Table 2.

The Theory of Domain Reporting: A Fundamental Axiom for FES Protocols

Statement: No electrical pulse train is purely continuous, as between pulses in the train there exists a series of interpulse intervals [e.g., Springer et al.9*]. These intervals have to exist by the definition of frequency. Definition: An electrical pulse train is truly continuous if and only if the pulse width of the pulses in the pulse train multiplied by the frequency equates to a value of 1 [or any dimensionless multiple]. Implication: For the sake of more commonality between FES protocols, there needs to be a standardized definition about what a “continuous” and what an “intermittent” pulse is. Moreover, the time domain of both interpulse intervals and pulses, as well as pulse train ON and OFF times should be reported in all FES protocols for the purposes of reporting total time ON and total time OFF of stimulation. In addition, such reporting is essential if comparisons between continuous and intermittent protocols are going to be drawn in the context of fatigue and other relevant metabolic parameters. This follows on also, from the postulate of table 4. Relevant Literature – Examples of Continuous and Intermittent Comparisons: Chasiotis et al.10 Duchateau & Hainaut4 – compared “sustained” and intermittent. Bergström & Hultman.11 *Springer & colleagues discuss the “interphase interval”, however is referenced here as is an example of literature which talks of smaller breaks in stimulation.