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Updated: May 29, 2026
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Stimulated Single Fiber Electromyography (SFEMG) for Assessing Neuromuscular Junction Transmission in Rodent Models
Published on: March 8, 2024
Reference values for voluntary and stimulated single-fibre EMG using concentric needle electrodes: a multicentre
Norito Kokubun1, Masahiro Sonoo, Tomihiro Imai
1Department of Neurology, Dokkyo Medical University, Kitakobayashi 880, Mibu, Shimotsuga, Tochigi, Japan.
Summary
This study established new reference values for single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG) using concentric needles. These values, derived from a multicenter trial, offer improved clinical relevance for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Establishing reliable reference values for single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG) is crucial for accurate diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders.
- Previous SFEMG reference values using concentric needles may not fully align with current clinical expectations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively establish reference values for SFEMG utilizing concentric needles in a multicenter setting.
- To determine appropriate cut-off values for mean consecutive difference (MCD) in SFEMG.
Main Methods:
- Conducted voluntary and stimulated SFEMG on extensor digitorum communis (EDC) and frontalis (FRO) muscles in 69 healthy subjects under 60 years.
- Calculated cut-off values for individual MCD using +2.5 standard deviations (SD) or the 95% prediction limit of the upper 10th percentile.
Main Results:
- Established cut-off values for MCD: EDC-V (56.8μs), EDC-S (58.8μs), FRO-V (56.8μs), and FRO-S (51.0μs) using +2.5 SD.
- Achieved false positive rates of approximately 2% with the determined cut-off values.
Conclusions:
- The +2.5 SD and 95% prediction limit are proposed as optimal cut-off values for SFEMG, adaptable to specific clinical needs.
- The study provides the first multicenter reference values for SFEMG with concentric needles, discussing methodologies for cut-off determination and percentile definitions.
