U.S. patent application number 11/758927 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-13 for pelvic trainer.
Invention is credited to Pavel Novak, Manfred Schulz.
Application Number | 20070287610 11/758927 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35954439 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070287610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Novak; Pavel ; et
al. |
December 13, 2007 |
Pelvic Trainer
Abstract
A device is used for stimulating the pelvic muscles of a
patient. The device comprises a tubular body which is of such a
size that it can be placed along the crotch of a human body.
Inventors: |
Novak; Pavel; (Stetten,
CH) ; Schulz; Manfred; (Taegerwilen, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ST. ONGE STEWARD JOHNSTON & REENS, LLC
986 BEDFORD STREET
STAMFORD
CT
06905-5619
US
|
Family ID: |
35954439 |
Appl. No.: |
11/758927 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP05/13015 |
Dec 5, 2005 |
|
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11758927 |
Jun 6, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/105 ;
482/148; 601/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/20 20130101;
A61H 2201/1628 20130101; A61H 2201/1409 20130101; A61H 19/00
20130101; A61H 19/40 20130101; A61H 23/04 20130101; A61H 23/0254
20130101; A61H 2205/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/105 ;
482/148 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/065 20060101
A63B021/065; A63B 23/00 20060101 A63B023/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 6, 2004 |
DE |
20 2004 019 194.6 |
Claims
1. A device for stimulating pelvic muscles, comprising a tubular
body which is of a size that that tubular body can be placed along
a crotch of a human body.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said body is provided with a
vibration drive.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one sensor is provided,
by means of which forces exerted on said tubular body by a pelvis
of a human body can be detected.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said tubular body is designed as
an elastic body.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein said elastic body is produced as
a tube of elastic material which is filled with a fluid.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said body is rigid.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein said rigid body is provided with
a pressure-sensitive cover.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein said pressure-sensitive cover is
a coating.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein said tubular body is received in
a seat.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein said body can be adjusted
relative to said seat.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein that adjustment is selected
from at least adjusting a height and a tilting relative to said
seat.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein said body is rectilinear.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein said body is curved.
14. The device of claim 2, wherein said vibration drive is designed
that it causes the body to oscillate in a region selected from an
urogenital region, an anal region or both of said regions of the
human body.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein said vibration drive is
designed to oscillate said body in axial direction.
16. The device of claim 14, wherein said vibration drive is
designed to oscillate said body in lateral direction.
17. The device of claim 14, wherein said vibration drive is
designed to oscillate said body in radial direction
18. The device of claim 2, wherein said vibration drive generates
amplitudes in a range of 0 to 3 mm.
19. The device of claim 2, wherein said vibration drive generates
frequencies in a range of 0 to 100 Hz.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein said vibration drive generates
frequencies in a range of 5 to 30 Hz.
21. The device of claim 3, wherein said sensor having a pressure
sensor detecting forces exerted on said body by muscle
contraction.
22. The device of claim 3, wherein values of said forces detected
by said sensor can be fed to a processing unit.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein said values are fed from said
processing unit to a viewing facility.
24. The device of claim 23, wherein said viewing facility views
muscle contraction on a display.
25. The device of claim 2, wherein a acceleration of a vibration
provided by said vibration drive is controlled via at lest one
acceleration sensor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE OF PENDING APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of pending international
application PCT/EP 2005/013015 filed on Dec. 5, 2005 which
designates US and which claims priority of German utility model
application No. 20 2004 019 194.6 filed on Dec. 6, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a device for stimulating pelvic
muscles.
[0003] Urinary incontinence is a widespread condition that occurs
very frequently, especially in women. Regardless of how the
incontinence is caused (physical, emotional, stress-related,
pressure-related, etc.), it is possible for urinary incontinence,
and also anal incontinence, to be alleviated or completely
eliminated by training of the pelvic muscles (pelvic diaphragm and
urogenital diaphragm). This training, i.e. conscious and repeated
tensioning of the pelvic muscles, can in principle be done
independently by everyone, for example by what is called autogenous
training. The effectiveness of this training, however, can be
significantly increased by additional measures.
