The effect of the impedance of a thin hydrogel electrode on sensation during functional electrical stimulation

Sha, N; Kenney, LPJ; Heller, BW; Barker, AT; Howard, D; Wang, W

Abstract

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.

Citation

Sha, N., Kenney, L., Heller, B., Barker, A., Howard, D., & Wang, W. (2008). The effect of the impedance of a thin hydrogel electrode on sensation during functional electrical stimulation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2007.07.012

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2008
• Deposit Date: Dec 15, 2008
• Journal: Medical Engineering & Physics
• Print ISSN: 13504533
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 739-746
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2007.07.012
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2007.07.012
• Related Public URLs: http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/jjbe/home