Systems and methods for selecting low-power, effective signal delivery parameters for an implanted pulse generator are disclosed. A representative system includes a signal generator and a computer-readable medium that, for first and second signals, increases and decreases an amplitude of the signal over multiple steps from a baseline amplitude at which the patient has a baseline response. At individual step increases and decreases, the system receives a pain score based on the patient's response. The instructions compare the pain scores for the two signals and determine one of the signals for additional therapy to the patient, based on the pain scores and an expected energy consumption of the signals.
