CNS Tap Test app for iPhone and iPad
As featured in the book Beyond Training by Ben Greenfield.
As featured in the podcasts:
- Harder to Kill Radio 026
- Ameer Rosic Optimal Health Show #58
- Ben Greenfield Fitness #263
CNS Tap Test is an adaptation of the Finger Tap Test (FTT) or Finger Oscillation Test (FOT) which is used to measure the status of the central nervous system (CNS), and is one of the most commonly used tests in neuropsychology, because of its simplicity and reliability, and because it generates relevant data about fine motor control, which is based on motor speed as well as kinesthetic and visual-motor ability.
The application should be used on a regular basis to determine an athlete’s baseline. If the CNS Tap Test result is elevated it is suitable for a maximum effort or a heavy lifting day. If the CNS Tap Test result is lower than average it may indicate CNS fatigue and impending sickness, injury or over-training.
Both hands should be tested on a regular basis in a consistent environment, typically every morning on waking. The procedure for testing is:
- Rest hand palm down on the heel of the hand on a flat surface
- Tapping is done with the index (pointing finger), and all other fingers remain on the flat surface
- The timer starts with the first tap
- When the timer expires no further taps will be accepted
- The result can either be saved or discarded.
Multiple samples can be saved per day.
The resulting data can be graphed, emailed or managed from within CNS Tap Test.
Using Swift Charts for improved accessibility and legibility.
Pros and cons of CNS Tap Test app for iPhone and iPad
CNS Tap Test app good for
I use this app first thing after I weigh. The app is a good tool to help give me a bit of insight into how I am feeling with my work out and recovery.
Easy to use. Measures objectively your CNS. Facilitates coaches/athletes communication. Helps in adjusting workouts.
Some bad moments
This app works, however it does very little and it is unlikely you will ever use it for even an entire minute.
The apps function goes on for only about 10 seconds where you tap the screen. After that the test is over and no longer very useful.
You can look at graphs etc. but they hold no function whatsoever for the average or even unusual user.
I strongly recommend getting a different free version of this or such, honestly there are so many ways to test this without the app it makes it almost redundant. Ive realized now I have spent more time writing this review than using the app.
The app is pretty confusing to navigate and Im not quite sure where I need to go to do stuff. This app looks very plain and isnt very useful.
CNS testing is an important aspect of weight training. The app is simple, yet effective. It tracks your CNS using the finger tap test. The numbers only mean something as trends. The app gets that.
Now, with the bi-weekly view, I can see the trends in a way that makes sense for my programming.
The only critique I have is that the little I icon isnt the most obvious way to get to your history of results. Doesnt affect its usefulness.
Ive been looking for something like this to manage my CNS stress (sprinter doing 100% effort sprints plus heavy lifting plus plyos) and this app works perfect! Thank you
Great app, very easy to use and does exactly what its designed to do. The developer is also very responsive.
Thanks!
I dig this app. I adjust my training according to this app and a couple of other tests. Hours of sleep seem to correspond with higher tap numbers, duh. The number graphing is clutch also.
