FAQ

Medical programs Current Puncture is a 2-channel electrical stimulator with a wide range of stimulation and therapy modules, the software of which was specifically developed for the applications of the respective user. Maintaining and building healthy muscles Prophylaxis of atrophy in the area of inactivated muscles and preservation of their associated structures such as tendons and joints the reconstruction of atrophic (= regressed) muscles and their appendage structures overcoming reflective and pathological (= disease-related) posture and movement patterns the treatment of paretic (= paralyzed) muscles the treatment of spastic (= tense due to illness) muscles muscle detonization (= muscle relaxation) Treatment of muscle pain, especially caused by muscle work and muscle tension     Non-medical programs In addition to the medical programs of the Current Puncture, non-medical programs are available that serve the general well-being:   in the medium-frequency range, the dynamic programs Prof. Nguyen's stimulation program for use on acupuncture points In addition to the various stimulation programs, the Current Puncture also includes a program for measuring individual muscle activity. The treatment with the Current Puncture can be carried out several times a day and as a long-term application and can be carried out both in the clinical and at home environment.

Physiology: Different nerve fiber types respond to different stimulation frequencies. In principle, however, an action potential lasts about 4 ms and a nerve can therefore only be stimulated again every 4 ms. Therefore, in order to reach a nerve, a stimulation must have a maximum frequency of 250 Hz (1/4ms). An example: If you set a stimulation signal with a frequency of 100 Hz, 100 action potentials per second can be triggered on the nerve. Selective stimulation at Prof Nguyen stimulation Low frequency (LF) modeled middle frequency (MF): There are many pain receptors (= C fibers) on the skin, these should not be stimulated. In acupuncture, the skin is pierced with a thin needle in order to get to deeper layers (1cm) and only then does the actual stimulation begin by toning (distributing) or sedating (stimulating). Current Puncture uses MF as a carrier for the LF signal (modulation) to penetrate the skin and upper layers and reach the underlying acupuncture point. The NF signal is then discharged at the acupuncture point. There are many mast cells/nerves around the acupuncture points, which are addressed by the NF stimulation. For MF the resistance of the skin is lower than for LF signals. The principle applies that the higher the frequency, the lower the resistance. Acupuncture points can also be reached through pure LF stimulation, but only with a significantly higher intensity and associated greater pain sensation, since the pain receptors of the skin cannot be bypassed. Threshold modulation at Prof Nguyen stimulation: The threshold modulation consists of 4 individually adjustable phases. The rising, working, falling and pausing time. Benefit: gentle adaptation to the stimulation for the user. Summary: The Prof. Nguyen stimulation combines the classic threshold modulation with a new type of selective stimulation to enable the user to use it comfortably with an optimal effect.

Definition: Stimulation therapy at acupuncture points without needles for TCM treatment. Acupuncture points can be optimally reached through a specific choice of stimulation parameters. Unique selling point: Reaching the DeQi (acupuncture effect) without pain through selective stimulation During the stimulation, the stimulation parameters can still be fine-tuned Aspects of Prof. Nguyen stimulation: Optimized hardware (developed at Heidelberg University) Selective stimulation Application in TCM

Background: Arose from a ZIM research proposal at the University of Heidelberg (2016-2018) Project: Detection of sleep apnea and stimulation against sleep apnea on the same electrodes The circuit was designed for the following current forms (stimulation): direct current (DC), NF, TENS, MF (1k-100k) The circuit was designed for the following types of measurement (measurement - bandwidth: 0Hz - 1kHz): direct current (EOG), EMG, EKG, EEG Thanks to the excellent signal processing, individual signals can be viewed separately The hardware offers the following possible applications: Stimulation therapy at acupuncture points Muscle contraction Build Muscle Any form of stimulation through a variety of parameterization options Info: Up until 2016, medium-frequency (MF) signals could only be generated via a transformer. In general, different sources often have to be used in order to be able to generate different types of electricity. Advantage Current Puncture: The program Prof. Nguyen Stimulation uses the possibilities of the optimized hardware to the maximum in order to achieve the best possible result. Only one source for different types of current Parameters can be changed during stimulation Basic settings can easily be personalized

