DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF STIMULI

Abstract

A device and to a system and a method for transmitting stimuli to a user. The stimuli can include stimuli caused by electrical muscle stimulation or haptic stimuli such as vibrations. The system simplifies the use of the corresponding stimuli inter alia in that parameters can be measured during the use and the type and specificity of the stimuli can be changed depending on the measured parameters. The systems, devices and methods are particularly suitable for use in sports.

Claims

1. A portable apparatus for transmitting electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) signals to a human body in order to train said body and for controlling stimulation pulses during a stimulation on a user, comprising: at least a sensor, at least a data processing unit, at least a pulse unit, and one or more electrodes for electrical muscle stimulation, wherein a) the sensor is suitable for measuring one or more measurement values, b) the data processing unit is configured to generate a control signal for the pulse unit depending on the measurement value(s) from the sensor or sensors, c) the pulse unit is suitable for triggering EMS pulses and configured to modify one or more EMS pulse parameters depending on the control signal, wherein a comparison between the measurement value(s) and a threshold is carried out wherein the electrodes, the sensor, the data processing unit or the pulse unit, or all four of them, are fastened to an apparel piece, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a visualization unit for presenting a virtual reality.

2. (canceled)

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is embodied to be worn on the body of a user in the form of an apparel piece and configured to receive or transmit wireless or wired signals, or both, of the body at least from one or more sensors, and that the apparatus is embodied to be worn on the body, and comprising fastening means which place the apparatus directly on a body part.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one sensor is configured to read electromyography signals.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one electrode is configured to capture measurement data about the state of the user or transmit sensor data, or both, to a human body, and wireless communication is provided.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a textile or a constituent part of a textile, or one or more sensors, or both, for capturing one or more vital parameters are integrated into the textile or fastened or fastenable, or both, to the textile, and wherein the sensors comprise a BIA sensor, movement sensor, NIRS sensor, magnetoresistance sensor, moisture sensor, ECG sensor, HRV sensor, strain gauges, spiroergometry sensor, lactate sensor, temperature sensor, contact sensor, or a and blood sugar sensor.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pulse unit is connected to a user interface in a wireless or wired manner, or both, said user interface elucidating the stimulation on the hand or the wrist within the meaning of a visualization unit, signaling the change between pulse and rest, wherein said visualization unit can provide acoustic or visual or haptic signals, or all three signals, by vibrating, and, at the same time, be used to control the intensity within the meaning of an input means or indicates signals by way of LEDs or both; and the user interface can be fastened, to the thumb by way of a wristband which is precisely not a wristband but can be worn over the back of the hand.

8. (canceled)

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein for the purposes of training a person in a virtual world (environment), use is made of an apparel piece, which is equipped with one or more haptic sensors, and 3D goggles, helmet, visor, contact lens, or a display situated in front of the eyes, and a virtual interface, wherein haptic sensors are integrated into the apparel piece, said sensors measuring the position in space and, with software assistance, comparing said position to that of the virtual trainer in order to recognize wrong movements and indicate these in the virtual environment by auditory or optical signals, or both, or wherein an avatar displays or performs an improved execution of movements or simulates, or both, the wrong movements in order, then, to clarify these by an improved execution of movements.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein sequences of movements are recognizable by haptic feedback in conjunction with specific software and a movement is presentable to the user in a virtual world, and an apparel piece is configured to identify which muscles are active and which are not in order to compare this to the predetermined exercise (software), and, wherein in particular, the user obtains support for the groups of muscles that are important to the exercise by way of electrical muscle stimulation signals, and there is constant measurement of which muscles are active.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the visualization unit for presenting a virtual reality, is configured to present a 2D view or a 3D view of the virtual reality or the visualization unit comprises a display, or a screen, or data goggles, or a helmet, or a visor or a contact lens; or both.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a visualization unit is configured to produce an image of the person training, wherein the image may be changeable in terms of size, look, and apparel by way of the system or entries into the system.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, for the image of the person training, one or more defined sequences of movement are stored, and the system is configured to assist or correct by way of electrostimulation the movement of the person training in such a way that the deviation between a performed movement by the person training and the defined sequence of movements is minimized.

21. (canceled)

22. A method for controlling stimulation pulses during stimulation on a user using a system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pulse unit triggers one or more stimulation pulses, said method comprising the following steps: a. measuring a measurement value, b. comparing the measurement value to a threshold, c. generating a control signal if the measurement value and the threshold have a predeterminable relationship to one another, and d. modifying a stimulation pulse parameter depending on the control signal.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the stimulation pulse parameter is selected from any of a pulse type, intensity, duration of the stimulation pulse, frequency, ramp, pulse pause, individual pulse width, individual pulse duration, the rise time, or fall time.

