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Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency: age effects and technical considerations
J Lefaucheur1, R Yiou, C Thomas
1Service de Physiologie - Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hopital Henri Mondor, 51 Avenue de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Creteil, France. jean-pascal.lefaucheur@hmn.ap-hop-paris.fr
Summary
Age significantly impacts pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML), necessitating age-specific reference values. A new intra-rectal stimulator offers a more comfortable alternative for assessing anal sphincter innervation.
Area of Science:
- Neurophysiology
- Gerontology
- Urology
Background:
- Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) is a key metric for evaluating anal sphincter innervation.
- Age-related changes in neurological function can influence electrophysiological measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of age on PNTML in healthy individuals.
- To evaluate the utility of a novel intra-rectal stimulator for PNTML measurement.
Main Methods:
- PNTML was measured in 40 subjects (21-75 years) using a standard electrode.
- A new intra-rectal stimulator was used in 20 subjects (>50 years) to assess PNTML without finger insertion.
- Statistical analysis included Spearman and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Main Results:
- PNTML showed a positive correlation with age in the first series (P=0.01).
- PNTML values in the second series were comparable to those of older subjects in the first series (P=0.35).
- The new stimulator yielded PNTML values within a similar range (1.8-5.6 ms).
Conclusions:
- Age significantly influences PNTML, supporting the need for age-stratified reference values.
- The novel intra-rectal stimulator provides a less invasive and potentially more comfortable method for PNTML assessment.
- These findings have implications for the accurate electrophysiological evaluation of anal sphincter function in aging populations.