What does the duty cycle refer to in ultrasound therapy?

The duty cycle in ultrasound therapy specifically refers to the percentage of time that the ultrasound wave is actively present during a single pulse period. It is an important parameter because it directly influences the thermal and non-thermal effects of the ultrasound on the tissue. The duty cycle is usually expressed as a percentage; for example, a 20% duty cycle means that the ultrasound energy is on for 20% of the treatment time and off for 80%.

When the duty cycle is adjusted, it modifies how much energy is delivered to the tissue during treatment, affecting outcomes such as tissue healing, pain relief, and inflammation reduction. This control allows clinicians to tailor the treatment based on patient needs, making the duty cycle a critical component of ultrasound therapy settings.

In contrast, the intensity level of the ultrasound refers to the power of the ultrasound wave, while the time the ultrasound is applied relates to the overall duration of the therapy session. The frequency of the ultrasound wave pertains to the number of cycles per second and does not define the active presence of the wave itself within a given period. Understanding the duty cycle allows practitioners to maximize the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy.