Criterion validity of the NC-stat automated nerve conduction measurement instrument

The purpose of this study is to assess the criterion validity of peroneal and posterior tibial nerve conduction measurements obtained with the NC-stat system. Sixty patients referred to the Boston VA EMG laboratory were enrolled. Each subject had a full study of the lower extremity performed using traditional EMG equipment prior to obtaining the NC-stat measurements. These included peroneal and posterior tibial distal motor latency (DML), amplitude (AMP) and F-wave latency (FLAT) measurements. Excellent criterion validity was demonstrated for the peroneal and posterior tibial FLATs and the peroneal AMP. Acceptable criterion validity was identified in the peroneal DML and the posterior tibial AMP. The validity of the posterior tibial DML could not be demonstrated. With the exception of the peroneal DML, criterion validity was maintained in a sub-group analysis of the 50% most abnormal parameter values. The comparability of NCS performed with the NC-stat and in traditional settings has been demonstrated for motor studies of the median and ulnar nerves in previous studies. This study shows that the technology used by the NC-stat for studying the peroneal and posterior tibial nerves compares favorably as well with that obtained with traditional EMG equipment used under neurologist supervision.