PELVIC MUSCLE EXERCISER

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a device which may be used to interactively exercise pelvic muscles. This is expected to prevent the need for more intrusive surgical procedures, to improve the life of women and men that suffer from incontinence, to help women strengthen their pelvic muscles after birth to enable subsequent vaginal births rather than caesarean sections. The invention relates to a pelvic muscle exercise monitor that is a suppository/tampon type internal unit that may be placed within either the rectum or the vaginal canal and which sends signals to a remote receiver, typically a smart phone, but possibly a dedicated device or a computer.

Claims

1. A system for pelvic exercising by a user, the system comprising: an internal unit and a receiver device; the internal unit being substantially cylindrical and having a length of 3 to 8 cm and a diameter of between 1 and 3 cm, for positioning within a body cavity of the user; and comprising at least one pressure sensor and a transmitter within a housing; the receiver device comprising a GUI, a processor, a signal receiver, a memory, a power supply and an operating program, such that the receiver device receives data from the internal unit and displays information to the user, wherein the system further comprises an anchor for attaching to the user, said internal unit further comprising a distance sensor for monitoring separation of the anchor from the internal unit.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a flexible tail to one end of the internal device for withdrawal of the internal device from the body cavity.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the flexible tail serves as an antenna for the transmitter.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the body cavity is a rectum or a vaginal canal.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a biocompatible water proof polymer.

6. The system of claim I wherein the housing comprises neoprene, silicone, latex or artificial rubber.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the internal unit further comprises a battery.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one pressure sensor of the internal unit is a piezoelectric sensor configured to detect pressure applied to said one end of the internal unit.

9. The system of claim I wherein the at least one pressure sensor of the internal unit is a piezoelectric sensor configured to detect pressure applied to an opposite end to said one end of the internal unit.

10. The system of claim 8 further comprising a second pressure sensor of the internal unit configured to detect pressure applied to an opposite end of the internal unit.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the anchor is attachable by an adhesive strip to a buttock or a navel.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the anchor is attachable by a vacuum sucker to a buttock or a navel.

13. the system of claim 1 further comprising a movement sensor for monitoring movement along the vaginal canal.

14. the system of claim 1 wherein said movement sensor comprises a light emitting diode and a corresponding light sensor.

15. the system of claim 1 wherein the internal unit further comprising an E.M.S. (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) system.

16. An internal unit of the system of claim 1 that is substantially cylindrical and has a length of 3-8 cm and a diameter of between 1 and 3 cm, for positioning within a body cavity of a user; and comprising at least one pressure sensor, a transmitter within a housing for communication with a receiver device.

17. The internal unit of claim 16 further comprising a flexible tail attached to a first end of the internal device for withdrawing the internal device from the body cavity.

18. The internal unit of claim 16 wherein the pressure sensor is positioned at the first end of the internal unit.

19. The internal unit of claim 16 wherein the pressure sensor is positioned at a second end of the internal unit.

20. The internal unit of claim 18 wherein a second pressure sensor is positioned at a second end of the internal unit.

21. The internal unit of claim 18 wherein the pressure sensor is piezoelectric pressure sensor configured to detect radial compressive forces around circumference of the internal unit.

22. The internal unit of claim 16 wherein the pressure sensor is piezoelectric pressure sensor configured to detect forces on an end of the internal unit.

23. The internal unit of claim 16 wherein the housing comprises biocompatible water proof polymer.

24. The internal unit of claim 16 wherein the housing comprises neoprene, silicone, latex or artificial rubber.

25. The internal unit of claim 16 further comprising a battery.

26. The internal unit of claim 16 further comprising a distance sensor for monitoring a distance separating the internal unit from an anchor external to the user.

27. The internal unit of claim 26, wherein the anchor is attached to a position on an anatomy of the user.

28. The internal unit of claim 16 further comprising a movement sensor for monitoring movement along a body cavity.

29. The internal unit of claim 28 wherein said movement sensor comprises a light emitting diode and corresponding light sensor.

30. The internal unit of claim 16 further comprising an E.M.S. (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) system.

31. The internal unit of claim 25 wherein the battery is rechargeable by induction.

32. An internal unit of the system of claim 1, that is substantially cylindrical and has a length of 3-8 cm and a diameter of between 1 and 3 cm, for positioning within a body cavity of a user; and comprising at least one pressure sensor, and a transmitter within a housing for communication with a receiver device.

33. A receiver device of the system of claim 1 comprising a GUI, a processor, a signal receiver, a memory, a power supply and an operating program, such that the receiver device is configured to receive data signal from an internal unit within a rectum or a vaginal canal of a user and to process such data and display information to the user.

