Project 1: *Development of objective systems to evaluate physical examination diagnostic tests – Part I*

This project requires assistance to integrate, based on time, two data sets. One set comes from a system that evaluates the pressures and forces used by a physician during a physical examination and the other system evaluates the Cartesian coordinates of specific locations on the hands of the physician during the examination. Initial ground work has been set up by a Truman MathBio student last summer. This work has significant implications in the training of osteopathic physicians in the future.


Project 2: *Development of objective systems to evaluate physical examination diagnostic tests – Part II*

The goal of this project is to develop more accurate means to determine the Cartesian coordinates of specific points on physicians’ hands during physical examinations. This project is distinct yet synergistic with Projects I and III. Currently reflective markers are placed on the hands of physicians to localize specific points in space at specific times, or to determine how the location of the markers change over time. Modifications to Vicon-Peak Motion Analysis system is needed to optimize data collection and processing.

Project 3: Development of a Data Warehouse

Extensive data is being generated from instrumentation that collects force and location data during examinations performed by physicians. This database has the potential of being a significant resource for understanding examination procedures carried out by physicians as well as characteristics of body movement patterns. Establishing safe and functional storage systems are critical in the long term success and value of this program. This project is also synergistically related to projects 1 and 2.