Motor unit number estimates--from A to Z

J Neurol Sci. 2006 Mar 15;242(1-2):23-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2005.11.011. Epub 2006 Jan 19.

Abstract

Quantitation has become an increasingly important part of clinical EMG. Most aspects of peripheral nerve and muscle function can be evaluated quantitatively using commonly available neurophysiologic methods. Because of the effects of collateral sprouting and reinnervation, techniques to measure the number of motor units supplying a muscle have been more difficult to develop. Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) consists of a number of different methods that evaluate the last unmeasured variable in nerve disease. The various MUNE techniques and their common technical issues will be reviewed, and potential clinical and research applications emphasized.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Electromyography / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neurons / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results