Electrodes and accessories for electrostimulation
In electrostimulation, the current must travel from the generator to the muscle via the skin and through the skin barrier. The main obstacle is air, as air does not conduct electricity. We can see this in our everyday environment: there is no electricity in the air; otherwise, the power cables running overhead would make the air unbearable.
To allow the current to pass, a conductor must be used to fulfil this function. This question arose right from the start of electrostimulation. The first electrodes were made of metal and water, which increased the risk of burns; these were followed by fabric pouches, such as sponge, which were thoroughly soaked. It was not until the 1970s that the first adhesive electrodes appeared. They quickly became the most effective and comfortable way to perform electrostimulation, and Sport-Elec naturally adopted this principle by developing its own electrodes.
These use woven carbon-fibre fabric onto which a layer of non-sticky hydrophilic adhesive gel is applied. Indeed, if the gel were very sticky, the electrode would be damaged the first time it was used when removed. The quality of the gel used is therefore very important, as perfect adhesion to the skin will eliminate air pockets and allow the current to flow perfectly without offering any resistance. The targeted muscle will receive the current and contract without you feeling any tingling sensation.
This quality of Sport-elec’s adhesive electrodes offers a major advantage in the quality of the electrostimulation it provides, thanks to the combination of its electrodes and currents. To perfect this system, Sport-elec has created accessories to hold the electrodes and facilitate installation during sessions. The speed of installation of the electrostimulation garments allows for more frequent use of the devices and plays an important role in the results that can be achieved.
Sport-elec was a pioneer in improving electrodes, such as dual electrodes and remote electrodes, as well as electrostimulation clothing, from the 1990s onwards – long before the active electrostimulation products that seem to be emerging today. There is no doubt that Sport-elec’s research will bring further improvements in the near future. Also discover, within the Sport-elec range of accessories and electrodes, electrodes compatible with brands such as Compex, Globus and Slendertone, which are sometimes of higher quality than the originals
