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Effects of waveform parameters on comfort during transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation

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Abstract

Twenty-three females between the ages of 19 and 35 were studied in order to compare the effects of variations in pulse duration, waveform symmetry, and source regulation on comfort during quadriceps surface stimulation at amplitudes necessary to produce 27 Nm torque. Stimulation parameters compared were: 1) 50 and 300 μs pulse durations, 2) asymmetrical and symmetrical biphasic waveforms, and 3) current and voltage source regulation. Subjects overwhelmingly preferred the 300 μs pulse duration regardless of waveform or source regulation, strongly preferred the symmetrical biphasic waveform, and had inconsistent preference for either regulated voltage or regulated current sources.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Engineering Center, Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, 7601 E. Imperial Highway, Bonita Hall, 90242, Downey, California

    Bruce R. Bowman Sc.D. (Director, Neuromuscular Engineering, Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Engineering Center)

  2. School of Physical Therapy Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, University of Southern California, Downey, California

    Lucinda L. Baker

Authors
  1. Bruce R. Bowman Sc.D.
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  2. Lucinda L. Baker
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Bowman, B.R., Baker, L.L. Effects of waveform parameters on comfort during transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Ann Biomed Eng 13, 59–74 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02371250

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02371250

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