24. (canceled)

25. The method of claim 22, wherein steps a to d are repeated at least every 10 minutes during the duration of an application.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein a visualization unit is provided, which presents a virtual reality.

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0270] The Figures, to which the following exemplary description relates, are described below. In detail:

[0271] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the apparel with essential functional elements that are involved in the method according to the invention, and a sensor;

[0272] FIG. 2 shows a selection of possible apparel pieces and attachment options for sensors;

[0273] FIG. 3 shows an electrode which has a concave form;

[0274] FIG. 4 shows a suit with a massage function;

[0275] FIG. 5 shows a suit and the possible training function thereof;

[0276] FIG. 6 shows a feedback method in a virtual world;

[0277] FIG. 7 shows a pair of trousers with a haptic application;

[0278] FIG. 8 shows a screen with sensors that are fastened to different points of the suit,

[0279] FIG. 9 shows a screen with various program options,

[0280] FIG. 10 shows a screen with various adjustment modifications,

[0281] FIG. 11 shows an adjustment screen,

[0282] FIG. 12 shows a screen with a sports-specific exercise, and

[0283] FIG. 13 shows an access screen to a virtual fitness studio course offering, and

[0284] FIG. 14 shows a schematic representation of a controller of stimulated pulses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0285] FIG. 1 shows, by way of a schematic diagram, a possible suit with the essential functional elements that are involved in the method according to the invention and the apparatus. 100 is used to denote a suit, on which a multiplicity of sensors or electrodes 101 are fastened, the latter both measuring EMG signals of a body and transferring EMS signals to a body. The dual function of the electrodes/sensors is elucidated by the two-tone representation.

[0286] Provision can be made of individual and/or a plurality of electrodes 101. 102 is used to denote a mobile terminal, which can preferably receive and/or transmit signals 103. It may be a mobile smartphone and/or a stationary unit. 104 is used to denote a schematic diagram of a sensor/electrode, which captures sensor data from a body (EMG signal) or transfer a signal (EMS signal) to a body. These may also be any other conceivable sensors which capture biological and/or physical data from humans. Many further embodiments are conceivable by way of different shaping, material selection, type, and positioning of the sensors and the processing. In FIG. 1, it is possible to see a user interacting with the system. In FIG. 1, the system is configured as a suit, into which the sensors are sewn in the form of a yarn. Moreover, this embodiment that is sewn into a suit or else any other apparel piece is possible by way of electroactive and/or electrosensitive yarn. The system is supplied with power by means of a current-supplying cable (not depicted). Alternatively, there may also be a current generator present, the latter producing current from kinetic energy, said current then being stored in a battery. A possible embodiment could include wireless inductive charging. Piezoelectric plastic (nano-generator) could be a further conceivable embodiment.

[0287] The apparel pieces presented in FIG. 2 by 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204 only represent a selection of many further conceivable apparel pieces. One or more of the following sensors may be integrated into the system: BIA sensor, ultrasonic sensor, EMG sensor, EMS sensor, movement sensor, NIRS sensor, magnetoresistance sensor, moisture sensor, ECG sensor (including HRV measurement), elongation sensor (respiratory rate), lactate sensor, temperature sensor, blood sugar sensor, pulse sensor, and contact sensor. All sensors may be worked into the textile or apparel piece and/or into a control device that may be fastened to the apparel.

[0288] The schematic diagram of an electrode presented in FIG. 3 is concave in this exemplary embodiment 300. Many further embodiments are conceivable by way of different shaping, material selection, type, and position of the electrode and processing. A schematic diagram is depicted in the section of 301, in which it is possible to see a textile with a hydrophilic silicone yarn. 302 is used to denote that a better contact with the body arises as a result of this form. A concave electrode can preferably be used in concave body regions, such as between the breasts or in the region of the armpits.

