Technical field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for magnetotherapeutic treatment of a user. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for magnetotherapeutic treatment of a user by means of a timevarying electromagnetic field.

State of the art

Magnetotherapy is a therapeutic method based on exposing a patient to an electromagnetic field to obtain analgesic effects and accelerate reparative processes. Moreover, magnetotherapy has demonstrated to have antiinflammatory and pain relief effects for the patients who use it. For these reasons, magnetotherapy is enjoying wide use in medical fields, for example in rehabilitation for post-trauma treatment of injuries and fractures. The known apparatuses for magnetotherapeutic treatment are designed to operate in specific contexts, i.e. they are built for local treatment of certain areas of the patient’s body. Such apparatuses generally comprise solenoids that are designed and optimised so as to act effectively in the specific area of interest of the patient’s body (for example, the area that has undergone injury or is painful). In practice, one must take the solenoid, position it in this area of interest and activate the apparatus: the electromagnetic field thus generated thus targets a narrow portion of the patient’s body.

Some companies have instead integrated apparatuses for magnetotherapeutic treatment, in accordance with what was previously described, into beds or chairs. In particular, for some of the areas most commonly subjected to magnetotherapeutic treatments, some manufacturers have positioned solenoids in some specific parts of beds or armchairs (for example, in the area where the patient rests their head in the case of beds, and in the seat area in the case of armchairs). For example, on the market there are apparatuses for magnetotherapeutic treatment which comprise beds or chairs equipped with solenoids for transcranial applications.

Finally, there also exist devices for delivering a magnetotherapy called endogenous cyclotron ion resonance, which treat the whole body with the aim of making specific ions available. These devices are based on a reading of the static ambient magnetic field, a value that is used to calculate the cyclotron resonance frequency of the ion of interest. The precision of these devices depends, however, on the accuracy of the reading of the static ambient magnetic field, and, if they are installed in a real environment that is not shielded or actively compensated for, it is not possible to control with sufficient precision the magnetic field generated in the volume of space where the patient is accommodated for the magnetotherapeutic treatment. At the present state of the art, therefore, magnetotherapeutic treatment apparatuses are capable of adequately treating only limited portions of the human body for anti-inflammatory, pain relief and therapeutic purposes.

Through a careful activity of research and development in the field of magnetotherapy, the applicant has been able to understand that what is known to date shows considerable limitations it would be desirable to overcome.

Object of the invention

In this context, the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for magnetotherapeutic treatment of a user which enables the limitations of the known apparatuses to be overcome.

The technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by an apparatus for magnetotherapeutic treatment of a user in accordance with what is described in the independent claim. Particular embodiments of the present invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of an apparatus for magnetotherapeutic treatment of a user illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- figure 1 shows, in a schematic axonometric view, a first embodiment of an apparatus for magnetotherapeutic treatment of a user in accordance with the present invention;

- figure 2 shows, in a schematic axonometric view, a second embodiment of an apparatus for magnetotherapeutic treatment of a user in accordance with the present invention;

- figure 3 shows, in a front view, the apparatus in figure 2;

- figure 4 shows, in a side view, the apparatus in figure 2; and

- figure 5 shows, in a schematic axonometric view, a third embodiment of an apparatus for magnetotherapeutic treatment of a user in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

In the appended figures, an apparatus for magnetotherapeutic treatment of a user in accordance with the present invention has been denoted in its entirety by the reference number 1. The apparatus 1 enables the user to be treated by exposing the patient to a time-varying electromagnetic field. The apparatus 1 has particularly advantageous application in the treatment of human users.

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus 1 for magnetotherapeutic treatment is configured to simultaneously treat the user’s entire body with the variable electromagnetic field. This means that, for the duration of the magnetotherapeutic treatment, the user’s entire body (which is not shown in the figures) is completely immersed in the variable electromagnetic field.

Firstly, the apparatus 1 comprises a support structure 2 for supporting other components of the apparatus 1 itself. In the illustrated embodiments, the support structure 2 is schematically shown as a supporting frame (first embodiment and second embodiment), or else it is not shown (third embodiment).

Secondly, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one coil of electrically conductive material 3, which will be briefly referred to hereinafter as the coil 3; it is mounted on the support structure 2 and identifies an accommodation volume 4, which is dimensioned so as to be able to accommodate, during use, the entire body of the user to be treated.

As also explained further below, in the context of the present invention the accommodation volume 4 is a three-dimensional space inside which the variable electromagnetic field generated by the apparatus 1 is uniform.

It is noted that the accommodation volume 4 is smaller than a geometric volume inscribable in the coil 3, as shown for example in figure 3.

