Resonant muscle stimulator
First Claim
1. A method of stimulating a muscle, comprising applying a stimulating signal to a user wearing a garment that includes an electrode configured to apply the signal, wherein applying the signal further includes applying a signal comprising a resonant sequence that includes at least three pulses, and wherein the pulses of the resonant sequence are spaced relative to one another such that each pulse subsequent to a first pulse in the sequence is effective to progressively stimulate and create tension in a musculature that includes the muscle inwardly from the electrodes and towards the center of the musculature while maintaining the tension created in at least a portion of the musculature by each preceding pulse in the resonant sequence.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus include a therapeutic or developmental apparel that includes hardware and/or software for stimulating a muscle. Such apparel may comprise, for instance, of: a glove, a uniform, a shoe, a sock, a vest, a sleeve, a shirt, a hat, a helmet, a brace, a suspender, eye wear, a pad, jewelry, a watch and pants. A muscle of a user may be stimulated by the garment as the user moves, such as a when a golfer practices her swing. Combining such muscle stimulation with the act of practicing the movement of the swing has a synergistic effect of training the muscle as it builds strength. Similarly, a partial paralytic may regain strength in their hand by wearing a vest or other garment configured to transcutaneously deliver a stimulating signal. Where desired, the garment may include at least one electrode configured to deliver a stimulating signal to the wearer. In another or the same embodiment, wired electrodes may extend from the garment or an adjacent signal generator to the wearer. This configuration may allow other, targeted muscles to be concurrently stimulated while the user wears the garment.
86 Citations
5 Claims
- 1. A method of stimulating a muscle, comprising applying a stimulating signal to a user wearing a garment that includes an electrode configured to apply the signal, wherein applying the signal further includes applying a signal comprising a resonant sequence that includes at least three pulses, and wherein the pulses of the resonant sequence are spaced relative to one another such that each pulse subsequent to a first pulse in the sequence is effective to progressively stimulate and create tension in a musculature that includes the muscle inwardly from the electrodes and towards the center of the musculature while maintaining the tension created in at least a portion of the musculature by each preceding pulse in the resonant sequence.
Specification