[0289] The schematic diagram presented in FIG. 4 illustrates the option of a haptic massage method, which is integrated into a suit and transfers (electrotactile, mechanotactile or vibrotactile stimuli) by haptic sensors. A suit which can be used for a whole body massage can be seen. Any type of stimuli provision is conceivable, e.g. rising, falling, pulsating, vibrating, tapping and wave-shaped signals (partly symbolized by arrows). The method can be integrated into any apparel piece which is in contact with the body. Long or short socks which may be worn during a flight and which are able to transfer, from bottom to top, a pulsating vibration signal over the entire area and/or else an EMS signal, in order to activate the muscle groups of the lower extremities, are conceivable. Shorts which activate and/or stimulate the outer skin are within the scope of the invention. Any type of signal guide is conceivable. It is also possible to work sensors for capturing the vital parameters into the textile. Haptic stimulation can preferably be a mechanical stimulation such as e.g. by vibrating units. This may also be a thermal stimulation. Short pulses may be used in the case of an electrostimulation.

[0290] The schematic diagram presented in FIG. 5 shows a therapy or training method according to the invention. 500 is used to denote a suit with sensors 501, said suit being able to receive and/or transmit signals (symbolized by arrows). In the case of tension and/or increased muscle activity, the sensors are able to measure the activity and evaluate this by way of analysis software. If a muscle being too active is disclosed during the analysis, the muscle is activated on the contralateral side in order to trigger an inhibition, as a result of which the muscle loses its tone and/or relaxes. The method operates according to the principle of afferent collateral inhibition. The principle of afferent collateral inhibition is described below: muscular work (muscle contraction) is only possible if the antagonist is inactivated at the same time as the activation of the agonist, and vice versa. This is achieved by interconnecting afferences and efferences in the spinal column by way of inhibitory interneurons. FIG. 5 represents the reception of the sensor data which receives the activity signals from the muscles, and transmits these to a controller, such as e.g. a mobile terminal (smartphone, tablet PC). An analysis software method runs on the mobile terminal 502. The data are transferred in a mobile and/or wired manner. 501 is used to denote the sensors which capture the muscle activity and transmit this to the mobile terminal. The measured data are not necessarily transmitted directly by the sensors; instead, the sensors may be connected to a data transfer unit which undertakes the transfer. 501 is used to denote the sensors/electrodes which transfer the muscle-stimulating stimuli to the skin. These are transferred from the mobile terminal 502 and/or in a wired manner. 502 is used to denote the software, represented by a trainer method.

[0291] The schematic diagram presented in FIG. 6 shows a user with a system according to the invention in the form of an apparel piece that is worn on the upper body and a visualization unit in the form of a screen 604 (by way of example, goggles, in particular 3D goggles, are also conceivable). The user interacts with a virtual world (with virtual surroundings). By way of the visualization unit 604, it is possible to see a virtual trainer 603, who demonstrates an exercise and provides instructions. The person exercising repeats this exercise. The trainer provides a training instruction which the user should simulate. If they do not carry out the exercise correctly, this is captured by way of a sensor and the software processes the signal and transmits a haptic signal (electrotactile, vibrotactile or mechanotactile) to the user. This signal may be an EMS signal which is configured to immediately bring about a muscle activation. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a signal at a frequency that is unsuitable for muscle activation. This signal is sensitively recognized by the body and the user can subsequently deliberately carry out a corrected movement. 603 is used to denote a portion of the visualization unit 603 which provides the user with an instruction to carry out the movement correctly while the system regulates the performance of the movement by way of the sensors 601. By way of the sensors 601 (e.g. strain gauges) in the textile, the system recognizes whether the movement was carried out correctly. If the movement was not carried out correctly, an avatar shows how the exercise is done correctly in real time. Hence, a realistic recognition of the exercise is possible. By way of this virtual feedback method (by means of goggles or a helmet, visor, contact lens, display that is situated in front of the eyes), any conceivable movement can be learned and a new interaction is also possible. FIG. 6 shows an apparel piece, into which individual sensors or a plurality of sensors 601 have been worked, said sensors being able to transmit and/or receive signals. Measured values can be transmitted by way of a transmission module (e.g. radio, Bluetooth) that is connected to the sensor. By way of this, it is also possible to receive data, such as e.g. activation information items for individual electrodes. It is also possible to capture vital parameters, as described above. EMS signals can also be transferred from the virtual trainer 603. From a technical point of view, there are a number of options for measuring movement (e.g. acceleration sensors, sports biomechanics). Use is often made of miniaturized piezoelectric acceleration sensors that are made from silicon and convert the pressure variations caused by an acceleration into electrical signals. Small, robust sensors have a mass of only a few grams and a high sensitivity with a good resolution of the signal. Relatively new piezoresistive and piezocapacitive sensors supply a signal which shows not only the acceleration but also the inclination of the sensor (positioning in relation to gravitational acceleration). The DC voltage components of the signal differ in the case of horizontal or vertical positioning, and consequently it is also possible to determine the position of the body in space. Gyrosensors can also measure the angular acceleration. An acceleration sensor reacts with maximum sensitivity only in one dimension, and so two or three sensors have to be combined in order to be able to capture movements in the plane or in three-dimensional space. Measurements in one or two dimensions (axes) suffice for many purposes, while the human movement behavior should be measured in the three spatial dimensions (planes). The attached sketch only serves for illustration purposes and only constitutes one of many possible embodiment variants.

