What happens as current intensity increases during Russian current stimulation?

What happens as current intensity increases during Russian current stimulation?

• A. A larger number of motor units are activated (discomfort also increases)
• B. More comfortable with fewer motor units activated
• C. Discomfort decreases
• D. Only sensory fibers recruited

Answer: (B)

As you raise the current intensity in Russian current NMES, more motor units are recruited and the contraction becomes stronger. That happens because a larger portion of the nerve fibers reach threshold and fire, producing a greater overall muscle response. At the same time, more sensory and nociceptive fibers are stimulated, so the perception of discomfort tends to increase. So the typical pattern is that higher intensity means more motor units activated and more discomfort. The idea of it becoming more comfortable with fewer motor units activated doesn’t fit how NMES recruitment works.

As you raise the current intensity in Russian current NMES, more motor units are recruited and the contraction becomes stronger. That happens because a larger portion of the nerve fibers reach threshold and fire, producing a greater overall muscle response. At the same time, more sensory and nociceptive fibers are stimulated, so the perception of discomfort tends to increase. So the typical pattern is that higher intensity means more motor units activated and more discomfort. The idea of it becoming more comfortable with fewer motor units activated doesn’t fit how NMES recruitment works.