F Wave Analyzer, a system for repeater F-waves detection: Application in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

We assessed the clinical usefulness of repeater F-waves (Freps) analysis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), using an automated computerized system (F Wave Analyzer).

Forty consecutive F-waves were recorded from the ulnar and peroneal nerve in 52 patients with ALS and 52 healthy control subjects. Data were imported into the F Wave Analyzer which identifies Freps and groups them. Parameters of Freps and non repeater F-waves (Fnonreps) were compared.

Total number of repeating neurons, Freps persistence (100xFreps/40stimuli) and Index Total Freps (100xFreps/total number of F-waves) were significantly higher in the ALS compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.005). There were no consistent differences of F-wave latency or amplitude measurements between Freps and Fnonreps for both studied groups, with the exception of prolonged Freps minimum latency in ALS.

In ALS, the high numbers of Freps, reduced overall F-wave persistence and increased F-wave amplitude measurements in a relatively unaffected nerve-muscle complex reflects excitability alterations of the corresponding motor neuron pool. Overall, automatic analysis facilitates accurate and fast detection of Freps and could be useful in other clinical settings.

Analysis of repeater F-waves is expected to provide new insight regarding ALS pathophysiology and utilized for monitoring in clinical drug trials.