KR102681128B1 - System and method for joint movement rehabilitation using transcutaneous interferential-current nerve inhibition - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices and methods for joint exercise and rehabilitation exercise, and according to the present invention, for example, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Interferential Current Therapy (ICT) In electrical therapy devices and methods, the sensory nerves are inhibited but the motor nerves are not inhibited, so pain occurs during muscle stretching and the effect of muscle stretching is reduced due to the stretch reflex. In order to solve the problems of TENS and ICT in the prior art, we combined Transcutaneous Interferential-current Nerve Inhibition (TINI) technology and joint rehabilitation exercise equipment (Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)) to treat sensory and motor nerves. Electrical nerve conduction is configured to suppress both, thereby reducing pain during muscle stretching by suppressing sensory nerves, while maximizing the effect of muscle stretching by suppressing stretch reflexes and reducing muscle tension by suppressing motor nerves. A joint movement rehabilitation system and method using restraint are provided.

Description

Joint movement rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition {System and method for joint movement rehabilitation using transcutaneous interferential-current nerve inhibition}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for joint exercise and rehabilitation exercise. More specifically, the present invention relates to muscle shortening caused by pain and muscle weakness due to surgery or injury and during static posture or dynamic action. In the treatment of spasticity, which causes movement disorders due to increased muscle tension due to excessive stretch reflex, invasive treatments such as surgery, injection, and procedures are highly effective in alleviating spasticity, but have a high risk of side effects. Drug treatment has a wide range of effects in reducing nerve conduction, causing whole-body helplessness, and non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy or braces solve the problems of prior art rehabilitation treatment methods, which have the disadvantage of not being effective immediately and requiring a long treatment period. To solve the problem, we combined Transcutaneous Interferential-current Nerve Inhibition (TINI) technology, which non-surgically and immediately inhibits motor and sensory nerve transmission, with joint rehabilitation exercise equipment (Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)), The present invention relates to a joint movement rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, which is configured to maximize the muscle stretching effect by reducing pain during muscle stretching through inhibition and reducing muscle tension through motor nerve inhibition.

In addition, the present invention, in the past, for example, using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Interferential Current Therapy (ICT), electrodes are attached to body parts such as joints and specific In the electrical therapy device and method, which is configured to enable rehabilitation treatment in a non-surgical manner by suppressing sensory nerves or stimulating muscle fibers to contract by electrical stimulation such as frequency or current, the sensory nerves are suppressed. However, in order to solve the problems of the prior art TENS and ICT technology, which had limitations such as pain occurring during muscle stretching due to motor nerves not being inhibited and the effectiveness of muscle stretching being reduced due to the stretch reflex, electrical nerve conduction inhibition (TINI) was used. ) technology and joint rehabilitation exercise equipment (CPM) are combined to suppress both sensory and motor nerves, thereby reducing pain during muscle stretching by suppressing sensory nerves and suppressing stretch reflexes by suppressing motor nerves. It relates to a joint exercise rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition that is designed to maximize the effect of muscle stretching by reducing muscle tension.

In general, muscle shortening commonly occurs not only in musculoskeletal patients but also in normal people due to pain and muscle weakness due to surgery or injury, and such shortened muscles cause pain and reduce exercise ability.

In addition, spasticity is a movement disorder in which muscle tension increases due to excessive stretch reflexes during static posture or dynamic behavior, and it mainly occurs in patients with brain damage. It causes various motor and functional disorders, interfering with normal movement, making daily activities such as walking difficult. It becomes not smooth.

Here, for the treatment of muscle shortening or stiffness, various treatment methods have been proposed, such as conventional surgery, botulinum (Botox), drug therapy, physical therapy, and braces. However, in the case of invasive treatments such as surgery, injection, or procedures, Although the effect of relieving stiffness is clear, the risk of side effects is high, and in particular, there is a problem of decreased motor function due to continuous muscle weakness.

In addition, drug treatment has the side effect of causing whole body helplessness due to the extensive effect of reducing nerve conduction, and non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy or braces have the disadvantage that the effect is not immediate and a long treatment period is required.