Features: Current Puncture is a wearable, transcutaneous, electrical muscle and nerve stimulator that delivers electrical energy to the body in the form of pulses through cables and electrodes. The device has a TFT display and is operated via a keypad with 13 keys. It is operated with an internal voltage source (3.8 V Li-ion battery) and is protected by a fuse located in the device. Possible applications: Electrotherapy at the acupuncture points (TCM) Pain Management Muscle Recovery Muscle building Blood circulation promotion Muscle activity measurement Massage Lymphatic Drainage (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) General: TCM describes 12 Qi pathways. 6 yin pathways: more on the inside of the body | 6 yang pathways: more on the outside of the body The Qi pathways form a cycle (a Qi cycle takes 24 hours) Diseases arise from stagnation/emptiness in these pathways, so that the Qi no longer flows. This causes the Qi to become unbalanced Current Puncture Treatment: By stimulating the acupuncture points on these pathways, the Qi flow is stimulated/distributed Sedate = Stimulate (when empty) | Toning = distribution (in case of stagnation) Stimulation also acts as a short circuit, allowing qi to circulate faster Stimulation should always be done in pairs (point on yin and point on yang) An example of a pair of points: Stomach 36 (Yang pathway) & Kidney 1 (Yin pathway) In the introductory seminars you will learn more about the different point pairs and how they work.

In addition to the medical programs of the Current Puncture, non-medical programs are available that serve general well-being: in the medium-frequency range, the dynamic programs Prof. Nguyen's stimulation program for use on acupuncture points The treatment with the Current Puncture can be carried out several times a day and as a long-term application and can be carried out both in the clinical and at home. The medium-frequency muscle stimulation programs can be used when targeted fitness training and strength training are to be carried out. A muscle relaxation program is also available. Two other programs "spastic muscles" and "paretic muscles" are intended for specific indications and for use under the guidance of professionals. Current Puncture: medical programs Conditioning training (12 min): stimulation of the fatigue-resistant type I muscle fibers, which are responsible for the conditioning of the muscle. Avoiding a loss of condition that occurs when a muscle is not moving for a long time. Strength training (13 min): Stimulate type II fibers responsible for muscle strength. Avoiding a loss of strength that can occur when a muscle is not moving. Conditioning training for the degenerated muscle (8 min): stimulation of the type I muscle fibers that are responsible for the conditioning of the muscle. atrophic (= regressed) and limited resilient muscles. Strength training for the atrophied muscle (9 min): stimulation of the type II fibers responsible for the strength of the muscle Muscle relaxation (4 min) Spastic muscles (7 min): Detonation for spasticity. Paretic muscles (12 min): Application for central paresis to preserve muscles and muscle appendages. Due to a shorter total running time and longer breaks, programs 2 and 3 are suitable for the treatment of atrophic (= regressed) and restricted musculature. Programs 6 and 7 require instructions from qualified personnel. Current Puncture: non-medical programs Slow dynamics (15 min): Massage of tense and painful muscles. Fast dynamics (15 min): massage of tense and painful muscles. Prof. Nguyen stimulation (5-60 min): electrotherapy on acupuncture points.

Application possibilities muscle activity measurement: Visualize general muscle activity View activity of different muscle fiber types extracted Find the cause of pain by comparing the pain area with a healthy reference point Prove the effectiveness of the treatment by means of a before and after comparison (e.g. higher muscle activity after treatment) All tissue activity is measurable not just muscle activity Properties of the Current Puncture that optimize muscle activity measurement: Hardware: Current Puncture offers the possibility to display very small voltages (μV range). Signal processing: Current Puncture also offers excellent signal processing to evaluate the recorded signals using various filters.

