Article

There is still unsettled controversy regarding the optimal neuromuscular
electrical stimulation (NMES) parameters that will induce the strongest
contractions with minimal discomfort. The purpose of this study was to determine
whether the introduction of an interphase interval (IPI) interposed within the
two phases of biphasic pulses will affect sensory and motor thresholds, the force
of the electrically induced contractions (EIC), and the degree of discomfort
associated with these contractions. Within subjects, repeated measures design was
employed with 29 healthy young volunteers. Sensory and motor thresholds and the
force of the EIC were determined with biphasic pulses. Five different settings
were tested in random order with IPIs ranging between 0 and 250 mu sec.
Introducing IPIs during stimulation with biphasic pulses enhanced force
production, with the increase related to the duration of the IPI. The sensory and
motor thresholds, as well as the degree of discomfort associated with the induced
contractions, were not affected by the IPIs. Biphasic pulses that incorporate
IPIs may increase the effectiveness of NMES in terms of force production.

Langue : ANGLAIS