Phrenic nerve conduction studies are clinically helpful in the evaluation of the disease of peripheral nerves and therapeutic applications.

The purpose of this study is to determine the normal value of the phrenic nerve conduction using magnetic stimulation in 30 healthy Korean male adults, in addition compared to one from the electrical stimulation.

In the present study, phrenic nerve function was evaluated by transcutaneous magnetic stimulation at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the thyroid cartilage level and recording the diaphragmatic action potential with surface electrode placed at the ipsilateral eighth-ninth intercostal space of 8-10th rib.

The results were as follows:

1) The mean latency was 7.00±0.72 msec at right, 7.00±0.76 msec at left, there was no significant differences between sides.

2) The mean amplitude was 647.3±262.3 uV at right, 663.6±278.8 uV at left, there was no significant differences between sides.

3) There was no significant differences in the latency and amplitude of compound motor action potential of phrenic nerve between magnetic and electrical stimulation.

4) There was no significant differences between the latency and the age, and sitting height and the chest circumference.

In conclusion, the use of magnetic stimulation may be used as the method of phrenic nerve conduction study like the electrical stimulation.