Publications   Thuong Le-Tien, Quoc Nguyen-Dang, Xuan Phuc Nguyen, Bernhard Wirnitzer: Mobile and Wireless Sensor Healthcare Model based on Cloud Computing, The 6th International Conference on the Development of Biomedical Engineering, June 27-29, 2016, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, will be published by Springer Helge Haarmann, Jan Folle, Xuan Phuc Nguyen, Peter Herrmann, Karsten Heusser, Gerd Hasenfuss, Stefan Andreas & Tobias Raupach: Sympathetic Activation is Associated with Exercise Limitation (2016), COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ISSN: 1541 -2555 (Print) 1541-2563 Stefan Heger, Phuc Nguyen, Hajo Suhr: Information technology for medicine at the Institute for Biomedical Engineering (BMT), 83 R&D profile Mannheim University of Applied Sciences 2015. H. Haarmann, Gossler A, Herrmann P, Bonev S, Nguyen P, Hasenfus G, Andreas S, Raupach T: Effects of varenicline on sympatho-vagal balance and cue reactivity: results of a randomized controlled trial, Psychopharmacology 2014 A. Zwick, J. Zwick, X.P. Nguyen: Signal and noise analysis with source shift, Springer Verlag Heidelberg, 2014. Thuong Le-Tien, Thong Nguyen-Thien, Hieu Pham-Chi, Thang Vuong-Duc, Phuc Nguyen-Xuan: Using the Histogram of Oriented Gradients for Detecting Cephalometric Landmarks, Proceeding of the _8df6fbcc-43d3-3d99-a511- 2eb009ed8a2d_International Conference on Advanced Technologies for Communications ATC-2013, Oct 16-18, 2013, Hochiminh city, Vietnam, IEEE ISBN 978-1-4244-8873-5, pp580-585. Phuc Nguyen, Stefan Heger, Bernhard Wirnitzer: Engineering for medicine Engineering for Medicine, 70 R&D profile Mannheim University of Applied Sciences 2013.    Stefan Castritius, Damian Wyrobek, Mirko Geier, Jana Gierds, Nina Baumjohann, Phuc Nguyen, Diedrich Harms: Analyzing Beverage Stability in the Bottle: Development of an In-Situ Data Logger System. 5th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis, November 1-4, 2011, Prague, Czech Republic. X.P. Nguyen, R. Kronemayer, P. Herrmann, A. Mejıa, Z. Daw, X.D. Nguyen, B. Kranzlin and N. Gretz: Validation of a new non-invasive blood pressure measurement method on mice via pulse wave propagation time measurement on a cuff. Biomed Tech 2011; 56:153-158 _ 2011 by Walter de Gruyter • Berlin • Boston. DOI 10.1515/BMT.2011.013 R. Morales-Ramos, J. Sosa, Juan A. Montiel-Nelson, A. Zwick, X.P. Nguyen: Movement Recognition and Strain Lecture Algorithm for Fracture Monitoring System International symposium on Circuits and Systems 2006 from IEEE 21-25May, 2006. X.P. Nguyen, M. Niemz et al: Diagnostics of femtosecond laser-induced microplasma in medicine. Research report from the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, 2005. Dr. Peter Herrmann, Dr. Xuan Phuc Nguyen, Prof. Dr. Michael Quintel: Development of a computer-aided, modular monitoring system for clinical use in the intensive care unit. Example: Monitoring of patients with severe craniocerebral trauma. In: Rahman Jamal, Hans Jaschinski (eds.), Virtual instruments in practice. Hüthig Verlag Heidelberg/Munich, 2004. X.P Nguyen: Development and validation of a tail plethysmographic blood pressure measurement system for mice, PhD thesis, 2003. P Herrmann, X.P. Nguyen, M. Quintel: MIDAS, a flexible data acquisition system for the operative intensive care unit. In: Rahman Jamal, Hans Jaschinski (eds.), Virtual instruments in practice. Hüthig Verlag Heidelberg/Munich, 2003. P Herrmann, X.P. Nguyen, T. Luecke, M. Quintel: MALUNA 1.03 a software tool for the analysis of computed tomographic slice images of the lung. In: In: Rahman Jamal, Hans Jaschinski (ed.), Virtual instruments in practice. Hüthig Verlag Heidelberg/Munich, 2002. U Hübner, P. Herrmann, X.P. Nguyen: CERVA 1.0, a LabVIEW-based program for recording and analyzing signals in neurosurgical research. In: Rahman Jamal, Hans Jaschinski (eds.), Virtual instruments in practice. Hüthig Verlag Heidelberg/Munich, 2001. S.305-310. U Hübner, P. Herrmann, X.P. Nguyen, C. Bauhuf, C. Thome, P. Vajcoczy, P. Horn, L. Schilling, P. Schmiedek: Use of multi-parametric digital data acquisition systems in neurosurgical research. In: Jamal/Jaschinski (ed.): Virtual instruments in practice. Hüthig Verlag Heidelberg/Munich, 2000. S.295-302. Scheepe JR, Bross S, Braun P, Seif C, Becker K, Nguyen XP, Alken P, Junemann KP, Schumacher S: Volumetry of the urinary bladder with implantable ultrasound sensors, Urologe A. 2000 May; 39(3):235-9.

