Brief-Intense mode stimulates which fibers?

Brief-Intense mode stimulates which fibers?

• A. A-beta fibers
• B. A-delta fibers
• C. C-fibers
• D. Motor neurons

Answer: (C)

Brief-Intense mode uses a brief pulse that is delivered at a relatively high intensity. This combination tends to recruit small-diameter, high-threshold fibers, specifically unmyelinated C fibers. C fibers conduct slower, dull pain signals and require stronger stimulation to activate compared with larger fibers. A-beta fibers are large, low-threshold and fire with lighter, shorter stimuli, so they’re less likely to be the primary targets in this mode. A-delta fibers are intermediate in size and threshold, but the brief-intense setting is optimized for the slower C fibers. Motor neurons, if activated, would produce a muscle contraction rather than a sensory signal, which isn’t the focus of this mode. Hence, the fibers stimulated are C fibers.

Brief-Intense mode uses a brief pulse that is delivered at a relatively high intensity. This combination tends to recruit small-diameter, high-threshold fibers, specifically unmyelinated C fibers. C fibers conduct slower, dull pain signals and require stronger stimulation to activate compared with larger fibers. A-beta fibers are large, low-threshold and fire with lighter, shorter stimuli, so they’re less likely to be the primary targets in this mode. A-delta fibers are intermediate in size and threshold, but the brief-intense setting is optimized for the slower C fibers. Motor neurons, if activated, would produce a muscle contraction rather than a sensory signal, which isn’t the focus of this mode. Hence, the fibers stimulated are C fibers.