The full form of CMAP is Compound Muscle Action Potential.
CMAP refers to the summated electrical activity of all muscle fibers within a muscle or part of a muscle, responding to stimulation of its motor nerve. Essentially, it's the collective electrical signal produced by muscle fibers when a nerve stimulates them to contract. It is a common measurement used in electrodiagnostic medicine, particularly in nerve conduction studies.
Here's a breakdown of the components:
- Compound: Refers to the combined or summated electrical activity from multiple muscle fibers.
- Muscle: Specifies that the activity is originating from muscle tissue.
- Action Potential: The electrical signal generated by muscle cells (or nerve cells) when they are activated.
CMAP studies are vital in assessing the health and function of peripheral nerves and muscles. For example, a reduced CMAP amplitude can indicate nerve damage or muscle disease. Neurofit, as mentioned in the reference, uses CMAP as a translational test to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of compounds, because changes in the CMAP signal can signify peripheral neuropathies.
