Methods and considerations for the analysis and standardization of assessing muscle sympathetic nerve activity in humans

- We provide a step by step instruction for acquisition of MSNA.
- We provide a collation of methods for quantification of MSNA.
- We address concerns with conclusions drawn from different MSNA quantifications.
- We discuss the need for standardization of MSNA practices among researchers.

The technique of microneurography and the assessment of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) are used in laboratories throughout the world. The variables used to describe MSNA, and the criteria by which these variables are quantified from the integrated neurogram, vary among studies and laboratories and, therefore, can become confusing to those starting to learn the technique. Therefore, the purpose of this educational review is to discuss guidelines and standards for the assessment of sympathetic nervous activity through the collection and analysis of MSNA. This review will reiterate common practices in the collection of MSNA, but will also introduce considerations for the evaluation and physiological inference using MSNA.