Use of collision tests to identify physiological differences between the median and ulnar nerves

INTRODUCTION: Median and ulnar nerves are used in comparative electrophysiological studies. We analyzed the conduction values in these hand nerves in healthy volunteers to find any physiological differences between them. METHODS: We performed standard conduction studies and conduction velocity distribution (CVD) tests with estimation of 3 quartiles in 31 healthy right-handed volunteers (17 women, 14 men) with a mean age of 44.8 ± 15.5 years. RESULTS: The conduction velocities in all quartiles of CVD tests were statistically faster in the ulnar nerve (P < 0.00001), with no differences in the spread of conduction values and no differences between sides. In the ulnar nerve, CVD velocities in all quartiles were faster in the female group (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The ulnar nerve has more fibers conducting with high velocities than does the median nerve. Electrophysiological comparisons between hand nerves must be performed carefully. Muscle Nerve 59:470-474, 2019.