34. The receiver device of claim 32 wherein the data signals comprise data from at least one pressure sensor of the internal unit.

35. The receiver device of claim 33 wherein the data signals comprise data corresponding to a distance of the internal unit from an anchor positioned on external anatomy of the user.

36. The receiver device of claim 33 wherein the data signals comprise data corresponding to an absolute movement of the internal unit within a body cavity.

37. The receiver device of claim 33 further comprising a transmitter for transmitting signals for activating an E.M.S. (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) system in the internal unit.

38. The receiver device of claim 33 being a smart phone programmed with an application.

39. A method of exercising a pelvis of a user comprising positioning an internal unit comprising at least one pressure sensor and a transmitter within a rectum or vaginal canal of a user; transmitting data from the internal unit to a receiver device comprising a GUI, a processor, a signal receiver, a memory, a power supply and an operating program, and processing such data to display information to the user regarding pressure on the internal unit, wherein the receiver device comprises a GUI, a processor, a signal receiver, a memory, a power supply and an operating program for processing such data to display information to the user regarding pressure on the internal unit wherein the internal unit further comprises either a distance sensor for monitoring either the distance between the internal unit and an external anchor attached to anatomy of the user for monitoring movement of the internal unit with respect to the external anchor, or a movement sensor for monitoring movement of the internal unit within a body cavity and the method comprises monitoring movement within the body cavity and displaying information for the user on the receiving unit.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein the internal unit comprises two pressure sensors, one at each end, and the data displayed includes pressure differences between contraction forces applied to each end.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein said processor processes such data to display information to the user regarding pressure on the internal unit.

42. The method of claim 39 wherein the internal unit further comprises an E.M.S. (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) system and the method comprises stimulating the muscular wall of the body cavity around the internal unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0076] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention; the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

[0078] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system of one embodiment of the invention;

[0079] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a system of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0080] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for exercising the pelvic region in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0081] The present invention is directed to a device which may be used to interactively exercise pelvic muscles. This is expected to prevent the need for more intrusive surgical procedures, to improve the life of women and men that suffer from incontinence, to help women strengthen their pelvic muscles after birth to enable subsequent vaginal births rather than caesarean sections.

[0082] Embodiments of the invention relate to a pelvic muscle exercise monitor that is a suppository/tampon type internal unit that may be placed within either the rectum or the vaginal canal and which sends signals to a remote receiver, typically a smart phone, but possibly a dedicated device or a computer. The internal unit resembles a tampon and may be retained within the vaginal canal for hours or even days. It is not weighted with external weights and is of a size and dimensions similar to conventional menstruation tampons, and so is not unpleasant or uncomfortable. The internal unit communicates with a receiver device and provides feedback to the user, typically via the graphic user interface GUI of the receiver device, which may be a dedicated device but is typically a smart phone with an appropriate program (App).

[0083] The internal unit contains sensors that are able to detect external pressure and preferred embodiments are able to do detect pressure differences from the radial pressure at the lower end and that at the higher end, to detect a pressure that may act to cause the internal unit to travel deeper into the vaginal canal or the rectum.

[0084] Strain gauges such as piezoelectric sensors may be used. A typical range is from under 2 microvolt where the vaginal muscles are relaxed, reaching as high as 80 micro-Volts for fully tensed muscles. The stresses may be displayed in micro-Volts or transposed and displayed in mm of mercury, Pascals, pounds per square inch, or any other numeric, qualitative scale after appropriate calibration. For physiotherapists and medical personnel, absolute numbers have some value. For patients, a descriptive display such as weak, strong, recovering from birth, healthy, etc. or a graphic display which may be descriptive, such as a graphical representation of a section through the vaginal canal with internal device in place, or analogous, such as an image of balloons or a cartoon character may be preferred. One commercially available load cell that may be considered is a 1000 BF-1 K Precision Pressure Resistance Strain Gauge 1000 ohm Sensor. Such devices are comparatively cheap and typically cost about $1.5 per unit.

[0085] In some embodiments an external anchor is attached to the user, for example to her navel. The external anchor can communicate with the internal unit thereby obtaining information regarding the separation of the internal unit and the external anchor. This information may be displayed on the GUI of the receiver device.

[0086] An alternative and better way for monitoring movement is for the internal unit to be provided with a light emitting diode (LED) and a corresponding sensor such as those used in optical computer mice. The LED and corresponding sensor enable small movements to be tracked.

