Effect of Age and Body Mass Index on Sensory Nerve Conduction

Abstract

BACKGROUND Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) and Needle Electromyography (EMG) are the main electrodiagnostic assessments for peripheral nerves. Nerve conduction study helps in knowing the extent and distribution of neural lesions. The sensory nerves studied in the lower limb are the sural nerve and the common peroneal nerve. The sensory nerve dysfunctions usually start in the lower limbs. Sural nerve study in systemic illness like diabetes mellitus shows axonal neuropathies. It also has higher diagnostic value. Aging is the process of becoming older, a process that is genetically determined and environmentally modulated. As age increases the nerve conduction velocity decreases. Along with age, Body Mass Index (BMI) is also an important factor to be taken into consideration. The objective of the study is to assess the effect of age and BMI on sensory nerve conduction study. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted in the department of physiology. The study protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee. A written informed consent was obtained from each participant. The criteria for considering the volunteers were-Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5-35 and age group between 21-65 years. Statistical Analysis-One-way ANOVA test was used to find the statistical significance between the groups. The data was analysed using the SPSS software. Group statistics was done and expressed as Mean±SD. RESULTS The results of sensory nerve conduction velocities were statistically significant when comparison was done between lesser age group with higher age group and lesser BMI with higher BMI (P <0.05). CONCLUSION Since the parameters recorded show slowing of nerve conduction velocity, we suggest that obesity and age has some deleterious effect on axonal functions. So, while doing nerve conduction studies in persons with advanced age and higher BMI, these parameters must be taken into consideration.