Normative data of F-wave measures in China

Abstract

Objective: To establish normal ranges of F-wave measures in China as compared to published data in Brazil and Japan.Method: We studied F waves in 127 healthy Chinese subjects, aged 21-78 years old, stimulating the median, ulnar, tibial and peroneal nerves distally and proximaly.Result: the F-wave latencies had a linear correlation to the subject height in all nerves tested, showing a steeper (P < 0.05) regression line in Brazil compared to China and Japan for the tibial nerve. the Chinese population also had a higher distally elicited F-wave persistence and faster F wave conduction velocities than previously reported for both ulnar and tibial nerves. These values showed significant difference (P < 0.05) compared to Brazil but not to Japan.Conclusion: F-wave latencies show a linear correlation to subject height, although the slope of regression lines varies among countries, reflecting the difference in F-wave persistence and F-wave conduction velocity.Significance: Our study provides a rational for the use of a latency-height nomogram in clinical studies and underscores the importance of developing country specific normative data. (C) 2012 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.