[0292] In one exemplary embodiment, a sensor, in particular a strain gauge, may be configured to recognize a posture, such as in particular the angular position of a joint, of a person training with the system or to recognize a movement of a body part or of the entire body of the person training and to bring about electrostimulation depending on the posture, in particular the angular position, or the movement, in particular the speed thereof.

[0293] The object of a preferred method is to select a training course in a virtual sports studio. A suit, as described above, which renders it possible to receive haptic signals lies within the scope of the invention. Preferably, the user is provided with the option of choosing a virtual course by means of a visualization unit. The selection method can be brought about by way of a gesture of the user or by way of a targeted movement to the respective course. The gestures are recognized by way of the apparel piece, in particular the suit, and forwarded to the controller. The controller activates the desired function or the desired program. The system may comprise a user interface with a sensor which, in particular, may be a camera, an ultrasonic sensor or a radar sensor, and/or the user interface can be adapted to control the EMS system and/or individual pulse parameters by gestures. By way of example, the visualization unit can show the user a direction. It is possible to navigate the user and let them carry out jumps to the right, to the left, to the front, to the back or into the air. The virtual trainer provides said user with instructions to move. The system can also be used for learning or online schooling.

[0294] If a user performs a movement that was not carried out correctly, this is recognized by the virtual trainer and the latter demonstrates the exercise in a precise manner and provides instructions to said user to the effect of optimizing their movements. The virtual trainer also simulates the movements and provides optimization instructions for carrying out movements. Hence, the trainer is also able to teach the user a sports-specific exercise, such as e.g. a golf swing and all conceivable movement embodiments. It is also possible to complete a specific online-supported EMS training with a virtual trainer. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the user with a mirror function on the visualization unit so that said user can orient themselves visually. The method recognizes the execution of the movement, compares it in the software and provides a correction instruction by the virtual trainer.

[0295] The schematic diagram presented in FIG. 7 shows a massage application for use e.g. in professional sports. The goal of the example described here is to present a massage method for professional sports. An example of the lower extremities 900 is presented. These trousers represent any conceivable apparel piece in an exemplary manner. In order to ensure a return flow of the liquid collected in the lower extremities after sports, the thigh is worked on first (by haptic means) on the thigh by way of a pulsating function. Then, the massage is continued from bottom to top 901. This is because, after the thigh, it is possible to improve the return flow and to carry out a massage and/or therapy from below (caudal to cranial). The massage forms can be preparation massages, relaxation massages or activation massages.

[0296] A PMR (progressive muscle relaxation) method which transfers the stimuli in the suit by way of haptic sensors, i.e., in particular, actuators such as electrodes, also lies within the scope of the invention. The progressive muscle relaxation method according to Edmund Jacobson is a method in which a state of deep relaxation of the entire body should be obtained by deliberate and conscious relaxation and/or tensioning of specific muscle groups. Here, the individual muscle groups are initially tensioned successively in a specific sequence, the muscle tension is briefly held and the tension is subsequently released. Here, the concentration of the person is directed to the change between tension and relaxation and the sensations that accompany these different states. The goal of this method lies in a reduction in the muscle tension below the normal level on account of an improved body perception. Over time, the person should learn to bring about muscular relaxation whenever they want. Moreover, other signs of bodily unrest or excitation, such as palpitations, sweating or trembling, should be able to be reduced by relaxing the muscles. Moreover, muscle tensions can be found and loosened and hence pain states can be reduced. By way of example, it is possible to trigger a haptic signal at the foot, said signal signaling to the user which muscle in the body should be tensioned and when this muscle should be relaxed again. This method is possible using a suit which transfers vibrotactile, electrotactile or mechanotactile stimuli by way of haptic sensors. In particular, this signal can be different to an EMS signal. The difference lies in the frequencies of the activation. It is possible to activate individual sensors/electrodes and/or a plurality of sensors/electrodes; all applications can be transmitted in a wireless and/or wired manner to a controller, e.g. a mobile terminal (smartphone) and/or be received from there. Optionally, it is also possible to transmit relaxing music.