In general, to ensure the uniformity of the magnetic field to which the user is subjected, it is preferable that the accommodation volume represents a volume comprised between 18% and 50% of the total volume enclosed/delimited by the coils 3.

Therefore, based on the area of application, thus on the average size of the user, it is possible to calculate the accommodation volume 4 necessary in order to be able to contain them while assuring their comfort, whereas the size/positioning of the coils 3 is determined so as to ensure that the accommodation volume 4 is affected solely by a uniform electromagnetic field.

In the embodiment shown in figures 2 to 4, for example, if the cylindrical geometric volume defined by the coils 3 has a diameter of 140 cm and a height of 240 cm, the accommodation volume 4, i.e. the volume in which the variable electromagnetic field generated by the apparatus 1 is uniform, can have a diameter of about 70 cm and a height of about 200 cm, making it particularly suitable for comfortably accommodating an adult human being.

In general, during the design and dimensioning of the coils 3 it is possible to perform a computer simulation of the lines of the magnetic field and their intensity in order to identify with precision the size and electrical characteristics of the coils 3 based on the geometry of the accommodation volume 4 so as to ensure that the overall structure created actually has an accommodation volume having the required characteristics, i.e. is capable of completely accommodating the user’s entire body.

The expression “uniform” means that, considering any point of the accommodation volume 4 at a same instant in time, the electromagnetic field will have the same direction and the same intensity, so that every portion of the user’s entire body is advantageously subjected to a same variable electromagnetic field.

This is advantageous in that enables the user’s entire body to be treated simultaneously in the same way.

In some embodiments, the coil 3 includes a plurality of turns, with the coil 3 thus substantially being a solenoid. In other embodiments, by contrast, the coil 3 consists of a single turn. Furthermore, it is possible for the coil 3 to take on a different form of construction based on need: in figures 1 to 4, the turns have a circular shape, so as to enclose within them a chair 6 or at least a portion of a bed 7, whilst in figure 5 the coil 3 has a rectangular shape in order to be better adapted, in terms of overall dimensions, to the perimeter of a bed 7. Aspects regarding the embodiments shown in the figures will be described in greater detail further below. It is noted in any case that the form of construction of the coil 3 must not be considered as limiting for the present invention: in fact, the coil 3 can comprise turns that have different shapes from the ones described above and shown in the figures.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 comprises a single coil 3 that on its own identifies the accommodation volume 4.

In some cases, the single coil 3 includes a plurality of turns (thus defining a solenoid) that enclose the accommodation volume 4.

In other cases, by contrast, the single coil 3 perimetrically delimits only a portion of the accommodation volume 4, as shown, for example, in figure 5: in this case the projection of the accommodation volume 4 onto the plane in which the coil 3 lies is completely enclosed by the coil 3.

In other embodiments, by contrast, the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of coils 3 which are spaced apart from one another. In this case, the coils 3 jointly identify the accommodation volume 4, which is substantially enclosed by the coils 3. The latter are advantageously aligned with one another, so that their central axes coincide (it should be remembered that the accommodation volume 4 is a three-dimensional space that must be dimensioned so as to be able to accommodate, during use, the entire body of the user to be treated, and inside which the variable electromagnetic field generated by the apparatus 1 must be uniform).

If more than two coils 3 are present (see, for example, the second embodiment in figures 2 to 4), at least one of the coils 3 is mounted, advantageously, on the support structure 2 so as to be able to be moved relative to support structure 2 itself and relative to the other coils 3. In particular, this coil 3 can be shifted between a working position in which it contributes to identifying the accommodation volume 4, and a rest position in which it allows the user to position themself inside the accommodation volume 4. For example, in the embodiment shown in figure 1 it is possible for the central coil 3 to be movable relative to the support structure 2, for example by sliding it along the support structure 2, towards the coil 3 positioned lower or towards the coil 3 positioned higher (rest position), in order to facilitate the positioning of the user on the chair 6; when the user is seated, the coil 3 can be moved back into the correct position for the operation of the apparatus 1 (which is precisely the one shown in figure 1 ). Again in the embodiment shown in figure 1 , it is otherwise possible that only the upper or lower coil 3 remains fixed and that the others can be moved axially until having all the coils 3 packed together. Analogous movements can also be envisaged in the embodiment shown in figure 2, in this case by providing for horizontal shifting of the coils 3.

The movement of the coil 3, or coils 3, relative to the support structure 2 can be motor-driven (and optionally automated), or else manual.

