Standardization of a neuromotor test battery: The CATSYS system

Interindividual and intraindividual variability in neuromotor behaviors is expected and normal. Early changes in neuromotor behaviors associated with neurodegenerative disorders or neurotoxic effects are often subtle and fluc tuating in their characteristics. Therefore, their detection at an early st age is particularly difficult without precise recording instruments. The CA TSYS system developed by Danish Product Development (DPD) is a portable dev ice recording four measures of neuromotor control including tremor, reactio n time, hand coordination and postural sway. The aim of this study is to de velop a set of normative data. One hundred and fifty healthy men and women were divided into five age groups: (1) 20 to 29 years (n=30); (2) 30 to 39 years (n=30); (3) 40 to 49 years (n=30); (4) 50 to 59 years (n=30); (5) 60 to 70 years (n=30). All participants were free of neurological deficits at the time elf testing and they were tested individually for approximately 30 min. Hand coordination was measured with prone-supination and finger-tappi ng movements executed at constant and accelerated rhythms. Reaction time wa s assessed in both hands using a hand held switch activated by the thumb. P ostural tremor Mas quantified in both hands during 24.6 sec. by asking the subject to hold a stylus horizontally at 10 cm in front of his/her navel. T he stylus contained a biaxial accelerometer Postural sway Mas tested by ask ing the subject to stand on a force platform for 75 sec. under four conditi ons: (II eyes open; (2) eyes closed; 13) eyes open standing on a foam pad; and (4) eyes closed standing on a loam pad. ANOVAs and multiple comparison tests were performed and the results were examined taking into account age, gender and experimental condition effects. (C) 2000 Inter Press, Inc.