The results of the ten test items at visits one (∼1 week), two (∼1 month) and three (∼3 months).

For each of the ten dichotomous items concerning joint movements and needle electromyography, the sensitivity, 1- specificity and percentage of correct prediction of a ‘mild’ or ‘severe’ lesion is indicated. Electromyography (EMG): the presence of spontaneous muscle activity (fibrillation and/or positive sharp waves) and the absence of motor unit action potentials (MUPs). p values denote results from Pearson's Chi-Square test.