Application of high-density surface electromyography for early diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25461314
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Neurology
• Research Institution: Kobe University
• Principal Investigator: Sekiguchi Kenji 神戸大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (70533793)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 高密度表面筋電図 / 筋萎縮性側索硬化症 / 早期診断 / 単一運動単位電位 / 神経筋超音波検査 / 非侵襲的検査 / 線維束性電位

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We developed high-density surface electrode and its analysis methods for detect a single motor unit potential (SMUP) non-invasively in order to diagnosis for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using commonly-used EMG machine. The amplitude and negative waveform area of the SMUP were significantly higher in ALS patients than in healthy controls. There was no correlation between the size of SMUP and disease duration. Fasciculation potentials were also able to distinguish between voluntary contraction potential at 94% probability. The use of ultrasound is thought to be effective in the non-invasive diagnosis of neuromuscular disease, we also able to confirm that usefulness ultrasound diaphragm thickness, compound muscle action potential amplitude and forced vital capacity were well correlated. High-density surface EMG is non-invasive examination, but it is necessary to use in combination with other non-invasive test such as ultrasound for early diagnosis of ALS.

Free Research Field

臨床神経生理学