Human Performance Multimeter: Investigation Of The Fourth Generation Prototype

Abstract

The focus of this thesis is the development and investigation related to the newest prototype version of the Human Performance MultiMeter (HPMM). Version 4 is a technologically advanced, compact, portable and self-contained unit that is the result of an on-going effort in human performance measurement covering a 25 year history at the Human Performance Institute involving the conception, development, and evaluation of over four hundred different measures. Such measurements are applicable in areas ranging from medical diagnosis and rehabilitation to ergonomics and athletic proficiency. The work included verification of the functionality of a new hardware platform, modification of previously developed test procedures and software algorithms for the new hardware, and new development for selected aspects of the system. Steadiness measurement has been expanded to include components based on two axes of rotational rate and the formulation of a four degree of freedom composite steadiness measure. Five generic tests incorporated in this version of the HPMM were used in an experimental study with 20 healthy adult volunteers to evaluate reliability and validity. Selected performance capacities of specific body subsystems (isometric grip strength, visual-hand response speed, index finger tapping speed, upper extremity neuromotor channel capacity, and hand-arm steadiness) were measured in a test-retest design: . Test-retest reliability was found to be very good (r > 0.75) for most measures. Results were compared to those from HPMM v3.0 and to results from pre-established, validated data acquired over the years from laboratory based instruments. Good agreement was noted and expected patterns supporting validity were observed.