Test-retest reliability of three Dynavision tasks

The feasibility and efficacy of short-term visual-motor training in pediatric posterior fossa tumor survivors

BACKGROUND

Pediatric posterior fossa tumor (PFT) survivors experience a range of cognitive and motor impairments that require timely rehabilitation of these functions. In Russia, rehabilitation services are only just beginning to be formed; therefore, it is necessary to test rehabilitation protocols for children surviving cancer.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of short-term cognitive and motor training (CMT) aimed on visual-motor integration in PFT survivors using training devices.

DESIGN

"Single center" quasi randomized controlled experiment.

SETTING

Outpatients of the Russkoe Pole Rehabilitation Center.

POPULATION

The 63 children cancer survivors between the ages of 6 and 17 years.

METHODS

The baseline level of cognitive and motor functions was assessed in all participants. Then the sample of patients split into two subgroups of equal sex, age, and diagnosis. The intervention subgroup received six sessions of CMT for two weeks, and the other subgroup underwent 'empty' two weeks with no intervention. Reassessment of motor and cognitive functions was conducted in all participants. Then the subgroups changed: the first subgroup underwent 'empty' two weeks, and the second subgroup completed the CMT, and further reassessment was provided.

RESULTS

The primary results demonstrate an increase in gross and fine motor skills, motor coordination, visual-motor integration, and visual processing after CMT. Secondary results show that the age at onset is an important factor in the subsequent decline in cognitive, motor functions, and eye movements. Children with medulloblastoma perform worse on motor tests than children with astrocytoma. A tumor in the IV ventricle is the most harmful, and a tumor in the cerebellar hemispheres is the least harmful to a child's cognitive and motor development.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the effectiveness of a short-term CMT program for children who survived PFT. The study also found that cognitive, motor, and visual-motor functions are affected by the tumor's localization, malignancy, and the child's age at onset.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Short-term rehabilitation methods can be useful in pediatric oncological practice. Reconstruction of cognitive functions can occur during the training of more "simple" functions, such as hand-eye integration. The study makes a significant contribution to the methods of short-term rehabilitation in children who survived cancer.

A Neuro-Integrative Assessment of Perceptual-Motor Performance and Wellness in ROTC Cadets

Resting heart rate variability (HRV) may be a useful index of both brain-based executive function and general health. Our purpose in this study was to quantify relationships among HRV, perceptual-motor performance metrics, and wellness survey responses. A cohort of 32 male Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) cadets completed a dual-task upper extremity reaction time (UERT) test, two tests of whole-body reactive agility, and a 10-item wellness survey that produced a 0-100 Overall Wellness Index (OWI). We averaged participants' resting HRV measurements twice per week over 10 weeks to derive an intra-individual grand mean (HRV-IIGM) and over a series of days we calculated an intra-individual coefficient of variation (HRV-IICV). We used median values for the two HRV metrics (HRV-IIGM and HRV-IICV) to separate the cadets into equal-sized high and low HRV groups to form the dependent variable for logistic regression analyses. We found a significant inverse relationship between HRV-IIGM and HRV-IICV (r = -0.723, p < .001). Differences in UERT in the left versus right visual hemifields (L-R Diff) and OWI scores were strongly related to both HRV-IIGM ≤ 4.49 and HRV-IICV ≥ 6.95%. Logistic regression models that included L-R Diff and OWI showed 71% classification accuracy for HRV-IIGM (Model χ2 [2] = 12.47, p = .002, Nagelkerke R² = 0.430) and 81% classification accuracy for HRV-IICV (Model χ2 [2] = 14.88, p = .001, Nagelkerke R² = 0.496). These findings suggest that resting HRV, perceptual-motor efficiency, and overall wellness are highly interrelated, supporting a multi-factor biopsychosocial assessment to guide the design and implementation of interventions to maximize operational effectiveness for ROTC cadets and other military personnel.

Test-Retest Reliability, Training, and Detraining Effects Associated With the Dynavision D2™ Mode A Visuomotor Reaction Time Test

CONTEXT

The Dynavision D2™ Mode A test (ModeA) is a 1-minute reaction time (RT) test commonly used in sports science research and clinical rehabilitation. However, there is limited data regarding the effect of repeated testing (ie, training) or subsequent periods of no testing (ie, detraining) on test-retest reliability and RT performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability, training, and detraining effects associated with the D2™ ModeA test.

DESIGN

Repeated measures/reliability.

