Energy minimization during transcutaneous electrical stimulation by charge efficient stimulation pulses: benefits of using short duration and high amplitude stimulation pulses

In transcutaneous electrical stimulation motor axons are activated by externally applied electrical pulses. More efficient stimulation pulses could lead to less stress for the patient and to prolonged battery lifetime of the stimulation device. In this study a minimization problem was solved to find charge efficient stimulation pulses, which could potentially reduce the necessary energy provided by the stimulator. The findings of the minimization problem as well as simulations with an active axon model lead to the conclusion that short duration, high amplitude pulses are favorable and that the choice of the correct stimulation amplitude and pulse duration is more important than using the most efficient pulse shape.Supported by a grant from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF, ESiMED [16M3201])