What determines how much energy is delivered into the body?

• A. Pulse frequency and waveform
• B. Amplitude and pulse duration
• C. Treatment duration and electrode size
• D. Polarity and current type

Answer: (B)

The amount of energy delivered during electrotherapy is determined by how strong the current is and how long it flows in each pulse. Energy transfer per pulse increases with higher amplitude (stronger current) and longer pulse duration (more time for energy to flow). These two factors directly set how much energy is pushed into the tissues with each pulse.

The other aspects shape how that energy is delivered over time or where it goes, but they don’t set the energy in each individual pulse. Frequency and waveform affect timing and distribution of pulses; treatment duration and electrode size influence total exposure and spread of energy; polarity and current type affect direction and tissue response. So amplitude and pulse duration are the primary drivers of the energy delivered.