title: A multiple regression model of normal central and peripheral motor conduction times.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The effects of age, height, and gender on magnetic central and peripheral motor conduction times (CMCT, PMCT) were analyzed using a multiple regression model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Motor evoked potentials were recorded in 91 healthy volunteers. Magnetic stimulation was performed over the primary motor cortex (cortical latency) and over the cervical and lumbar spines (spinal latency). The spinal latency was taken as an estimate of PMCT and was subtracted from cortical latency to yield CMCT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lower limb CMCT correlated significantly with height only; there were no significant predictors for upper limb CMCT. Upper and lower limb PMCT correlated with both age and height.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is among the largest studies of CMCT in normal subjects. The multiple regression model unifies previously reported simple regression analyses, reconciles past discrepancies, and allows normal ranges to be individualized.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neuroscience, Henry Wellcome Building, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
authors.forename: Stephan R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Jaiser
authors.forename: Jonathan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: Stuart N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology*; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: central motor conduction time; magnetic stimulation; motor evoked potential; peripheral motor conduction time; regression model