[0004] It is known that muscles can be efficiently trained by
vibrations. This can be done either passively (with the muscles
relaxed) or also actively (during a muscle contraction), generally
at frequencies of 20 to 50 Hz. It can also be done by reflex, with
involvement of the proprioceptive receptors, at frequencies of 0 to
20 Hz.
[0005] Devices are known, specifically in the form of vibration
plates, which can be used for training almost all muscles of the
body when suitable postures are adopted. These include, for
example, devices sold under the name Powerplate by the company
called Power Plate (Switzerland). In these devices, vertical
oscillations parallel to the plate surface are generated in the
range of 30 to 50 Hz. Similar devices are known under the name
Fitvibe from the company called GymnaUniphy (Switzerland), in which
parallel vertical oscillations are generated in the range of 20 to
60 Hz. Devices are also known (Novotec Medical GmbH) in which
antiparallel vertical oscillations or even swaying movements are
generated. The aim is to train the pelvic muscles by sitting on a
vibration plate.
[0006] From U.S. Pat. No. 6,436,029 B1 an external vibratory
exercising device for pelvic muscles is known, having a saddle
member adapted to be positioned upon the pelvis and the inner
thighs of the user.
[0007] The above mentioned devices are disadvantageous to the
extent that many other muscles and the skeleton itself are caused
to oscillate.
[0008] For women, there are intravaginal electrostimulators.
Intravaginal stimulators are known from WO 01/37732 A1, DE 100 17
915 A1, US 2003/0073881 A1 and GB 2 376 890 A.
[0009] Devices for sexually stimulating are known from US
2004/0171910 A1 and US 2004/01 53 013 A1.
[0010] From the physiological point of view, these are
disadvantageous in that they have to be inserted into the
vagina.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to make available a
device that responds or stimulates exclusively to the pelvic
muscles in question.
[0012] It is further object of the invention to design a device
which can be used with dressing, in particular with pants, for
allowing a training in all environments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] According to the invention, these objects are achieved by a
device for stimulating the pelvic muscles, having a tubular body
which is of such a size that it can be placed along a crotch of a
human body.
[0014] The tubular body can be placed in the crotch area between
the legs, directly at the locations that are to be stimulated,
namely the urogenital region and/or the anal region.
[0015] By means of this, the pelvic muscles can be stimulated quite
specifically in this region, without additional stimulation of
other areas that are not needed for eliminating the
incontinence.
[0016] To put it another way, when the patient has taken up a
position on the tubular body, he or she can concentrate exclusively
on stimulating the pelvic muscles that are to be trained. The
stimulation can now be carried out actively by the patient himself
or herself, by performing the movements necessary for the
stimulation on the tubular body.
[0017] However, it is much more convenient, and also much simpler
for the patient, if the device assists in the stimulation.
[0018] For this purpose, in another embodiment of the device, the
body is provided with a vibration drive.
[0019] The vibration drive sets the tubular body in oscillating
movements, which ensure the stimulation of the pelvic muscles in
question. The patient simply has to take up a position on the
tubular body and arrange the latter between the buttocks, and the
stimulation is then effected by way of the vibration drive.
[0020] In another embodiment, a sensor is provided, by means of
which forces exerted on the tubular body by the pelvis can be
detected.
[0021] This measure has the considerable advantage of allowing an
individual adaptation to the particular patient, for example
depending on whether the patient is light or heavy and depending on
the exact position of the patient on the tubular body. The sensor
can also pick up the pressure forces exerted by the pelvic muscles.
In this way, it is possible to monitor the stimulation as such, or
also the result of the stimulation, that is to say monitor the
course of the treatment.
[0022] The detected values can additionally be used to control the
vibration drive. This opens up the possibility of actively
controlling the stimulation, in order to optimize the result of the
stimulation.
[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the tubular body is
designed as an elastic body.
[0024] This measure has the advantage of permitting a certain
degree of adaptation to the individual anatomy, thereby providing
for particularly close contact between the tubular body and the
human body in the region that is to be stimulated. Moreover, this
possibility of adaptation gives the patient a more pleasant feeling
upon contact with the tubular body.
[0025] In another embodiment of the invention, the tube is made of
elastic material and is filled with a fluid.
[0026] This measure affords a particularly expedient body that
provides excellent stimulation results, because the vibrations can
be transmitted to the human body radially with respect to the
longitudinal axis.
