Motor Point Identification Technique

Ahram Canadian University

2021-2022
 Motor Point Identification Technique
• The motor point (MP) is the point on the skin over a muscle where a
contraction can be electrically induced with the lowest current
amplitude. Because skin and tissue resistance to current is lowest at
that point, patient discomfort is minimized, and tolerance is
maximized.
• There are charts showing MPs; however, these are approximate
because MPs vary significantly among individual.
• So, Personalized Motor Point identification is better.
 2. Motor Point Identification Technique

• Stimulation parameters: very low frequency (1 or 2 Hz) and intensity

(starting from 1 mA), using a monophasic or biphasic wave lasting
100–200 μs. waveform: rectangular.

• Use the monopolar technique: using small-diameter stimulation pen

electrode, with one larger dispersive electrode placed elsewhere.
• Slowly increase the current amplitude while manually scanning the
skin surface with the pen electrode, until a clear muscle contraction is
visualized.
 2. Motor Point Identification Technique
• Then, the stimulation current is decreased to a value of minimal
twitching response.
• Mark this electrode position, which corresponds to a motor point,
with a skin-marking pen.
• Note that some muscles may have more than one motor point.
• Place the surface electrodes over the identified motor points for
optimal NMES.
2. Motor Point Identification Technique
 2. Motor Point Identification Technique
• A) The muscle twitch response is not evident when the pen is not
facing the MP area.
• B) The MP of the target muscle is identified as the specific site where
a minimal response is generated with the lowest current intensity.
• C) The identified MP is marked with a marking pen.
• D) The active electrode is placed exactly over the identified MP.