METHODS

Twenty-four recreationally active men and women completed 15 training sessions consisting of 2 ModeA tests per session (30 tests). The participants were then randomized to either 1 or 2 weeks of detraining prior to completing 15 retraining sessions (30 tests). The training and retraining periods were separated into 10 blocks for analysis (3 tests per block). The number of hits (hits) and the average RT per hit (AvgRT) within each block were used to determine RT performance. Intraclass correlation coefficients, SEM, and minimum difference were used to determine reliability. Repeated-measures analysis of variance/analysis of covariance were used to determine training and detraining effects, respectively.

RESULTS

The ModeA variables demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient2,3 > .93). Significant improvements in hits and AvgRT were noted within training blocks 1 to 5 (P < .05). No further improvements in RT performance were noted between training blocks 6 through 10. There was no effect of detraining period on RT. The RT performance was not different between blocks during retraining.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that 15 tests are necessary to overcome the training effect and establish reliable baseline performance for the ModeA test. Detraining for 1 to 2 weeks did not impact RT performance. The authors recommend that investigators and clinicians utilize the average of 3 tests when assessing RT performance using the D2 ModeA test.

Topical Review: The Top Five Peripheral Vision Tools in Sport

SIGNIFICANCE

This study summarizes the empirical evidence on the use of peripheral vision for the most-researched peripheral vision tools in sports.

The objective of this review was to explain if and how the tools can be used to investigate peripheral vision usage and how empirical findings with these vision tools might be transferred to sports situations. The data sources used in this study were Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. We additionally searched the manufacturers' Web pages and used Google Scholar to find full texts that were not available elsewhere. Studies were included if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal, were written in English language, and were conducted in a sports context. From the 10 searched tools, we included the 5 tools with most published studies. In our topical search, we identified 93 studies for the five most-used peripheral vision tools. Surprisingly, none of these studies used eye-tracking methods to control for the use of peripheral vision. Best "passive" control is achieved by tools using (foveal) secondary tasks (Dynavision D2 and Vienna Test System). Best transfer to sports tasks is expected for tools demanding action responses (FitLight, Dynavision D2). Tools are likely to train peripheral monitoring (NeuroTracker), peripheral reaction time (Dynavision D2, Vienna Test System), or peripheral preview (FitLight), whereas one tool did not show any link to peripheral vision processes (Nike SPARQ Vapor Strobe).

Characterizing upper limb function in the context of activities of daily living in CLN3 disease

In CLN3 disease, impairments in motor function are frequently reported to have later onset compared to visual and cognitive decline, but upper limb motor function has yet to be explored in this population. In a cohort of 22 individuals with CLN3, we used a novel application of multiple measures to (1) characterize motor function, particularly of the upper limbs, in activities of daily living (ADLs), and (2) explore associations between motor function and age as well as visual ability, disease severity, and cognitive function, as evaluated by the Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale (UBDRS), a validated CLN3 disease measure. ADLs that required coordination, speed, and fine motor control were particularly challenging for children with CLN3 based on item-level performance across direct assessments (Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test [JTHFT] and MyoSet Tools) and caregiver reports (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Testing [PEDI-CAT] and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] Pediatric Upper Extremity). Poorer visual ability, disease severity, and cognitive function were associated with worse performance on these measures, whereas age had limited impact. These findings support the need for children with CLN3 to receive skilled clinical evaluation and treatment tailored to their individual needs, particularly in the context of ADLs, as their symptom profile progresses.

Reliability of the Dynavision task in virtual reality to explore visuomotor phenotypes

Daily-life behaviors strongly rely on visuomotor integration, a complex sensorimotor process with obvious plasticity. Visual-perceptive and visual-cognitive functions are degraded by neurological disorders and brain damage, but are improved by vision training, e.g. in athletes. Hence, developing tools to evaluate/improve visuomotor abilities has found echo among psychologists, neurophysiologists, clinicians and sport professionals. Here we implemented the Dynavision visuomotor reaction task in virtual reality (VR) to get a flexible tool to place high demands on visual-perceptive and visual-cognitive processes, and explore individual abilities in visuomotor integration. First, we demonstrated high test–retest reliability for the task in VR among healthy physically-active students (n = 64, 32 females). Second, the capture of head movements thanks to the VR-headset sensors provided new and reliable information on individual visual-perceptual strategies, which added significant value to explore visuomotor phenotypes. A factor analysis of mixed data and hierarchical clustering on principal components points to head movements, video-games practice and ball-tracking sports as critical cues to draw visuomotor phenotypes among our participants. We conclude that the visuomotor task in VR is a reliable, flexible and promising tool. Since VR nowadays can serve e.g. to modulate multisensorial integration by creating visual interoceptive-exteroceptive conflicts, or placing specifically designed cognitive demand, much could be learned on complex integrated visuomotor processes through VR experiments. This offers new perspectives for post brain injury risk evaluation, rehabilitation programs and visual-cognitive training.

