Abstract: The present invention provides a compression garment for transcutaneous or neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The garment is adapted to be in contact with a part of the body. The garment is made from an elastic stretchable material. The garment comprises at least one compression band having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is adapted to be coupled with an electrode, a portion of an electrode or a plurality of electrodes for contacting skin in use. The second portion has lower elasticity compared to that of the garment material of the first portion or no elasticity. Modulus of elasticity of the garment material in elongation direction and/or resting length of the garment material in the elongation direction in the first portion are selected so that pressure exerted by the second portion on a wearer when the garment is in use is equal or greater than a minimum predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating the lower back and abdominal muscles in a patient comprising applying a first electrode A1/A2 substantially centrally to the lower lumbar region of the patient's body, and applying second and third electrodes B, C respectively to opposite side flanks of the patient's body. The electrodes are energized to apply a first group of muscular stimulation current pulses which flow between the second and third electrodes and a second group of muscular stimulation current pulses which flow between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes alternately.

Abstract: The invention relates to facial stimulation apparatus configured to be worn in a generally horizontal orientation on a user's head, and which uses the ear (14) as an anatomical reference to ensure correct and repeatable placement of skin electrodes (16a,16b) overlying the human facial nerves (1-5) to facilitate Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS). The apparatus is provided with a headband (22) having a bend or inclination (24) proximate a distal portion (20) thereof on which the electrodes (16a,16b) are attached. The apparatus is provided with an unambiguous location feature such that a vector component between said location feature and the electrode pair (16a, 16b) is fixed and non-adjustable thus ensuring repeatable and accurate positioning of each electrode (16a, 16b). The apparatus overcomes problems inherent in known devices and, in particular, requires no anatomical knowledge on the part of the end user for its safe and most effective placement.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for stimulating pelvic floor muscles in a patient comprises applying at least one electrode externally to each side of the patient's body in the region of the pelvis, and energising the electrodes to apply a muscular stimulation current which flows laterally across the patient through the patient's pelvic floor. Preferably a plurality of electrodes are applied symmetrically on each side of the body. The electrodes may be incorporated in a garment.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for applying electrical current to the quadriceps muscle. The apparatus is in the form of a garment (to be worn on a user's thigh) having a integrated programmable stimulation device including integral electronics, LCD display, user controls and a battery. To ensure accurate and repeatable positioning of the garment, it is shaped such that it locates above the patella. Furthermore, reference lines are provided on the skin facing surface of the garment to assist the user in the accurate placement of skin engaging electrodes. In combination, the features of the invention provides a safe and convenient means of electrically stimulating the quadriceps muscle irrespective of patient size whilst minimizing the opportunity for error. Moreover, the invention dispenses with the need to employ a skilled clinician to individually place each electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating the lower back and abdominal muscles in a patient comprising applying a first electrode A1/A2 substantially centrally to the lower lumbar region of the patient's body, and applying second and third electrodes B, C respectively to opposite side flanks of the patient's body. The electrodes are energised to apply a first group of muscular stimulation current pulses which flow between the second and third electrodes and a second group of muscular stimulation current pulses which flow between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes alternately.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for stimulating pelvic floor muscles in a patient comprises applying at least one electrode externally to each side of the patient's body in the region of the pelvis, and energising the electrodes to apply a muscular stimulation current which flows laterally across the patient through the patient's pelvic floor. Preferably a plurality of electrodes are applied symmetrically on each side of the body. The electrodes may be incorporated in a garment.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject, comprising an attachment mechanism for extending around the torso of the subject and a main locating element provided on the attachment mechanism for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes adjacent the umbilicus of the subject. Two secondary locating elements are also provided on the attachment mechanism disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. Application of at least one pulsed signal to the subject through the respective central and side electrodes stimulates the abdominal muscles of the subject.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject. The device comprises an attachment mechanism for extending around the torso of the subject and a main locating element on the attachment mechanism for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes adjacent the umbilicus of the subject. Two secondary locating elements are also provided on the attachment mechanism disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode in a general direction towards a corresponding one of the right and left mid-axillary lines of the torso intermediate the rib cage and corresponding right and left iliac crests. By applying at least one pulsed signal to the subject through the respective central and side electrodes, abdominal muscles of the subject are stimulated.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject. The device comprises an attachment mechanism that further comprises a main locating element for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes, and two secondary locating elements disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. A receiver is also provided for receiving a signal generated by a signal generator for generating at least one pulsed signal. A selector is also provided for selecting one or more of the electrodes through which a pulsed signal is to be applied.

Abstract: A method for stimulating abdominal muscles of a subject, comprising the steps of providing at least three electrodes, one of the at least three electrodes being a central electrode and the other two of the at least three electrodes being side electrodes located on the subject spaced apart from the central electrode on respective sides thereof, and passing at least one pulsed signal subcutaneously through the subject between selected electrodes of the at least three electrodes.

Abstract: A process for detecting a presence of steroid receptors in tissue therapeutically and for treating certian tissue, especially tissue having estrogen receptors, includes the step of treating the tissue by injection, surface application or the like, with a labeled steroid. The labeled steroid may include a moiety which is readily imageable on a gamma radiation detector, on x-ray film, on a fluoroscope, through NMR devices or the like. An especially suitable labeled steroid has been found to be 16-.sup.123 I-17-beta-estradiol having a specific activity of greater than 2,000 curies per millimole and preferably at least 5,000 curies per millimole.

Abstract: A method of preparation of estradiol derivatives labeled by iodine, especially .sup.123 I, substitution at C-16 are synthesized according to the present invention. A triflate intermediate is prepared from which either 16-alpha-.sup.123 I-17-beta-estradiol or 16-beta-.sup.123 I-17-beta-estradiol are prepared by described methods. Both 16-alpha-.sup.123 I- and 16-beta-.sup.123 I-17-beta-estradiol made according to the methods described herein have a high relative specific acitvity. The methods are sufficiently rapid so that the relatively short half-life of .sup.123 I is readily accommodated without substantial radioactive decay of the label.

Abstract: A muscle stimulation system which stimulates muscles with electrical pulses supplied to electrodes applied to the skin overlying the muscle comprises a system controller and one or more personally portable stimulator units, each provided with electrodes. The system controller stores data relating to the characteristics of pulses to be applied to the muscle e.g. Trophic or functional or a combination thereof, and is adapted to down-load this data to a personal stimulator unit either by an infra-red link or by programming a programmable memory module which is then connected into the stimulator unit. The electrodes are applied to the skin of the patient and supplied with the pulses programmed into the stimulator unit, the stimulator unit being carried by the patient. The system controller may be adapted to be controlled by a personal computer and may also be provided with its own muscle stimulator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the electrotrophic stimulation of muscle, that is, stimulation using pulses trains onto which information which will cause long-term functional and/or structural changes in the muscle tissue. This information is coded onto the interval between successive pulses of the series. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for acquiring trophic data from motor unit action potential series.