Paper:
Electrical Muscle Stimulation to Develop and Implement Menstrual Simulator System
Chihiro Asada*1, Kotori Tsutsumi*1, Yuichi Tamura*2, Naoya Hara*3, Wataru Omori*4, Yuta Otsuka*5, and Katsunari Sato*1
*1Nara Women’s University
Kitauoyanishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
*2Konan University
8-9-1 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-8501, Japan
*3Osaka University
1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 658-8501, Japan
*4Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan
*5University of Hyogo
7-1-28 Minatojimaminamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
Menstrual symptoms and cycles are complex, and the associated discomfort is difficult to quantify. Therefore, men, and some women, do not completely understand them. Here, we propose a system that simulates menstruation-like cramps through electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). We conducted an experiment to compare and evaluate the natural and electrically stimulated menstrual cramps. The results show that menstrual cramps using EMS can reproduce the nature of periodic dull pain. However, in this study, the position where the pain occurred was shallow. Furthermore, we constructed a demonstration system based on the proposed method. From the exhibition, we confirmed that this experience can help verbalize menstrual-related discomfort and allow people to better understand menstrual symptoms. In other words, this experience will help eliminate negative perception of menstruation.
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