Application of F-Wave Waveform for the Effect of Physical Therapy-Relationship between the Correlation Coefficient of the F-Wave Waveforms and Waveform Identification by Investigators

Abstract

Purpose: The F-wave shows the excitability of spinal nerve. There is prior study that it is normal to appear the various F-waves. However, there is no provision for a method of judging whether or not it is the same waveform. The purpose of this study is to find objective evaluation in comparing F-wave waveform. Method: Present 5 trials of 30 F-wave to 3 people who are engaged in F-wave for many years. We compared the results of visually selected waveform and correlation coefficient (hereafter CC) calculated by personal computer. Results: There were 2 F-waves that 3 people checked, the highest value of CC was 0.99, the lowest value of CC was 0.95. There were 10 F-waves that 2 peoples checked, the highest value of CC was 1.00, the lowest value of CC was 0.71. From the above, consistency of 0.95 or more correlation coefficient was recognized, except for one case. Conclusion: F-wave waveform analysis, criterion with a CC of 0.95 was made as a judgment of the same waveform. We think that waveform analysis become index for physical disability improvement in clinical scene and it will be an objective evaluation of influential physical therapy.