What is the typical pulse duration range per phase for biphasic NMES in strengthening?

• A. 50–100 microseconds
• B. 100–150 microseconds
• C. 150–350 microseconds
• D. 400–600 microseconds

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how pulse duration per phase affects nerve recruitment and comfort during strengthening with biphasic NMES. For strengthening, you want enough duration to recruit a broad set of motor units without needing excessively high current that causes pain or rapid fatigue. A range of about 150 to 350 microseconds per phase hits that balance: long enough to engage more motor fibers and produce a strong contraction without demanding high amplitudes that feel uncomfortable. Shorter durations (50–100 or 100–150 microseconds) often require higher current to achieve similar force and can be less tolerable. Longer, very extended durations (400–600 microseconds) tend to increase discomfort and fatigue and aren’t typically ideal for strengthening sessions.