Comparison of automated and manual F-wave latency measurements.
OBJECTIVE
F-waves are well-established clinical neurophysiological studies. F-wave analysis is now cumbersome limiting the usefulness of F-waves. This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of an automated analysis method for F-wave latencies.


METHODS
F-waves following 20 supramaximal stimuli recorded from the extensor digitorum brevis muscle of 80 limbs (55 subjects) were analyzed. F-wave latencies were determined using a computer program developed by NEUROMetrix (Waltham, MA). These results were compared in a blinded fashion with manual measurements of the same datasets by a clinical neurophysiologist with established expertise in F-waves. The manual measurements were repeated once.


RESULTS
The yield rate of automated median F-wave latencies was 100% with a correlation coefficient (CC) of 0.996 when compared with manual assignment results. For individual F-wave latency measurements, comparable values were 90% and 0.977, respectively. The repeated manual measurements revealed a yield rate and CC for median latencies of 100% and 0.998, respectively, with comparable values for individual latency measurements of 95% and 0.992.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate the feasibility of a reliable computerized automated analysis of F-wave latencies.


CONCLUSIONS
A reliable automated analysis of F-waves should add meaningfully to the value of these responses in clinical neurophysiology.
Fisher
Morris A
MA
Department of Neurology, Stritch School of Medicine, Hines VAH and Loyola University Chicago, Neurology (127), Hines, IL 60141, USA. morris.fisher@med.va.gov
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001331:Automation; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D004576:Electromyography; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012984:Software