[0297] A suit in which the sensors/electrodes or actuators also transfer haptic signals also lies within the scope of the invention. The transfer can take place by way of a closed water circulation system and/or via a closed air system. A suit can thus consist of two different zones. One zone lies on the body and the outer serves for delimiting the surroundings. Nozzles which transfer a haptic signal to the skin via air pressure or water pressure are between the two zones in order to carry out one of the above-described methods.

[0298] A suit within the scope of the invention with a diagnostic function can work online and/or offline. This also applies to all methods described above. A suit which has one or more vital sensors also lies within the scope of the invention. It is possible to measure any biodata and transmit these to the controller or the control device in a mobile manner and/or via a cabled connection. It is possible to provide sensors which capture the temperature and all conceivable vital parameters and transfer these in a wired and/or wireless manner to the controller or the mobile terminal (a smartphone). The data can be evaluated by an online medical practitioner or by diagnostic software in order to transmit health suggestions to the user. By way of example: visiting a medical practitioner is recommended if the temperature is too high. Moreover a screen of the controller, which, via 3D goggles, a screen or any conceivable indicating device, indicates the user's health state to the user, also lies within the scope of the invention. This may be physiological or else anatomical and comprise any conceivable visualization.

[0299] The screen presented in FIG. 8 shows the suit which can activate individual sensors by touching the screens. The suit may facilitate the local or global use of electrodes for one of the methods described above. This control can be mobile or wired. The function can be online and/or offline.

[0300] The screen presented in FIG. 9 shows a function screen which provides the option of selecting individual programs, as described above.

[0301] The screen presented in FIG. 10 shows the control of the therapy method and/or training method, which is able to capture every body region and be set individually.

[0302] The screen presented in FIG. 11 shows various setting modes.

[0303] The screen presented in FIG. 12 shows a sports-specific exercise, which can be learned as described above. The athlete is prescribed an exercise and must then simulate it. If it is not carried out correctly, the athlete is assisted by the system and they receive a stimulus via an EMS signal in order to activate the muscle groups which should be used. The stimulus can be transmitted by any haptic sense (vibrotactile, electrotactile or mechanotactile stimuli). The system also recognizes what muscles are active. Hence, the athlete is able to learn any movement or optimize it. Any sport and/or movement is possible. By way of example, the user can learn a golf swing. Additionally, any haptic signal can be used for communicating a stimulus to the user. In this method of learning movements, it is possible to recognize movements and/or transmit movement data. The method runs by way of control software which compares the movement to the predetermined movement and optimizes the movement via muscle activity measurements and/or muscle activations.

[0304] The screen presented in FIG. 13 shows the access to an online sports studio, which can be used offline and/or online. By tapping one of the buttons in the upper region of the screen, the user can access a course or undertake individual settings.

[0305] FIG. 14 shows a schematic representation of a controller of stimulation pulses. The system 1 for controlling stimulation pulses during a stimulation on a user 2 comprises at least a sensor 3, a data processing unit 4, and a pulse unit 5. In the embodiment presented in FIG. 14, the electrodes 8 and the sensors 3 are connected to a textile, a track suit 10 in this case, and respectively securely connected in a lower leg region of the track suit 10. As a result, a wearable system 1 is provided, which allows the user to carry out the stimulation application in a manner that is unimpeded in space and/or in terms of their freedom of movement. Here, the sensor 3 is e.g. suitable for measuring a measurement value, in particular the EMG activity of the user 2. This advantageously allows measuring EMG activity of the user 2 and triggering a stimulation pulse, in particular an EMS pulse, which, depending on the measurement value or control signal, has been modified in terms of one or more stimulation pulse parameters. Advantageously, one or more sensors 3 of the same type or of different types can be arranged in the system 1.

[0306] The data processing unit 4 is configured to compare the measurement value to a threshold and generate a control signal for the pulse unit 5 if the measurement value and the threshold have a predefinable relationship to one another. In the embodiment shown in the present case, the pulse unit 5 and the data processing unit 4 are attached in a common casing, which can be carried by the user 2 in one hand or, optionally, be placed into a pocket or be detachably connected to the track suit 10. Here, the pulse unit 5 is suitable for triggering stimulation pulses and configured to modify one or more stimulation pulse parameters depending on the control signal.

