Comparison of Bipolar and Monopolar Electrode Configurations for FES on Biceps Brachii

Function electrical stimulation (FES) is recommended as one of the effective methods for rehabilitation of motor function after stroke. There are two forms to deliver electrical stimulation to induce muscle contraction: Bipolar electrode configuration with two electrodes of the same size, and monopolar electrode configuration with a bigger electrode as an indifferent electrode and a smaller one as an active electrode. The purpose of this study is to compare the two kinds of configuration on biceps brachii in terms of induced muscle contraction force and muscle fatigue. In the experiment, electrical stimulation was applied on biceps brachii muscles of the right arm. Isometric contraction was induced by fixing the elbow joint during the stimulation. The experimental results showed that the induced contraction force was bigger using monopolar electrode configuration with the indifferent electrode on the antagonist muscle, and there was no significant difference in muscle fatigue between the configurations. Monopolar electrode configuration with the indifferent electrode on the antagonist muscle was suggested as the most effective method for FES on biceps brachii.Clinical Relevance- This study establishes an effective electrode configuration for FES on biceps brachii.