Effect of Surface Electrode Type on Sensory and Motor Nerve Conduction Study Findings: A Controlled Electrophysiological Study

Aim: Individual characteristics, such as age, or technical factors, such as recording electrode characteristics, may influence nerve conduction study findings. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different surface electrode types on sensory and motor NCS findings and to evaluate their clinical interchangeability and impact on reference values. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 30 healthy volunteers. Sensory and motor NCSs of the median and ulnar nerves were performed using four surface electrode types: disposable pre-gelled adhesive electrodes (DPAE), cut-in-half DPAE (CDPAE), silver cup electrodes (SCE), and felt bar electrodes (FBE). Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and Compound nerve action potential (CNAP) parameters—including latency, amplitude, duration, and negative area—were recorded. Sensory nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) were calculated based on onset and peak latencies. Results: CMAP latency, amplitude, duration, and negative area, as well as CNAP amplitude and sensory NCV, varied significantly. In contrast, motor NCVs and F-wave latencies did not differ. CDPAE and SCE produced comparable results across most parameters. Reference values differed depending on the electrode type. Conclusion: Surface electrode type has a significant impact on both motor and sensory NCS parameters. CDPAE and SCE appear to be clinically interchangeable. Given the variability in reference values, laboratories should generate electrode-specific normative data to ensure accurate interpretation and diagnosis in clinical neurophysiology.