[0307] A method that is likewise within the scope of the invention, in which a pulse unit triggers one or more stimulation pulses, comprises at least the following steps: a) measuring a measurement value, b) comparing the measurement value to a threshold, c) generating a control signal if the measurement value and the threshold have a predeterminable relationship to one another, and d) modifying a stimulation pulse parameter depending on the control signal.

[0308] Here, the measurement value that is measured by means of sensors is compared to a threshold by means of suitable algorithms. Such an algorithm can advantageously be predetermined or adjustable or predeterminable in the data processing unit. If it is determined that the measurement value and the threshold have a predefined relationship to one another, an appropriate control signal is generated and a pulse parameter is modified depending on the control signal. A corresponding stimulation pulse with a modified pulse parameter can then be triggered by the pulse unit. Hence, e.g. the stimulation pulse intensity can be increased or reduced, depending on the measurement value. Likewise, it is alternatively or additionally possible to modify further stimulation pulse parameters such as pulse type, intensity, duration of the stimulation pulse, frequency, ramp, pulse pause, individual pulse width, and/or individual pulse duration.

[0309] The system 1 presented in FIG. 14 moreover comprises a user interface 6 with an input means 62, e.g. buttons. In the presented embodiment, the user interface 6 is arranged in a casing that is separate from the data processing unit 4 and the pulse unit 5 and configured as a remote control. Consequently, it is possible to control and set the data processing unit 4 and the pulse unit 5 by means of the remote control that comprises the user interface 6, without the user 2 having to carry the remote control during the stimulation application. The portable casing comprising the data processing unit 4 and the pulse unit 5 further comprises an energy source 7.

[0310] Provision can be made of feedback means which provide information about the next EMS pulse. By way of example, an EMS pulse can have a duration of 3 seconds and this can be followed by a pause of, for example, 3 seconds. So that the user is not surprised by the next pulse, e.g. an optical signal may be output. By way of example, this may occur on a back-of-the-hand unit. An electronic component, on particular a communication module, may be fastened to the back of the hand using fastening means. Alternatively, an armband can also be used to this end.

[0311] By way of example, an LED can light up or blink for a second or half a second before the start of an EMS pulse. Haptic feedback is also possible. Thus a vibration can be exerted by means of a corresponding communication module. The hand is very sensitive and thus it is possible to perceive such vibrations well. In addition to the aforementioned output means, i.e. means that supply the user with information items about the system state, provision can be made of input means. Parameters of the stimulation, such as pulse intensity, frequency, signal type (rectangular or sinusoidal) can be selected by way of individual buttons or a button field (or touchscreen). It is also possible to select and activate individual electrodes (or groups of electrodes) of the EMS. In the aforementioned examples, the communication module is preferably fastened to the hand or wrist, in particular to the back of the hand. In addition, a communication module can be fastened to a different point on the apparel that is used during EMS training. By way of example, a communication module can be fastened to the nape. A feedback module arranged there will preferably output haptic signals or acoustic signals as these can be perceived well on the neck. Electric signals can also be used as feedback for the restart of the stimulation. In this case, use is preferably made of a frequency range that is not suitable for the stimulation. For EMS, frequencies of 20 to 300 Hz are preferably used in some applications. Hence, the feedback signal can be a DC signal or a low-frequency signal <20 Hz or greater than 1 kHz.

[0312] For the communication module aspect of the invention, the following configurations are conceivable:

[0313] Electrostimulation device comprising at least one apparel piece, which comprises a multiplicity of electrodes for electrostimulation, an energy source for electrostimulation, such as, in particular, a battery or an accumulator, which is connected to the apparel piece; wherein the EMS device further comprises a feedback apparatus that is configured to be worn on the body of a person training with the EMS device, and a controller is configured to cause electrostimulation signals and, further, transmit a signal to the feedback apparatus at a defined period of time prior to an electrostimulation signal.

[0314] Electrostimulation device, configured to receive EMG signals and/or for transmitting EMS signals to a human body in order to train it.

[0315] Electrostimulation device, characterized in that the feedback apparatus is connected to an apparel piece, in particular the apparel piece comprising the electrodes and energy source.

[0316] Electrostimulation device, characterized in that the feedback device is configured to emit an optical signal and attachable to the wrist or the hand of a person training and, in particular, the feedback device is attachable to the back of the hand of the person training.

[0317] Electrostimulation device, characterized in that the feedback device is configured to emit an optical signal and arranged in goggles, a helmet, a visor, a contact lens, a display that is situated in front of the eyes.

[0318] The embodiments and features presented in this description can be combined freely with one another.