title: Comparison of motor unit action potential characteristics and hand dominance using monopolar needle electrodes in the abductor pollicis brevis and abductor digiti minimi muscles.
abstract: This study examined specific electrical characteristics of voluntary single motor unit action potentials (SMUAPs): amplitude, duration, phase change, and rate of rise. These characteristics, which were detected from two intrinsic muscles of the hand--the abductor pollicis brevis and the abductor digiti minimi--were compared to hand dominance. Forty subjects participated in the study. Five characteristics were detected from each muscle using the quadrant technique while the subject produced a minimal isometric contraction. Based on results of an ANOVA [two-factor with replication] test, our study revealed no significant difference between muscles in the dominant and non-dominant hands. Descriptive statistics for each muscle characteristic are presented. This study has identified parameters for SMUAP characteristics detected in non-impaired individuals ranging in age from 20 to 43 years. The normative parameters serve as a valuable base from which one may examine potential neuronal damage from cumulative trauma disorders.
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Program, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA, USA. Nelson@lvc.edu
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cauley
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lauretani
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Simonson
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D004566:Electrodes; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D009339:Needles; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D020196:Trauma, Nervous System / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*