What does the term "duty cycle" refer to in electrical stimulation?

The term "duty cycle" refers to the ratio of on time to off time of the current. In the context of electrical stimulation, the duty cycle is important because it defines how long the stimulation is applied (the "on" period) in relation to how long it is not applied (the "off" period). This ratio is typically expressed as a percentage, giving users an understanding of how frequently the electrical current is being delivered versus how often it is resting.

This concept helps in determining the effectiveness of stimulation for therapeutic purposes, as different duty cycles can produce different physiological responses. A higher duty cycle means more continuous stimulation, which might be useful for certain treatments, while a lower duty cycle can be beneficial for others by allowing muscles or tissues time to recover between stimulation periods.