Patent ID: 6792313
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A method of inhibiting muscle atrophy in an at least partially-immobilized limb by electrically stimulating muscles, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a system including: (i) at least two electrodes; (ii) a signal generator operatively connected to said electrodes, and (iii) a power source providing power to said signal generator; (b) situating said electrodes in contact with tissue on the limb; (c) stimulating the muscles by externally inducing a percutaneous flow of electrical current between said electrodes through said tissue by establishing a plurality of external voltage waves across said electrodes using said signal generator, said plurality of bipolar voltage waves defining a single treatment period, and (d) applying at least 12 distinct treatment periods over at least 10 hours of a 24-hour period.