The apparatus 1 further comprises an electric current generator (not shown in the figure), which is operatively connected to the coils 3 present in the apparatus 1 , and which is configured to generate a succession of electric current pulses and to feed that succession of electric current pulses to the coils 3. The coils 3 and the electric current generator are thus part of an electric circuit for generating the variable electromagnetic field.

Advantageously, in the electric circuit the apparatus 1 further comprises a switch (for example, a MOSFET) for connecting the electric current generator to the coil 3. The switch can be changed over between a closed configuration, in which the electric circuit is closed and the electric current generator in use powers the coil 3, and an open configuration, in which the electric circuit is open and the electric current generator in use does not power the coil 3. In particular, the changing over of the switch between the closed configuration and the open configuration can be accomplished in a controlled manner, for example at pre-established, constant time intervals, so that the electric current pulses are periodic pulses, with a period equal to a pre-established time.

The passage of each electric current pulse generated by the electric current generator in the coil 3 generates a pulse of the electromagnetic field inside the accommodation volume 4, in which, during use, the entire body of the user to be treated is accommodated. The electromagnetic field generated thus varies over time in a pulse mode (substantially, therefore, the variable electromagnetic field is a pulsed electromagnetic field). Substantially, every electric current pulse is generated by the electric current generator and is fed to the coils 3; the passage of this electric current pulse in the coils 3 (in particular, in the turns of the coils 3) induces a consequent pulse of the electromagnetic field inside the accommodation volume 4, i.e. it determines a pulsed variation of the electromagnetic field in the accommodation volume 4.

In particular, in the embodiments in which several coils 3 are present, the coils 3 are connected to one another: in some of these embodiments, all the coils 3 are connected to one another in series; in other embodiments, all the coils 3 are connected to one another in parallel; in still other embodiments, some coils 3 are connected to one another in series and other coils 3 are connected to one another in parallel; finally, it is also possible that a group of coils 3 connected to one another in series (or, respectively, in parallel) is connected in series (or, respectively, in parallel) to one or more other groups of coils 3 connected to one another in series (or, respectively, in parallel).

In accordance with a further innovative aspect of the present invention, every pulse of the electromagnetic field has a rise time of between 10 ps and 500 ps, preferably equal to or less than 200 ps. In order to obtain this result, the coil 3 advantageously has low inductance and/or has low resistance. In particular, making reference to the specific example provided below, in which the coils 3 delimit an overall cylindrical volume with a diameter of 140 cm and length of 240 cm, the low inductance is equal to or less than 3 mH, whereas the low resistance is equal to or less than 1.8 Ohms: these parameters allow the rise time to be reduced in order to obtain the desired rise time equal to or less than 200 ps for a current of 2.8 A and a supply voltage of 24 V.

Modifications and dimensional variations in the number/positioning of the coils can be compensated for by introducing a corresponding variation in the inductance and resistance parameters, so as to maintain the desired rise times, equal to or less than 200 ps, constant (or at least substantially constant).

The reduced rise time proves to be advantageous in apparatuses 1 for magnetotherapeutic treatment, as it has been found that obtaining the biological effects desired for this type of therapy mostly depends on a reduced duration of the electromagnetic field pulses, as opposed to a high frequency of these electromagnetic field pulses. For this reason, furthermore, in the preferred embodiments the electromagnetic field pulses have a duration that is equal to or less than 200 ps.

Furthermore, the apparatus is configured overall so that the electromagnetic field has a maximum (instantaneous) intensity of between 50 nT and 150 pT, preferably between 80 pT and 120 pT, and the electromagnetic field pulses are generated with one or more repetition frequencies of between 1 Hz and 100 Hz, preferably between 5 Hz and 15 Hz.

In fact, by generating packets with a number of distinct frequencies (provided that they fall within the ranges specified above) it is possible to compose packets of frequencies that are different or ascending, or which in any case change during the period dedicated to the treatment, thus making the operation of the apparatus 1 more modulatable and versatile. Alternatively, it is possible to generate pulses with a single frequency, preferably equal to 9.64 Hz.

As mentioned, the variable electromagnetic field is substantially uniform inside the accommodation volume 4, so that every portion of the user’s entire body is subjected, during use, to a same predefined pattern of the variable electromagnetic field.

Preferably, for the purpose of obtaining a substantially uniform variable electromagnetic field in the accommodation volume 4, in the embodiments in which more than one coil 3 is present (such as, for example in the first embodiment and in the second embodiment), the coils 3 are spaced apart from one another so as to be arranged according to a Helmholtz configuration.

