National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate on:off time ratio for electrical stimulation used for muscle reeducation?

1. 5:1

2. 15:1

3. 1:5

4. 1:15

The correct answer is: 1:5

The most appropriate on:off time ratio for electrical stimulation used for muscle reeducation is 1:5. This ratio is designed to provide effective muscle contraction during the "on" phase while allowing sufficient recovery during the "off" phase. When the on time is set to 1, it indicates the duration of the stimulation delivered to elicit a contraction. The off time set to 5 allows the muscle to rest and recover, which is essential in preventing muscle fatigue and ensuring that the muscle fibers can adequately respond to subsequent contractions. This ratio emphasizes both the activation of muscle fibers and the importance of recovery time in the training of the muscle. In muscle reeducation, the goal is to encourage proper motor unit recruitment and improve neuromuscular control, which requires a ratio that supports repeated stimulation and rest without overwhelming the muscle. A 1:5 ratio is often effective for these purposes, helping to prevent overfatigue while maximizing the benefits of muscle stimulation.