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Currents for partially or totally denervated muscles
The stimulation of a denervated muscle differs from stimulation of a healthy one because the
activation of muscular fibers needs particular currents. In presence of a traumatic lesion to the
peripheral nerves, measurement of the chronaxie allows one to determine if the denervation is
partial or total. The aim of excitomotor stimulation is to maintain the trophism and to limit muscu-
lar sclerosis, in order to permit the muscle to be as functional as possible by the end of the rein-
nervation process; this may last several months. The effectiveness of this type of treatment
depends on the correct choice of stimulation parameters; these must be defined in a specific
way for each patient and should evolve with time.
Rectangular currents
The rectangular current is characterized by a single rectangular impulse, which varies quickly in
intensity from null to the maximum value. The duration of contraction is equal to that of the impul-
se; the pause time corresponds to the time necessary for muscle recovery. The rectangular
shape of the impulse induces muscular contraction; the duration of the impulse causes a selec-
tive contraction of denervated fibers and the overall null value of the impulses (alternated pola-
rity) avoids phenomena of skin ionization. Rectangular impulses are mainly used on totally dener-
vated muscles. The program varies in terms of amplitude of the impulse and duration of the rest
period.
Triangular currents
These currents reach a maximal value of intensity with a linear ramp that, combined with impul-
ses of rather long duration, causes a contractile response in denervated muscle fibers (controlled
by damaged nerves) without stimulating the adjacent, normally innervated, healthy ones.
Naturally, since this an excitomotor current, the triangular impulse is followed by a pause (null
intensity current). The polarity of the impulses is alternated to avoid skin ionization. Because nerve
fibers are capable of adapting to the slow increase in intensity of the stimulus, the patient does
not experience any disturbance. Therefore, triangular current is used to stimulate both partially
and totally denervated muscles. The selective stimulation of muscle fibers occurs without invol-
ving healthy (normally innervated) fibers, a problem that may happen with alternating rectan-
gular currents because of the fast rise of the impulse. This program varies in terms of amplitude of
the impulse and duration of the rest period.
Trapezoidal currents
Trapezoidal impulses are mainly used on partially denervated muscles. The program varies in
terms of amplitude of the impulse and duration of the rest period. NOTE: Use the Denervated
Muscle programs (rectangular, triangular or trapezoidal currents) only on channels 1 and 3 with
colored cables. If the cables are not connected or are the incorrect ones, the program will not
start.
PROGRAMS LIST
Triangular 1
Triangular 2
Triangular 3
26
MEDICAL CURRENT - DENERVATED
Reattangular 1
Rettangular 2
Rettangular 3
REV. 03.09.04
Trapezoidal 1
Trapezoidal 2
Trapezoidal 3
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