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Comparative Study
. 2014 Dec;50(6):884-93.
doi: 10.1002/mus.24442.

Motor unit number estimation: a technology and literature review

Clifton L Gooch  1 , Timothy J Doherty, K Ming Chan, Mark B Bromberg, Richard A Lewis, Dan W Stashuk, Michael J Berger, Michael T Andary, Jasper R Daube
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Motor unit number estimation: a technology and literature review

Clifton L Gooch et al. Muscle Nerve. 2014 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Numerous methods for motor unit number estimation (MUNE) have been developed. The objective of this article is to summarize and compare the major methods and the available data regarding their reproducibility, validity, application, refinement, and utility.

Methods: Using specified search criteria, a systematic review of the literature was performed. Reproducibility, normative data, application to specific diseases and conditions, technical refinements, and practicality were compiled into a comprehensive database and analyzed.

Results: The most commonly reported MUNE methods are the incremental, multiple-point stimulation, spike-triggered averaging, and statistical methods. All have established normative data sets and high reproducibility. MUNE provides quantitative assessments of motor neuron loss and has been applied successfully to the study of many clinical conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and normal aging.

Conclusions: MUNE is an important research technique in human subjects, providing important data regarding motor unit populations and motor unit loss over time.

Keywords: aging; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; compound muscle action potential; motor unit; motor unit number estimation.

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Comment in

  • Reply to reflection on MUNE.
    Gooch CL, Doherty TJ, Ming Chan K, Bromberg MB, Lewis RA, Stashuk DW, Berger MJ, Andary MT, Daube JR. Gooch CL, et al. Muscle Nerve. 2015 Apr;51(4):624. doi: 10.1002/mus.24585. Muscle Nerve. 2015. PMID: 25620429 No abstract available.
  • Reflections on motor unit number estimation.
    McComas AJ. McComas AJ. Muscle Nerve. 2015 Apr;51(4):623. doi: 10.1002/mus.24586. Muscle Nerve. 2015. PMID: 25620550 No abstract available.

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