Moreover, modern people often have shortened calf muscles for various reasons, which leads to not only knee pain but also hip and back pain. Therefore, recently, in order to solve the problems of the existing rehabilitation treatment methods as described above, Electrical therapy is a non-surgical form of rehabilitation treatment that involves attaching electrodes to body parts such as joints and suppressing sensory nerves or stimulating muscle fibers to contract them through electrical stimulation of a specific frequency or current. ) Devices and methods have been presented and are widely used.

Here, examples of prior art for electrotherapy devices and methods for enabling rehabilitation treatment in a non-surgical manner using electrical stimulation as described above include, for example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2194266. There is a “bone conduction device with TENS therapy function” as presented in .

More specifically, the above-mentioned Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2194266 includes a decoding unit for decoding audio data; A digital-to-analog converter that converts decoded audio data into an analog signal and outputs an analog audio signal; A bone conduction unit that converts an analog audio signal into a bone conduction signal and outputs it; A metal electrode installed on the outside of the housing that accommodates the bone conduction unit to be in contact with the user's skin; A frequency generator that generates a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) signal; and a TENS signal amplification unit that amplifies the TENS signal and applies it to the metal electrode. By installing a metal electrode on the outside of the housing that accommodates the bone conduction unit and applying the TENS signal to this metal electrode, you can enjoy music or music therapy in daily life. This relates to a bone conduction device with a TENS treatment function that is configured to provide TENS treatment together.

In addition, as described above, other examples of prior art regarding electrotherapy devices and methods for enabling rehabilitation treatment in a non-surgical manner using electrical stimulation include, for example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1169007. There is a “low-frequency treatment device using interference wave current” as presented.

More specifically, the above-mentioned Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1169007 discloses an MCU (Microcontroller) that generates a control signal for adjusting the intensity, amplification, and phase of the interference wave frequency for each channel for one or more channels. control unit); FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that outputs digital signals to generate interference wave frequencies for each channel according to the control signal of the MCU; D/A (Digital/Analog) conversion unit that receives digital signals generated from the FPGA and converts and outputs them into low-frequency analog signals; A signal control unit that receives an analog signal from the D/A converter and increases or decreases the frequency of the signal; An amplification unit that receives an analog signal from the signal control unit and amplifies the signal; A frequency output unit that amplifies and outputs the low-frequency analog signal generated in the amplifier according to the level control signal; Including a conductor that comes in contact with the human body and transmits the low-frequency analog signal from the frequency output unit to the human body, not only can the treatment effect be improved by increasing the penetration rate of the deep part by using interference wave current, but it is also equipped with a signal control unit to increase the treatment effect. It relates to a low-frequency treatment device using interference wave current that allows for gentle adjustment and is configured to relieve pain by preventing current exceeding a certain level from being applied to the patient by providing a relay between the frequency output unit and the conductor.

As mentioned above, various electrotherapy devices and methods have been proposed to enable rehabilitation treatment in a non-surgical manner using electrical stimulation. However, the contents of the prior art as described above had the following limitations. .

More specifically, if the patient continues to perform muscle stretching, it is expected to help with motor ability and functional recovery, enabling a smooth daily life. In theory, it can reduce pain during muscle stretching and exercise by inhibiting sensory nerves. The stretching effect can be maximized by reducing muscle tension through nerve inhibition.

However, the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interference wave therapy (ICT) methods of the prior art as described above each use low frequencies or interference waves to inhibit sensory nerves and stimulate muscle fibers to contract. In general, TENS When using both and ICT, there was a limitation in that sensory nerves were suppressed but motor nerves were not suppressed.

In other words, conventional electrotherapy devices and methods, such as TENS and ICT, inhibit the sensory nerves but not the motor nerves, causing pain and stretch reflex during stretching, which hinders the patient's voluntary performance. There was a problem that it was difficult and the effect of muscle stretching was reduced due to increased muscle tension.

Therefore, in order to solve the limitations of electrotherapy devices and methods such as TENS and ICT in the prior art as described above, it is necessary to reduce pain during muscle stretching by inhibiting sensory nerves and at the same time reduce muscle tension by inhibiting motor nerves during stretching. It is desirable to propose a non-surgical rehabilitation exercise device and method using a new configuration of electrical stimulation that can maximize the effect, but no device or method that satisfies all such requirements has yet been proposed.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2194266 (2020.12.22.) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1169007 (2012.07.30.)

