In NMES for spasticity targeting the agonist, what is the recommended ramp setting?

In NMES for spasticity targeting the agonist, what is the recommended ramp setting?

• A. None
• B. Short ramp
• C. Medium ramp
• D. Long ramp

Answer: (A)

Ramp setting controls how quickly the stimulation current rises at the start of each burst. When NMES is used to reduce spasticity in the agonist, the aim is to produce a quick, reliable contraction that immediately opposes the hypertonic muscle. A ramped onset can delay the contraction and lessen the immediate opposing force, making it harder to counteract spasticity during the brief moments when it’s most active. Using no ramp (instant-on) yields the fastest recruitment and the strongest immediate contraction, which best supports rapid opposition to the spasticity. If discomfort becomes an issue, adjust intensity or electrode setup rather than the ramp, since the protocol favors a none ramp for this purpose.

Ramp setting controls how quickly the stimulation current rises at the start of each burst. When NMES is used to reduce spasticity in the agonist, the aim is to produce a quick, reliable contraction that immediately opposes the hypertonic muscle. A ramped onset can delay the contraction and lessen the immediate opposing force, making it harder to counteract spasticity during the brief moments when it’s most active. Using no ramp (instant-on) yields the fastest recruitment and the strongest immediate contraction, which best supports rapid opposition to the spasticity. If discomfort becomes an issue, adjust intensity or electrode setup rather than the ramp, since the protocol favors a none ramp for this purpose.