2020-2022: BGtS, ZIM: Imaging methods of physiological brain function - Cooperation partners: Sekels GmbH; Institute for Digital Signal Processing, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences 2017-2019: Back mat, ZIM - Cooperation partner: Sekels GmbH; Prof. Dr. Poppendieck, Institute for Biomedical Technology, Mannheim University 2015-2017: Obstructive sleep apnea, ZIM - Cooperation partner: Pierenkemper GmbH; Prof. Wirnitzer, Institute for Digital Signal Processing, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences; Prof. Dr. Maurer, sleep laboratory at the ENT clinic in Mannheim 2013-2015: Development of a miniaturized multi-sensor system for monitoring logistic processes in the transport of liquid food, ZIM - Cooperation partner: Prof. Dr. Heger, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Mannheim 2012-2014: Development of a data logger measuring system to determine the size of droplets and crystals and their changes during the freezing process, ZIM. Development of a measuring system for determining indirect blood pressure and vascular distensibility in rodents, ZIM - Cooperation partner: MedVet GmbH; Prof. Dr. Wirnitzer, Institute for Digital Signal Processing, Mannheim University Development of a measuring device for determining the smallest amounts of substances in liquids caused by a change in the photophysical properties of a fluorescent protein through resonant energy transfer (FRET), ZIM. 2011-2013: Development of a wristwatch to determine and display phases of willingness to learn in ADHD children, ZIM. Development of a measuring device for the continuous documentation of the transport conditions of beverages in containers, including the development of a quality prediction system for the creation of a dynamic storage strategy, ZIM. 2010-2012: Development of a measuring system for determining anatomical and physiological parameters in subjects to measure indirect blood pressure and arterial vascular parameters, ZIM. - Cooperation partner: Dioptic GmbH; dr Stefan Kralev, Cardiology, Mannheim Clinic Development of a measuring device for evaluating the foam quality of foam cleaning systems in the beverage industry, ZIM. 2009-2011: Development of a miniature data logger to monitor meaningful parameters of beverages in closed containers during transport to assess the chemical-physical condition, ZIM. Development of a measuring device for dynamic testing of the adhesive forces of coated solid surfaces in contact with lubricants, ZIM. Development of a device for automated parallel online bioprocess analysis based on chromatographic separation methods, ZIM. Development of a shredding unit for homogenizing products with visual quality control directly during the manufacturing process, ZIM. Development of a low-cost mid-infrared spectrometer with multifunctional probes for evaluating various measurement principles in liquid media, ZIM. 2008 - 2010: Optimization of a sewage treatment plant control based on new sensors and new control algorithms, ZIM. 2007-2009: Development of a two-sensor heart rate monitor for the exact recording of heart rate and blood pressure, ZIM. 2007: Induction of post-obstruction pulmonary edema (NPPE- negative pressure pulmonary edema) using diaphragmatic supramaximal electrical stimulation in a small animal model. Klaus Tschira Foundation gGmbH (co-applicant).

