Tucson, AZ 85714
office (520) 795-2222
fax (520) 795-4358
Simwork Systems
The Leader in Human Performance Assessment Tools
Assessment Applications
- Functional Capacity/Ability Evaluations
- Work Capacity Evaluations
- Therapy Baseline Assessment and Tracking
- Pre-Employment/Post Offer Testing
- Fitness For Duty/Return to Work Assessments
- Forensic Evidence-Based Work Performance Testing
- Job Specific Vocational Assessment
- Customized Physical Demands Evaluation
- Disability/Pension Benefit Assessment
- Insurance Benefit Rating Assessment
- Disability Performance Appraisal
Pronation Supination Flexion Extension Tester
Pinch Tester
Grip Tester
The Sapphire™ Quick Tester Upper Extremity Component System
Since the earliest days of the ERGOS® Work Simulator, we have been asked by many of our users if it was possible to purchase individual test components for testing use in the field or as an adjunct to therapy as a means for tracking the patient’s rehabilitation progress. Regrettably, this was nearly impossible and overly expensive in the original ERGOS® design since the operating system was DOS based and the electronic interface cumbersome. However, Simwork System’s partnership with Hardworks, Inc. of Tucson, Arizona, resulted in the design of the compact Sapphire™ Work Assessment System. The Sapphire™ system offered a new approach to human performance testing that includes simple USB computer interface and compatibility with the Microsoft® Windows™ operating system found on the vast majority of PCs throughout the world. These changes are at the forefront of the new Sapphire™ Quick Tester product line.
Quick Tester Solid-State Technology
In April of 2009, Simwork Systems proudly released the first component to be included in the Quick Tester line of human performance assessment tools. The Quick Tester pinch component makes use of the patent-pending solid state pinch gauge developed for the Sapphire™ Work Assessment System. The Quick tester pinch gauge is a robust heavy duty instrument that has proven to be a workhorse in the high volume treatment environment. It has many features that make it superior over older equipment designs that use oil pressure sensors. Without the oil pressure sensor, the Quick Tester pinch gauge has no possibility of leaking or losing its calibration because of sensor seal degradation common with outdated designs. The Quick Tester pinch gauge holds its calibration for long periods as long as the temperature environment remains relatively constant. Because the Quick Tester calibration is maintained by the computer it is connected to, it is a simple two minute routine to re-calibrate the instrument using the included interface software. You never lose its use because you have to send the Quick Tester to be calibrated by an outside source. Your calibration history is printed for record keeping evidence.
Computer-Interactive Design
As with all Simwork Systems product designs, the Quick Tester
makes use of computer administered test protocols that assures the
activity was provided in an objective and informed-consent manner.
Because each test is administered the same each time, there is no
chance for error in test or testing error as is possible when the
test administrator gives a test activity from memory. Likewise, the
evaluee must provide interactive feedback and only she/he can make
the test continue by acknowledging the instructions and physically
giving permission by touching the screen of clicking the computer
mouse before advancing the test. There is no possibility of
misunderstanding as long as the Quick Tester procedures are followed
thus protecting the evaluator from allegations that the evaluee did
not understand what was requested of them or that they were forced
to perform a test activity without the opportunity for questions or
feedback. The Quick Tester product line will also be offered in
multiple languages at the same comprehension level as provided in
the North American English protocol to assure that the test is the
same in any language provided. The evaluator has the ability to
customize the test protocol using simple software controls included
with the Quick Tester program. This feature provides flexibility
required by various applications such as hand therapy, work
hardening/conditioning, pre-employment testing and fitness for duty
testing to name a few. Biofeedback graphic performance feedback can
be turned on or off depending on application as needed by the
evaluator. And performance reports are immediately available for
inclusion into the patient’s record. The evaluator has the ability
to edit their notes into the report record and can cut and paste
performance recordings into common text editors such as Microsoft®
Word™, Open Office.org Writer and WordPerfect™. The power of the
Quick Tester software interface makes it ideal for on-location use
in industry, itinerate services and the therapist’s treatment table.
Product Line
Sapphire™ Pinch (release April 2009):
The
introductory Quick
Tester component, the Sapphire™ Pinch provides a simple easy to use
isometric test device that provides the therapist and evaluator with
quality measurement of the evaluee’s lateral or three-point pinch
strength. The device simply plugs into the USB port on the
evaluator’s computer and is immediately usable.
Price - $595* -- Introductory price $495 (for a limited time only)
Sapphire™ Grip (release summer 2009):
The
Sapphire™ Grip component uses the same solid-state design used with
the Pinch component. This isometric test device uses the mean grip
circumference for adults as a standardized method of documenting the
evaluee’s functional circular grasp. Unlike old design bare metal
grip devices, the Sapphire™ grip has a protective cushioned coating
that is easily sterilized to prevent transfer of bio-organisms from
one patient to another. The device simply plugs into the USB port on
the evaluator’s computer and is immediately usable.
Price - $595* -- Introductory price $495 (for a limited time only)
Sapphire™ Pro-Flex (release fall 2009):
The
Sapphire™ Pro-Flex component advances the exclusive isometric test
capability first developed on the original ERGOS® Work Simulator in
the 1980’s. However, the Sapphire™ system has advanced this upper
extremity testing technology to the next level with the Pro-Flex
unique patent-pending design. The Sapphire™ Pro-Flex combines the
test capabilities of two devices (the wrist flexion-extension and
the forearm pronation-supination isometric test devices) originally
introduced on the ERGOS®. The Sapphire™ Pro-Flex combines these two
functional test devices into one tool. The Pro-Flex has had good
success in measuring workers fit for duty in heavy manufacturing
because of our ability to compare performance to specific U.S. DOT
and Canadian NOC job standards. This is the only device in the world
that measures these functional work components and compares
performance to these published government job standards. The device
simply plugs into the USB port on the evaluator’s computer and is
immediately usable.
Price - To be determined
* Introductory price. Price does not include additional training, shipping, handling, insurance or onsite maintenance. Color anodizing available at additional cost. Special educational pricing available!
