Abstract: A method for diagnosing impairments of a subject's gaze stabilization system is provided. The method includes measuring the subject's static visual acuity to obtain an assessment, setting at least one test parameter based on the assessment, measuring the subject's dynamic visual acuity using the test parameters to obtain a first dynamic measurement and a second dynamic measurement, and determining an impairment of the subject's gaze stabilization system using the assessment and the first and second dynamic measurements.

Abstract: A method for isolating and quantifying impairments of a subject's gaze stabilization system is provided. A subject's static visual acuity is measured to arrive at an assessment. The subject's visual acuity is then measured when the subject's head is moving and a display object is fixed to arrive at a first dynamic measurement. The subject's visual acuity is also measured when the subject's head is fixed and the display object is moving to arrive at a second dynamic measurement. The assessment and the first and second dynamic measurements are then used to determine an impairment of the subject's gaze stabilization system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing contributions of forces associated with a body part of a subject when the body part is involved in movement is provided. The method includes causing movement of the body part in a prescribed manner and monitoring quantities related to at least one of displacement of the body part and external force on the body part. At least one quantity related to a force contribution associated with the body part is determined from the quantities measured.

Abstract: A system for detecting a screening-test error includes a measurement device that measures at least one performance parameter related to at least one screening-test task and a computational device, in communication with the measurement device. The computational device receives the at least one measured performance parameter, calculates at least one performance statistical quantity characterizing the measured performance parameter, and compares the at least one performance statistical quantity to at least one reference statistical quantity associated with an error-free screening test. In accordance with a related embodiment, the system may further include a display device that displays the extent to which the at least one performance statistical quantity differs from the at least one reference statistical quantity.

Abstract: A system for detecting a screening-test error includes a measurement device that measures at least one performance parameter related to at least one screening-test task and a computational device, in communication with the measurement device. The computational device receives the at least one measured performance parameter, calculates at least one performance statistical quantity characterizing the measured performance parameter, and compares the at least one performance statistical quantity to at least one reference statistical quantity associated with an error-free screening test. In accordance with a related embodiment, the system may further include a display device that displays the extent to which the at least one performance statistical quantity differs from the at least one reference statistical quantity.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring training programs prescribed to benefit a subject. A training program prescriber may evaluate training effectiveness from a separate location from where a subject performs training tasks. Accuracy of actual task performances is measured and is compared with quality-benchmark data. The number of tasks actually performed is recorded and is compared with quantity-benchmark data. Benchmark-data may be obtained from previous subject performances or from performance by a defined reference population. Categorized results are calculated and assessments regarding program difficulty and motivation of the subject may be formulated. Compliance with expected program goals is analyzed and monitored.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring training programs prescribed to benefit a subject. A training program prescriber may evaluate training effectiveness from a separate location from where a subject performs training tasks. Accuracy of actual task performances is measured and is compared with quality-benchmark data. The number of tasks actually performed is recorded and is compared with quantity-benchmark data. Benchmark-data may be obtained from previous subject performances or from performance by a defined reference population. Categorized results are calculated and assessments regarding program difficulty and motivation of the subject may be formulated. Compliance with expected program goals is analyzed and monitored.

Abstract: To characterize the gait of a subject, a treadmill having a movable support surface is provided with multiple transducers mounted beneath the movable support surface. The subject performs locomotion on the movable surface. The computer accepts a series of signals from each transducer and identifies the occurrence of heel-strike and toe-off. The computer identifies the subject's activity as walking or as running. The computer identifies two non-contiguous groups of transducers that are measuring a force greater than zero associated with the two feet and calculates quantities related to the forces exerted by each foot during each phase of walking or running.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring training programs prescribed to benefit a subject. A training program prescriber may evaluate training effectiveness from a separate location from where a subject performs training tasks. Accuracy of actual task performances is measured and is compared with quality-benchmark data. The number of tasks actually performed is recorded and is compared with quantity-benchmark data. Benchmark-data may be obtained from previous subject performances or from performance by a defined reference population. Categorized results are calculated and assessments regarding program difficulty and motivation of the subject may be formulated. Compliance with expected program goals is analyzed and monitored.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the assessment and biofeedback training of coordination skills of a subject critical to maximizing the power and accuracy of athletic ball-strike activities. In preferred embodiments, the invention provides for assessment and biofeedback training of weight bearing and center of gravity control under conditions requiring the athlete to strike a ball such that the distance and direction of flight trajectory of the ball are accurate relative to a performance goal. One embodiment of the invention includes a body movement sensor, a ball strike sensor, a display, and a computer. The body movement sensor provides an output indicative of the motion of the subject's body over a period of time including the moment of ball strike. The computer causes the display to show both a trajectory of the motion of the subject's body and the moment of ball strike in relation to a region of the trajectory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing the gait of a subject uses a treadmill having a movable support surface with multiple transducers mounted beneath the movable support surface. The subject performs locomotion on the movable surface. The computer accepts a series of signals from each transducer and identifies the occurrence of heel-strike and toe-off. The computer identifies the subject's activity as walking or as running. The computer identifies two non-contiguous groups of transducers that are measuring a force greater than zero associated with the two feet and calculates quantities related to the forces exerted by each foot during each phase of walking or running.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for evaluating among the limbs of a subject the distribution of impairments of the subject's ability to coordinate the muscular contractions to execute effective postural movements. The subject may be placed on two independently movable support surfaces, either of which may be fixed or sway-referenced. The subject's ability to maintain his or her equilibrium position is then monitored. In another embodiment, the subject is perturbed from a position of equilibrium. The perturbation may be caused by a displacement of the support surfaces, or by having the subject grasp a handle, which may be moved, or against which the subject may push or pull. The latency and strength of the responses of the subject's limbs are measured and compared to each other and to a normal population.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing the gait of a subject uses a treadmill having a movable support surface with multiple transducers mounted beneath the movable support surface. The subject performs locomotion on the movable surface. The computer accepts a series of signals from each transducer and identifies the occurrence of heel-strike and toe-off. The computer identifies the subject's activity as walking or as running. The computer identifies two non-contiguous groups of transducers that are measuring a force greater than zero associated with the two feet and calculates quantities related to the forces exerted by each foot during each phase of walking or running.

