Parkinson's Measurement

 

Side to side tap test

 

To reduce the learning effect, run 10 times, throwing way the results, before using for real.

 

Side to Side Hand/Arm Movement Tap Test

This test assesses how fast you can accurately move your hand across a keyboard. It measures the number of times you can type a key on the left hand side of the keyboard (by default q) followed by a key on the right hand side of the keyboard (by default p) in a set period of time (by default 30 seconds). The test is divided into two parts. In the first part only the index finger on your left hand is used. In the second part the same is done with the right hand.

At the end of the test the result for each of your hands is returned. A high score is good.

You can adjust the size of the motion being tested and the duration of the test by changing the parameters in the Control Panel.

When you are ready to start the test press the button.

CONTROL PANEL

You can use the following keys:
main pad keys: a-z, 0-9
num pad keys: 0-9, +, -, *, /. numlock must be on.

Left key:
Right key:
Duration (sec):

Notes

In what follows, LK denotes the left key and RK denotes the right key.

1. The results are calculated as follows:

  • the number of completed LK, RK cycles;
  • an extra 0.5 if RK has been pressed, but not the following LK;
  • an extra amount up to 0.475 based on an estimate of progress between the last key press and the test end. This is done by noting the time between the last key press and the end of the test and dividing it by twice the time required for the last completed half cycle;
  • there is no punishment for pressing the wrong key, other than the wasted time.

2. To be comparable with the Core Assessment Program for Surgical Interventional Therapies in Parkinson's Disease (CAPSIT-PD) test

  • the distance between LK and RK should be 30 cm;
  • the duration for each hand should be 20 sec.

See:
"Timed tests in the clinical assessment of motor function in Parkinson's Disease"
Hagell P,
Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, Dec 2000.
Instructions for CAPSIT-PD
(In fact the test here is slightly harder in that it requires a greater degree of accuracy in the movements.)