Medical therapy arrangement for applying an electrical stimulation to a human or animal subject

Abstract

A garment worn by the patient is provided. The garment has a first module electrically connected to a second module. The first module has a first sub-control unit electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode placed at a first muscle of the patient and a third electrode and a fourth electrode placed at a second muscle. The sub-control unit is electrically connected to a master unit. The first muscle is stimulated with a first stimulation signal without shortening the first muscle by sending the first stimulation signal to the first electrode placed at the first muscle. The stimulation of the first muscle relaxes the second muscle. A measuring unit (U1) of the master unit determines a first current value flowing from the first electrode through the first muscle to the second electrode and sends the first current value to a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU compares the first current value to a current reference value and increases a voltage of the first stimulation signal when the first current value is below the current reference value.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for treating a patient, comprising:
 providing a garment worn by the patient, the garment having a first sub-control unit electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode placed at a first muscle or first nerve and a third electrode and fourth electrode placed at a second muscle or second nerve of the patient, the first sub-control unit being electrically connected to a master unit;   prior to sending a first stimulation signal to the first sub-control unit, the master unit sending first data units to instruct the first sub-control unit to send the first stimulation signal to the first electrode;   the master unit sending the first stimulation signal to the first sub-control unit, the first sub-control unit receiving the first stimulation signal and forwarding the first stimulation signal to the first electrode to stimulate the first muscle or first nerve with the first stimulation signal; and   in a time-gap between the first stimulation signal and a second stimulation signal to the first sub-control unit, the master unit sending second data units to the first sub-control unit to instruct the first sub-control unit to send the second stimulation signal to the third electrode to stimulate the second muscle or second nerve with the second stimulation signal; and   the master unit sending no data units while the first muscle or first nerve is being stimulated by the first stimulation signal and the while the second muscle or second nerve is being stimulated by the second stimulation signal.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of changing a direction of current flowing between the first electrode via the first muscle or first nerve and the second electrode. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the method further comprises the step of intermittently changing a direction of the current. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the method further comprises the step of switching the direction of the current during the first stimulation signal. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the method further comprises the step of the master unit sending power, data unit and stimulation signals to the first sub-control unit in a pair of wires extending between the master unit and the first sub-control unit. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of the master unit sending instructions to the first sub-control unit through a serial data bus. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the method further comprises the step of the master unit sending instructions to a second sub-control unit, the first sub-control unit ignoring the instructions sent to the second sub-control unit.