Acupuncture-like TENS: Which statement best describes its amplitude and effect?

• A. Amplitude sufficient to produce muscle twitching
• B. Pulse freq high (60-200 pps)
• C. Tx time 15 min
• D. Used for pain relief during ADLs

Answer: (A)

Acupuncture-like TENS works by delivering a relatively high-intensity stimulus at a low frequency to provoke a motor response, not just a tingling sensation. The key is the amplitude being high enough to elicit a visible or palpable muscle twitch. That motor response is part of how this mode provides longer-lasting analgesia, through mechanisms that involve endogenous opioid release and neuromuscular engagement.

That’s why the best description is amplitude sufficient to produce muscle twitching—because the therapy relies on that strong, motor-level input to achieve its intended analgesic effect. The other statements describe settings more typical of conventional, high-frequency TENS or general treatment practices (like shorter sessions or use during activities), which are not characteristic of acupuncture-like TENS.