Bicycle ergometer test to obtain adequate skin temperature when measuring nerve conduction velocity

Objective To achieve optimal diagnostic accuracy, measurements of nerve conduction velocity require standardised tissue temperatures. To warm an extremity to a desired temperature that remains constant during the measurement may be difficult, especially in subjects with low finger temperatures. The aim of this study was to investigate if a submaximal bicycle ergometer test before the examination would be a useful method of obtaining high and stable finger temperatures during nerve conduction studies in the hand. Methods 114 women aged 25–65 (median 44) performed a bicycle ergometer test on an electrically braked bicycle ergometer (Siemens-Elema) before they underwent a nerve conduction test. Results Before cycling, the mean finger temperature was 28.1 °C (range 20.5–35.4 °C) and 15 min after the test 35.1 °C (range 30.3–36.9 °C). The levels remained almost constant throughout the nerve conduction examination, which had a duration of approximately 25 min. Conclusions A bicycle ergometer test proved to be a simple and effective method of raising hand temperature.