Is it safe to use electricity on the human body for muscle reflex studies?

[flam3_s33k3r]

Hello,

I want to build a circuit that can put about 350 microA in my body(to study muscle reflexes etc.). Until now I've come to the conclusion that I need DC in order to get a definite direction of the current. Can anyone help me in figuring out what kind of AC/DC transformer and what output should my circuit have? I also what to be able to modify the desired current between roughly 200-500 microA.

 

[berkeman]

Hello,

I want to build a circuit that can put about 350 microA in my body(to study muscle reflexes etc.). Until now I've come to the conclusion that I need DC in order to get a definite direction of the current. Can anyone help me in figuring out what kind of AC/DC transformer and what output should my circuit have? I also what to be able to modify the desired current between roughly 200-500 microA.

Welcome to the PF. Exactly what are you trying to do? How familiar are you with safety considerations when combining electricty and the human body?

 

[flam3_s33k3r]

I am a 2nd year student in Computer Science. This week I will consult my faculty teachers as well. I am familiar with some safety regulations but only for voltage sources. As I stated above I wish to drive a 200-500 microA current through certain areas of my body(varying accordingly with the muscle lengths of the body). This will happen with two electrodes (copper probably) touching the skin (dry, with no inductive materials applied). I will try to get some readings for my body's resistance using a multimeter. I have a 220-230V (50 Hz) AC input and I need to figure out an approach to build my circuit.

 

[berkeman]

I am a 2nd year student in Computer Science. This week I will consult my faculty teachers as well. I am familiar with some safety regulations but only for voltage sources. As I stated above I wish to drive a 200-500 microA current through certain areas of my body(varying accordingly with the muscle lengths of the body). This will happen with two electrodes (copper probably) touching the skin (dry, with no inductive materials applied). I will try to get some readings for my body's resistance using a multimeter. I have a 220-230V (50 Hz) AC input and I need to figure out an approach to build my circuit.

Hopefully your advisor is familiar with biomedical safety regulations, and can make that part of your study for this project. Are you looking to do some electromyograms?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromyography

You will not get consistent results with dry contacts. You will need to use traditional medical electrodes (disposable, stick-on type). And be careful -- when you start making good electrical contact with the body with those electrodes, you open yourself (and others) up to some potential dangers.

I think you should meet with your advisor and discuss safety a bit before trying anything out. Especially something you read on a web forum. I'm going to lock this thread for now. PM me after you've met with your advisor, and tell me what kind of safety considerations you've been studying and have discussed, and I'll consider re-opening the thread.