Influence of age and height on nerve conduction

Abstract

Previous studies demonstrated age- and height-related slowing of nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and reduction in nerve response amplitude. Unfortunately, many studies examined discontinuous populations, preventing regression analysis. The correlation coefficients of available studies vary widely, preventing clear conclusions. We retrospectively examined 3969 clinically normal subjects ranging in age from 20 to 95 years from a total of 22,420 electrodiagnostic studies done between 1986 and 1998. The correlation of NCV with height was stronger than with age. Regression equations using both factors account for 12--27% of the variance. Responses were seen in the majority of patients aged 70 years and older, but the percentage of normals who had no response increased with advancing age. Age was strongly inversely correlated with the amplitudes of both sensory and motor responses, accounting for 7--16% of the variance. Regression equations using both height and age improved this correlation, accounting for 7--22% of the variance. Therefore, both height and age must be taken into consideration when normal values are developed.

Physiological correlates of age-related decline in vibrotactile sensitivity

“…It has been previously demonstrated that height, which affects the length of peripheral nerves, may substantially influence measures of sensitivity [16,32]. Accordingly, in our study height was significantly associated with tactile sensitivity.…”

“…Likewise, the peripheral nerve measurements were represented by "Peripheral Nerve Function", and the tapping test and Short Blessed mental test were together represented by "Central Nervous System Function". Age exerted a direct influence on Glucose120, Inflammatory Markers, Peripheral Nerve Function, height and Central Nervous System function [5,6,29,30,32]. When the mediating effect of these variables was accounted for, we found no residual direct effect of age on vibration threshold.…”

Electrophysiological status of sural nerves in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients before symptomatic peripheral neuropathy

“…The NCV correlates more strongly with the height than with the age [21]. Height shows a significant correlation with most of the motor nerve conduction parameters and with a few sensory nerves [22].…”

Effect of Aging and Anthropometric Measurements on Nerve Conduction Properties - A Review

“…Later in adulthood, the nerve velocity decreases with age and this is more pronounced in the lower than in the upper limbs. Rivner et al (2001) studied that the correlation of NCV with height was stronger than with age. Regression equations using both factors account for 12-27% of the variance.…”