Which parameter is listed as increasing to achieve rapid muscle fatigue in NMES?

• A. frequency 100 pps
• B. pulse duration 200
• C. increased on time
• D. intensity?

Answer: (C)

In NMES, how quickly fatigue develops is driven by the duty cycle—the balance of how long the muscle is actively contracting versus resting. Increasing the on time lengthens each contraction, so the muscle spends more time under load per cycle and has less recovery opportunity between contractions. That added time under tension raises metabolic demand, depletes energy stores, and accelerates accumulation of byproducts, all of which drive faster fatigue. While higher frequency, longer pulse duration, or greater intensity can also influence fatigue, extending the on time directly increases the duration of each contraction and is the most direct way to promote rapid fatigue.