The present invention seeks to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to treat muscle shortening and static posture or dynamic pain caused by pain and muscle weakness due to surgery or injury. In the treatment of spasticity, which causes movement disorders due to increased muscle tension due to excessive stretch reflex during behavior, invasive treatments such as surgery, injection, and procedures are highly effective in alleviating spasticity, but carry a risk of side effects. Rehabilitation treatment methods of the prior art have the disadvantage of being high, drug treatment has a wide range of nerve conduction reduction effects, causing whole-body helplessness, and non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy or braces are not immediately effective and require a long treatment period. To solve the problem, we combined Transcutaneous Interferential-current Nerve Inhibition (TINI) technology, which non-surgically and immediately inhibits motor and sensory nerve transmission, with joint rehabilitation exercise equipment (Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)). The purpose of this study is to present a joint movement rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition that reduces pain during muscle stretching by inhibiting sensory nerves and maximizes the stretching effect by reducing muscle tension through inhibition of motor nerves.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to apply electrodes to body parts such as joints, such as conventional, for example, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Interferential Current Therapy (ICT). In the electrical therapy device and method, which are configured to enable rehabilitation treatment in a non-surgical manner by attaching and suppressing sensory nerves or stimulating muscle fibers to contract by electrical stimulation of a specific frequency or current, In order to solve the problems of the prior art TENS and ICT technology, which had limitations such as pain occurring during muscle stretching due to nerves being inhibited but motor nerves not being inhibited, and the effect of muscle stretching being reduced due to the stretch reflex, electrical nerve conduction was used. By combining inhibition (TINI) technology and joint rehabilitation exercise equipment (CPM), it is designed to inhibit both sensory and motor nerves, thereby reducing pain during muscle stretching by inhibiting sensory nerves, and simultaneously increasing muscle tension by inhibiting motor nerves. The purpose is to present a joint movement rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition that is designed to maximize the muscle stretching effect by suppressing reflexes and reducing muscle tension.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, a joint exercise rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition (Transcutaneous Interferential-current Nerve Inhibition (TINI)) includes: a main body forming a space for performing rehabilitation exercises; an exercise approving unit installed in the main body to apply predetermined rehabilitation exercise to a specific body part of the user; and an electrical stimulation application unit installed on one side or outside of the main body to apply predetermined electrical stimulation to a specific body part of the user. A joint exercise rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition is provided.

Here, the rehabilitation system includes: an output unit installed on one side or outside of the main body to display the process and results of rehabilitation exercise progressing through the exercise applicator and the electrical stimulation applicator; and a control unit configured to perform processing to control the overall operation of the rehabilitation system.

In addition, the main body is characterized in that it is configured to be formed in the form of a chair on which the user can sit, or a bed on which the user can lie down.

In addition, the exercise application unit is characterized by being configured using a joint rehabilitation exercise (Continuous Passive Motion; CPM) device configured to apply a predetermined rehabilitation exercise including stretching to the user's joint area.

Moreover, the electrical stimulation applicator includes a plurality of electrodes attached to the user's body and a frequency generator configured to generate a signal of a specific predetermined frequency, and generates electrical stimulation around the user's joints through interference waves (interferential-current). It is characterized by being constructed using an electrical nerve conduction inhibition (TINI) device that inhibits both sensory and motor nerves by applying stimulation.

Here, the electrical stimulation application unit uses an available frequency of 1 kHz to 3 kHz and a carrier wave of 20 kHz to 30 kHz to form interference waves with two-channel (+, -) signals around the user's joint area to apply stimulation. It is characterized by being configured to inhibit both sensory and motor nerves.

In addition, the electrical stimulation application unit is characterized in that it further includes an ultrasound scanner to check the location of the user's nerves in order to determine the attachment position of the electrode.

In addition, the rehabilitation system uses the ultrasound scanner to check the location of the tibal nerve in the user's joint area, attaches a number of electrical stimulation pads centered on the location where the nerve passes, and places the user in the main body. After taking the posture and completing the preparation, electrical stimulation is applied to the user at the optimal frequency and intensity through the electrical stimulation applicator based on preset data, and then a predetermined exercise is applied through the exercise applicator, and the user's exercise is performed. It is configured to store data about the point where the range is maximum, set it as the user's exercise value, and periodically repeat rehabilitation exercises according to predetermined settings based on the set exercise value to cumulatively record the results. , Before performing joint exercise and rehabilitation exercise through the exercise applicator, the location of the nerve is confirmed through the electrical stimulation applicator and interference wave stimulation is applied to suppress both sensory and motor nerves in the corresponding area, During joint exercise and rehabilitation exercise, the sensory nerves in the relevant area are suppressed, thereby reducing pain, and at the same time, the stretch reflex is suppressed and muscle tension is reduced through motor nerve suppression, thereby increasing the muscle stretching effect.

