National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Modalities Practice Exam

The most appropriate formula for determining the duty cycle when using electrical stimulation is calculated by dividing the on time by the total time, which includes both the on time and off time.

This calculation is essential because the duty cycle provides a measure of the proportion of time that electrical stimulation is active during a treatment session. Specifically, the formula allows practitioners to understand how long the stimulation is applied relative to the total time, giving insight into its frequency and intensity during therapy. A higher duty cycle indicates that the electrical stimulation is applied more frequently, which can influence muscle performance and recovery in rehabilitation settings.

For effective application in clinical practice, understanding the duty cycle assists therapists in tailoring electrical stimulation protocols to meet the specific needs of individual patients, optimizing therapeutic outcomes while considering factors such as muscle fatigue and tolerance.

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