Computerized System for Quantitative Measurement of Sensorimotor Aspects of Human Performance

• Published in: Physical therapy Vol. 67; no. 12; pp. 1860 - 1866
• Main Authors: Smith, S S, Kondraske, G V
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Physical Therapy Association 01.12.1987
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Computer Systems; Computers; Disability Evaluation; Hearing Tests; Humans; Microcomputers; Movement; Neurologic Examination; Physical Therapy Modalities; Psychomotor Performance; Reaction Time; Vision Tests
• ISSN: 0031-9023; 1538-6724
• DOI: 10.1093/ptj/67.12.1860

The purpose of this article is to describe an integrated system for measuring selected aspects of human sensorimotor performance. The system consists of a computerized test battery, a database, and multiple software packages to present results for different applications. The system includes measures classified into major functional categories including sensation, range of motion, isometric muscle strength, anthropometric features, speed, reactions, muscle tone, coordination, body stability, and manual dexterity. A microcomputer is used to coordinate basic measurements obtained from a series of short-duration tests. Raw data are recorded in physical units (eg, degrees, milliseconds). A database currently consisting of over 2,000 data records of normal sensorimotor performance has been collected, permitting immediate comparison of patient data to a group of age- and sex-matched norms. This system permits an objective, reliable, and standardized method for measuring selected aspects of sensorimotor performance essential for physical therapists to quantify individual patient performance, document disability, justify reimbursement, screen employees and athletes, and demonstrate efficacy of treatment.