The QNST-3 is an individually administered, empirically based assessment of the development of motor coordination and sensory integration (both of which have been shown to relate to learning as well as to general daily functioning), seen as neurological soft signs (NSS). NSS are minor irregularities that include poor motor coordination, sensory perceptual changes, and difficulty sequencing complex motor tasks. The presence of NSS can indicate neural trauma and are often harbingers of learning difficulties (without history of trauma).
The QNST-3 provides an easy and reliable way to quantify, over time, the presence and extent of behaviors that may be of clinical importance.
- motor maturity and development
- sensory processing
- gross and fine muscle control
- motor planning and sequencing
- sense of rate and rhythm
- spatial organization
- visual and auditory perception
- balance and vestibular function
- disorders of attention
The Manual's updated literature review includes information about NSS seen in sports-related concussion (child and adult), blast injuries (returning war veterans), learning disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases). The expanded norms now cover ages 4 years through geriatrics (80+).
QNST-3 tasks are commonly used in traditional neurologic exams and require no special equipment, just a pencil.
Task 1: Hand Skill
Task 2: Figure Recognition and Production
Task 3: Palm Form Recognition
Task 4: Eye Tracking
Task 5: Sound Patterns
Task 6: Finger to Nose
Task 7: Thumb and Finger Circle
Task 8: Double Simultaneous Stimulation
Task 9: Rapidly Reversing Repetitive Hand Movements
Task 10: Arm and Leg Extension
Task 11: Tandem Walk
Task 12: Stand on One Leg
Task 13: Skipping
Task 14: Left-Right Discrimination
Task 15: Behavioral Irregularities
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