TENS units (Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation) are widely used to
treat pain. Muscle stimulators work on the same principle. Nerves will
activate (e.g., muscle contraction) with an e-field of 1.2 V/m. Here is a
spec for a typical TENS:
Pulse amplitude: 0-80 ma, adjustable
Pulse freq.: 2-150 Hz, adjustable
Pulse width: 50-250 usec, adjustable
Maximum open circuit voltage: 100V
Maximum charge: 16 mC/pulse
TENS are available only with a prescription and the user manual says to use
the device only as directed by your doctor. The devices are battery
operated, transformer coupled and impedance limited, so they are considered
to be safe even under a fault condition. One safety note - it should not be
used where a current path would cross the heart since the pulses might be
disrupt the heart beat.
My guess is that the "exercisers" operate on a lower power level in order to
get under the FDA regulations - just enough power to stimulate the nerves.
Approvals? What approvals?
Richard Woods
----------
From: Doug McKean [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 2:00 PM
To: EMC-PSTC Discussion Group
Subject: Electroshock exercising devices ...
These things have been around for a while, IIRC.
Basically, you hook up a pad or pads to places on
your body, adjust the level of muscle contraction you
think you need, and off you go "exercising " your
muscles while you ... walk the dog, read a book, ...
I have several questions:
1. How the heck do these things get approval?
2. What standards include these devices?
3. How in the heck do you label these things
for warnings? I.e. languages?
4. Is there any evidence continued electrocompulsive
activation of muscle causes any sort of permanent
nerve damage?
5. Is there some sort of history with these things
regarding failures and injuries to the users?
- Doug McKean
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