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.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.