Median nerve F-wave conduction in healthy subjects. 1984

M W Cornwall, and C Nelson

This study of the normal median nerve was designed to compare techniques of using the shortest and average F-wave latencies, F-wave values between extremities, and F-wave values with the conventional motor response values and to determine the relationships between F-wave latency and arm length. We examined 40 median nerves in 20 subjects with no known pathology. The motor response latency was measured from wrist and elbow stimulation sites by conventional techniques. We then applied multiple stimuli at the same sites to record a series of 10 F-wave latencies and determined shortest and average F-wave latencies. Values of F-wave and M-response conduction are reported. No significant difference was found in F-wave latency or velocity between extremities within subjects, using either the shortest or average latency technique. We propose a formula for calculating the estimated F-wave distal latency based on the conventional motor response distal latency. The F-wave conduction velocities of the forearm were faster and more variable than the motor nerve conduction velocities. A high correlation was found between F-wave distal latency and arm length. Using the method described, the F wave can be a useful measure in evaluating the conduction of proximal segments of peripheral motor nerves.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008475 Median Nerve A major nerve of the upper extremity. In humans, the fibers of the median nerve originate in the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord (usually C6 to T1), travel via the brachial plexus, and supply sensory and motor innervation to parts of the forearm and hand. Median Nerves,Nerve, Median,Nerves, Median
D009046 Motor Neurons Neurons which activate MUSCLE CELLS. Neurons, Motor,Alpha Motorneurons,Motoneurons,Motor Neurons, Alpha,Neurons, Alpha Motor,Alpha Motor Neuron,Alpha Motor Neurons,Alpha Motorneuron,Motoneuron,Motor Neuron,Motor Neuron, Alpha,Motorneuron, Alpha,Motorneurons, Alpha,Neuron, Alpha Motor,Neuron, Motor
D009119 Muscle Contraction A process leading to shortening and/or development of tension in muscle tissue. Muscle contraction occurs by a sliding filament mechanism whereby actin filaments slide inward among the myosin filaments. Inotropism,Muscular Contraction,Contraction, Muscle,Contraction, Muscular,Contractions, Muscle,Contractions, Muscular,Inotropisms,Muscle Contractions,Muscular Contractions
D009431 Neural Conduction The propagation of the NERVE IMPULSE along the nerve away from the site of an excitation stimulus. Nerve Conduction,Conduction, Nerve,Conduction, Neural,Conductions, Nerve,Conductions, Neural,Nerve Conductions,Neural Conductions
D011930 Reaction Time The time from the onset of a stimulus until a response is observed. Response Latency,Response Speed,Response Time,Latency, Response,Reaction Times,Response Latencies,Response Times,Speed, Response,Speeds, Response
D004576 Electromyography Recording of the changes in electric potential of muscle by means of surface or needle electrodes. Electromyogram,Surface Electromyography,Electromyograms,Electromyographies,Electromyographies, Surface,Electromyography, Surface,Surface Electromyographies
D005260 Female Females
D005542 Forearm Part of the upper extremity in humans and primates extending from the ELBOW to the WRIST. Antebrachium,Antebrachiums,Forearms
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man

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