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Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Programmed Electrical Stimulation in Mice
Published on: May 26, 2010
Exploring stimulation patterns for electrical stimulation of the larynx using surface electrodes
Marlies Feiner1, C Gerstenberger2, W Mayr3
1Division of Phoniatrics, Medical University Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 26, 8036, Graz, Austria. marlies.feiner@klinikum-graz.at.
Purpose:
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is considered an upcoming treatment modality for a number of laryngeal diseases. However, sound data are scarce when it comes to surface FES to treat voice disorders. Aim of the present study was to identify and differentiate suitable surface FES patterns to activate internal laryngeal muscles.
Methods:
Non-invasive FES was performed in a cohort of 17 elderly woman. Our user-customized electrical stimulation setup allowed us to deliver ten different stimulation patterns (rectangular and sawtooth shaped) with variation of frequency and amplitude. Stimulation outcome, i.e., vocal fold (VF) reaction, was continuously verified by transnasal endoscopy.
Results:
Responses to FES using ten different stimulation patterns varied inter-individually. None of the stimulation parameter sets could elicit a VF reaction in all participants.
Conclusion:
Based on our findings we conclude that individual fitting is necessary when defining surface stimulation parameters. To overcome limitations of previous studies, devices with freely programmable patterns are required as shown here. Endoscopic control of VF reaction is absolutely essential to ensure effectiveness of the delivered patterns.
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