The Shap Test

An important aspect of Project Cyborg 2.0 is to monitor Kevin’s hand function before, through the duration of the implant period and after the electrode array has been removed. The results need to be objective in order to be used as a comparative tool. The problem has been solved using the SHAP (Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure) test. The score given by the SHAP test is a functional score, 100% being normal hand function, made up of five sub-scores for each of the different hand grips: lateral, power, tripon, extension and spherical.

The test consists of a series of abstract and day-to-day activities and was specifically developed to test hand function rather than dexterity. Hand function is in fact considered more important in the clinical assessment of the hand. Each activity is measured against time and the subject is asked to start and stop the timer to eliminate possible misjudgements from the assessor. A standard assessment procedure is followed to ensure objectivity during the test. The SHAP test has been successfully proved to be a reliable and repeatable test and it is currently used in several hospitals across the UK. As can be seen below, the tests carried out show no degredation of hand functionality resulting from the implant procedure or experiments carried out during Project Cyborg 2.0.

09/01/02 27/03/02 04/05/02 27/05/02 19/07/02 Overall 97 97 97 98 98 Spherical 97 95 96 96 96 Tripod 95 97 96 99 99 Power 96 96 95 96 96 Lateral 96 97 99 98 98 Tip 97 96 95 98 99 Extension 95 97 98 98 98