The effect of the impedance of a thin hydrogel electrode on sensation during functional electrical stimulation.
Surface functional electrical stimulation results in stimulation of cutaneous receptors and discomfort. The degree of non-uniformity of current distribution in the cutaneous layers in the vicinity of the electrode may influence the sensation experienced. This paper describes the effects on sensation of a thin, high impedance electrode designed to reduce the non-uniformity of current distribution. Sensation associated with stimulation via a self-adhesive electrode with much higher impedance than conventional electrodes was compared with a low impedance electrode in a single-blinded, crossover study. The high impedance electrode does not alter either the current at which sensation is first registered. However, at higher currents, the high impedance electrode allows 9% more current to be passed for an equivalent sensation to that experienced with the conventional electrode. A 28% decrease in discomfort with the use of the high impedance electrode was also reported.
Sha
N
N
CRHPR, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
Kenney
L P J
LP
Heller
B W
BW
Barker
A T
AT
Howard
D
D
Wang
W
W
D000328:Adult; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012677:Sensation; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
D020100:Hydrogels