In some embodiments, such as the one shown in figure 1 , the apparatus 1 further comprises a seat 5, which is configured to receive and support the user during use, enabling them to remain seated inside the accommodation volume 4. The seat 5 defines a first rest surface for the user, and there are several coils 3 present, positioned in such a way that the variable electromagnetic field inside the accommodation volume 4 is directed perpendicularly to this first rest surface. Advantageously, the seat 5 is part of a chair 6 or armchair and the first rest surface is substantially horizontal. More in general, considering an ideal plane in which both the shoulders and the hips of the user lie (hereinafter called shoulder-hip plane), the apparatus is advantageously configured so that when the user is correctly positioned in the accommodation volume 4, the variable electromagnetic field inside the accommodation volume 4 is directly parallel to the shoulderhip plane.

With reference to the first embodiment, there are also possible embodiments wherein the variable electromagnetic field in the accommodation volume 4 is directed perpendicularly to the first rest surface but is not directed parallel to the shoulder-hip plane, and embodiments wherein the variable electromagnetic field in the accommodation volume 4 is directed parallel to the shoulder-hip plane but is not directed perpendicularly to the first rest surface.

Preferably, in the first embodiment in figure 1 three coils 3 are present: a first coil 3 is positioned in proximity to the floor, a second coil 3 is positioned so as to be above the user’s head, when the user is sitting on the seat 5, and a third coil 3 is positioned between the first coil 3 and the second coil 3, which are advantageously spaced equally apart from one another and preferably at a distance such that the three coils 3 are in a Helmholtz configuration, so that the variable electromagnetic field generated is uniform inside the accommodation volume 4, in accordance with what was previously described.

Preferably, the second coil 3 and the third coil 3 can be moved so as to facilitate the user’s entry into the accommodation volume 4 (and the user’s consequent positioning on the seat 5), and the user’s exit from the accommodation volume 4, for example by sliding them along the support structure 2 until reaching the first coil 3 positioned in proximity to the floor. With reference to the second embodiment and third embodiment, shown respectively in figures 2 to 4 and in figure 5, the apparatus 1 instead comprises a bed 7 that is configured to receive and support, during use, the entire body of the user lying inside the accommodation volume 4. The bed 7 defines a second rest surface for the user and the at least one coil 3 is positioned in such a way that, during use, the entire body of the user lying down is inside the accommodation volume 4, i.e. in such a way that the accommodation volume 4 is at the upper part of the bed 7. Advantageously, the second rest surface is a horizontal surface.

In particular, in the second embodiment, the coils 3 are positioned in such a way that, in the accommodation volume 4, the variable electromagnetic field is directed substantially parallel to the second rest surface. In greater detail, the variable electromagnetic field is directed substantially parallel also to the shoulder-hip plane, when the user is lying on the bed 7.

It should be noted that in the embodiment schematically illustrated in figure 2, four coils 3 are present, spaced equally apart from one another and positioned such a way as to take on a Helmholtz configuration. In greater detail, in the second embodiment as well, some of the coils 3 are advantageously movable, so as to facilitate the user’s entry into the accommodation volume 4 (during which the user lies down on the bed 7) and the user’s exit from the accommodation volume 4 (during which the user gets up from the bed 7). For example, the two coils 3 positioned centrally can be moved either both towards the coil 3 farthest to the left or both towards the coil 3 farthest to the right, or each towards nearest outermost coil 3 (either the coil 3 farthest to the left or the coil 3 farthest to the right).

In the third embodiment as well, the apparatus 1 comprises a bed 7, which defines a second rest surface; in this case, however, the coil 3 is positioned perimetrically relative to the bed 7 in a plane that is substantially parallel to the second rest surface, so that in the accommodation volume 4 the variable electromagnetic field is directed perpendicularly to the second rest surface. In this case, therefore, the variable electromagnetic field is substantially perpendicular to the shoulder-hip plane when the user is lying on the bed 7. In this case, a single coil 3 is shown; however, embodiments comprising a plurality of coils 3 are also possible.

A solution of this type can be particularly advantageous in the event that the coil 3 is mounted on a support structure 2 coupled to the bed 7. In greater detail, this solution can be implemented on beds 7 already present on the market (such as the ones present for example in hospitals or in longterm care facilities), simply by fixing the support structure 2 on which the coil 3 is mounted to the bed 7. However, nothing precludes applying a configuration such as the one previously described for the second embodiment to beds already present on the market. In general, in fact, the apparatus can also not comprise the seat 5 or the bed 7 and be configured to be used with common seats 5 and beds 7.

As may be noted from figure 5, the coil 3 is a coil 3 with a rectangular shape, so as to be adapted to the shape of the bed 7; coils 3 with different shapes, for example circular, are nonetheless possible, though they occupy a larger space around the bed 7.

