Ever heard of the famous “Russian Current” used by athletes to build strength and recover faster? This presentation explains everything you need to know about Kots Current in electrotherapy — from its origin to its clinical use. Inside, you’ll discover: The history and physics behind Russian Current (2500 Hz) How it works at the muscular and cellular level Key physiological effects on strength, endurance, and recovery Step-by-step technique of application in clinical practice Its role in rehab, sports performance, and physiotherapy Limitations, contraindications, and how it compares to other currents

1. PREPARED BY
DR.SOMA BALAJI PT
MSK & SPORTS
Russian Currents
(Kots Current)

2. • 1971, Dr. Yakov Kots (Moscow, Russia): studied
effects of medium-frequency currents on muscle
performance in athletes.
• Claimed up to 30–40% increase in muscle strength
when combined with voluntary exercise.
• Widely used in sports medicine & rehabilitation.
• Term “Russian current” = medium-frequency burst-
modulated current.
Historical Background

3. • Carrier frequency: 2500 Hz (sinusoidal AC).
• Modulated into bursts: 50 bursts/sec (50 Hz).
• Burst duration: 10 ms (i.e., 10 cycles per burst).
• Interburst interval: 10 ms (silent gap).
• Result: Feels like a 50 Hz stimulation, but penetrates deeper due
to medium-frequency base.
Basic Physics & Waveform

4. • Skin impedance decreases with frequency.
• At 2500 Hz, resistance is low less painful.
→
• But high frequency alone cannot cause tetany →
bursts “bring it down” to 50 Hz, optimal for
sustained contraction.
Key Concept: Russian current combines comfort
(MFAC) + effectiveness (LFAC).
Why 2500 Hz?

5. 1.Nerve Excitation
⚬ Stimulates α-motor neurons evokes muscle contraction.
→
⚬ Burst-modulation = synchronous depolarization strong
→
tetanic contraction.
2.Muscle Adaptation
⚬ Increased motor unit recruitment.
⚬ Improves synchronization of contraction.
⚬ Causes hypertrophy with repeated use (strength training).
Mechanism of Action

6. 3. Circulatory Effects
⚬ Rhythmic contraction increased arterial
→
inflow & venous return.
⚬ Washout of metabolites reduced muscle
→
soreness.

7. • Neuromuscular
⚬ Strong tetanic contraction.
⚬ Facilitates voluntary contraction by stimulating central
pathways (muscle re-education).
• Muscular
⚬ Hypertrophy and increased protein synthesis (long-term).
⚬ Prevention of atrophy in disuse.
• Circulatory & Metabolic
⚬ Improves local blood flow.
⚬
Physiological Effects

8. 1.Muscle Strengthening
⚬ Quadriceps after ACL reconstruction.
⚬ Shoulder stabilizers in athletes.
2.Muscle Re-education
⚬ Post-stroke: help patient learn to activate weak
muscle.
Peripheral nerve injury recovery.
Therapeutic Applications

9. 3. Atrophy Prevention
⚬ Bedridden patients.
⚬ Post-fracture immobilization.
4. Performance Training (sports physiotherapy).
Evidence: Some studies confirm strength improvement, but results
are mixed.
Clinical consensus: best when combined with exercise.

10. • Patient Position: Relaxed, muscle exposed.
• Electrode Placement:
⚬ Bipolar: both electrodes over target muscle
belly.
⚬ Use large, well-moistened pads.
Technique of Application

11. • Parameters:
⚬ Carrier: 2500 Hz
⚬ Burst frequency: 50 Hz
⚬ Duty cycle: 10 s ON : 50 s OFF (classic Kots protocol)
⚬ Intensity: Increase until strong visible contraction.
⚬ Duration: 10–20 minutes.
⚬ Sessions: 3–5 times/week.

12. • Progression:
⚬ Reduce OFF time as patient endurance
improves.
⚬ Integrate voluntary contraction during
stimulation.

13. • Contraindications:
⚬ Pacemaker / cardiac
disease
⚬ Pregnancy
(abdomen/lumbar)
⚬ Malignant tumors
⚬ Over wounds/infections
⚬ Epilepsy
Limitations & Contraindications
• Limitations:
⚬ May cause muscle fatigue if
dosing is not adjusted.
⚬ Requires equipment with
proper Russian current
settings.
⚬ Evidence of superiority over
other currents is debated.

14. • ACL reconstruction rehab (quadriceps
strengthening).
• Stroke rehab (muscle re-education).
• Shoulder instability in athletes.
• Bedridden ICU patients (atrophy prevention).
Clinical Examples

15. Feature Faradic Current Interferential Current Russian Current
Frequency 50 Hz 4000 Hz (beat ~100 Hz) 2500 Hz (burst 50 Hz)
Effect Muscle contraction Pain relief, circulation
Strong muscle
contraction
Comfort Less comfortable Very comfortable Comfortable
Penetration Superficial Deep Deep
Main Use Muscle stimulation Pain, edema Strengthening
Russian Current vs Other Currents

16. THANK YOU