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 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: Electrical muscle stimulation is effected by means of a body garment having a plurality of body contact electrodes secured in it. The garment is wired to provide a single contact area for all the electrodes. The electrodes are selectively energized through a multiple contact switch associated with said contact area, so that the electrical muscle stimulating pulse output of a generator may be applied to a desired electrode pair through the switch.