[0087] By way of enablement only, an example of a commercially available IC offering the appropriate functionality is the ADNS2620 Optical Mouse Sensor. This is an easy to use entry level, small form factor optical mouse sensor intended for computer mice this allows for more compact and cost-effective optical mouse designs. The ADNS2620 is based on optical navigation technology, which measures changes in position by optically acquiring sequential surface images (frames) and mathematically determining the direction and magnitude of movement. It is housed in an 8-pin staggered DIP format and has a resolution of 400 counts per inch with rates of motion up to 12 per second and measure a mere 12.5 mm10 mm so is fully compatible for use in intravaginal sensors. It has no mechanical moving parts, allows complete 2D Motion Sensing, offers a programmable frame speed of up to 3000 fps, gives accurate motion up to 12 fps, has a 400 dpi resolution.

[0088] It is, of course, immaterial if the distance is calculated by the receiver device (such as a mobile phone), the anchor or the internal unit Typically raw data regarding relative pressure at lower and upper parts of the internal unit and anchor-internal unit separation are transmitted to the smart phone. There, a dedicated Application processes the data and provides feedback to the user in real time as to whether or not pressure is applied to the internal unit and whether that pressure is applied evenly or mostly to the top or bottom areas of the internal unit, and whether the internal unit is moving nearer or away from the external anchor. In this manner, the user may obtain feedback whilst exercising to ensure that she is raising her pelvic floor correctly.

[0089] It will be appreciated that the internal unit transmits information to the receiver device. The internal unit is not programmed to vibrate or to take pictures but to simply report its position or change of position and pressures thereon.

[0090] Although the receiver device may be a dedicated device, typically it will be a smart phone or may be mobile or desktop computer. Typically it will include a signal receiver for communication with the internal unit and optionally with the anchor. Preferably the communication is by a wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth. The receiver device further includes a graphic user interface such as a screen and keys or a touch screen, a processor and a memory for storing programming instructions. The programming instructions may be provided in the form of an application and the receiver device may be a smart-phone. Smart phones are fairly ubiquitous and have all the desired functionality.

[0091] With reference to FIG. 1 a schematic block diagram of a system of one embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0092] The system 100 provides a means for teaching and for monitoring the effectiveness of pelvic exercising by a user. The system 100 consists of an internal unit 200 and a receiver device 300. The internal unit 200 is substantially cylindrical and has a length L of 3 to 10 cm and a diameter D of between 1 and 4 cm. It may have flat or domed ends, for example. Internal device is thus similar to a menstrual tampon and may be positioned within the vaginal canal of a user. It includes at least one pressure sensor 210 and a transmitter 220 within a housing 230.

[0093] The internal unit 200 communicates with a receiver device 300 that typically has a visual display 310 that may be a graphic user interface GUI, a processor 320, a signal receiver 330, a memory 340, a power supply 350 and an operating program 360, such that the receiver device 300 receives data from the internal unit 200 and displays the information on the GUI 310 to the user.

[0094] Typically, the internal unit 200 further comprises a flexible tail 240 attached to one end 250 of the internal device 200 for withdrawal of the internal device 200 from the vaginal canal or another body cavity such as the rectum, for example.

[0095] Optionally, the flexible tail 240 serves as an antenna for the transmitter 220. Optionally, the housing 230 comprises a biocompatible water proof polymer such as neoprene, silicone, latex or artificial rubber for example.

[0096] Optionally, the internal unit 200 further comprises a power cell 260 for providing power. The power cell 260 is typically a single use disposable dry cell (battery) or a rechargeable battery. It may, however, be a chargeable capacitor. In some embodiments, the power cell 260 is a rechargeable battery that is rechargeable by induction.

[0097] Optionally, the at least one pressure sensor 210 (212) of the internal unit 200 is a piezoelectric sensor, such as a perovskite, that is configured to detect pressure applied to the one end of the internal unit. Other load cells may be used. In some embodiments, the at least one pressure sensor 210 of the internal unit is a piezoelectric sensor configured to detect pressure applied to an opposite end 270 (distal) of the internal device from that (proximal) to which the tail 240 is attached.

[0098] Optionally, the internal unit 200 further comprises a second pressure sensor 212 configured to detect pressure applied to the first end 250 (proximal to the tail 240) of the internal unit.

