Automated hand-forearm ergometer data collection system

Handgrip contractions are a standard exercise modality to evaluate cardiovascular system performance. Most conventional ergometer systems of this nature are manually controlled, placing a burden on the researcher to guide subject activity while recording the resultant data. This paper presents updates to a hand-forearm ergometer system that automate the control and data-acquisition processes. A LabVIEW virtual instrument serves as the centerpiece for the system, providing the subject/researcher interfaces as well as coordinating data acquisition from both traditional and new sensors. Initial data indicate the viability of the system with regard to its ability to obtain consistent and physiologically meaningful data.