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

✍ Scribed by N. Sha; L.P.J. Kenney; B.W. Heller; A.T. Barker; D. Howard; W. Wang

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2008
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 490 KB
• Volume: 30
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1350-4533
• DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2007.07.012

✦ Synopsis

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.