The Relationship Between Injury-Related Fear and Visuomotor Reaction Time in Individuals With a History of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

CONTEXT

Deficits in reaction time, decreased self-reported knee function, and elevated levels of injury-related fear have been observed in individuals who sustain anterior cruciate ligament injury. Understanding the relationship between these variables may provide the impetus to further investigate effective intervention strategies to address these deficits in individuals after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between injury-related fear and lower-extremity visuomotor reaction time (VMRT) in individuals with a history of ACLR. A secondary purpose was to determine the relationship between self-reported knee function and lower-extremity VMRT in individuals with a history of ACLR.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty participants between the ages of 18-35 years, with history of unilateral ACLR within the last 10 years, who injured their knee playing or training for organized or recreational sports.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Scores on the athlete fear avoidance questionnaire, the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ), the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score, and reaction time (in seconds) on the lower-extremity VMRT task using the FitLight Trainer™, bilaterally. Spearman Rho correlations examined the relationship between the dependent variables.

RESULTS

There was a moderate positive correlation between VMRT and FABQ-total (r = .62, P < .01), FABQ-sport (r = .56, P = .01), and FABQ-physical activity (r = .64, P < .01) for the injured limb. Correlations between FABQ scores and VMRT for the uninjured limb were weak positive correlations (r = .36-.41, P > .05). Weak correlations between the osteoarthritis outcome score subscales, athlete fear avoidance questionnaire, and VMRT were observed for the injured limb (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with a history of ACLR who exhibited elevated levels of injury-related fear demonstrated slower VMRT. There were no relationships between self-reported knee function and VMRT. Future research should explore interventions to address injury-related fear and VMRT in individuals after ACLR.

Dynavision Normative Data for Healthy Adults: Reaction Test Program

IMPORTANCE

Previous research has calculated normative data for the Dynavision D2 Visuomotor Training (D2) System among healthy athletes to understand concussion management, but to date no studies have identified the norms for healthy adults over a large age range (18-80 yr) for physical response speed.

OBJECTIVE

To provide normative data for the D2 for physical response speed in adults ages 18-80 yr.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, descriptive study to obtain normative data on physical response speed using the D2 for adults in age categories 18-40, 41-60, and 61-80 yr.

SETTING

Genesis Physical Therapy and Wellness Center, a Midwestern outpatient hospital-based therapy center.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred adults, stratified into three different age categories. Normal standards with quartiles were identified for each age and sex category.

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Multiple regression model of the inverse response times.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant difference in physical response speed between men and women and between the different age groups. Women in all age categories were slower than men. Physical response speed increased with age in both sexes, but each had significantly different age and sex main effects (p < .0005).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Occupational therapy practitioners can use the normative standards identified in this study in their assessment of clients with visual and cognitive deficits after a brain injury, stroke, or other neurologic pathology.

WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS

This study's results can be added to the battery of other common evaluation measures that occupational therapists use to evaluate visual and cognitive deficits after neurological impairments.

Clinical provision of compensatory visual training after neurological injury: example of a multisite outpatient program

AIM

Treatment efficacy is established via controlled research trials, but treatment in real-world clinical environments is typically highly variable and may differ from research protocols by necessity. Here, we examined provision of visual retraining for adults after neurological injury at an outpatient rehabilitation program in Calgary, Canada.

METHODS

Retrospective chart audits extracted demographic data, assessment outcomes, and details related to provision of training.

RESULTS

Treatment was provided to individuals with both visual field and visual-perceptual impairments due to neurological injury (mostly stroke). Tools and techniques of visual retraining at this program are discussed, the common denominator being repetitive practice of compensatory visual behaviors. Across this multisite program, there was significant variability in the number of treatment sessions, 13.00 (±10.21) sessions for those with visual-perceptual impairments and 14.41 (±9.63) sessions for those with field loss. Descriptive statistics and confidence intervals suggest improved outcomes on some measures for those with visual field and visual perceptual impairments.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that visual retraining is feasible in this clinical outpatient setting. Implications for rehabilitation This program of visual retraining was provided to individuals with visual impairment (e.g., hemianopia) and visual perceptual impairment (e.g., unilateral spatial neglect) as a result of neurological injury. In this outpatient program, visual rehabilitation was feasible and appeared to improve outcomes among a heterogeneous clinical population. Fundamental characteristics of visual compensatory training at this program included repetitive practice of adaptive scanning behaviors across multiple contexts to promote automaticity and generalization of skills.

