Russian current is a type of alternating current that is burst modulated at low frequencies to stimulate nerves and cause muscle contraction. It consists of 2.5 kHz sinusoidal AC applied in 10 ms bursts separated by 10 ms intervals, modulated at 50 Hz. This causes tetanic muscle contraction through depolarization of fast motor neurons. Russian current is used to strengthen muscles in healthy athletes and patients, reduce edema, and decrease muscle spasm through once daily 10 minute treatments over weeks or months. Care must be taken with pregnant individuals or those with implants or impaired sensation.

1. Russian Current
Dr Sreeraj S R, Ph.D.

2. 2
Burst Mode Alternating Current (BMAC).
The credit for the early work in this field is ascribed to
Dr Yakov Kots, based in Russia, in the late 1970s.

3. ● The term 'Russian currents' refers to sinusoidal AC of
frequency 2.5 kHz which is burst-modulated at 50 Hz.
● The pulsing or bursting is at a 'low' frequency, and as
a result, nerves will respond.
● It is primarily employed to generating a motor
response.
● It consists of 10 ms bursts of AC separated by 10 ms
'off' periods. The waveform repeats every 20 ms
(1/50th sec) so the burst or modulation frequency is 50
Hz.
3
Overview

4. Characteristics
● Carrier Frequency: 2500Hz.
● Waveform: Polyphasic
sinusoidal waveform.
● Bursts Frequency: 50 Hz.
● Burst Duration: 10 ms
● Interburst interval: 10 ms
● Phase Duration: 0.2 ms
● Current Amplitude: The
maximum current
amplitude is 100mA. Clinical
used at 70mA.
4
2.5 kHz sinusoidal AC, burst
modulated at 50 Hz
i.e., 10 ms 'on' and 10 ms 'off'.

5. 5
Physiologic Effects
Sensory nerve stimulation leads to moderate
prickling sensation.
Motor nerve depolarization of fast type II motor
units causing tetanic muscle contraction.

6. 6
Indications
Muscle strengthening
in healthy athletes.
Post-traumatic /
surgical cases.
Reduce oedema
Improve / maintain
muscle strength
To reduce muscle
spasm.

7. 7
Dosing Parameters
Base Frequency
: 2500 Hz (2.5
kHz)
Burst @ 50 Hz
10 ms ON : 10 ms
OFF
(50 % duty cycle)
Stimulation
delivered thus
for 10 seconds
Rest period of
50 seconds
Repeated 10
minutes per
session
Maximum
tolerable
intensity
Applied once
daily over a
period of weeks

8. 8
Training Protocol
10 seconds
muscle
contractions
50 seconds off
time
10 repetitions
Thus, 10 minutes
of treatment
Electrode
arranged
parallel to the
direction of
muscle fibers
Amplitude/
Intensity up to
70mA, strong
but comfortable
muscle
contraction
Once daily,
for 3 – 6 months
Active
participation of
patient while
contraction.

9. 9
Contraindications
Anterior
cervical area
Pregnant
status
Haemorrhagic
area
Neoplastic
area
Metallic &
electronic
implant
Area of
impaired skin
sensation