Handicapped driver controls operability: a device for clinical evaluation of patients

A simple device is described for measuring the force input capability of severely handicapped drivers to assist in prescribing motor vehicle adaptive controls to permit these patients to drive. The device uses off-the-shelf components and can easily be constructed in any small shop. Both steering wheel and hand control force inputs with either hand can be assessed. A recommended protocol, interpretation of findings and some clinical data collected at the Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research and Houston VA Hospital are also presented and discussed.