Usability of Passive Models for Energy Minimization of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation - Possibilities and Shortcomings of Analytical Solutions of Passive Models and Possible Improvements

Abstract

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation is a more and more used rehabilitation technique for patients suffering from spinal cord injury or stroke. The commonly used pulse shape is the biphasic rectangular pulse, which leads to the question whether another, more efficient pulse shape exists that consumes less energy. In this study a passive model for electrical stimulation was develepod and an analytical analysis was performed. The resulting energy optimal pulse shape was then compared to the results of an active model. To improve the accuracy of the passive model, a simple ionic current correction was introduced, which leads to comparable results of an active model. Concluding it can be said that passive models are a good approach to give notions of some effects, but have to be extended to fit reality.