Diurnal fluctuations of human nerve conduction velocity

In 14 normal subjects, sensory conduction velocity (SCV), determined at constant skin temperature, displayed diurnal fluctuations which were related to similar variations in rectal temperature. Control of surface limb temperature in routine EMG does not completely obviate the variations induced by the body temperature cycle. Diurnal fluctuations should be taken into account when performing serial CV determinations in the same individual.