Distal sensory latencies of the ulnar nerve in long distance bicyclists: pilot study*.

• This article is adapted from a paper written in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Master of Science Degree, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710. Ulnar neuropathy, an overuse compression syndrome injury of the ulnar nerve at the wrist, is frequently associated with bicycling. Previous studies have shown that after severe compression injury to the ulnar nerve there is a change in nerve conduction velocity. The purpose of this study was to determine if long distance bicyclists have altered nerve conduction velocities due to repeated sustained compression of the ulnar nerve. This study compares the distal sensory latency period of the ulnar nerve in 15 controls and 10 long distance cyclists. The controls bicycled less than 10 miles per week on the average and the long distance cyclists bicycled an average of more than 100 miles per week. Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.002) in distal sensory latencies between long distance cyclists and the control group. However, there was no significant correlation (p > 0.10) between distance bicycled and latency. Results of this study lead to the belief that there may be adaptive changes in long distance cyclists which could account for changes in sensory nerve conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1988;9(11):370-374.