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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. Methods: The DTSaM orthosis incorporates two McKibben-type rubber artificial muscles, and measurements were performed using image analysis software and a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The wrist radial angle (WRA) was defined as the angle between the line connecting the head of the index finger metacarpal to the radial styloid process and the line connecting the radial styloid process to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. WRAs were investigated from 60° of palmar flexion to 60° of dorsiflexion. Results: For dorsiflexion, comparisons of radial deviation and wrist ulnar angle (WUA) between the motion obtained using the DTSaM orthosis and active DTM showed a significant difference (P

Posterior cortical atrophy is a rare degenerative condition with prominent visuospatial dysfunction which commonly occurs between ages 50 and 65. A diagnosis of posterior cortical atrophy during its initial stage is 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. Eight patients with initial-stage posterior cortical atrophy were recruited. Age- and severity-matched individuals with amnesic Alzheimer’s disease (n = 9) were also recruited as a control group. The participants were subjected to the tapping span test and several visuospatial working memory tests. The results of the tapping span and visuospatial working memory tests were worse for the posterior cortical atrophy group when compared with the control group. The results from the tapping span tests were strongly correlated with those from the visuospatial working memory tests. The tapping span test is a simple and potentially useful diagnostic tool for patients with initial-stage posterior cortical atrophy, as it reflects visuospatial working memory function.

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 defec...

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. Control groups were 8 participants with amnesia and 8 healthy participants. RESULTS. Participants with Bálint syndrome took longer to input a digit sequence on all three devices than did those in the two control groups. Although we found no significant differences with respect to type of device, 2 of 3 participants with severe Bálint syndrome were able to input one- to five-digit sequences with the electronic calculator. CONCLUSION. Distinctive design features might positively affect the performance of people with Bálint syndrome.