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Electrotherapy Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

ALTERNATING CURRENT Current that flows in one direction then reverses; therefore the waveform has two phases with zero net DC.

AMPLITUDE (Intensity): The level of output current produced by a unit. Typically given in milliamperes peak (thousandths of an ampere < mA > ). Constant current unit's voltage varies to deliver required current to electrodes.

BURST MODE A series of higher frequency pulses delivered in bursts at a low rate. Designed for patient comfort and is sometimes substituted for acupuncture-like TENS.

CONSTANT CURRENT The ability of a device to keep its output voltage constant over any load resistance. Higher impedance will heighten voltage. Lower impedance will lower voltage.

CONSTANT VOLTAGE The ability of a device to keep its current constant over any load resistance. Higher impedance will lower current. Lower impedance will heighten current.

CURRENT The flow of charged particles past a given point per unit time. Positive current flows from positive to negative. Measured in "milliamps" (mA).

DIRECT CURRENT Current that has no change in the direction of flow.

DUTY CYCLE (Control found on NMS units): Stimulation ON-OFF times to maximize muscle contraction and minimize fatigue.

FARADIC CURRENT Alternating current (A/C) biphasic current designed to deliver no DC current to the patient's body. Used for pain control and NMS.

FREQUENCY (Rate): The fequency of a signal in pulses per second (Hertz or Hz.).

GALVANIC STIMULATION Direct (DC) or monophasic current which delivers electrical energy (net DC) to the patient's body. May be delivered in pulsed form. Mainly used for edema reduction and and increasing or decreasing circulation in a specific site on the body.

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IMPEDANCE A substance that impedes the flow of current (skin, fat etc.) Sometimes referred to as "resistance". Measured in "ohms". Ohm's Law: Current = Voltage/Impedance

MICROCOULOMB The total energy in a pulse. Typically the amplitude (mA) x the width (µsec.).

MICROCURRENT (Microamperage, MENS): Uses low output wide pulse width. Output current is usually less than 600 microamps. Indications of success are largely anecdotal.

MODULATION MODE Automatic cyclic change in waveform parameters (frequency, pulse duration, and/or amplitude) designed to prevent accommodation.

NMS (FES, NMES, EMS, Muscle Stim): Neuromuscular Stimulation (used for muscle re-ed, prevention of disuse atrophy, range of motion). NOTE: FES or Functional Electrical Stim is similar.

PULSE DURATION (Pulse Width): The measure of time duration of a pulse. Usually indicated in microseconds (millionths of a second, or µsec. ).

RISE TIMES/DECAY TIMES (Control found on NMS units): Ramps amplitude of stimulation current, both up and down, to improve user comfort and thus encourage compliance.

STRENGTH DURATION MODE Utilizes a stimulation signal which tracks the Strength Duration (SD) curve. The SD curve is a family of curves -- on for each nerve type which relates the nerve firing threshold to the amplitude and pulse width of the stimulating signal.

TENS (TNS, TES): Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. (Used for pain control.)

Learn more about how TENS works.

VOLTAGE The driving force for charged particles, measured in volts.

WAVEFORM A pictorial representation of stimulation signal as seen on an oscilloscope. Usually seen as amplitude (current) vs time (sec).

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