulus mode. . In addition to the FETs 13 and 14 serving as switching means, the stimulus generating means 11 and 12 include transformers 15 and 16 that insulate the primary side from the secondary side. That is, the high-frequency pulse stimulation generating means 11 has one end of the primary winding 17 of the transformer 15 connected to the variable output signal line of the output voltage control circuit 8 and the primary winding of the transformer 15 connected to the drain of the FET 13 grounded at the source. The other end of the line 17 is connected. Further, the low frequency pulse stimulus generating means 12 is configured such that one end of the primary winding 18 of the transformer 16 is connected to the variable output signal line of the output voltage control circuit 9 and the primary of the transformer 16 is connected to the drain of the FET 14 whose source is grounded. The other end of the winding 18 is connected.

  Both ends of the secondary winding 19 of the transformer 15 that outputs the stimulation signal of the high-frequency pulse and both ends of the secondary winding 20 of the transformer 16 that outputs the stimulation signal of the low-frequency pulse are a pair of conductors 21 as output terminals, respectively. Connected to. Each pulse drive signal from the CPU 2 is supplied to each gate which is a control terminal of the FETs 13 and 14. The FETs 13 and 14 are examples of switch means, and other switch means such as a transistor can be used.

  In the biological stimulation apparatus having the above configuration, when a specific stimulation mode is selected by the switch 4 and a start switch (not shown) is operated, the LED 5 corresponding to the stimulation mode selected by the CPU 2 is lit. Corresponding to the selected stimulation mode, the CPU 2 outputs a high-frequency pulse output voltage instruction signal and a high-frequency pulse drive signal to the high-frequency pulse stimulation generating means 11. Further, an output voltage instruction signal of a low frequency pulse and a low frequency pulse drive signal are outputted to the stimulus generating means 12 of the low frequency pulse.

  When the high-frequency pulse drive signal is output to the FET 13 constituting the high-frequency pulse stimulus generating means 11, the FET 13 is turned on by switching, and the other end side (non-dot side) of the primary winding 17 of the transformer 15 is grounded. . By switching the FET 13, a high-frequency rectangular wave pulse voltage is induced on one end side (dot side) of the secondary winding 19 of the transformer 15. Therefore, when a high-frequency pulse drive signal is supplied to the gate of the FET 13, a high-frequency stimulation signal having a predetermined amplitude is induced in the secondary winding 19 of the transformer 15 in a pulse shape. The high frequency stimulation signal is supplied between the conductors 21.

  When a low frequency pulse drive signal is output to the FET 14 constituting the low frequency pulse stimulus generating means 12, the FET 14 is turned on by switching, and the other end side (non-dot side) of the primary winding 18 of the transformer 16 Is grounded. The switching of the FET 14 induces a low-frequency rectangular wave pulse voltage on one end side (dot side) of the secondary winding 20 of the transformer 16. Therefore, when a low frequency pulse drive signal is supplied to the gate of the FET 14, a low frequency stimulation signal having a predetermined amplitude is induced in the secondary winding 20 of the transformer 16 in a pulse shape. This low frequency stimulation signal is also supplied between the conductors 21.

  As described above, the high-frequency stimulation signal and the low-frequency stimulation signal are generated by the separate stimulation generating means 11 and 12, but both signals are output between the common conductors 21. Both signals are superimposed on each other. Therefore, a living body stimulation signal in which a high frequency pulse is superimposed on a low frequency pulse can be given to the living body from between the conductors 21.

  In this way, between the pair of conductors 21, a stimulus in which a high-frequency pulse having an amplitude and a frequency corresponding to the selected stimulation mode is superimposed on a low-frequency pulse having an amplitude and a frequency corresponding to the selected stimulation mode. A signal is repeatedly supplied, and this stimulation signal is given to the living body from between the conductors 21. In addition, this stimulus signal can control not only the amplitude and frequency of the low-frequency pulse and the amplitude and frequency of the high-frequency pulse, but also the generation interval of the high-frequency pulse group independently. Yes. These controls are performed by a control program in the CPU 2 corresponding to the selected stimulus mode, but the variable resistor 7 can also change the amplitude, frequency, and generation interval of the stimulus signal.

  When the stimulus signal is output, the stimulus mode is displayed, and a timer (not shown) built in the CPU 2 measures the time and displays the result on the segment LED 6. .

  According to the configuration of the biological stimulation device according to the present invention, various forms of stimulation signals in which high-frequency pulses are superimposed on low-frequency pulses can be generated and applied to the living body from between the conductors 21. The stimulation signal shown in FIG. 2 illustrates a stimulation mode that can be generated by the biological stimulation device according to the present invention.

  Next, the operation of the biological stimulation device according to the present invention will be described based on the waveform diagram of the stimulation mode shown in FIG. In the stimulation mode shown in FIG. 2A, a high-frequency pulse HF having an amplitude A1 is superimposed on a low-frequency pulse LF having an amplitude A in both positive and negative directions. The high frequency pulse HF is superimposed over the entire period of the low frequency pulse LF in both positive and negative directions, that is, over the entire time width.

