What is phase duration in the context of electrical waveforms?

Phase duration refers specifically to the time spanning from the outset to the conclusion of one phase of an electrical waveform. In the context of electrical stimulating currents, a waveform consists of various phases that correspond to the positive and negative portions of the oscillation. Each phase can have different durations affecting the overall characteristics of the waveform, such as its effectiveness in delivering stimulation to tissues.

Understanding that phase duration is a crucial component indicates that the other options, while related to aspects of electrical treatments or waveforms, do not accurately capture the specific definition of phase duration. For example, the overall treatment time encompasses the entire duration of application, while the duration of one complete cycle considers both positive and negative phases together. The time the current is on before turning off relates more to pulse duration rather than focusing on a single phase. Therefore, the definition of phase duration is clearly emphasized by recognizing that it quantifies just that specific segment of the waveform.