Moreover, the output unit is characterized by being configured to include a display means including a display for displaying the process and results of the rehabilitation exercise progressing through the exercise application unit and the electrical stimulation application unit.

Here, the output unit further includes a voice output means including a speaker, and is configured to transmit the overall operation of the rehabilitation system through visual and auditory signals.

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As described above, according to the present invention, by combining electrical nerve conduction inhibition (TINI) technology, which non-surgically and immediately inhibits motor and sensory nerve transmission, and joint rehabilitation exercise equipment (CPM), muscle stretching occurs through sensory nerve inhibition. By providing a joint exercise rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, which is configured to reduce pain and further increase the muscle stretching effect by suppressing stretch reflexes and reducing muscle tension through motor nerve inhibition, the body, such as joints, is provided. Electrotherapy devices and methods of the prior art are configured to enable rehabilitation treatment in a non-surgical manner by attaching electrodes to the area and suppressing sensory nerves or stimulating muscle fibers to contract them by electrical stimulation of a specific frequency or current. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) and interference wave physics of the prior art had limitations in that pain occurred during muscle stretching and the effectiveness of muscle stretching was reduced due to the stretch reflex because sensory nerves were inhibited but motor nerves were not inhibited. Problems with treatment (ICT) technology can be solved.

In addition, according to the present invention, as described above, muscle stretching is achieved through sensory nerve inhibition by combining electrical nerve conduction inhibition (TINI) technology, which non-surgically and immediately inhibits motor and sensory nerve transmission, and joint rehabilitation exercise equipment (CPM). By providing a joint exercise rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, which is designed to reduce pain and maximize the stretching effect by reducing muscle tension through motor nerve inhibition, pain and muscle weakness due to surgery or injury are provided. In the treatment of spasticity that causes movement disorders due to increased muscle tension due to muscle shortening and excessive stretch reflexes during static postures or dynamic actions, invasive treatments such as surgery, injections, and procedures are highly effective in alleviating spasticity, but may have side effects. The risk is high, drug treatment has a wide range of nerve conduction reduction effects, causing whole-body helplessness, and non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy or braces are not effective immediately and require a long treatment period. Problems with these methods can be solved.

Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a joint movement rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram comparing the characteristics and differences between existing TENS and ICT technologies and TINI applied to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a table showing a comparison of the characteristics and differences between existing TENS and ICT technologies and TINI applied to the present invention.
Figure 4 is a diagram schematically showing an actual configuration example of a joint movement rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing a case where a total of four electrical stimulation pads are attached, two on each side, centered on the location where the nerve passes behind the user's knee.
Figure 6 is a diagram schematically showing the progress of joint exercise and rehabilitation exercise using a joint exercise rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing the results of joint exercise and rehabilitation exercise using a joint exercise rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a graph showing the results of joint exercise and rehabilitation exercise using a joint exercise rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, specific embodiments of the joint movement rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to the present invention will be described.

Here, it should be noted that the content described below is only one embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the content of the embodiment described below.

In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention below, parts that are the same or similar to the contents of the prior art or that are judged to be easily understood and implemented at the level of those skilled in the art will be described in detail to simplify the explanation. It should be noted that is omitted.

That is, as will be described later, the present invention has been developed to reduce muscle tension due to muscle shortening caused by pain and muscle weakness due to surgery or injury and excessive stretch reflex during static posture or dynamic action. In the treatment of spasticity, which increases and causes movement disorders, invasive treatments such as surgery, injections, and procedures are highly effective in relieving spasticity, but the risk of side effects is high, and drug treatment has a wide-ranging effect of reducing nerve conduction throughout the body. In order to solve the problems of the rehabilitation treatment methods of the prior art, which had the disadvantage of causing helplessness and that non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy or braces were not effective immediately and required a long treatment period, non-surgical and immediate exercise and By combining Transcutaneous Interferential-current Nerve Inhibition (TINI) technology, which inhibits sensory nerve transmission, with joint rehabilitation exercise equipment (Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)), pain is reduced during muscle stretching and exercise through sensory nerve inhibition. The present invention relates to a joint movement rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, which is configured to maximize the stretching effect by reducing muscle tension through nerve inhibition.

In addition, as will be described later, the present invention has been applied to body parts such as joints, such as conventional, for example, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Interferential Current Therapy (ICT). An electrical therapy device and method configured to enable rehabilitation treatment in a non-surgical manner by attaching electrodes and suppressing sensory nerves or stimulating muscle fibers to contract them by electrical stimulation of a specific frequency or current. In order to solve the problems of the prior art TENS and ICT technology, which had limitations such as pain occurring during muscle stretching due to the sensory nerves being inhibited but the motor nerves not being inhibited, and the effectiveness of muscle stretching being reduced due to the stretch reflex, electric By combining nerve conduction inhibition (TINI) technology and joint rehabilitation exercise equipment (CPM), it is designed to inhibit both sensory and motor nerves, thereby reducing pain during muscle stretching through sensory nerve inhibition and at the same time inhibiting motor nerves. It relates to a joint exercise rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, which is configured to further increase the muscle stretching effect by suppressing the stretch reflex and reducing muscle tension.

Continuing, with reference to the drawings, specific details of the joint movement rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to the present invention will be described.

More specifically, referring first to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a joint exercise rehabilitation system 10 using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the joint exercise rehabilitation system 10 using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention is roughly divided into a main body 11 that forms a space for the user to perform rehabilitation exercises; An exercise application unit 12 installed in the main body 11 to apply a predetermined rehabilitation exercise to a specific body part of the user, and a main body 11 to apply a predetermined electrical stimulation to a specific body part such as a joint of the user. One side of the main body (11) to display the process and results of rehabilitation exercise conducted through the electrical stimulation application unit (13) installed on one side or outside of the body, the exercise application unit (12), and the electrical stimulation application unit (13). Alternatively, it may be configured to include an output unit 14 installed externally and a control unit 15 that performs processing to control the overall operation of each of the above-mentioned units and the rehabilitation system 10.

Here, the main body 11 may be configured to be, for example, in the form of a chair on which the user can sit, or a bed on which the user can lie down.

In addition, the exercise application unit 12 uses a joint rehabilitation exercise (Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)) device to apply predetermined rehabilitation exercises such as stretching to the user's joints, such as the ankle, etc. It can be configured.

In addition, the electrical stimulation application unit 13 includes a plurality of electrodes attached to the user's body and a frequency generator configured to generate a signal of a specific predetermined frequency, and an interference wave (interferential-current) around the user's joints. ) It can be composed of a Transcutaneous Interferential-current Nerve Inhibition (TINI) device that inhibits sensory and motor nerves by applying electrical stimulation through the device.

Here, the electrical stimulation application unit 13 may further include an ultrasound scanner to check the location of the user's nerves in order to determine the attachment position of the electrode.

Moreover, the above-described output unit 14 includes display means such as a display and output means such as a speaker for displaying the process and results of rehabilitation exercise conducted through the exercise applicator 12 and the electrical stimulation applicator 13. Including, it may be configured to perform processing that conveys the overall operation of the rehabilitation system 10 through visual and auditory signals.

Therefore, from the above-mentioned configuration, the user is located in the main body 11 and can perform joint exercise and rehabilitation exercise through the CPM device of the exercise applicator 12, and at this time, the electrical stimulation applicator before exercise or treatment. By applying interference wave stimulation through the TINI device in (13), pain and muscle tension can be reduced by suppressing both sensory and motor nerves in the relevant area, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of exercise and rehabilitation exercise.

More specifically, conventionally, the maximum frequency that physiologically induces an action potential in a nerve is known to be about 600 Hz, and electrical stimulation with a higher frequency than this forms a barrier that interferes with nerve conduction at the stimulation site within the nerve, inhibiting the nerve. It has been shown that it can be done, and TINI, applied in the present invention, is a technology that uses two-channel electrodes to suppress nerves through interference waves formed by electrical stimulation of different frequencies emitted from each channel.

