Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The entire test is videotaped for documentation. After each test the patient
himself rates how challenging he or she found the task on a seven-grade scale
ranging from very easy to very hard. The mobility trainer indicates his estimation
of the performance of the patient on a visual analog scale.
Testing Orientation: Simulation of Outside Scenarios
This test evaluates the ability of the patient to orientate himself or herself in
unknown surroundings. Typical markers and obstacles encountered when moving
on the street are presented, like a pedestrian crossing, a traffic light, or a pillar.
In order to avoid hazards and to create standardized conditions, we do not
suggest performing these tests in actual outside scenarios at least in first clinical
trials. We recommend creating a well-controlled situation, where images can be
created under standardized conditions. For this reason, we developed a series of
standardized images that can be displayed in a big scale using a video projector.
These images are presented as they would be viewed from different distances.
For example, a picture of a pedestrian crossing is presented as it can be seen
from 10m, 5m and 1m distance (compare Figure 5.9).
It is noted if these objects can be determined correctly, and from what distance
they are first recognized. For each picture only a limited period of time is given
to solve the task.
Test Battery Pillar Three: Subjective Scales
The last pillar of the test battery takes advantage of standardized questionnaires to
acquire information about the patient's personality and psychological condition.
Using questionnaires that are well established and evaluated can provide more
accurate information than free questioning and narration of the patient.
Subjective scales are valuable tools for assessing the psychological condition
of patients in clinical trials. They are gaining significance as when consid-
ering quality of life and value-based medicine in clinical trials. A number
of well-described tests exist, some of which are specially designed for
Figure 5.9. Example images for testing object recognition in outside scenarios. Different
typical scenes can be displayed like pedestrian crossings, or common obstacles like pillars.
All photos were taken from three different distances.
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