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Parameter Settings for Electrically Stimulated Muscle Contraction

Parameter Pulse Pulse Amplitude On/off Ramp Treatment Times


Setting/goal Frequenc durations Time and time time per
treatment goal y ratio day
Muscle 35- 80 pps 150 -200μs To > 10% of 6-10 sec on, At 10-20 min Every 2-
Strengthening for small MVIC in 50-120 sec least 2 to produce 3 hours
muscles, injured, >50% off, ratio of sec 10-20 when
200-350 for MVIC in 1:5, repetitions awake
large uninjured initially.
muscles Can reduce
w/ repeated
treatment
Muscle 35-50 pps 150-200μs Sufficient for Depends on At Depends on NA
reeducation for functional functional least functional
small activity activity 2sec activity
muscles,
200-350μs
for large
muscles
Muscle spasm 35-50 pps 150-200μs To visible 2-5 sec on: 1sec 10-30 min Every 2-
reduction for small contraction 2-5 sec off. 3hrs until
muscles, Equal on/off spasm
200-350μs times relieved
for large
muscles
Edema 35-50 pps 150-200μs To visible 2-5 sec on: At 30 min Twice a
reduction using for small contraction 2-5 sec off. least day
muscle pump muscles, Equal on/off 1sec
200-305μs times
for large
muscles

Recommended Parameter Settings for Electrical Stimulation for Pain Control (TENS)
Parameter Pulse Pulse Amplitude Modulation Treatment Possible
settings/goal frequency duration (frequency, time mechanism
of treatment (beat duration, or of action
frequency for Amplitude)
interferential
)
Conventional 100-150 pps 50-80μs To produce Use if May be Gating at the
(high rate) tingling available worn for 24 spinal cord
hours, as
needed for
pain control
Acupuncture- 2-10 pps 200-300μs To visible None 20-30 min Endorphin
like (low contraction release
rate)
Burst mode Generally Generally To visible Is generally 20-30 min Endorphin
preset in unit preset and contraction not possible release
at 10 bursts may have in burst
max of 100- mode
300μs
Recommended Parameter Setting for Electrical Stimulation for Tissue Healing
Parameter Waveform Polarity Pulse Pulse Amplitude Treatment
settings/goal frequency duration time
of treatment
Tissue HVPC Negative 60-125 pps Usually To produce 45-60 min
healing: preset for comfortable
inflammatory HVPC at tingling
phase/infecte 40-100μs
d
Tissue HVPC Positive 60-125 pps Usually To produce 45-60 min
healing: preset for comfortable
proliferation HVPC at tingling
phase/clean 40-100μs

Recommended parameter setting for electrical stimulation for edema control


Parameter Waveform Polarity Pulse Pulse Amplitude Treatment
settings/goal frequency duration time
of treatment
Edema HVPC Negative 100-120 pps Usually To produce 20-30 min
control with preset for comfortable
inflammation HVPC at tingling
40-100μs
Edema Biphasic NA 30-50 pps, 150-350μs To visible 20-30 min
control (can use 2-5 sec contraction
associated interferential equal on/off
with lack of if on/off time
mobility time
available)

Current Amplitude and Treatment Duration for Iontophoresis Treatment


Current amplitude (mA) Treatment time (min) Dose (mA-min)
1 40 40
2 20 40
3 13.3 40
4 10 40

Contraindications for the Use of Electrical Precautions for the Use of Electrical
Currents Currents
Demand cardiac pacemaker or unstable arrhythmias Cardiac disease
Placement of electrodes over carotid Patients with impaired mentation/sensation
Areas where venous or arterial thrombosis or Malignant tumors or areas of skin irritation or open
thrombophlebitis is present wounds
Pregnancy-over or around the abdomen or low back Iontophoresis after other physical agents
Ask the Patient Ask the Patient
*Do you have a cardiac pacemaker? *Do you have a known history of cardiac disease?
*Do you have a history of heart problems or have *Have you had a previous myocardial infarction?
you been treated for heart problems? *Have you ever had rheumatic fever as a child or an
*What type of heart problems? adult?
*How recently has your doctor checked you heart? *Are you aware of having any cardiac problems at
this time?
Assess
1. Check for surgical incisions in the thoracic area, both anteriorly and posteriorly.
2. Check the patient’s resting pulse and respiratory rate before initiating treatment and check for changes
in these values during and after applying electrical stimulation.

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