Custom-built electrodes perform comparably to a discontinued commercial electrode for neuromuscular electrical stimulation in mice

ABSTRACT Objective A commercial electrode used for transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in mice is no longer available. In response, we developed two low- cost, customizable alternatives—a 3D-Printed Electrode and a Pen Electrode assembled from off-the-shelf jumper wire components—and evaluated their performance relative to the discontinued commercial standard. Methods We conducted in vivo NMES of the left hindlimb ankle dorsiflexors in C57BL/6J mice using three electrode types: a Simple Electrode (previously available as BS4 50–6824, Harvard Apparatus), our novel 3D-Printed Electrode, and our novel Pen Electrode. Contractile torque was recorded during twitch and tetanic contractions, and electrode performance was evaluated based on peak torque values. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare torque generated by each animal for the three different types of electrodes. Results Both custom electrodes generated twitch and tetanic responses comparable to those of the Commercial electrode. No statistically significant differences were observed in peak torque values in either twitch (p = 0.181) or tetany (p = 0.438). Conclusion Custom-built 3D-printed and Pen-style electrodes offer low-cost, accessible alternatives to discontinued commercial devices for murine NMES studies. These tools can facilitate continued use of electrical stimulation protocols in preclinical neuromuscular research.