Under the assumption that the amplitude, area of the F-wave will be good parameters as well as latency in F wave study.
We studied electronic averaging technique of F wave in the sciatic nerves of rabbits to get more information about nerve lesion by standardization of F wave.
To determine the most reasonable numbers of averaging, we studied 10, 20 and 50 numbers of averaging in unilateral sciatic nerves of 23 rabbits. There was no statistical significant differences of latency, amplitude, area among 10, 20 and 50 numbers of averaging. Considering about more information with less discomfort and study time, we determined 20 numbers of averaging to be adequate.
To determine the usefulness of averaged F wave, we studied 20 averaged F wave of 14 sciatic nerves of rabbits with crushing injury. There was good correlation between amplitude of proximal M waves and total area of distal 20 averaged F waves and less correlation between negative area of proximal M waves and that of distal 20 averaged F waves.
We concluded that electronic averaging of F wave were convenient, not time consuming and reproducible with more information about conduction block than conventional minimal latency.