That is, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram comparing the characteristics and differences between existing TENS and ICT technologies and TINI applied to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram comparing the existing TENS and ICT technologies and the present invention. This is a table comparing the characteristics and differences of TINI applied to .

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, while existing TENS and ICT inhibit sensory nerves but not motor nerves, TINI uses an available frequency of 1 kHz to 3 kHz and a carrier wave of 20 kHz to 30 kHz to provide stimulation around the stimulation site. Both sensory and motor nerves can be inhibited by forming interference waves and applying stimulation.

In addition, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, TINI uses a relatively high carrier frequency (20 kHz to 30 kHz), so it has high skin permeability, reduces pain and discomfort, and can deliver stimulation to the deep core, making it effective in suppressing deep nerves. There is.

This is very effective in stretching muscles by inhibiting both sensory and motor nerves because it minimizes the effect of subcutaneous fat and generates a stronger nerve inhibition effect. Here, too high a frequency causes a heating effect, so appropriate electrical stimulation parameters adjustment is necessary.

In addition, when exercising using CPM alone, pain and stretch reflexes occur, reducing the effect of muscle stretching. However, as described above, pain and stretch reflexes are reduced during muscle stretching through a convergence rehabilitation system that combines TINI and CPM. Since exercise can be performed with inhibition and reduced muscle tension, the muscle stretching effect can be increased compared to existing TENS and ICT methods, and this effect is expected to be the same for not only musculoskeletal diseases but also neurological diseases.

Next, a description will be given of how the joint exercise rehabilitation system 10 using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention constructed as described above was actually implemented and the exercise effect was verified through experiments.

First, referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an actual configuration example of the joint exercise rehabilitation system 10 using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above.

Here, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 shows a case where the joint exercise rehabilitation system 10 using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to allow the user to sit and perform rehabilitation exercises for the ankle. The invention is not necessarily limited to this configuration, that is, the present invention can be modified and modified in various ways as needed by those skilled in the art other than the configuration shown in the embodiments of the present invention within the scope without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention. It should be borne in mind that it can be configured in this way.

As shown in Figure 4, the present inventors actually used the joint movement rehabilitation system to verify the performance of the joint movement rehabilitation system 10 using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above. An experiment was conducted to verify the effectiveness of rehabilitation exercise.

At this time, the above experiment was conducted on a woman in her 20s with shortened calf muscles who experienced a traffic accident about 10 years ago and received various rehabilitation treatments, but the effect was minimal. In addition to muscle shortening, pain and equinus gait were observed. The effects of ankle mobility exercises using nerve inhibition and CPM on improving range of motion were evaluated.

More specifically, the joint movement rehabilitation method using the joint movement rehabilitation system 10 using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, first, uses an ultrasound scanner to examine the user's joints. Check the location of the tibal nerve and attach a total of four electrical stimulation pads, for example, two on each side, centered on the location where the nerve passes.

That is, referring to Figure 5, Figure 5 is a diagram showing a case where a total of four electrical stimulation pads are attached, two on each side, centered on the location where the nerve passes behind the user's knee.

Next, when the user prepares by sitting or lying down on the main body 11, electrical stimulation is applied to the user at the optimal frequency intensity based on preset data, and then exercise is applied through CPM.

That is, referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the progress of joint exercise and rehabilitation exercise using the joint exercise rehabilitation system 10 using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

At this time, when the subject presses the stop button at the maximum point of ankle flexion (the point where pain is felt in the calf area or the heel is lifted), the control unit 15 records the angle at this time and converts it into movement angle data for the subject. Store and apply processing may be configured to be performed.

Subsequently, the muscle stretching exercise is performed using the exercise angle value set as described above as an input to the CPM, and this is repeated periodically to cumulatively record the results.

That is, referring to Figures 7 and 8, Figures 7 and 8 show the results of performing joint exercises and rehabilitation exercises using the joint exercise rehabilitation system 10 using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a drawing showing each.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when CPM was applied alone as in the existing method, the stretching effect was minimal due to pain, but when CPM was applied after applying TINI, pain was reduced and ankle range of motion was effectively increased, and exercise As you progress, you can see that your ankle range of motion gradually improves.

