What role does impedance play in electrical stimulation?

Impedance plays a crucial role in electrical stimulation as it directly affects the current flow through the tissue. Impedance is essentially the resistance that the biological tissue presents to the electrical current. When the impedance is high, less current will flow; conversely, if the impedance is low, more current can flow through the tissue. This relationship is fundamental because effective electrical stimulation relies on delivering an optimal amount of current to elicit the desired physiological response in the tissue.

Understanding impedance allows practitioners to adjust stimulation parameters, such as voltage or intensity, to ensure adequate therapeutic effects while minimizing discomfort or injury to the tissue. Therefore, the ability to manage and measure impedance is essential for achieving effective outcomes in electrical stimulation therapies.