A computerized system for determination of reaction time, movement time, and movement accuracy

Automated procedures for assessing movement speed and accuracy, and reaction time in normal subjects and patients with neurological diseases are described. Two capacitative touch pads were designed to respond to impedance changes resulting from finger contact on the surfaces of the pads. A micro-computer acquired and analyzed data on-line from patients with Parkinson's disease and normal subjects. Indices of abnormal motor function in the patients, such as slowed movement time, and efficacy of therapeutic agents were demonstrated with the system.