Therefore, the joint exercise rehabilitation system 10 using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied as a new muscle stretching rehabilitation system that can increase the rehabilitation exercise effect compared to existing rehabilitation treatment devices and methods. .

As described above, the present inventors combine TINI and CPM to increase the effect of muscle stretching for muscle shortening and stiffness relief in rehabilitation exercise sites, thereby shortening the patient's rehabilitation period and restoring motor function to facilitate smooth daily life. A convergent muscle stretching rehabilitation system and method designed to make this possible was presented.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, it can be applied not only to patients with musculoskeletal diseases and nervous system diseases, but also to normal people, and is expected to shorten the recovery period after surgery and improve movement and functional disorders through muscle stretching.

In addition, TINI technology was applied by changing the carrier frequency at 5kHz intervals for the purpose of searching for an appropriate frequency bandwidth for neural inhibition. In addition, to form optimal interference waves, the applied frequency was increased at 1kHz intervals and searched for optimal interference. The formation of waves was observed, and through this, TINI technology validation and optimal frequency setting were completed.

As mentioned above, according to the present invention, it is a more direct and fundamental spasticity response technology because it directly suppresses sensory and motor nerves in the nervous system rather than resisting spastic contraction with physical force like existing braces or rehabilitation robots, and shortens the muscles. Because unnecessary resistance can be immediately and reversibly removed at the required time, it can be used as a very useful technology in exercise and rehabilitation fields.

In addition, existing rehabilitation training devices had the limitation that conservative approaches were difficult when stiffness was severe, but according to the present invention, the clinical approach was greatly improved through the convergence TINI technology that increases the stretching effect through inhibition of electrical nerve conduction. Change can be expected.

In addition, currently, due to the relatively low demand for devices for rehabilitation training, such as ankle joint CPM, etc., there are no domestically developed products, so we are dependent on imported products. As a result, the price is less than the local sales price. The price is more than twice as high, but according to the present invention, the price can be lowered and accessibility improved through local production, so it is expected to contribute socially by establishing a more efficient rehabilitation training and exercise environment.

Moreover, existing studies conducted at home and abroad simply used high-frequency alternating current to suppress nerves, but according to the present invention, a new electrical stimulation technology using high-frequency interference current can be proposed, thereby improving rehabilitation medicine, physiology, It is expected that we will be able to take the lead in new rehabilitation training technologies that combine engineering knowledge.

Therefore, as described above, it is possible to implement a joint movement rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to an embodiment of the present invention, thereby non-surgically and immediately inhibiting motor and sensory nerve transmission. By combining electrical nerve conduction inhibition (TINI) technology and joint rehabilitation exercise equipment (CPM), pain during muscle stretching is reduced through sensory nerve inhibition, while muscle stretching is achieved by suppressing stretch reflexes and reducing muscle tension through motor nerve inhibition. By providing a joint exercise rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition that is designed to further increase the effect, electrodes are attached to body parts such as joints and electrical stimulation such as a specific frequency or current is used to suppress sensory nerves or muscle fibers. In the electrotherapy device and method of the prior art, which are configured to enable rehabilitation treatment in a non-surgical manner by stimulating and contracting the muscle, pain occurs when stretching the muscle because the sensory nerve is inhibited but the motor nerve is not inhibited. It can solve the problems of the conventional transcutaneous nerve electrical stimulation (TENS) and interference wave physical therapy (ICT) technology, which had limitations in reducing the effectiveness of muscle stretching due to the stretch reflex.

In addition, according to the present invention, as described above, muscle stretching is achieved through sensory nerve inhibition by combining electrical nerve conduction inhibition (TINI) technology, which non-surgically and immediately inhibits motor and sensory nerve transmission, and joint rehabilitation exercise equipment (CPM). By providing a joint exercise rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, which is designed to reduce pain and maximize the stretching effect by reducing muscle tension through motor nerve inhibition, pain and muscle weakness due to surgery or injury are provided. In the treatment of spasticity that causes movement disorders due to increased muscle tension due to muscle shortening and excessive stretch reflexes during static postures or dynamic actions, invasive treatments such as surgery, injections, and procedures are highly effective in alleviating spasticity, but may have side effects. The risk is high, drug treatment has a wide range of nerve conduction reduction effects, causing whole-body helplessness, and non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy or braces are not effective immediately and require a long treatment period. Problems with these methods can be solved.

