BRAIN FITNESS is a science of improving brain health.  It is based on the premises that a healthy brain is an active brain and that challenging exercises and activities can rewire the brain. (The concept of neuroplasticity, commonly referred to as brain plasticity or brain malleability, is often used to describe such processes.)   

SpecialtyAutomated offers 8 different kinds of online brain fitness programs.   These include:

Our tests are designed to automatically provide regimens for improving Communication, Executive function, Memory, Problem Solving, Visual Processing, and Visual Attention.  Collectively, these tests are designed to provide with a good workout for the brain.

Since eye fitness is equally important, we also offer online eye fitness tests as part of       nVISIONS ™ , to complement our exclusive ONLINE brain fitness tests.

>   ARE ANY BRAIN FITNESS SOFTWARE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE?

ONLINE Brain Fitness Tests are our most popular tests and operate using computers connected to the Internet.  However, we recognize that not everyone has Internet access.  Therefore, each of our ONLINE brain fitness tests are available as software products (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

SpecialtyAutomated ONLINE BRAIN FITNESS  TESTS  are the first set of brain fitness tests that are completely available online.  Our brain fitness programs are distinctively unique because they offer the following features:  

• SpecialtyAutomated Brain Fitness Tests are designed to empower the deaf, hearing impaired, and /or those who cannot draw or hold a writing instrument. 

• SpecialtyAutomated  Brain Fitness Tests are based on technology pioneered by the US Army and validated by some of the very best neuropsychological assessments in the world.

• SpecialtyAutomated  Brain Fitness Tests are uniquely developed on actual life experiences and activities.

• SpecialtyAutomated   Brain Fitness Tests are available in numerous languages and engage speakers of languages other than English.

Each published study is an important element of the brain fitness revolution.  However, many of the recent studies that are reported in the news are short-term studies because brain fitness is such a new and emerging area.  Therefore, the long-term benefits of a test that someone is exposed to for a prescribed amount of time are questionable.   Imagine this:  What are the long-term benefits of physical exercise at a gym for a short period of time?  The benefits are generally short-term even if people report that they feel good.  Therefore, a person who routinely exercises will likely show long-term benefits.  Also, almost all major studies are now reportedly funded by venture capitalists, investment firms, or agencies as part of professorships. (Many of these professors are counted as members of a panel funded by investment firms).  Some previous studies and claims by other companies are also used as part of marketing campaigns. 

SpecialtyAutomated tests are distinctively different than all other commercially available brain fitness tests because our cutting edge, patents-pending tests are independently developed and evaluated. Our technologies are truly outstanding because they relate to real-life experiences and activities and are based on tests pioneered by some of the leading agencies of the US Government -  including the Army and NASA, among others.  In fact, we are now recognized as South Florida Business Journal 2008 Technology Award Finalist because of our extraordinary inventions and accomplishments.  Other nominees include computer giant, Hewlett-Packard.

Tests on paper, CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc,. are simply not eco-friendly tools.  Our concern for improved assistive technologies and the environment led us to a new, completely Internet-based format unlike anything available.  

>   HOW FAST AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD ONLINE BRAIN FITNESS  TESTS ™ BE TAKEN?

SpecialtyAutomated Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ are, on average, 15 minutes each.  For optimal brain conditioning, we recommend a daily regimen just like any other good workout or exercise program at the gym.   

>   WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF SPECIALTYAUTOMATED ONLINE BRAIN FITNESS  TESTS ™?

