Electrodiagnostic reference values for upper and lower limb nerve conduction studies in adult populations

Abstract

Introduction: To address the need for greater standardization within the field of electrodiagnostic medicine, the Normative Data Task Force (NDTF) was formed to identify nerve conduction studies (NCS) in the literature, evaluate them using consensus-based methodological criteria derived by the NDTF, and identify those suitable as a resource for NCS metrics.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted of published peer-reviewed scientific articles for 11 routinely performed sensory and motor NCS from 1990 to 2012.

Results: Over 7,500 articles were found. After review using consensus-based methodological criteria, only 1 study each met all quality criteria for 10 nerves.

Conclusion: The NDTF selected only those studies that met all quality criteria and were considered suitable as a clinical resource for NCS metrics. The literature is, however, limited and these findings should be confirmed by larger, multicenter collaborative efforts. Muscle Nerve 54: 371-377, 2016.

Keywords: guidelines; nerve conduction; nerve conduction studies; normal values; normative data; reference values; standards of practice.