The time constants of motor and sensory peripheral nerve fibers measured with the method of latent addition

Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1994 Apr;93(2):147-54. doi: 10.1016/0168-5597(94)90078-7.

Abstract

The time constants of motor and sensory fibers in the human ulnar, median and tibial nerves were determined using the method of latent addition. Two square-wave stimuli were applied: the first one was subthreshold and the second, at various delays relative to the first, was adjusted to achieve threshold activation. Strength-delay curves were obtained, from which the time constant was determined using a mathematical model. Sensory fibers had time constants that were about 3 times the time constant for motor fibers. The strength-delay curves gave similar time constants as those obtained from strength-duration curves.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Electric Stimulation
  • H-Reflex / physiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Neurological
  • Motor Neurons / physiology*
  • Muscles / physiology*
  • Nerve Fibers / physiology
  • Neurons, Afferent / physiology*
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology*
  • Time Factors