Effects of waveform parameters on comfort during transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation

Twenty-three females between the ages of 19 and 35 were studied in order to compare the effects of variations in pulse duration, waveform symmetry, and source regulation on comfort during quadriceps surface stimulation at amplitudes necessary to produce 27 Nm torque. Stimulation parameters compared were: 1) 50 and 300 microseconds pulse durations, 2) asymmetrical and symmetrical biphasic waveforms, and 3) current and voltage source regulation. Subjects overwhelmingly preferred the 300 microseconds pulse duration regardless of waveform or source regulation, strongly preferred the symmetrical biphasic waveform, and had inconsistent preference for either regulated voltage or regulated current sources.