Parameters of Electrical Stimulation

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Questions and Answers

What does the amplitude control on electrotherapy devices primarily affect?

Strength of the current (correct)

Frequency of the current

Rise time

Pulse duration

Pulse duration is measured in seconds.

False

What is the main purpose of modulation in electrotherapy?

Prevent accommodation

The ____ is the time it takes for the current to reach peak intensity within a pulse.

rise time Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parameters with their definitions:

Amplitude = Magnitude of the current Frequency = Number of pulses per second Pulse duration = Time taken for a pulse Duty Cycle = On: Off time for muscle recovery Signup and view all the answers

Which frequency range typically produces a motor twitch?

1-10 pps Signup and view all the answers

Shorter off times are used to allow muscle recovery after contractions.

False Signup and view all the answers

What feature on TENS is primarily designed to prevent accommodation?

Modulated Signup and view all the answers

The ____ feature on NMES allows current to gradually rise to a preset level.

ramp Signup and view all the answers

Which parameter is associated with delivering pulses in rapid succession to facilitate muscle contraction?

Burst Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Duty Cycle' refer to in electrotherapy?

The ratio of on time to off time of stimulation Signup and view all the answers

Amplitude and intensity are terms that can be used interchangeably in electrotherapy.

True Signup and view all the answers

What feature on IFC helps to modulate frequency to prevent accommodation?

Sweep Signup and view all the answers

In electrotherapy, a frequency range of ______ pps is typically used for sensory response.

75-150 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following electrotherapy features with their functions:

TENS = Prevents accommodation NMES = Gradually rises to preset level IFC = Modulates frequency HVPC = Delivers pulses in rapid succession Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes rise time in electrotherapy?

The time taken for current to move from zero to peak intensity Signup and view all the answers

Pulse duration is measured in milliseconds.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical frequency for motor twitch stimulation?

1-10 pps Signup and view all the answers

The ______ feature on TENS aims to deliver pulses in rapid succession to facilitate muscle contraction.

Burst Signup and view all the answers

Which frequency range would be most suitable for achieving a tetanized muscle contraction?

35-50 pps Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Parameters of Electrical Stimulation

Amplitude: The strength of the electrical current, often labeled as "Intensity" or "Voltage." It determines the intensity of the response, such as sensory, motor, or tetanus.
Pulse Duration: The time it takes to deliver a single electrical pulse, measured in microseconds.
Rise Time: The time it takes for the current to reach peak intensity within a pulse.
Frequency: The number of pulses delivered per second.
- 1-10 pps: Motor twitch (muscle contraction)
- 35-50 pps: Tetanized muscle contraction (sustained contraction)
- 75-150 pps: Sensory response
Modulation: Altering the amplitude, duration, or frequency of the current during a series of pulses.
- Sweep: Modulates frequency to prevent accommodation (the body getting used to the stimulation).
- Scan: Modulates amplitude to increase the target area.
- Modulated: Used to prevent accommodation in TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).
- Burst: Delivers pulses in rapid succession to facilitate muscle contraction, used in TENS and HVPC (High-Voltage Pulsed Current).
- Ramp: Gradually increases current to a preset level for comfort during muscle strengthening (NMES: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation).
Duty Cycle: Refers to the "On: Off" time of the stimulation, allowing time for muscle recovery.
- Longer Off Times: Used for patients with neuromuscular conditions or high-intensity contractions.
- Shorter Off Times: Used for muscle fatigue (e.g., 1:1 ratio for muscle spasms) or when the patient adapts to the stimulation.

Parameters of Electrical Stimulation

Amplitude is the intensity or strength of the electrical current delivered.
Pulse duration is the duration of each electrical pulse.
Rise time is the time taken for the current to reach maximum intensity.
Frequency is the number of pulses delivered per second.
Modulation refers to changes in amplitude, duration or frequency of the current during a series of pulses.
- Sweep modulates frequency to prevent accommodation (e.g., 1-10 pps instead of 10 pps).
- Scan modulates amplitude to increase the target area.
- Modulated helps prevent accommodation during TENS.
- Burst delivers pulses in rapid succession to facilitate muscle contraction.
- Ramp gradually increases current to a preset level for comfort during muscle strengthening.
Duty Cycle (On: Off time) allows time for muscle recovery between stimulation.
- Longer off times are used for patients with neuromuscular conditions (polio, Guillain Barre) or for high intensity contractions.
- Shorter off times are used for muscle fatigue (e.g., 1:1 for muscle spasm).

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Description

Explore the essential parameters used in electrical stimulation, including amplitude, pulse duration, rise time, and frequency. Understand how these factors affect sensory and motor responses as well as techniques like modulation through sweep and scan. This quiz will enhance your knowledge of electrical current applications in therapy.