abstract |
A method and apparatus for conditioning muscles during sleep. The apparatus includes microminiature electrical stimulators that are injected into the muscles to be exercised and a system of transmission coils located in or on the mattress of a bed. The transmission coils transmit power and command signals to the implanted electrical stimulators while the patient sleeps or rests. The implanted electrical stimulators can be programmed so as to produce the desired pattern of muscle exercise without producing cutaneous sensations that would disturb the patient. |