Sacral reflex latency correlated by age and sex.

This prospective study was undertaken on 190 subjects who had no prior central or peripheral nerve supply pathology and where the value of the sacral reflex latency was compared by age and sex in order to determine precise norms. There were 90 men whose age averaged 56.9 +/- 13 years and 100 women with an average age of 54 +/- 13.1. The reflex was obtained by stimulating the dorsal nerve of the penis and the clitoris and taking a reading in the intermediate part of the external anal sphincter muscle. An averaging technique was used (over 30 stimulation occurrences). The average intensity of the stimulation was 15 mA. The value of the stimulus reaction latency taken at the positive peak was analyzed statistically. The average value was 37.6 +/- 5.36 ms in male subjects and 46.6 +/- 8.08 in female subjects. In men, values varied from 36.6 +/- 4.26 ms at under 35 years of age and reached 42 +/- 3.52 ms at over 75 years. In women, values varied from 37.33 +/- 7.69 ms at under 35 years to 55.6 +/- 4.39 ms at over 75 years of age. In a previous article we discussed ageing features in nerves and muscles. These features are largely responsible for the occurrence of static pelvic problems. The purpose of this study is to compare the sacral reflex latency by sex and age in normal subjects.