SAFETYLIT WEEKLY UPDATE

We compile citations and summaries of about 400 new articles every week.
RSS Feed

HELP: Tutorials | FAQ
CONTACT US: Contact info

Search Results

Journal Article

Citation

Alexander MS, Lajoie K, Neima DR, Strath RA, Robinovitch SN, Marigold DS. Optom. Vis. Sci. 2014; 91(8): 990-999.

Affiliation

Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (MSA, KL, RAS, SNR, DSM), School of Engineering Science (SNR), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby; and Private Practice (DRN), New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/OPX.0000000000000316

PMID

24987813

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine how age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and changes in ambient light affect the control of foot placement while walking.

METHODS: Ten older adults with AMD and 11 normal-sighted controls performed a precision walking task under normal (∼600 lx), dim (∼0.7 lx), and after a sudden reduction (∼600 to 0.7 lx) of light. The precision walking task involved subjects walking and stepping to the center of a series of irregularly spaced, low-contrast targets. Habitual visual acuity and contrast sensitivity and visual field function were also assessed.

RESULTS: There were no differences between groups when performing the walking task in normal light (p > 0.05). In reduced lighting, older adults with AMD were less accurate and more variable when stepping across the targets compared to controls (p < 0.05). A sudden reduction of light proved the most challenging for this population. In the AMD group, contrast sensitivity and visual acuity were not significantly correlated with walking performance. Visual field thresholds in the AMD group were only associated with greater foot placement error and variability in the dim light walking condition (r = -0.69 to -0.87, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: While walking performance is similar between groups in normal light, poor ambient lighting results in decreased foot placement accuracy in older adults with AMD. Improper foot placement while walking can lead to a fall and possible injury. Thus, to improve the mobility of those with AMD, strategies to enhance the environment in reduced lighting situations are necessary.


Language: en

NEW SEARCH


All SafetyLit records are available for automatic download to Zotero & Mendeley
Print