New method for expressing F-wave data as conduction velocity

Abstract

A method for expressing F-wave data as a conduction velocity (normalized F-wave conduction velocity, NFCV) is described for the median, ulnar, peroneal, and posterior tibial nerves. Surface measurements routinely performed for calculation of motor conduction velocity (MCV) are used together with F-wave latency and a compensation factor (CF) to calculate a "velocity" easily comparable (normalized) to the MCV. Significant correlations between segmental "limb lengths" and whole 'extremity lengths" are shown. High correlations between NFCV and MCV are shown in a normal population, implying that NFCV is a valid descriptor of nerve conduction although it is not the true F-wave conduction velocity. The NFCV is shown to be more sensitive to age than F-wave latency or MCV, implying that NFCV potentially may be used as a sensitive indicator of motor nerve pathology.