Benefits of Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ include:

•  Completely online
•  Very fast, sensitive, & objective test
•  Self-service (autonomous) option
•  Instant scores & feedback
•  Records, prints, & saves results
•  Graphics & statistics of data
•  Scientifically proven
•  Multimedia & interactive
•  User friendly
•  Many foreign languages
•  Easily exports data
•  Touch screen Sytotechnology ™ option
•  Standardized & paperless tests
•  Useful for all ages & cultures
•  Ideal assistive technology
•  Optimized for repeated administration
•  Engages the deaf, hearing impaired, and/ or those unable to write

 Compliance with 21 CFR 11, HIPAA, ICH GCP,& ISO 9001:2000

SpecialtyAutomated Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™

• streamline operations

• computerize unique testing processes

• allow for a self-service option

• improve medical performance

• eliminate the need for paper and thereby offer a truly green solution

• save time, labor, and money associated with important cognitive tests

• recognized as prestigious SFBJ 08 Technology Award Finalist

Instructions are automatically presented on an introductory screen. These are followed by sample questions to familiarize the examinee with the Online Brain Fitness Test process. 

There are six types of patents-pending SpecialtyAutomated Online EYE FITNESS  Tests ™ available as part of our nVISIONS ™ line:

Additionally, all SpecialtyAutomated Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™  can be quickly and easily integrated with any of the hundreds of online tests featured in the SpecialtyAutomated GREEN Catalog. 

Collectively, these can allow for the rapid and comprehensive evaluation of cognition with vision, knowledge, and / or driving skills, among other areas.

>   HOW CAN I IMPROVE DRIVING SKILLS WITH SPECIALTYAUTOMATED BRAIN FITNESS FOR DRIVERS ™  PROGRAMS?

SpecialtyAutomated multimedia and interactive tests are developed on the basis of an eleven-year study of the driving behavior of millions of drivers and published through the US Department of Transportation.  Therefore, we use real-life situations and applications that are useful for everyone at any age.  Such tests, when routinely used, can improve driving skills and motorist safety and also reduce the potential for crash.  No other tests compare. 

>   ARE ONLINE BRAIN FITNESS  TESTS ™ NOW AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND OTHER LANGUAGES?

All SpecialtyAutomated tests are available in numerous languages other than English.  Until now, for example, speakers of the French language had to administer BRAIN FITNESS  Tests in the French language.  SpecialtyAutomated ONLINE BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ eliminate the need for speakers of other languages to administer tests in other languages. 

Since the SpecialtyAutomated ONLINE BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ are available in numerous languages, they can be simultaneously administered at multiple locations worldwide.  These are important tests for cognition that can now be studied by researchers and clinicians in real time because SpecialtyAutomated ONLINE BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ are standardized and provide instant scores.

Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ are very useful for individuals with disabilities and special needs.  Until now, individuals with disabilities or special needs were excluded from traditional BRAIN FITNESS  Tests or faced hardship,  humiliation, and even test bias with the assistance of trained staff.  SpecialtyAutomated BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ enable individuals who cannot draw or hold a writing instrument to actively participate in BRAIN FITNESS  Tests. 

As part of our efforts to promote green and eco-friendly products, we do not encourage the purchase of new equipment.  Therefore, at a minimum, a 15 inch (38.1 cm) LCD monitor that is free from glare and dust is usable.  Ideally, at a minimum, a 15 inch (38.1 cm) touch screen monitor that is sensitive to touch, and free from glare and dust, is advised, especially for optimal assistive technology applications. 

All Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ are delivered online, over the Internet. No fancy or expensive equipment or setups are needed. No trees are cut for wood. No software, CD-ROMs, or DVDs from the last millennium. No downloads. Just click and connect on any computer with Internet access.

Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ are really green products.  SpecialtyAutomated, manufacturer of the Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™, is a totally green company because all Internet-based tests and solutions are paperless.  Since trees are cut for wood and wood is processed for paper, fewer trees are cut when there is little demand or use for paper.  When trees are maintained and grown, our environment and, ultimately, our planet, become more green or eco-friendly. 

Online tests also do not require any software, CD-ROMs, flash drives, or heavy or special equipment.  Software, flash drives, and CD-ROMs become obsolete or defective. 

Millions of CD-ROM and DVD disks end up in landfills and incinerators each year.  These disks create unnecessary pollution and harm to the environment and atmosphere. 

