Parameter Settings for Electrically Stimulated Muscle Contraction

Parameter
Setting/goal
treatment goal
Muscle
Strengthening

Pulse
Frequenc
y
35- 80 pps

Pulse
durations

Amplitude

On/off
Time and
ratio
6-10 sec on,
50-120 sec
off, ratio of
1:5,
initially.
Can reduce
w/ repeated
treatment
Depends on
functional
activity

Ramp
time

Treatment
time

150 -200s
for small
muscles,
200-350 for
large
muscles

To > 10% of
MVIC in
injured,
>50% MVIC
in uninjured

Muscle
reeducation

35-50 pps

Sufficient for
functional
activity

Muscle spasm
reduction

35-50 pps

Edema
reduction using
muscle pump

35-50 pps

150-200s
for
small
muscles,
200-350s
for large
muscles
150-200s
for small
muscles,
200-350s
for large
muscles
150-200s
for small
muscles,
200-305s
for large
muscles

Times
per
day
Every 23 hours
when
awake

At
least 2
sec

10-20 min
to produce
10-20
repetitions

At
least
2sec

Depends on
functional
activity

NA

To visible
contraction

2-5 sec on:

2-5 sec off.
Equal on/off
times

1sec

10-30 min

Every 23hrs until

spasm
relieved

To visible
contraction

2-5 sec on:

2-5 sec off.
Equal on/off
times

At
least
1sec

30 min

Twice a
day

Recommended Parameter Settings for Electrical Stimulation for Pain Control (TENS)
Parameter
settings/goal
of treatment

Conventional
(high rate)

Acupuncturelike (low
rate)
Burst mode

Pulse
frequency
(beat
frequency for
interferential
)
100-150 pps

Pulse
duration

Amplitude

Modulation
(frequency,
duration, or
Amplitude)

Treatment
time

Possible
mechanism
of action

50-80s

To produce
tingling

Use if
available

Gating at the
spinal cord

2-10 pps

200-300s

To visible
contraction

None

May be
worn for 24
hours, as
needed for
pain control
20-30 min

Generally
preset in unit
at 10 bursts

Generally
preset and
may have
max of 100300s

To visible
contraction

Is generally
not possible
in burst
mode

20-30 min

Endorphin
release

Endorphin
release

Recommended Parameter Setting for Electrical Stimulation for Tissue Healing

Parameter
settings/goal
of treatment
Tissue
healing:
inflammatory
phase/infecte
d
Tissue
healing:
proliferation
phase/clean

Waveform

Polarity

Pulse
frequency

Pulse
duration

Amplitude

Treatment
time

HVPC

Negative

60-125 pps

Usually
preset for
HVPC at
40-100s

To produce
comfortable
tingling

45-60 min

HVPC

Positive

60-125 pps

Usually
preset for
HVPC at
40-100s

To produce
comfortable
tingling

45-60 min

Recommended parameter setting for electrical stimulation for edema control

Parameter
settings/goal
of treatment
Edema
control with
inflammation

Waveform

Polarity

Pulse
frequency

Pulse
duration

Amplitude

Treatment
time

HVPC

Negative

100-120 pps

To produce
comfortable
tingling

20-30 min

Edema
control
associated
with lack of
mobility

Biphasic
(can use
interferential
if on/off
time
available)

NA

30-50 pps,
2-5 sec
equal on/off
time

Usually
preset for
HVPC at
40-100s
150-350s

To visible
contraction

20-30 min

Current Amplitude and Treatment Duration for Iontophoresis Treatment

Current amplitude (mA)
1
2
3
4

Treatment time (min)

40
20
13.3
10

Dose (mA-min)
40
40
40
40

Contraindications for the Use of Electrical

Currents

Precautions for the Use of Electrical

Currents

Demand cardiac pacemaker or unstable arrhythmias

Placement of electrodes over carotid
Areas where venous or arterial thrombosis or
thrombophlebitis is present
Pregnancy-over or around the abdomen or low back

Cardiac disease
Patients with impaired mentation/sensation
Malignant tumors or areas of skin irritation or open
wounds
Iontophoresis after other physical agents

Ask the Patient

Ask the Patient

*Do you have a cardiac pacemaker?

*Do you have a history of heart problems or have
you been treated for heart problems?
*What type of heart problems?
*How recently has your doctor checked you heart?

*Do you have a known history of cardiac disease?

*Have you had a previous myocardial infarction?
*Have you ever had rheumatic fever as a child or an
adult?
*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 patients resting pulse and respiratory rate before initiating treatment and check for changes
in these values during and after applying electrical stimulation.