What is the effect of increasing the distance between stimulating and recording electrodes?

Increasing the distance between the stimulating and recording electrodes primarily affects the resultant nerve conduction measurements by introducing increased latency and potentially decreasing the amplitude of the recorded signal. When the distance between these electrodes is greater, the electrical signal must travel a longer pathway through the nerve fibers, leading to a delay in the time it takes for the action potential to reach the recording site, which manifests as increased latency.

Additionally, as the distance increases, there may be more opportunity for attenuation of the signal, which can occur due to the properties of the nerve tissue and the dispersive nature of the electric field. This can result in a decrease in the amplitude of the recorded action potential. Thus, the relationship between electrode placement and the characteristics of the recorded signal is critical for accurately interpreting nerve conduction studies.