1 2 . e l e c t r O t H e r a P y t H e O ry
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WIRELESS PROFESSIONAL
12.1.3 references
1. Physiologie Volume II Le Système nerveux et Muscle Charles Kayser, ed. Flammarion
2. Lapicque, L: Définition expérimentale de l’excitabilité Soc. Biologie 77 (1909), 280-283
3. Lapicque, L: La Chronaxie et ses applications physiologiques Hermann & Cie, Paris, 1938
4. Weiss, G: Sur la possibilité de rendre comparable entre eux les appareils servant à l’excitation électrique
5. Arch. itali. Biol. 35 (1901), 413-446
6. Irnich, W: The chronaxy time and its practical importance Pace 3 (1980), 292-301
7. Cours de Physiologie Humaine Volume I Prof. Colin F. Université Libre de Bruxelles
8. Traité de Physiologie Médicale Arthur C. Guyton, ed. Doin
9. Physiologie Humaine Philippe Meyer 2nd edition Flammarion Médecine Science
12.2 the Optimum current
12.2.2 characteristics of the optimal current
12.2.1 introduction
The reminders and ideas developed in the previous chapter, “The fundamental law of electrostimulation”,
must be read before starting this chapter, which describes the qualities of the optimum electrostimulation
current.
The optimum current can be defined as being able to reduce the resting potential to the stimulation
threshold value under Weiss’ law, while also keeping the patient as comfortable as possible. The second
requirement is met by minimising the electrical parameters of the stimulation current, i.e. by using a
minimum amount of electrical intensity (
𝐼
), pulse duration (
𝑡
) and electrical energy (
𝑊
).
Having set out the conditions, we will now determine the qualities of the current that fulfils these
conditions.
12.2.2.1 electrical stimulation wave produced by the current generator
We can already state that pulses of current, i.e. produced by a current generator, must be used for the
following reasons:
• The first point shown by Weiss is the importance of the quantity of electrical charges provided by the
stimulation current; however, the quantity of charges can only be controlled by a current generator.
• Only a current generator can ensure stable and reproducible conditions, given the variations in skin
resistance.
• If a certain electrical pulse shape is required, only a current generator can maintain a constant current
wave shape as it passes through the skin and tissue.