title: A microcomputer system for the measurement of finger forces.
abstract: In the analysis of hand functions, the production and control of forces exerted during voluntary contraction of the finger muscles plays an important role; unfortunately such an analysis is rarely seen in routine clinical examinations of neurological patients. A microcomputer controlled system for the measurement and analysis of finger forces is described. The system consists of a modified Z80 based microcomputer, a commercially available high precision force transducer, a specially designed force signal amplifier and a suite of menu-driven user interactive programs. A variety of tasks is implemented by means of the computer programs. In addition to the measurement of maximum hand grip force, the system is able to record forces continuously as a function of time. Task characteristics and the type of feedback presented to the subject are under user control; they can be varied to meet clinical or experimental requirements. Examples of programs and clinical applications are presented and discussed.
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D003201:Computers; D005246:Feedback; D005385:Fingers / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008838:Microcomputers