Cognitive performance modeling based on general systems performance theory.

General Systems Performance Theory (GSPT) was initially motivated by problems associated with quantifying different aspects of human performance. It has proved to be invaluable for measurement development and understanding quantitative relationships between human subsystem capacities and performance in complex tasks. It is now desired to bring focus to the application of GSPT to modeling of cognitive system performance.

New methodology for identifying hierarchical relationships among performance measures: Concepts and demonstration in Parkinson's disease.

Many different tests that address aspects of human performance have been reported. Yet, critical issues remain. The hierarchical organization of tests, the degree of involvement of different human subsystems, and the relationship between measures are often unclear.

Web-based evaluation of Parkinson's disease subjects: objective performance capacity measurements and subjective characterization profiles.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is classified as a progressively degenerative movement disorder, affecting approximately 0.2% of the population and resulting in decreased performance in a wide variety of activities of daily living. Motivated by needs associated with the conduct of multi-center clinical trials, early detection, and the optimization of routine management of individuals with PD, we have developed a three-tiered approach to evaluation of PD and other neurologic diseases/disorders.

Quantitative characterization of disease severity in diseases with complex symptom profiles.

A number of clinical and research situations arise that require the integration of complex, multi-dimensional, performance-related information to determine a single quantity such as "disease severity" or "risk level" (for subsequent development of a disease). This process is generally carried out either by relying on a subjective gestalt approach or by using rating scales that combine scores for component measures using an additive process without justification. Concepts from general systems performance theory have provided insights into this problem, teaching that a fundamentally multiplicative method of integrating components is often appropriate.

Investigation of a portable performance measurement system for neurologic screening in clinics.

Motivated by the need for clinical screening for early detection of neurologic disease, a prototype portable instrument dubbed the human performance multimeter (HPMM) was developed. The HPMM is based on a set of lab-based performance capacity tests developed and evaluated over the last two decades. We attempted to integrate selected functionality of a set of modular lab-based instruments into a single, small package.

Human performance testing and simulators.

Virtual-reality (VR) simulation offers the opportunity to practice surgical techniques and gain experience outside the operating room. Using VR simulators and tools recently developed by human performance researchers, different aspects of human performance (innate ability) can be measured objectively. These novel tools, General Systems Performance Theory, and application of nonlinear causal resource analysis (NCRA) may allow us to utilize VR simulators, not only to train physicians, but possibly to predict their performance prior to training.

Assessment of basic human performance resources predicts performance of ureteroscopy.

Background: Our objective was to predict endoscopic performance in a cadaver model using basic performance resources (BPRs) measurements.

Methods: Medical students (n = 16) underwent intense ureteroscopic training on a virtual reality ureteroscopy trainer and were rated on performing ureteroscopy on a cadaver. The medical students also underwent 13 validated BPR measurements.

Assessment of basic human performance resources predicts the performance of virtual ureterorenoscopy.

Purpose: Regardless of training, innate ability may influence the acquisition of endoscopic skills. Until recently objective methods to assess innate ability have not been available. We compared objective measures of human basic performance resources (BPRs) using nonlinear causal resource analysis (NCRA) and expert rated endoscopic performance of medical students on a virtual reality (VR) simulator.

Assessment of basic human performance resources predicts operative performance of laparoscopic surgery.

Background: Interest in laparoscopic surgery has prompted development of educational programs designed to teach and assess laparoscopic skills. Although these programs are beneficial, because of the inherent demands imposed by laparoscopy some aspects of operative performance might not improve with practice. This suggests that innate ability could predict level of operative skill.