Study of sensory nerve conduction of median and ulnar nerves in the upper limbs: Effect of age, gender and BMI

Nerve conduction studies play an important role in clinical practice and research. They are a standard procedure for evaluation of peripheral neuropathy. Subject data is typically compared with the normative data to interpret study results. Temperature control and standardized technique along with consideration for age, gender, height and instrumentation is imperative for appropriate interpretation of electro diagnostic studies.

In the present study the effects of age, gender and BMI on sensory conduction velocity and sensory amplitude of the compound nerve action potential of median and ulnar nerves of adults were prospectively studied.

The present study included 180 normal subjects who were divided in three groups according to their age. An additional 20 subjects with a BMI more than 30 kg/m2 from the age group 18 - 30 years were taken and were labeled as obese group. Parameters were recorded using NEUROCARE TM 2000 which is a computerized EMG/NCV/EP Equipment.

Conduction velocity and amplitude of the compound action potential were found to decrease with age. No effect of gender was seen on the conduction velocity, but a difference in amplitude was obtained between males and females. Amplitude was found to be greater in females as compared to males. Increasing BMI also showed no effect on conduction velocity but decreased the amplitude.