Reliability of quantitative motor unit action potential parameters

We evaluated the test-retest reliability (reproducibility) of motor unit action potential (MUAP) parameters in multi-MUAP analysis over time. Reproducibility studies are not available for needle quantitative electromyography (QEMG) performed by the same examiner. Fourteen consecutive individuals (10 men and 4 women) had repeat QEMG at 3 hours after the first examination, and seven (5 men and 2 women) had a repeat QEMG after 4-10 days. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 87-97% with same-day testing and 52-81% with different-day testing. Size index and firing rate were the most reproducible, suggesting use in follow-up multi-MUAP studies.