Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is designed to do what?

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is designed to do what?

• A. Deliver current to depolarize sensory nerves only.
• B. Deliver current to cause sensory and motor depolarization, leading to muscle contraction.
• C. Deliver current to raise skin temperature.
• D. Block nerve conduction to muscles.

Answer: (B)

NMES works by delivering electrical current that depolarizes nerve membranes. When the intensity is high enough to reach motor thresholds, it triggers action potentials in motor nerves, causing muscle fibers to contract. Sensory fibers can also be depolarized, which may produce a tingling sensation, but the therapeutic goal is the motor response—a controlled contraction used to improve strength, endurance, and neuromuscular control. This is different from modalities that solely heat tissue or that block nerve conduction, which do not produce a functional muscle contraction.

NMES works by delivering electrical current that depolarizes nerve membranes. When the intensity is high enough to reach motor thresholds, it triggers action potentials in motor nerves, causing muscle fibers to contract. Sensory fibers can also be depolarized, which may produce a tingling sensation, but the therapeutic goal is the motor response—a controlled contraction used to improve strength, endurance, and neuromuscular control. This is different from modalities that solely heat tissue or that block nerve conduction, which do not produce a functional muscle contraction.