Imagine you’re trying to count the number of people in a crowded room, but the lighting keeps changing and some people are wearing disguises. This study looked at how different settings during a muscle test affected the accuracy of MScanFit motor unit number estimation (MUNE). Researchers performed CMAP scans on the abductor pollicis brevis muscle in healthy subjects using various pulse widths and total number of stimuli. They found that using a shorter pulse width resulted in higher MUNE values compared to a longer pulse width. However, the number of stimuli did not have a significant impact on MUNE. Interestingly, there was a significant difference in MUNE values between subjects tested in the US and China, despite using the same settings. This could be due to the size of the electrodes used. These findings emphasize the importance of consistent experimental parameters to ensure accurate MScanFit MUNE results. If you’re curious to learn more about this study, dive into the research!
MScanFit motor unit number estimation (MUNE) based on the recording of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) scan has wide applications. This study evaluated the effect of different CMAP scan settings on MScanFit MUNE. CMAP scan of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle was performed in 10 healthy subjects at a United States (US) research center using different stimulus pulse widths (0.1, 0.2 ms) and total number of stimuli or steps (500, 1,000), and in 12 healthy subjects at a China research center using a 0.1 ms pulse width and 500 steps. MScanFit MUNE was derived using the default model parameters. A significantly higher MUNE was obtained using the shorter than longer pulse width; 84.70 ± 21.56 (500 steps) and 77.90 ± 27.62 (1,000 steps) at a pulse width of 0.1 ms vs. 67.60 ± 18.72 (500 steps) and 62.20 ± 15.82 (1,000 steps) at a pulse width of 0.2 ms (p < 0.05). However, MUNE was unrelated to the number of steps (500 vs. 1,000, p > 0.1). MUNE was significantly higher in persons studied in the China center (136.42 ± 32.46) than the US center (84.70 ± 21.56) despite each center using the same pulse widths and steps (p < 0.001). After excluding the ethnicity, age and experimenter factors, this significant difference is speculated to be partly related to different electrode size used in the two centers. The findings suggest that CMAP scan experimental parameters should remain consistent, so the MScanFit MUNE will not be compromised by non-physiological factors.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
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