[0027] In another embodiment of the invention, the body is
rigid.
[0028] This measure has the advantage that, in special cases where
there is less adaptation, particularly in the case of heavy
patients, very specific points of vibration conduction can be
created, that is to say the body of the patient adapts to the rigid
body, not the other way round.
[0029] In another embodiment of the invention, the body is received
in a seat.
[0030] This measure has the advantage that the stimulation
treatment can be carried out in a manner that is particularly
convenient for the patient, since he or she simply takes up a
position on a seat in which the body is received. This also opens
up the possibility of the stimulation being carried out during the
patient's daily routine, such that it is possible at the same time
to carry out other activities that can be done while sitting, for
example reading a newspaper or doing needlework or the like. Thus,
direct contact with the body is not needed, and instead the
stimulation can also be effected through light clothing.
[0031] In another embodiment of the invention, the body can be
adjusted relative to the seat.
[0032] This measure has the advantage that the body can be moved
relative to the seat to a position that is optimal for the patient
and also comfortable.
[0033] In one embodiment, the seat can be adjusted in height for
this purpose. In another embodiment, the seat can also be tilted
alternatively or in addition to this.
[0034] These embodiments afford a possibility of particularly
individual adaptation to the respective anatomy of the patient.
[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, the tubular body is
rectilinear.
[0036] This measure has the advantage that such a body is easy to
produce and can be integrated in a flat seat surface.
[0037] In another embodiment of the invention, the body is
curved.
[0038] This measure has the advantage that the body as such already
corresponds more or less to the curvature found in a patient's
urogenital and anal region.
[0039] In another embodiment of the invention, the vibration drive
is designed in such a way that it causes the tubular body to
oscillate in the urogenital section and/or in the anal section.
[0040] This embodiment makes it possible either to stimulate only
the urogenital region (that is to say anteriorly, the deep
transverse perineal muscle and the superficial transverse perineal
muscle) or to stimulate only the anal region (posteriorly, the
levator ani muscle and the coccygeus muscle). It is also possible
to stimulate both regions simultaneously. The device can therefore
be used in a versatile way, for example in patients who have
problems only in the urogenital region, in patients who have
problems only in the anal region, and in patients who have problems
in both regions. It is also therefore possible to perform treatment
in stages, for example to initially stimulate both regions in order
to stimulate all of the pelvic muscles, that is to say in the anal
and urogenital regions, and then gradually, if the main concern is
urinary incontinence, to stimulate only the urogenital region.
[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, the vibration drive
is designed in such a way that the tubular body can be caused to
oscillate axially, laterally and/or radially.
[0042] This measure has the advantage that this variation in the
direction of oscillation can provide an optimal stimulation result,
and it can also be adapted to the anatomical circumstances of
different patients. Moreover, by means of the different directions
of propagation of the vibrations, it is also possible to make
individual adjustments depending on which stimulation direction is
more effective and/or more convenient for the patient.
[0043] In another embodiment of the invention, the vibration drive
is designed in such a way that amplitudes in the range of 0 to 3 mm
are generated.
[0044] These amplitude ranges have proven particularly effective
for promoting stimulation. The amplitude 0 signifies that, in some
directions and also in some patients, no oscillation is desired,
such that a device equipped with a vibration drive can also be
operated without vibration, either permanently or temporarily, with
the result that, depending on the type of treatment, stimulation is
for a period of time performed exclusively by contraction movements
on the part of the patient.
[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, the vibration drive
generates frequencies in the range of 0 to 100 Hz, in particular in
the range of 5 to 30 Hz. Higher frequencies have the effect of
relieving pain, for example in cases of contusion of the coccygeal
bone.
[0046] These frequency ranges have proven particularly effective
for stimulation of the pelvic muscles.
[0047] In another embodiment of the invention, the sensor has a
pressure sensor that detects forces exerted on the body by muscle
contraction.
[0048] This measure has the advantage that the pressure sensor can
detect not only the pressure forces exerted by the body weight, but
can also detect the forces exerted by the muscle contraction of the
pelvic muscles. This makes it possible to record the success of the
stimulation or to perform active control depending on the intensity
and incidence of the muscle contraction.
