The Effect of Stimulating Voltage on Time Characteristics of Contraction in Cardiomyoplasty

In cardiomyoplasty (CMP), the strength of a skeletal muscle increases as the stimulating voltage in creases. On the other hand, timing of stimulation in CMP is a problem not yet solved. This experiment assessed the relationship between stimulating voltage and time characteristics in the contraction of skeletal muscles. In acute experiments using rabbits, the time required to reach maximal muscle contraction did not change significantly with voltage. In conclusion, stimulation voltage does not affect time characteristics. Thus, the best timing of stimulation in CMP can be assessed independently of voltage.