Normative data of F-wave measures in China

Objective: To establish normal ranges of F-wave measures in China as compared to published data in Brazil and Japan.Method: We studied F waves in 127 healthy Chinese subjects, aged 21-78 years old, stimulating the median, ulnar, tibial and peroneal nerves distally and proximaly.Result: the F-wave latencies had a linear correlation to the subject height in all nerves tested, showing a steeper (P < 0.05) regression line in Brazil compared to China and Japan for the tibial nerve. the Chinese population also had a higher distally elicited F-wave persistence and faster F wave conduction velocities than previously reported for both ulnar and tibial nerves. These values showed significant difference (P < 0.05) compared to Brazil but not to Japan.Conclusion: F-wave latencies show a linear correlation to subject height, although the slope of regression lines varies among countries, reflecting the difference in F-wave persistence and F-wave conduction velocity.Significance: Our study provides a rational for the use of a latency-height nomogram in clinical studies and underscores the importance of developing country specific normative data. (C) 2012 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.Capital Med Univ, Beijing Tiantan Hosp, Dept Neurol, Beijing 100050, Peoples R ChinaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Clin Neurophysiol Lab, São Paulo, BrazilKobe City Med Ctr, Gen Hosp, Dept Neurol, Kobe, Hyogo, JapanChinese Acad Med Sci, Peking Union Med Coll Hosp, Dept Neurol, Beijing 100730, Peoples R ChinaUniv Iowa, Coll Med, Dept Neurol, Div Clin Electrophysiol, Iowa City, IA 52242 USAUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Clin Neurophysiol Lab, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc