4a. Data Storage

Data is stored on the hard drive or the floppy drive for future analysis. Each data file is labeled with the name of the muscle tested, the patient's number, visit number and trial number. The beginning of each file contains all data from the 'Patient Data Screen" followed by force recorded at a rate of 50 samples per second. ASCII format is used to ensure compatibility with most data analysis packages. Two files are recorded for each test, the "raw" data collected at 50 Hz and the calculated data as presented in the "run" screen (maximum force, average force, etc.).

4b. Data Analysis

Data can be analyzed at any time after collection by using the "view data" option. Progress of muscle condition can be determined by viewing all data for a certain muscle. If required the X-Y plot can be viewed or the data can be printed out. In depth analysis can be undertaken by importing the data in any of the available data analysis packages such as Matlab, Sigmaplot, Lotus, etc.

Description	How Does It Work?	Set-Up	Grip Tester	Related Links	Contact Biomech
	1. Patient Information 2. Positioning Patient 3. Collecting Data 4. Data Storage/Analysis