Professionals Need Professional Tools Human Performance Measurement, Inc. Arlington, TX  USA

Concepts Instruments Software Techniques

The BEP III family is a system designed to permit relatively rapid, objective measurement of isometric strength capacity of most functional units in the body. The BEP III system consists of: 1) HPM's proprietary "BEP for Windows" software that runs on a user-supplied "host computer" and allows the user to focus on the test subject, not the ancillary tasks of measurement; 2) one or more of the BEP III family of modules (see below); 3) a microprocessor based interface unit (BEP III ICU) that interfaces to the host computer through a simple serial port connection (sold seperately, $1195); 4) a compact power supply; 5) a step by step manual for easy set-up and detailed instructions for subject positioning and proper measurement of different muscle groups. The BEP III family of modules are used in protocols modeled after standard manual muscle tests, commonly applied by physical therapists and others. Note that the BEP III interface unit supports up to four different sensing units (e.g., BEP IIIa, BEP IIIb, etc.). A system with two or more of these sensing units requires only one BEP III interface unit. HPM's Auto-Protocol and Auto-Proceed features make it easy to rapidly measure stength capacities of groups of neuromotor functional units. Extensive instructions are provided for subject and examiner positioning and other factors important to high quality measurement.

BEP IIIa Universal Strength

The Model BEP IIIa is an ergonomically designed and tested force sensing unit that attaches to the technician's hand to permit safe, comfortable, and the most valid measurement possible for this class of strength measurement method. Functional units to be tested (e.g. shoulder abductor, knee flexor, etc.) are selected from hierarchically organized menus. Results (maximum force resisted) are automatically extracted from data acquired during test trials.

BEP IIIb Grip Strength

The Model BEP IIIb is an innovative ergonomically designed and tested grip sensing unit that is easily adjusted to the size of the subject's hand to permit safe, comfortable, and valid measurement. Results (maximum force generated) are automatically extracted from data acquired during test trials.

BEP IIId Cable Tensiometer

The Model BEP IIId is a system designed to permit objective measurement of isometric strength capacity of most neuromuscular systems (e.g., functional units such as knee flexor, shoulder abductor, etc.) in the body. It is recommended as the alternative to the BEP IIIa when subjects are relatively strong (compared to the examiner) and accuracy is more important than test administration speed. The BEP IIId system consists of a high quality force (tension) sensing unit with hook interfaces that is used with user-supplied fixtures (cables, harnesses, exam tables, etc.) selected to meet specific needs. The BEP IIId is inserted in series with a cable that is anchored at one end and attached to a specific body landmark at the other (e.g., just proximal to the ankle) while the subject exerts maximal force (e.g., contract knee flexor system maximally). Functional units to be tested are selected from hierarchically organized menus. Results (maximum force generated) are automatically extracted from time series data acquired during trials.