title: Interferential and burst-modulated biphasic pulsed currents yield greater muscular force than Russian current.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Previous data regarding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) have suggested that muscle torque production with interferential current (IFC) is inferior to Russian current; however, waveform parameters specific and critical to NMES were inconsistent, making interpretation of previous findings precarious. The purpose of this investigation was to compare muscle force production of three electrical stimulating waveforms when using equivalent stimulus parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  The percent of maximal voluntary isometric knee extensor force (%MVIF) elicited using interferential, Russian, and burst-modulated biphasic pulsed currents were compared in 23 healthy college-aged subjects. A repeated measures single factor design in a university laboratory setting was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant effect for waveform used was noted. Data showed significantly greater %MVIF of the knee extensors were obtained using IFC or burst-modulated BP current versus conventional Russian current.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this investigation suggest that IFC and burst-modulated BP current are viable waveform options for purposes of eliciting muscle force. These findings offer significant new evidence with strong clinical implications when selecting waveform parameters for elicitation of muscle force for NMES.
authors.affiliation: Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis, 1400 East Hanna Avenue, 218 Martin Hall, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA. bellewj@uindy.edu
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Bellew
authors.forename: Zach
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Beiswanger
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Carrie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gaerte
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Trafton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007196:Indiana; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000502:physiology*; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000294:innervation*; D019415:Torque; D055815:Young Adult