[0099] In some embodiments, the internal unit 200 further comprises a LED 275 and corresponding optical sensor 285, thereby enabling absolute movement forwards or backwards along the vaginal canal to be tracked. In some embodiments, the internal unit 200 further comprises an E.M.S. (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) system 290. EMS systems are predominately used to prevent, or reduce, muscle atrophy. Atrophy is the weakening and loss of muscle tone, which is usually experienced after surgeries or injuries. EMS has been proven to be an effective means of preventing muscle atrophy. EMS also helps by increasing blood flow to muscles, increasing range of motion, increasing muscle strength, as well as enhancing muscle endurance. EMS has pain management attributes in helping muscle related pain, such as a spastic muscle, sore muscles, or tight muscles. One type of EMS system is a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) sensor. The TENS sensor may provide electrical signals to the vaginal muscle for active stimulation. Electrical stimulation is typically provided at frequencies of 10-50 Hz and in units of milli-amps and milli-seconds, with the impedance varying as necessary. However, stimulation at frequencies of up to 100 Hz are not unknown, and the internal device offering electromagnetic stimulation should support such frequencies. With respect to FIG. 2, a schematic block diagram of a system 1000 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0100] In the second embodiment 1000, the system includes an anchor 400 for attaching to the user, and the internal unit includes a distance sensor 280 for monitoring the separation of the anchor 400 from the internal unit 200. The anchor 400 may be attached to the body, for example to the buttocks or to the navel, by means of an adhesive strip or a vacuum sucker for example.

[0101] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for exercising the pelvic region in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0102] The method consists of: (i) providing an internal unit 200 comprising at least one pressure sensor 210 and a transmitter 220 within a rectum or vaginal canal of a user; (ii) transmitting data from the internal unit 200 to a receiver device 300 comprising a screen 310, a processor (320), a signal receiver 330, a memory 340, a power supply 350 and an operating program 360, and (iii) processing such data and (iv) displaying on the screen 310 information to the user regarding pressure on the internal unit 200.

[0103] Optionally, the internal unit 200 comprises two pressure sensors 210, 212 one at each end 250, 270, and the data displayed includes pressure differences between contraction forces applied to each end 250, 270.

[0104] In some embodiments, the internal unit 200 further comprises a distance sensor 280 for monitoring distance between the internal unit 200 and an external anchor 400 attached to anatomy of the user for monitoring movement of the internal unit 200 with respect to the external anchor 400.

[0105] In some embodiments, the internal unit 200 further comprises a LED 275 and corresponding optical sensor 285, enabling movement of the internal unit 200 with respect to the vaginal wall to be monitored.

[0106] In some embodiments, the internal unit 200 further comprises an E.M.S. (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) system 290. which may be a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TE NS) sensor for providing electrical signals to the vaginal muscle for active stimulation. Optionally, the internal unit further comprises a thermometer for transmitting a signal to the receiving unit. This may be useful for indicating ovulation to women trying to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy. It will be appreciated that a woman equipped with a smart phone 300 running an appropriate application 360 and with an internal unit 200 within her vaginal canal, and, if necessary, an anchor 400 stuck to her anatomy, such as to her buttock or to her navel, is able to practice pelvic floor exercises for short or long periods whilst commuting, at her desk, watching television, walking or exercising, whilst in bed and/or at other times during her daily routine.

[0107] In addition or instead of active exercise periods, the internal unit may communicate with the receiver unit 300 when an incident occurs. For example, the internal unit may provide messages when feeling a dilation of the vaginal canal or a dropping of the pelvis, whilst sneezing or during exercise, thereby helping a woman to tense her muscles and overcome this type of dilation or dropping which is a primary cause of urinary incontinence.

[0108] The GUI 310 of the smart-phone 300 may provide instructions to her and can, using signals from the internal unit 200, provide feedback as to whether or not she is exercising correctly, and can provide exercises to do, such as to tense pelvic muscles to thereby raise the floor of the pelvis. Thus embodiments of the present invention train the user to tense pelvic muscles and can help treat incontinence and can help avoid gym exercising and similar activities creating pelvic problems. The devices 200, 300, systems 100, 1000 and methods described can tighten vaginal muscle, providing more fulfilling sexual interaction to both partners, and can help the user to recover from birth.

[0109] The internal unit may further comprise additional sensors such as a temperature sensor that may be useful to indicate ovulation, chemical sensors for detecting pH, glucose levels for detecting diabetes, detectors for testosterone or estrogen for detecting pregnancy, and the like.

[0110] The GUI 310 may show numerical data, graphs comparing pressure at upper and lower ends of the internal unit, a graphic image schematically resembling the internal unit within the vaginal canal or a more user friendly and less scientific graphic image such as balloons, cartoon figures, and the like. Color changes or audible signals may be used to provide warning.

[0111] The external unit may communicate periodically with a central unit of a therapist or physician enabling professional supervision. However, one advantage of the present system over the prior art is that patients may work unsupervised when and where convenient to themselves, without potentially embarrassing and intrusive intervention. The system may be programmed to show improvement over time and to provide age and health/lifestyle appropriate targets for women after childbirth, for elderly patients with urinary incontinence and for other users. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

[0112] In the claims, the word comprise, and variations thereof such as comprises, comprising and the like indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components.