Test-retest reliability of quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Physiology

Background:

• Sudomotor function assessment is crucial for diagnosing neuropathies.
• Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing (QSART) is a method to evaluate sweat gland output.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the test-retest reliability of quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing (QSART).
• To determine the measurement error and minimal detectable change for QSART.

Main Methods:

• QSART was performed on 20 healthy participants at two time points across four sites.
• Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to determine reliability.
• Standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were derived from a larger cohort (n=67).

Main Results:

• ICCs varied by body site, ranging from 0.48 to 0.75, indicating moderate reliability.
• SEM values ranged from 0.273 to 0.978 µL.
• MDC values ranged from ±0.756 to ±2.712 µL, differing between men and women.

Conclusions:

• QSART demonstrates moderate test-retest reliability.
• Significant SEM and MDC suggest substantial measurement variability.
• The findings indicate limited utility of QSART for longitudinal or interventional studies monitoring sudomotor function.