A new technique for ambulatory manometry of the small intestine with digital storage of signals is presented. Postprandial motility after a 1700-kJ meal and nighttime fasting motility were recorded in 19 healthy young adults. A comprehensive statistical approach was worked out to illuminate the statistical properties of fasting motility data from long-term studies. Separate quantifications of the variation within and between individuals are presented for the migrating motor complex (MMC). The overall mean for the MMC period was 107 min, with incomplete periods included as censored data. Standard deviation within individuals was 49 min, and standard deviation between individuals 16 min. Presented in the same manner, phase III in the proximal jejunum lasted 5.3 min, with standard deviations of 1.5 and 1.1 min, respectively. The propagation velocity of phase III in the distal duodenum was 10.8 cm/min, with standard deviations of 3.7 and 4.1 cm/min, respectively. Fed-state lasted 324 +/- 110 min (mean +/- SD), and adjusted fed-state, an alternative definition proposed in this study, 290 +/- 80 min. This variance component model, extended to handle censored data, provides a useful statistical approach for the analyses of the MMC. The MMC period proved to be less suitable for quantitative comparisons because of dominating intraindividual variance. Comparisons presented indicate that discrepancies in reference values depend, to a great extent, on the statistical methods applied.