TensCare Flexistim, Instructions For Use Manual, Page: 7 / 31

WORK WORK REST
PERIODIC TIME
PULSE WIDE
MONOPHASE PULSES
INTENSITY
PULSE INTENSITY
RA
MP RA
MP
BIPHASIC PULSES
9
10
Frequency indicates the number of individual
pulses per second, and is indicated in
Hz (Hertz = pulses per second). It can be
calculated by working out the inverse value
of the periodic time.
Different types of muscle fibres react preferentially to different frequencies:
Slow-response fibres tend to react to lower pulse frequencies up to 15Hz, while fast-
response fibres only respond to frequencies over approx. 35Hz.
With pulses of approx.45~70Hz, there is permanent tension in the muscle (tetany)
combined with premature muscle fatigue. Higher pulse frequencies can therefore
preferably be used for elasticity and maximum strength training.
For TENS:
A frequency of 110 Hz is good at blocking pain signals.
A low frequency of 4 or 10 Hz allows for the release of endorphins, the body’s natural
morphine-like substances.
5.3 Pulse Width
Pulse width is used to indicate the duration
of an individual pulse in microseconds
(millionths of a second). Pulse width also
determines the penetration depth of the
current. In general a greater muscle mass
requires a greater pulse width. A higher
pulse width is also more likely to activate pain nerves, so there is a fine balance between
maximum muscle stimulation and tolerable sensation.
EMS 50-400 depending on frequency
TENS 50 to 250 μS.
The Flexistim uses only biphasic pulse trains, as they reduce the strain on the muscle,
leading to less muscle fatigue as well as safer application and reduce the risk of skin
irritation under the electrode.
5.2 Pulse Frequency
WORK WORK REST
PERIODIC TIME
PULSE WIDE
MONOPHASE PULSES
INTENSITY
PULSE INTENSITY
RA
MP RA
MP
BIPHASIC PULSES
WORK WORK REST
PERIODIC TIME
PULSE WIDE
MONOPHASE PULSES
INTENSITY
PULSE INTENSITY
RA
MP RA
MP
BIPHASIC PULSES
5.4 Pulse Intensity
Setting the degree of intensity is dependent
on the subjective feeling of each individual
user and is determined by a number of
parameters such as application site, skin
circulation, skin thickness as well as quality
of electrode contact. The actual setting
should be effective but should never produce any unpleasant sensation such as pain at
the site of application.
In TENS programmes, while a slight tingling sensation indicates sufficient stimulation
energy, any setting which leads to pain must be avoided.
In EMS programmes, the intensity needs to be as high as possible for maximum benefit
– so set just below the pain threshold.
With prolonged application, you may need to increase intensity as nerves get used to the
stimulation and become less sensitive (known as accommodation).
5.5 WORK is the time in seconds that muscle is stimulated (not including Ramp time).
The Flexistim offers a range of work periods from 1-40 sec.
5.6 REST is the time in seconds at zero strength in between stimulation.
The Flexistim offers a range of rest periods from 1-40 sec. The EMS programmes use
an active rest - low frequency pulses help to clear metabolites in-between work periods.
WORK WORK REST
PERIODIC TIME
PULSE WIDE
MONOPHASE PULSES
INTENSITY
PULSE INTENSITY
RA
MP RA
MP
BIPHASIC PULSES
5.7 RAMP is the time in seconds taken to
move up and down between zero and the
set stimulation strength. The Flexistim has
a fixed ramp time of 1.5 up and 0.75 down.
flexistim instructions final.indd 12-13 27/11/2014 12:06