[0049] In another embodiment of the invention, the values detected
by the sensor or by the sensors are fed to a processing unit.
[0050] This measure has the advantage that the values can be
processed in the processing unit and can be used for further
purposes, for example for documentation purposes, control purposes
or other purposes.
[0051] In another embodiment of the invention, the values from the
processing unit are converted to a view of the muscle contraction
on a display.
[0052] This measure has the advantage that the patient or an
attending physician can visually record and monitor the intensity
and success of the stimulation of the muscle contraction. The
viewing facility allows the patient to stimulate and train specific
muscles.
[0053] Predefined contraction patterns with corresponding
relaxation phases can advantageously be followed.
[0054] It is possible for contraction/relaxation speeds to be
detected, displayed, evaluated and/or predefined as an
objective.
[0055] In another embodiment of the invention, the vibration
acceleration is controlled via an acceleration sensor.
[0056] This measure has the advantage that the control of the
vibration acceleration can be detected actively via the
acceleration sensor and regulated. It is also possible, by
recording and viewing an EMG (electromyogram), to allow the subject
or patient to stimulate and train specific muscles.
[0057] The sensors are in this case designed in such a way that the
values can also be detected through a patient's clothing.
[0058] The length, diameter and shape of the tubular body can vary,
with favorable diameter values in the range of approximately 40 to
60 mm, and lengths of approximately 100 to 300 mm. This is also
dependent on the desired scope of action, that is to say whether
the aim is to achieve stimulation only in the anal region, only in
the urogenital region, or in both regions.
[0059] Numerous embodiments are possible for the vibration drive.
These include: [0060] an electromotively driven unbalance directly
on the cylinder or indirectly via a hydraulic system; [0061] an
electromagnetically driven unbalance (oscillating magnet) directly
in the tubular body or indirectly via a hydraulic system; [0062] a
piston driven electromotively via a spindle, with a hydraulic force
transmission; [0063] electromagnetically by means of a lifting
magnet or plunger coil system, hydraulic force transmission; [0064]
electromagnetically by means of one or two solenoid valves (or
proportional valves) and in conjunction with a pressure and
underpressure reservoir (if appropriate dynamically with one or two
pumps), hydraulic force transmission; [0065] pneumatic drive with
or without projectile, which impacts a baffle plate (ballistic
pressure wave) and thereby creates an expansion of the vibration
cylinder; [0066] pneumatically driven pistons.
[0067] The sensors can be arranged at suitable locations,
regardless of which phenomena are to be detected by them.
[0068] If the pressure exerted by the patient is to be detected by
a pressure sensor, the latter can detect the deformations of the
body as such if the body is elastic. In the case of a rigid body,
the latter can be provided with a pressure-sensitive coating or
with a pressure-sensitive cover or can be encased in a
liquid-filled or gel-filled cylindrical jacket.
[0069] It will be appreciated that the aforementioned features and
those still to be explained below can be used not only in the cited
combination, but also in other combinations or singly, without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0070] The invention is described and explained in more detail
below on the basis of two selected illustrative embodiments and
with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
[0071] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through the pelvic
region of the body of a human female who has taken up a position on
a device according to the invention, specifically in such a way
that the crotch is resting on the device in the anal and urogenital
region, and
[0072] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section, comparable to FIG. 1,
of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention,
with a rigid and curved tubular body that can be moved individually
in oscillation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0073] A device 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a tubular body 12
composed of an elastic cylinder, e.g. a silicone tube 16, which is
filled with a liquid 18, e.g. a silicone oil.
[0074] A pressure sensor 20 for detecting muscle contraction is
incorporated on one end face. An attachment on the other end face
leads via a tube 24 to a central control unit 22 in which a
vibration drive is integrated. Force is therefore transmitted
hydraulically. The vibrations are generated with a lifting magnet.
Such a drive makes it possible, on the one hand, to generate
frequencies in the range of 1 to 50 Hz and, on the other hand, to
achieve stepless control of the amplitude (and thus also of the
acceleration).
[0075] FIG. 1 shows how a human female has taken up a position such
that the anus 32 and the urogenital region in the area of the
vagina 36 rests on the tubular body 12. The buttocks 40 and the
spinal column 30 arranged therein rest on the seat surface 14,
while the thighs 38 extend laterally from the latter. The device 10
is therefore situated along the individual's crotch 28.
