Radial Nerve F-wave reference values with surface electrodes from the anconeus muscle

Muscle Nerve. 2019 Feb;59(2):244-246. doi: 10.1002/mus.26351. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Abstract

Introduction: We sought to obtain normative values for radial nerve F-wave variables, recording with surface electrodes from the anconeus muscle.

Methods: We tested 30 healthy participants (17 women, 13 men) and measured the following variables: number of F waves/40 traces (F%); minimum, maximum, and mean F-wave latency (FMIN, FMAX, FMED, respectively); F-wave chronodispersion (FCHR); interside differences of F% and FMIN (DF% and DFMIN, respectively).

Results: The mean F% was 41.3%; the normative values of FMIN, FMED, FMAX, and FCHR were < 21.2, <22.1, <23.3, and < 4.0 ms, respectively; and normative values of DF% and DFMIN were < 16.6% and < 1.1 ms, respectively. Height was the sole independent predictor in a regression model of FMIN, FMED, and FMAX; this explained 37%-44% of the variability.

Discussion: We identified a feasible and useful technique to record radial nerve F waves from the anconeus muscle and obtained normative values of F-wave variables. Muscle Nerve 59:244-246, 2019.

Keywords: F wave; anconeus muscle; normative values; radial nerve; radiculopathy; surface recording.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Electrodes
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation*
  • Neural Conduction / physiology*
  • Radial Nerve / physiology*
  • Reference Values
  • Regression Analysis
  • Young Adult