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 garment made of a fabric, comprising:
 an electrode attached to an inside of the fabric of the garment, the electrode having a protruding mid-section having a conductive material facing away from the fabric;   the mid-section containing a filling material, the mid-section being inflatable;   the fabric overlapping an outer portion of the mid-section; and   the mid-section having an electrically conductive connector extending beyond the outer portion, the connector overlapping a conductive wire connected to a sub-control unit attached to the fabric.   
     
     
         2 . The garment according to  claim 1  wherein the connector having an outer portion attached to an outer portion of the conductive wire. 
     
     
         3 . The garment according to  claim 1  wherein the mid-section is filled with a soft spongy material so that the mid-section protrudes away from the fabric. 
     
     
         4 . The garment according to  claim 1  wherein the electrode having a tubular portion that extends through the fabric of the garment. 
     
     
         5 . The garment according to  claim 4  wherein the tubular portion is connectable to a pump. 
     
     
         6 . The garment according to  claim 5  wherein the mid-portion being expandable. 
     
     
         7 . The garment according to  claim 1  wherein the pump is removably attached to the tubular portion. 
     
     
         8 . The garment according to  claim 1  wherein the conductive material is metal plating. 
     
     
         9 . The garment according to  claim 8  wherein the metal plating is gold. 
     
     
         10 . The garment according to  claim 1  wherein the electrode has a valve.