Effect of Longitudinal Versus Transverse Electrode Placement on Torque Production by the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle During Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of electrode placement in relation to muscle design for producing muscle torque when using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Thirty-five healthy subjects (19 men, 16 women) participated in this study on a voluntary basis. All subjects were tested for maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) of their dominant quadriceps femoris muscle while seated on an isokinetic dynamometer. NMES to subject tolerance was used while determining the effect of electrode placement (longitudinal and transverse) on the torque. Findings show that the longitudinal electrode position produces significantly more torque than the transverse position when the knee extensor muscles are electrically stimulated by the same current amplitude. Physical therapists should be aware of this technique when using NMES clinically to produce muscle torque. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1990;11(11):530-534.