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
 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
• 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.