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

2007; Elsevier BV; Volume: 30; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.medengphy.2007.07.012

1873-4030

Ning Sha, Laurence Kenney, Ben Heller, A.T. Barker, David Howard, W. Wang,

Neuroscience and Neural Engineering

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.