40-Hz Square-Wave Stimulation Requires Less Energy to Produce Muscle Contraction: Compared with the TASER X26 Conducted Energy Weapon

• NCJ Number: 246159
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 1026-1031
• Author(s): James A. Comeaux B.S.; James R. Jauchem Ph.D.; D. D. Cox; Carrie C. Crane B.Appl.Arts Sci.; John A. D'Andrea Ph.D.
• Date Published: July 2013
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Series: Asset Forfeiture Series
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Conducted energy weapons CEWs including the Advanced TASER X26 model produced by TASER International, Inc. incapacitate individuals by causing muscle contractions.

Abstract

Conducted energy weapons CEWs including the Advanced TASER X26 model produced by TASER International, Inc. incapacitate individuals by causing muscle contractions. In this study using anesthetized swine, the potential incapacitating effect of primarily monophasic, 19-Hz voltage imposed by the commercial CEW was compared with the effect of voltages imposed by a laboratory device that created 40-Hz square waves. Forces of muscle contraction were measured with the use of strain gauges. Stimulation with 40-Hz square waves required less pulse energy than stimulation with the commercial CEW to produce similar muscle contraction. The square-pulse stimulation, at the higher repetition rate, caused a more complete tetanus at a lower energy. Use of such a simple shape of waveform may be used to make future nonlethal weapon devices more efficient. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.