The effect of stimulatory electrode placement on F-wave latency measurements.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two commonly used stimulating electrode placements on F-wave latency.


METHODS
Fifty healthy subjects aged 20 to 47 years were tested.


METHODS
F-waves were obtained from median and ulnar nerves bilaterally. A total of 200 nerves were tested.


RESULTS
A paired t-test indicated a statistically significant difference in F-wave latency between the two stimulating electrode placements. Stepwise linear regression equations demonstrated that our results were consistent with previously published studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Although a statistically significant difference exists between the two techniques, the magnitude of the difference is not likely to be clinically important. Therefore, the most important factor may be to use a consistent technique when investigating potential neuropathies.
Terry
G L
GL
Baldwin
T M
TM
Morgan
S E
SE
Murphy
M A
MA
Wainner
R S
RS
Clayton
R L
RL
Underwood
F B
FB
D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation*; D009431:Neural Conduction; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000502:physiology