The influence of the reference electrode in recording F-waves.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that many tibial F-waves can be recorded with the tendon electrode and to declare the importance of the "reference" electrode in F-wave recording. METHODS: In eight lower extremities of four healthy subjects, tibial and fibular F-waves were recorded with the belly and tendon electrodes separately, using the opposite foot electrode as a reference site. RESULTS: It was found that the mean tibial F-wave persistence proportions were 51.5% with the belly electrode and 86.7% with the tendon electrode. A greater number of tibial F-waves were recorded with the tendon electrode than the belly electrode, while few peroneal F-waves were recorded with the tendon electrode. CONCLUSION: Many of the standard tibial F-waves were recorded with the tendon "reference" electrode. SIGNIFICANCE: This phenomenon might be a clue to the difference of the F-wave persistence between the tibial and the peroneal nerves.