Diagnostic and Therapy

The finger mapping system software can be used to examine mental and physiological disorders of the brain. As much as it teaches how to type, the software is designed to also provide diagnostic data about the nature and extent of mental and/or physical disfunction following injury, stroke, neurological disease or any other problem that negatively affects normal cognitive functioning. In addition to its utility as a diagnostic tool, the brain-finger mapping examination results provide much useful data for treatment planning in rehabilitation therapy. Further more, it serves as a baseline, against which progress in therapy can be measured. Levels of functioning can be assessed and rehabilitated in the areas of mental senses, physical speed, strength or dexterity and memory skills.

FMS is based on years of research and scientific experimentations that have identified how the brain creates “internal models” for each skill as we learn it (or relearn it). With our understanding of this neurophysiological process to an advanced degree, this software is developed to not only examine but to generate the most effective internal model for hand, wrist and finger motions for typing.

On the job, at school and in our homes, computers are now an integral part of our lives. They have revolutionized the way we work, learn and even communicate with friends and family. But while computers have provided us with countless benefits, they have also been a key factor in the dramatic rise of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome victims. And as automation and occupational specialization have produced numerous work tasks that are little more than hand and/or finger manipulations performed thousands of times each day, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is now a danger faced by millions of workers.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Classified by the World Health Organization as a work-related musculoskeletal disorder, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is among the most widespread of what are called cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive stress injuries. The carpal “tunnel” is formed by eight bones in the wrist called carpals. Passing through this tunnel are both flexor tendons that control finger movement and nerves that connect to the hand’s sensory cells. CTS is triggered when the protective sheaths around the flexor tendons become inflamed and swell, applying pressure to the adjacent nerves. As the nerves become compressed, the first symptoms of CTS arise: tingling, numbness and pain in the base of the thumb and the first three fingers of the hand. Frequently, these early warning signs are most prominent at night, but the pain can be acute enough to disrupt sleep. And as the ailment progresses, the same symptoms begin occurring during the day. Further, CTS sufferers lose finger strength and agility; simple tasks like tying shoe laces or picking up small objects become challenging. Many of the afflicted cannot differentiate hot from cold by touch. In the most serious cases, the thenar muscle at the base of the thumb will atrophy.

The costs to business are tremendous. CTS, on average, has resulted in the loss of 27 work days per patient, the highest total for non-fatal occupational injuries or illnesses. And literally hundreds of thousands of workers have already been diagnosed with CTS. Treatments for the syndrome encompass surgery to reduce pressure on the nerves, anti-inflammatory drugs and hand-splinting, but according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, these remedies have met with limited success, simply because most patients must eventually return to the same work conditions that instigated their CTS affliction.

The best way to avoid or recover from CTS associated with keyboarding is to learn or relearn the safest techniques for employing the typing keyboard that would prevent tendon damage.