Does photographic documentation of the position of the recording electrodes decrease motor amplitude variation in electroneurography?

Abstract: It is known that there is an intraindividual amplitude variation in motor electroneurography when the same person is examined at different times. This variation affects the evaluation the status of the patient. The aim of this study was to investigate if the intraindividual amplitude variation decreased by photographing the electrode position, that later is used in the follow-up study. Twenty test persons were examined by four laboratory scientists. The nerves that were examined were median, ulnar, peroneal and tibial nerve. At the first examination the laboratory scientists used method guidelines and took photographs of the electrode position. The photographs were then used in the follow-up. The results showed that there was an indication of decreased of the intraindividual amplitude variation when photographic documentation was used instead of method guidelines.