A Neuromuscular Electrotherapy Device Based on Arduino System

Abstract

One form of electrophysiological therapy, low frequency impulse electrotherapy, makes use of electrical impulses of very low voltage and frequency. The low frequency impulsed current affects the skin's outer layer, causing an electrolytic effect and a powerful stimulation of nerves, which in turn activates the nerves, improves local blood circulation, and, most importantly, provides analgesia. The frequency, time, waveform, and duty cycle of the electrical pulse have a significant impact on the efficacy of low frequency impulse therapy. The design is built on an Arduino UNO development board, with five additional buttons and LED beads for display. Electrotherapy impulses of varying frequencies and duty ratios can be generated by pushing the correct button, and the device can be preconfigured to provide high, medium, or low levels of stimulation. Then, two amplifier circuits send the electrotherapy impulses to two electrodes that are placed on the skin's surface.