Intro to Electrical Currents

Question 1

Define electrical current

Answer 1

The flow of energy between 2 points

Question 2

What is electrical current noted and measured in?

Answer 2

Noted as I and measured in amperes (A)

Question 3

What are the requirements of electrical current?

Answer 3

A driving force (voltage) and some material which will conduct the electricity (conductors)

Question 4

Define cathode

Answer 4

Negatively charged pole

Question 5

Define anode

Answer 5

Positively charged pole

Question 6

What is Ohm’s law?

Answer 6

V=IR

Question 7

What vague terms should we avoid using in the clinic?

Answer 7

Trade or brand names
Galvanic or faradic current
Name driven treatment protocols

Question 8

What are the electrotherapy goals?

Answer 8

Controlling acute and chronic pain
Edema reduction
Muscle spasm reduction
Reducing contractures
Minimizing disuse atrophy
Facilitating tissue healing
Assisting in strengthening

Question 9

What are the precautions for electrotherapy?

Answer 9

Take caution when apply to areas of skin irritation or open wounds and applying electrodes around the chest area close to the heart

Question 10

What is alternating current?

Answer 10

Electrical current that has 2 phases in a bidirectional flow above and below the isoelectric line

Question 11

What are the types of alternating current?

Answer 11

Sine wave
Burst AC
Pulsed AC

Question 12

Synonyms for sine wave

Answer 12

Continuous alternating current

Medium frequency wave form

Question 13

General uses for sine wave

Answer 13

Pain relief
Reduction of muscle spasms or spasticity
Sub-acute or chronic edema

Question 14

Synonym for burst AC

Answer 14

Russian stimulation

Question 15

General uses for burst AC

Answer 15

Muscle re-education
Strength
Endurance

Question 16

Synonym for pulsed AC

Answer 16

Interrupted AC

Question 17

General uses for pulsed AC

Answer 17

Pain relief
Muscle re-education
Strength
Endurance
Spasm reduction
Subacute and chronic edema