Advantageously, it is possible to choose the type of apparatus 1 , between the apparatus 1 in which the variable electromagnetic field is parallel to the shoulder-hip plane of the user, and the apparatus 1 in which the variable electromagnetic field is perpendicular to the shoulder-hip plane of the user, based on need: for some users who are necessarily confined to bed, for example, the first solution is to be preferred because of greater practicality (it should be noted, in fact, that the chair 6 and the bed 7 are shown respectively in figures 1 and 2).

In general, the seat 5 or the bed 7 (according to which one is implemented in the apparatus 1 ) defines or contributes to defining at least a portion of the accommodation volume 4. In other words, in a configuration of use, the seat 5 or the bed 7 are coupled to the coils in such a way as to delimit the accommodation volume 4, so that the user positioned the seat 5 or bed 7 is completely and entirely positioned inside the accommodation volume 4.

The apparatus 1 further comprises an electronic processing unit, which is operatively connected to the electric current generator and is configured to control it so as to make it generate the electric current pulses and feed them to the coil 3. For example, the electronic processing unit can be programmed to open and close the switch that connects the electric current generator to the coil 3, at regular time intervals. Advantageously, the electronic processing unit can be programmed by setting operating parameters of the electric current generator (such as, for example the frequency of the electric current pulses and the intensity of the electric current pulses). In the embodiments in which at least one coil 3 is movable relative to the support structure 2 by means of a motor-driven (and optionally automated) movement, the electronic processing unit is advantageously configured also to move the coil 3 on command (for example, the apparatus 1 can comprise a pushbutton that is operatively connected to the electronic processing unit, whereby the user can command the movement of the coil 3).

In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one feedback device which is configured to monitor the effectiveness of the magnetotherapeutic treatment on the user’s entire body and to transmit data regarding the effectiveness of the magnetotherapeutic treatment on the user’s entire body to the electronic processing unit; the electronic processing unit, furthermore, can be configured to process such data in order to vary operating parameters of the electric current generator and/or to interrupt the operation of the apparatus 1 . For example, if, following the processing of data, it is found that the result desired for the magnetotherapeutic treatment has been reached, the electronic processing unit can be configured to interrupt the operation of the apparatus 1 (and, therefore, to end the magnetotherapeutic treatment). If, by contrast, following the processing of data, it is found to be necessary to modify the type of treatment (for example, a variable electromagnetic field that has a higher maximum intensity is found to be necessary), the electronic processing unit can be advantageously configured to vary the operating parameters of the electric current generator (for example, by modifying the intensity and/or duration of the electric current pulses). Preferred embodiments of the feedback devices are biofeedback devices; some examples of possible biofeedback devices are: a device for measuring peripheral blood oxygen saturation SpO2, a device for measuring skin temperature, a device for measuring the respiratory rate, a device for measuring heart rate variability HRV (to monitor stress levels), a device for capnographic analysis (for measuring the exhaled CO2) and a device for performing an impedance measurement (substantially, an impedance meter).

A further example of a possible biofeedback device is a device for measuring electrodermal activity, i.e. a device for measuring the continual variations in the electrical characteristics of the skin following a variation in the sweat production of the human body.

In particular, this device is a device for measuring skin conductance which comprises two electrodes applied respectively to the index finger and middle finger of the user’s hand; however, other embodiments of the device are possible, such as, for example, wearable devices (like watches or bracelets).

Measuring electrodermal activity is advantageous in that it can be used to evaluate the user’s neurological state without monitoring based on an electroencephalogram; it is believed, in fact, that skin resistance varies based on sweat production, which is in turn regulated by the autonomic nervous system (and in particular by the sympathetic branch), which is directly involved in regulating emotional behaviour. According to further studies, moreover, electrodermal activity is tied to mental states such as stress, tiredness, and involvement.

It is noted that it is possible for the apparatus 1 to comprise more than one feedback device (advantageously a biofeedback device), preferably to measure different parameters. In some embodiments the data are transmitted by the feedback device to the electronic processing unit by means of cables, whereas in other embodiments the data are wirelessly transmitted by the feedback device to the electronic processing unit.

The present invention achieves important advantages.

Thanks to the present invention, in fact, it has been possible to provide an apparatus for magnetotherapeutic treatment of a user that overcomes the limitations of the apparatuses known to date and present on the market.

It should be pointed out, finally, that the present invention is relatively easy to produce and also that the cost connected to its implementation is not very high.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept that characterises it.

All the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent ones and the materials used, as well as the shapes and sizes of the various components may be any whatsoever according to needs.