Medical electronics: Measurement and stimulation electronics for the detection and treatment of back pain Measurement and stimulation electronics for the detection and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea Indirect blood pressure measurement method using pulse wave transit time Modeling and simulation of the heart and artery system Measurement and stimulation electronics as an implant for recording the bladder filling level using EMG and for innervation to Sacral 3   Electronics:       Signal and noise analysis with source shift and coupling factors. Elektronische Schaltungen graphisch gelöst     _8df6fbcc-43d3-3d99-a511 -2eb009ed8a2d_      _8df6fbcc -43d3-3d99-a511-2eb009ed8a2d_  _8df6fbcc-43d3-3d99-a511-2eb0_09edp>a.2d09edp>a.2d09edp>

Patents and patent interests Nguyen, 2016: Electronic circuit with 4 or more electrodes for simultaneous measurement of bioelectrical signals and electrical stimulation in humans, patent no. 15003569.9-1657 Nguyen, 2016: Electronic circuit with 4 or more electrodes for simultaneous measurement of bioelectrical signals and electrical stimulation in humans, patent no. 15003568.1 – 1657 Nguyen, Gretz, Kränzlin, Walla, Schäfer, Romero-Galeano, Diez, Chinchilla, Zwick:  Measuring device and measuring method for determining indirect blood pressure, German patent application 102004 011 681 A1, 2005. Schumacher, Jünemann, Scheepe, Bross, Mense, Seif, Zwick, Callsen-Cencic, Nguyen: System for the selective blocking of nerve fibers in spinal nerves using a cold thermode via a Peltier element. DE 197 18 995 A1, 1998. K Abel, XP Nguyen, C. Schönig, W. Ulpins and  B. Wirnitzer: Method and arrangement for the verification of fingerprints, German and European patent  DE 43 04 605, 1993 /p>

The higher the frequency, the lower the resistance Before the electrical signal can reach the muscles and nerves to take effect there, the current must first overcome the galvanic and capacitive resistance of the skin. The principle applies: the higher the frequency, the lower the resistance.   For low-frequency current (LF) up to 1,000 Hz, the capacitive resistance of the skin represents a high barrier - this means that the current penetrates less deeply. That's why the pure AF impulse is sometimes perceived as "prickly" by users.   For medium-frequency current (MF) from 1,000 Hz, skin resistance is not a problem. This means that the impulse penetrates deeper, has a broader effect there and leads to a so-called "volume effect". Due to the minimal capacitive skin resistance, users find the MF current extremely pleasant. This in turn enables higher impulse strengths, which cause more intensive effects due to stronger muscle contractions.   The combination of both types of current is ideal In order to achieve optimal results with EMS, it is necessary to combine the effects of the medium-frequency and low-frequency current forms. In this way, the trainee can benefit equally from the advantages of the low frequency and the advantages of the medium frequency. You can find more detailed information on the subject here. Source: www.emsby.de

The modulated center frequency So that the effects of the medium frequency and those of the low frequency can unfold their optimal effect, the medium-frequency impulses are changed using various methods, i.e. "modulated". The modulation Enables an ideal penetration depth of the electrical impulses, promotes cell activity and cell metabolism in a targeted manner, Activates different types of tissue in the body such as skin, muscle, fat and connective tissue according to their physiology. Further effect: With modulated medium frequency, both the intermuscular coordination (the interaction of agonists and antagonists) and the intramuscular coordination (the interaction of nerves and muscles within a muscle) can be improved particularly effectively. You can find more information about this topic here. Source: emsby.de

Key difference: Devices for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) stimulate the nerves with the sole aim of reducing pain. The devices for electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) stimulate the muscles with the aim of rehabilitation and muscle strengthening.