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

Concepts Instruments Software Techniques

The Model BEP V is a system designed to acquire standardized measures of steadiness (tremor) performance capacities. The BEP V 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) a special two-axis non-contacting motion sensing unit (BEP Va) in a framelike housing with a multiple degree-of-freedom arm (attaches to a table and to the BEP V sensing unit frame) that facilitates proper positioning for testing different body segments; 4) a microcontroller-based interface/control unit (BEP V ICU) that interfaces to the host computer through a simple serial port connection; 5) a compact power supply; and 6) a step by step manual for easy set-up and with detailed instructions for each test procedure.

Time series data is processed to provide single number measures for each component separately (e.g., horizontal and vertical steadiness) as well as a total steadiness composite score for each 15 sec trial. Mean power frequency measures are also computed. Passive and active mode steadiness tests are normally performed without visual feedback to the test subject. When used with a separately purchased BEP GM (Graphics Module) steadiness tests may be performed with visual feedback and dynamic steadiness measurements (i.e., intention tremor) can be obtained. Furthermore, protocols are then available in which the BEP V is used like a "joystick" to execute visual-motor control tests (i.e., "tracking" tests) and measure positioning accuracy capacities.