Above, the details of the joint movement rehabilitation system and method using electrical nerve conduction inhibition according to the present invention have been described through the embodiments of the present invention as described above, but the present invention is limited to the contents described in the above embodiments. Therefore, it is natural that various modifications, changes, combinations, and substitutions of the present invention can be made by those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, depending on design needs and various other factors. would.

10. Joint movement rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition
11. Main body 12. Exercise authorization
13. Electrical stimulation application unit 14. Output unit
15. Control unit

Claims (11)

In a joint exercise rehabilitation system using Transcutaneous Interferential-current Nerve Inhibition (TINI),
A main body forming a space for performing rehabilitation exercises;
In order to apply a predetermined rehabilitation exercise to a specific body part of the user, a joint rehabilitation exercise (Continuous Passive Motion; CPM) device configured to apply a predetermined rehabilitation exercise including stretching to the user's joint area is installed on the main body. Whether it is an exercise or not; and
In order to apply predetermined electrical stimulation to a specific body part of the user, it includes a plurality of electrodes attached to the user's body and a frequency generator configured to generate a signal of a specific predetermined frequency, with available frequencies of 1 kHz to 3 kHz and 20 kHz to 20 kHz. By forming an interference wave (interferential-current) using a carrier wave of 30 kHz and applying electrical stimulation with two-channel (+, -) signals around the user's joints, both sensory and motor nerves can be suppressed. It is configured to include an electrical stimulation application unit installed on one side or outside of the main body, including an electrical nerve conduction inhibition (TINI) device,
By confirming the location of the nerve during joint exercise and rehabilitation exercise, interfering wave stimulation is applied to the relevant area through the electrical stimulation application unit, and then processing of applying a predetermined exercise through the exercise application unit is performed,
A joint exercise rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, characterized in that it is configured to increase the muscle stretching effect by reducing pain and muscle tension in the relevant area during joint exercise and rehabilitation exercise.
According to clause 1,
The rehabilitation system is,
an output unit installed on one side or outside of the main body to display the process and results of rehabilitation exercise conducted through the exercise applicator and the electrical stimulation applicator; and
A joint exercise rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, characterized in that it further includes a control unit configured to perform processing to control the overall operation of the rehabilitation system.
According to clause 1,
The main body is,
A joint exercise rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, characterized in that it is formed in the form of a chair on which the user can sit, or a bed on which the user can lie down.
delete delete delete According to clause 1,
The electrical stimulation application unit,
A joint movement rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, characterized in that it further includes an ultrasound scanner to check the location of the user's nerves to determine the attachment position of the electrode.
According to clause 7,
The rehabilitation system is,
Using the ultrasound scanner, the location of the tibal nerve in the user's joint area is confirmed, and a number of electrical stimulation pads are attached around the location where the nerve passes,
When the user is positioned in the main body, takes posture, and prepares, electrical stimulation is applied to the user at the optimal frequency and intensity through the electrical stimulation application unit based on preset data, and then a predetermined exercise is applied through the exercise application unit. do,
Data about the point where the user's exercise range is maximum is saved and set as the user's exercise value.
By periodically repeating the rehabilitation exercise according to a predetermined setting based on the set exercise value and processing to cumulatively record the results,
Before performing exercise and rehabilitation exercise of the joint through the exercise applicator, the location of the nerve is confirmed through the electrical stimulation applicator and interference wave stimulation is applied to suppress both the sensory and motor nerves in the relevant area, thereby inhibiting the joint. Electrical nerve conduction, characterized in that the sensory nerves in the relevant area are suppressed during exercise and rehabilitation exercise, thereby reducing pain, and at the same time, the stretch reflex is suppressed and muscle tension is reduced through motor nerve suppression, thereby increasing the muscle stretching effect. Joint movement rehabilitation system using restraint.
According to clause 2,
The output unit,
A joint exercise rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, characterized in that it includes a display means including a display for displaying the process and results of the rehabilitation exercise performed through the exercise application unit and the electrical stimulation application unit.
According to clause 9,
The output unit,
A joint exercise rehabilitation system using electrical nerve conduction inhibition, further comprising a voice output means including a speaker, and configured to transmit the overall operation of the rehabilitation system through visual and auditory signals.
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