Abstract: The presence of vestibular pathology is tested in an embodiment wherein the subject is placed on a support surface that is sway-referenced about an axis co-linear with the subject's ankle joints, if the subject is standing, or the subject's hip joints, if the subject is sitting. After the subject has assumed a position of equilibrium, a controlled external stimulus, such as an electrical, a caloric or a barometric stimulus, is applied to one or both of the subject's inner ears. It is then determined whether the stimulus produces a significant subject sway-response. In an alternative embodiment, the sway-response is monitored with the subject placed on a support surface that is sway-referenced about an axis perpendicular to the axis that is co-linear with the subject's ankle or hip joints. In another embodiment, the subject's visual orientation information is disrupted by means of a sway-referenced visual enclosure.

Abstract: Methods are provided for evaluating among the trunk and limbs of a subject the distribution of impairments of the subject's ability to coordinate the muscular contractions to execute effective postural movements. The subject may be placed on two independently movable support surfaces, either of which may be fixed or sway-referenced. The subject is perturbed from a position of equilibrium. The perturbation may be caused by a displacement of the support surfaces, or by having the subject grasp a handle, which may be moved, or against which the subject may push or pull. For one perturbation the right support surface may initially be fixed and the left sway-referenced, and for a second perturbation the right may be sway-referenced and the left fixed. For other perturbations, both surfaces may be fixed or sway-referenced. The latency and strength of the responses of the subject's limbs are measured and compared to each other and to a normal population.

Abstract: Methods and Devices are provided for evaluating among the trunk and limbs of the body the distribution of impairments of two types of abilities necessary for posture and equilibrium control: (1) ability to receive and correctly interpret somatosensory orientation and movement information derived from those body and limb parts in contact with supporting surfaces and (2) ability to coordinate the muscular contractions in those body and limb parts in contact with a supporting surface to execute functionally effective postural movements. In accordance with some embodiments, individuals may be classified in accordance with their performance of a Sense Test Procedure and a Motor Test Procedure, which may be implemented using an appropriate displacable support surface arrangement.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of perilymph fistula or other abnormal coupling between a subject's middle ear and inner ear. The subject is placed on a support surface that is sway-stabilized about an axis that is co-linear with the subject's ankle joints. After the subject has assumed a position in equilibrium, a controlled changed in air pressure is introduced to the external canal of one of the subject's ears. It is then determined whether the controlled change in pressure produces a significant subject sway response. In an alternative embodiment, the sway response is monitored with the subject placed on a support surface that is sway-stabilized about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis that is co-linear with the subject's ankle joints.

Abstract: A subject's ability to maintain a position in equilibrium by organizing sensory orientation inputs is tested utilizing a support surface and a visual surround. These items are moved by servo control in relation to a subject's sway to provide perceptually misleading sensory orientation inputs to the subject, as part of various testing protocols.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for evaluating among the limbs of a subject the distribution of impairments of the subject's ability to coordinate the muscular contractions to execute effective postural movements. The subject may be placed on two independently movable support surfaces, either of which may be fixed or sway-referenced. The subject's ability to maintain his or her equilibrium position is then monitored. In another embodiment, the subject is perturbed from a position of equilibrium. The perturbation may be caused by a displacement of the support surfaces, or by having the subject grasp a handle, which may be moved, or against which the subject may push or pull. The latency and strength of the responses of the subject's limbs are measured and compared to each other and to a normal population.