When diagnosing neuromuscular problems in patients -- when they age or get a concussion, for example -- doctors typically make conclusions based on information that is qualitative, or subjective.
But a tablet app developed by researchers at Harvard University's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering may be able to quantitatively measure neuromuscular performance for the first time.
In a clinical study of the technology, called "NeuroAssess," 150 people used a stylus to trace a moving target around a circle on a tablet. Their performance -- that is, how often they deviated from the path -- was measured, and then analyzed based on age, sex and handedness. From this, a number that shows differences in performance between people or conditions can be produced, according to a release.
"It is portable, repeatable, quick to administer and easy to perform," said Lei Stirling, a Wyss senior staff engineer who led the study.
To see NeuroAssess in action, check out the video, above; then, tell us your thoughts in the comments.
