Effect of sensory nerve conduction studies of median and ulnar nerve: Height and body mass index

Abstract

Background: Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) have been contributed to a better understanding of normal peripheral nerve structure and function and understanding of various peripheral neuropathies. Height and body mass index (BMI) are influencing activity on nerve conduction velocities (NCVs). Median and ulnar nerves in upper limb were tested commonly for sensory NCSs (SNCSs). Multiple variables such as age; gender; BMI; and height influence NCS parameters. Therefore, this present study was assessing effect of height and BMI on SNCS of median and ulnar nerves among healthy subjects. Aim and Objective: This study aims to study and correlate SNCS of median and ulnar nerve with height and BMI. Materials and Methods: After taking permission from Human Ethics Committee, Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, 91 normal healthy subjects of both genders, age 15–65 years, were participated for SNCS of median and ulnar nerve of both hands using RMS Aleron electromyography/NCV EPII Mark 401, 4-Channels instrument. SNCSs of different parameters were taken out and analyzed for statistical significance. Results: P value is not statistically significant in all groups divided on the basis of height except I versus III and II versus III height group in the left ulnar nerve. P value is not statistically significant in all groups divided on the basis of BMI group. Positive correlation is seen in height with latency and negative correlation is seen in height with sensory NCV (SNCV) and amplitude which was similar to other study 3, 6, 13 and no uniform correlation in height with duration. A positive correlation is seen in BMI with SNCV and negative correlation is seen in BMI with duration. There is no uniform correlation in BMI with latency and amplitude. Conclusion: SNCV is slowing as height and BMI increases.