[0076] The appropriate muscles 34 can now be activated by the
pelvic trainer, for example the levator ani muscle in the anal
region, or the corresponding muscles in the urogenital region.
[0077] It is thus possible to stimulate these muscle areas in a
specific and targeted manner.
[0078] The patient is able to stimulate the muscles herself through
controlled muscle movements, which is detected by the sensor 20 and
can be presented on a suitable display (not shown here).
[0079] Stimulation is additionally effected via the vibration drive
24.
[0080] Another embodiment of a device 50 according to the invention
is shown in FIG. 2.
[0081] The device 50 comprises an approximately tubular body 52
that is received in a seat 54. The body 52 is curved approximately
in the shape of an arc of a circle and is therefore better adapted
to the urogenital and anal regions of a patient.
[0082] The body 52 is composed of two separate hollow cylinders 56
and 57 which lie against one another and are each closed at their
ends. The cylinders 56, 57 are made from a metal and have a
diameter of approximately 60 mm and a length of in each case
approximately 150 mm. Both cylinders 56 and 57 are surrounded by a
jacket 58, 59, respectively, which is filled in each case with a
gel 60, 61, respectively. At the ends, the body 52 is closed off by
rounded caps 62 and 63.
[0083] The body 52 itself is received in the seat 54 in a
vertically displaceable manner, as is indicated by the double arrow
64. In addition, the body 52 is also arranged to be tiltable in the
seat 54, as is indicated by the arrows 65, 65'.
[0084] If the body 52 is to be lowered slightly in the urogenital
region for example, it can be moved in the direction of the arrow
65', and, if it is to be lifted in the anal region, this can be
done for example in the direction of the arrow 65. Depending on the
design of the device, these movements can be carried out jointly or
independently of one another.
[0085] Both cylinders 56 and 57 are connected to their own drives
66 and 67, respectively, via linking rods 68 and 69. The drives 66
and 67 are designed as vibration drives and can move the two
cylinders 56 and 57 of the body in vibratory oscillations
independently of one another or simultaneously. These directions
can be vertical, as is indicated by the double arrow 70,
horizontal, as is indicated by the double arrow 71, or also
lateral, i.e. toward and away from the observer looking at FIG. 2.
This will depend on the nature of the stimulation treatment.
[0086] Sensors 72 and 73 are mounted on the cylinders 56 and 57,
respectively, and are connected to a processing unit 80 via lines
(not shown in detail here). These sensors are designed as
acceleration sensors and serve to determine the vibration
acceleration and the degree of vibration.
[0087] Additional pressure sensors 74 and 75 are arranged in the
jackets 58, 59 and are likewise connected to the processing unit 80
via lines (not shown in detail here). The pressure sensors can
detect the pressure exerted by a patient who has taken up a
position on the device, and in addition they are able to take up
the force that is exerted on the body 52 by the stimulated pelvic
muscles.
[0088] The processing unit 80 is provided with a monitor 82 having
a display 84 on which the corresponding measured values can be
viewed.
[0089] Suitable operating keys can be provided on the monitor 82
for the purpose of individually controlling the two drives 66 and
67 via the processing unit 80.
[0090] If, for example, only the urogenital region is to be
stimulated, it is possible for only the vibration drive 67 to be
actuated.
[0091] This control can additionally be used to set the amplitude
of the vibration, in most cases between 0 and 3 mm, and the
frequency, in most cases in the range between 0 and 100 Hz, in
particular in the range between 5 and 30 Hz. The view can, for
example, involve bar graphs that show the strength of the
contraction forces exerted by the pelvic muscles.
[0092] In the illustrative embodiment shown, the letter "A" stands
for contraction forces in the anal region, and the letter "U"
stands for contraction forces in the urogenital region. It is of
course also possible for operating parameters to be viewed and
adjusted, for example which drive is in operation and with which
amplitude and which frequency. In addition, other parameters can
also be displayed, for example the position of the tubular body 12,
namely raised or tilted.
[0093] In the same way as with a home trainer, a specific
contraction/relaxation profile can be predefined or set, which is
then "tracked" (biofeedback).
* * * * *