Additionally, e-waste is a major source of pollution.  Since online tests are administered over a client’s networked computers, no new or heavy hardware, cabinets, kiosks, modular units, synthetic materials, equipment, or other devices are needed.  Such items tend to be designed from metals, plastics, and wood that damage the environment. 

>   WHAT ARE TYPICAL APPLICATIONS FOR BRAIN FITNESS  TESTS?

• Hospitals

• Clinics

• Rehabilitation centers

• Occupational therapy offices

• Schools

• Universities

• Driver education & re-certification

• Driver's license bureaus

• Transport

• Government agencies

• Education

• Health

• Military

• Clinical research trials

• Sport team selection & injury evaluation

• Workplace safety

• Assistive technologies

• Community programs

• Teen driver education

• Geriatric centers

• Nursing home admissions

• Insurance companies

• Pilot studies

• Human factors research
   

Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ may be used for:

• Addiction

• Aging

• ALS

• Alzheimer Disease

• Attention Deficit Disorder

• Autism

• Cognition Evaluation

• Dementia

• Depression

• Driving Skills

• Impulsivity

• Loss of Memory

• Memory Improvement Exercises

• Memory Prevention Programs

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Muscular Dystrophy

• Neurology Evaluations

• Neuropsychologic or other psychiatric disorders 

• Parkinson's Disease

• Physical Therapy

• Psychology Evaluations

• Stroke

• Schizophrenia

• Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation & Recovery

• Unipolar and Bipolar Disorders

SpecialtyAutomated screening tests, unless otherwise noted, run locally or remotely on PC systems. An Internet connection is needed for web-based screening tests.  

Flash Player 6.0.79 or later (http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflash)  is required.  One of the following browsers is recommended for viewing the Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™:

 Windows 98:     (Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x, Netscape 4.7, Netscape 7.x, Firefox 1.x, AOL 8, and Opera 7.11)

Windows 2000  (Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x, Netscape 4.7, Netscape 7.x, Firefox 1.x, CompuServe 7, AOL 8, and Opera 7.11)

Windows XP:     (Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, Netscape 7.x, Firefox 1.x, CompuServe 7, AOL 8, and Opera 7.11)

Windows Vista:  (Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, Netscape 7.x, Firefox 1.x, CompuServe 7, AOL 8, and Opera 7.11)

Mac OS 9.x:       (Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1, Netscape 4.8, Netscape 7.x, Mozilla 1.x, and Opera 6)

Mac OS 10.x:     (Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.2, Netscape 7.x, Mozilla 1.x, AOL 7, Opera 6, and Safari 1.0 (Mac OS 10.2x or later only))

Linux                  (Konqueror 3.3.1, Mozilla 1.7.3, Firefox 1.x)

Options for immediate feedback, printable scores and results, or scores or results emailed to the network specialist are available.  For system administrator content management, at a minimum, we recommend Windows 2000, Windows 2003, and/ or Windows XP (Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x, Firefox 1.5).  For Windows Vista, please consider Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.x, Firefox 1.5, at a minimum.  A printer is needed for the optional print out.  Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ also allow for collection and analysis of data.   Speakers or a headset are needed for the optional audio format. 

SpecialtyAutomated Brain Fitness Software require a USB port, CD-ROM drive, and/ or DVD drive.

Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ are billed for one month of service and can be administered on any number of computers.  Most major credit cards are accepted online.  A minimum order of Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ for one month of online service is required.  Significant discounts and savings apply to larger, bulk orders.  Additional tests can be purchased in increments of 100 tests at any time.  Tests in languages other than English and Spanish are also available.  Please email us immediately if you have any questions.

SpecialtyAutomated Brain Fitness Software tests are priced according to the number of tests.

Please contact SpecialtyAutomated by email at:

http://www.brainfitnesses.com/contact.htm

We welcome all general and technical questions through this convenient and online form.

A toll-free telephone number is provided for orders (purchases) only.

Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ are purchased directly from SpecialtyAutomated.

Demos of Online BRAIN FITNESS  Tests ™ are available for purchase.