Comparison of Electrical and Mechanical Recording of Spontaneous and Evoked Muscle Activity

Abstract

The electrical and mechanical responses of peripheral skeletal muscle to nerve stimulation, and the integrated abdominal electromyogram were studied during anesthesia and operation to determine the feasibility of their routine use as a guide to the administration of neuromuscular blocking agents. The integrated electromyogram provided a good guide to the degree of relaxation produced by anesthetic agents, as well as the neuromuscular blockers. The electrical and mechanical responses of the muscle to nerve stimulation were not significantly modified by the anesthetics but were affected by the neuromuscular blockers. The mechanical response of the muscle to nerve stimulation was found to be the most accurate, convenient and useful guide to the administration of the neuromuscular blockers. Extensive experience with the routine use of a nerve stimulator during anesthesia and operation led to the conclusion that any time a neuromuscular blocking agent is given, the use of a nerve stimulator to monitor the effects should seriously be considered.