Electroneurography index based on nerve conduction study data: method and findings in control subjects

Muscle Nerve. 2004 Jan;29(1):89-96. doi: 10.1002/mus.10523.

Abstract

We developed a summary score of data obtained from nerve conduction studies (NCS). The principle of such approach is that when a nonrandom trend to lower amplitudes or conduction velocities is present, it may be revealed by a summary nerve conduction score. In a group of normal subjects, peroneal, sural, ulnar, and superficial radial nerves were studied; age- and height-related F-wave and soleus H-reflex latencies were also examined. Z-scores of distal latencies, amplitudes, conduction velocities, F-wave latencies, and H-index were averaged in order to obtain three electroneurography (ENG) indices: a simple arithmetic (ENG index 1) and two weighted means (index 2 and index 3), assigning a double or triple weight to lower limb z-scores. Reference limits were established using multiple regression equations of ENG indices against age and height. This technique could be useful in providing a better cut-off between normal and diseased populations and in improving test-retest variability of NCS when follow-up studies are required.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Electrophysiology / instrumentation
  • Electrophysiology / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction / physiology*
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiopathology*
  • Polyneuropathies / diagnosis*
  • Polyneuropathies / physiopathology*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reference Values
  • Regression Analysis
  • Reproducibility of Results