Examination of the traction effect in an artificial muscle-type dynamic traction orthosis using computed tomography.

Background: Dart-throwing motion from radial dorsiflexion to palmar flexion has recently attracted attention as a functional movement direction of the wrist joint. We developed a novel artificial muscle-type dynamic traction orthosis (DTSaM) that includes these movements. This prospective crossover controlled study aimed to compare the traction effects in the presence and absence of DTSaM using computed tomography.

Analysis of a New Artificial Muscle Type Dynamic Orthosis for Wrist Joint Disease Using a Three-dimensional Motion Analyzer.

Objectives: Recently, the dart-throwing motion (DTM) has attracted attention as a functional direction of wrist joint motion. Consequently, we devised a new artificial muscle-type dynamic orthosis (Dynamic Traction Splint by Artificial Muscle, DTSaM) to reproduce DTM. This study analyzed the automatic motion of the wrist joint using a three-dimensional motion analysis system to assess how closely the DTSaM replicates DTM.

Visuospatial working memory dysfunction from tapping span test as a diagnostic tool for patients with mild posterior cortical atrophy.

Posterior cortical atrophy is a rare degenerative condition with prominent visuospatial dysfunction which commonly occurs between ages 50 and 65. A diagnosis of mild posterior cortical atrophy sometimes challenging and can be delayed because there are currently no established neuropsychological examination methods that can easily be used in clinical settings. In this study, we examined whether the tapping span test is a potential diagnostic tool for posterior cortical atrophy and what impairment the tapping span test is indicative of in this condition.

Numeric input operation on electronic devices among individuals with visuospatial working memory impairment.

In human-computer interactions, higher-level visuospatial function is likely needed to effectively use the interface. The aim of this study is to clarify whether individuals with visuospatial defects can use electronic devices effectively. We quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed the ability of seven individuals with Bálint syndrome and seven individuals with left-unilateral spatial neglect (USN) to input a digit sequence into a flat touch interface.

Effectiveness of Use of Button-Operated Electronic Devices Among Persons With Bálint Syndrome.

Objective: Little is known about how visuospatial deficits affect the use of electronic devices operated by pressing spatially interspersed buttons. This study aimed to determine whether people with Bálint syndrome can effectively use such devices.

Method: We quantified the ability of 7 study participants with Bálint syndrome to use button-operated electronic devices by measuring the time required to input digit sequences into three different types of devices.

Visuospatial working memory is severely impaired in Bálint syndrome patients.

Although it has been proposed that visuospatial working memory may be impaired in Bálint syndrome patients, neither a systematic study concerning this proposal nor a comparison with patients having right-parietal damage has been made. Visuospatial working memory was assessed for six Bálint syndrome patients and members of two control groups-one composed of individuals with right-parietal damage (n = 15) and a second of age- and gender-matched healthy individuals (n = 26). We placed special emphasis on patients with a mild form of Bálint syndrome who can judge positional relationships between two objects.