How does muscle activation influence electrode placement?

Muscle activation plays a critical role in determining how electrodes should be placed for optimal therapeutic outcomes. When there is higher muscle activation, adjusting the spacing of electrodes can enhance the effectiveness of the stimulation. Closer spacing of the electrodes allows for a more focused stimulation to target specific motor units, which may be more responsive when the muscle is engaged or activated. This adjustment can help improve the quality of the contraction and therapeutic benefits being sought, such as increased muscle recruitment or more effective pain relief.

In scenarios where muscles are not strongly activated, wider spacing may be appropriate to encompass larger areas or different muscle fibers. Therefore, the relationship between muscle activation and electrode placement is dynamic, relying on the specific therapeutic goals and the level of muscle engagement at the time of treatment.