Comparative assessment of median nerve conduction velocity in right and left handed young healthy people

Abstract

Background: In the past few decades, major changes have taken place in the field of peripheral nerve studies, especially in the relation to its ultrastructure, histochemistry, neurophysiology, and axonal transport system. The widespread introduction of various new investigating techniques in disorders of peripheral nervous system which have emerged in recent years. Aims and Objectives: Present study was undertaken to assess and compare median nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in right and left handed young healthy people. Materials and Methods: 100 healthy individuals (50 right handed and 50 left handed) in the age group of 18-24 years were included in the study. Material used to assess median NCV was Computerized NCV Equipment (Neurocare™ 2000 manufactured by Biotech™, Mumbai, India). Results: The mean age of the right handed participants was 22.28 ± 1.97 and 22.7 ± 1.66 in left-handed participants involved in the study. The mean median NCV was higher in right hand than left hand in right handed participants. NCV was higher in left hand than right hand in left handed participants. On comparison, the difference in NCV in right median nerve is statistically not significant between right and left handed participants (P > 0.05) and NCV in left median nerve is significantly higher in left handed participants than right handed participants (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Sensory conduction velocity in left median nerve was significantly higher in left handed participants. Sensory conduction velocity in right median nerve was lower in left handed participants as compared with right handed ones.