  In the biostimulator according to the present invention, the low frequency means a frequency region of about 1 kHz to several kHz, and the high frequency means a frequency region of about several tens kHz to several hundred kHz. That is, in the low frequency region, the muscle of the living body contracts by the stimulus, and in the pulse of the high frequency region, the muscle of the living body relaxes and becomes insensitive to the stimulus.

  In this stimulation mode, a large differential current generated when only a low frequency pulse is output can be suppressed. That is, if only the rectangular wave low frequency pulse LF is output, a large differential current flows at the time of rising or falling of the rectangular wave, but the high frequency pulse HF is superimposed on the low frequency pulse LF as in the present stimulation mode. By doing so, it is possible to suppress a large differential current from flowing when the low frequency pulse LF rises or falls. As a result, it is possible to relieve pain felt by the living body even though a low-frequency pulse current is output. On the other hand, since both a low-frequency pulse current and a high-frequency pulse current are output to the living body, a low-frequency pulse current and a high-frequency pulse current flow through the living body, Stimulation will promote metabolism. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively stimulate deep muscles existing deep in the living body.

  The stimulation mode shown in FIG. 2B is a mode in which the high frequency pulse HF is superimposed in the period of the low frequency pulse LF in both positive and negative directions, that is, in part of the time width. Specifically, the high frequency pulse HF is superimposed only on the center portion of the time width of the low frequency pulse LF in both positive and negative directions.

  In the stimulation mode shown in FIG. 2C, the high frequency pulse HF is superimposed on the first half of the low frequency pulse LF in both positive and negative directions. That is, the high frequency pulse HF is superimposed only on the first half of the time width of the low frequency pulse LF.

  In the stimulation mode shown in FIG. 2D, the high frequency pulse HF is superimposed only on the rising and falling portions of the low frequency pulse LF in both positive and negative directions. That is, the high frequency pulse HF is not superimposed on the central portion of the time width of the low frequency pulse LF.

  The stimulation mode shown in FIG. 2 (e) is a high-frequency pulse in the second half of the time width for the positive low-frequency pulse LF and in the first half of the time width for the low-frequency pulse LF in the negative direction. HF is superimposed. Of course, in contrast to this stimulation mode, the high-frequency pulse is applied to the first half of the time width for the low-frequency pulse LF in the positive direction and to the second half of the time width for the low-frequency pulse LF in the negative direction. HF can also be superimposed.

  In the stimulation mode shown in FIG. 2 (f), the high frequency pulse HF is superimposed only in the first half of the positive direction low frequency pulse LF. That is, the high frequency pulse HF is not superimposed on the negative direction low frequency pulse LF.

  Even with the stimulation modes illustrated in FIGS. 2B to 2F, the living body can be given the same stimulation as the stimulation mode illustrated in FIG. That is, it is possible to effectively stimulate deep muscles existing in the deep part of the living body. The reason is that, even in each of these stimulation modes, the high frequency pulse HF is superimposed on the low frequency pulse LF, so that a low frequency pulse component and a high frequency pulse component coexist. Here, when the magnitudes of pulses in both positive and negative directions are equal and the average current of the pulse train is zero, the feeling of stimulation gradually decreases as the frequency increases. For example, the feeling of stimulation disappears at a high frequency of about 100 kHz. However, according to each stimulation mode of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 2, the high frequency pulse HF is superimposed on the low frequency pulse LF, and the average voltage of the high frequency pulse HF is offset by the voltage of the low frequency pulse LF in both positive and negative directions. Has been. As a result, the living body can be stimulated even with the insensitive high frequency pulse HF. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a treatment effect that cannot be obtained when only the low frequency pulse LF or only the high frequency pulse HF is applied. That is, combining low frequency pulse LF and high frequency pulse HF, optimizing pain and stimulation by synergistic effects and suppressing differential current, it is soft and effective for both surface and deep muscles. Can be stimulated.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the Example, this invention is not limited to these Examples. For example, in the above embodiment, the description has been made on the assumption that both the low-frequency pulse LF and the high-frequency pulse HF are rectangular waves, but these pulse waveforms are not limited to rectangular waves, but sine waves and other waveforms. It does not matter. Needless to say, pulses may be generated in an analog manner, or a control device having a function equivalent to the CPU, such as a DSP, may be used as the control means instead of the CPU 2.

It is a block diagram of the biostimulation apparatus which shows the Example of this invention. It is an output waveform figure of a biological stimulation apparatus same as the above.

Explanation of symbols

21 Conductor (Output terminal)
LF Low frequency pulse HF High frequency pulse

Claims (3)

A living body stimulating apparatus for applying a stimulus to a living body by applying a current to the living body from the conductor and applying a current to the living body by superimposing a high frequency pulse on a low frequency pulse. The biostimulator according to claim 1, wherein one or both of the low-frequency pulse and the high-frequency pulse are rectangular waves. The biostimulation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the high-frequency pulse is superimposed on a part of a cycle of the low-frequency pulse.

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