Reliability of 5 Novel Reaction Time and Cognitive Load Protocols

CONTEXT

Reaction time (RT) is crucial to athletic performance. Therefore, when returning athletes to play following injury, it is important to evaluate RT characteristics ensuring a safe return. The Dynavision D2® system may be utilized as an assessment and rehabilitation aid in the determination of RT under various levels of cognitive load. Previous research has demonstrated good reliability of simple protocols when assessed following a 24- to 48-hour test-retest window. Expanding reliable test-retest intervals may further refine novel RT protocols for use as a diagnostic and rehabilitation tool.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the test-retest reliability of a battery of 5 novel RT protocols at different time intervals.

DESIGN

Repeated measures/reliability.

SETTING

Interdisciplinary sports medicine research laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty healthy individuals.

METHODS

Participants completed a battery of protocols increasing in difficulty in terms of reaction speed requirement and cognitive load. Prior to testing, participants were provided 3 familiarization trials. All protocols required participants to hit as many lights as quickly as possible in 60 seconds. After completing the initial testing session (session 1), participants waited 1 hour before completing the second session (session 2). Approximately 2 weeks later (average 14 [4] d), the participants completed the same battery of tasks for the third session (session 3).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, and repeated-measures analysis of variance were calculated for RT.

RESULTS

The intraclass correlation coefficient values for each of the 5 protocols illustrated good to excellent reliability between sessions 1, 2, and 3 (.75-.90). There were no significant differences across time points (F < 0.105, P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The 1-hour and 14-day test-retest intervals are reliable for clinical assessment, expanding the time frames previously reported in the literature of when assessments can be completed reliably. This study provides novel protocols that challenge cognition in unique ways.

Analysis of Central and Peripheral Vision Reaction Times in Patients With Postconcussion Visual Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether central and peripheral vision reaction times (PVRTs) are prolonged in patients with visual dysfunction after sustaining a concussion.

DESIGN

Comparison of Dynavision D2 central and PVRTs in patients with postconcussion visual dysfunction were compared with control data from a normative patient database. Concussion patients without visual dysfunction were not included in this study.

SETTING

National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 college training room and university based, academic health center.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients were selected for inclusion based on diagnosis of new visual dysfunction as indicated either by physical examination of the team physician or by patient self-report of symptoms. Patients included college athletes, college students, and concussion patient's presenting to a university based, academic health center.

INTERVENTION

Measurement of central and PVRTs using a Dynavision D2 reaction time program were used as the dependent variables. Evaluations were conducted from 3 days to 11 months postconcussion, depending on the temporal development of visual symptoms after the concussion. No intervention was used.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Average central and PVRTs for patients with postconcussion visual symptoms were compared with an asymptomatic control group with no history of concussion.

RESULTS

Both central and PVRTs were significantly prolonged in patients with postconcussion visual symptoms compared with patients with no history of concussion.

CONCLUSIONS

Central and PVRTs are both prolonged in patients with postconcussion visual dysfunction with PVRT being disproportionately prolonged. The percent change from central to PVRT was also increased in patients with postconcussion visual dysfunction.

Validity and Repeatability of a Novel Dynamic Visual Acuity System

PURPOSE

In many sports, athletes rely on visual information from the environment to perform. Some literature suggests athletes have superior visual abilities to non-athletes, particularly on tasks representative of the visual demands of their sport, such as dynamic acuity, eye movement accuracy and speed, and peripheral vision. Other literature suggests there is no difference between athletes and non-athletes, at least when standard clinical assessments are employed. A limitation of the literature is that almost none of the research has been conducted with standardized, validated tools. This is partly caused by a lack of readily available tools to measure tasks representative of the visual demands of sport, and available tests have typically not been validated against current clinical standards. The purpose of this study is to examine the validity and repeatability of a novel visual acuity system (moV&; V&MP Vision Suite) recently developed in the Vision & Motor Performance Lab (V&MP). moV& permits the measurement of many visual function parameters including dynamic visual acuity with predictable, random, and jittering target motion.

METHODS

Twenty-five participants attended two study visits, separated by a minimum of 2 weeks. At each visit, static and dynamic visual acuity was measured using Snellen, ETDRS, and moV& charts. Static visual acuities were compared to determine the validity of moV&, and both static and dynamic visual acuities were compared between visits to determine the test-retest repeatability.

RESULTS

moV& static visual acuities are clinically similar to visual acuities measured with the ETDRS chart (moV&, -0.09 ± 0.13; ETDRS, -0.03 ± 0.11, concordance correlation coefficient 0.726). Additionally, all static, dynamic, and jitter visual acuities demonstrate good test-retest repeatability (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient range 0.451-0.953).

CONCLUSIONS

moV& provides good clinical measures of static visual acuity that are comparable to both Snellen and ETDRS measures. Dynamic visual acuity measures demonstrate good test-retest repeatability.

Vision training methods for sports concussion mitigation and management

There is emerging evidence supporting the use vision training, including light board training tools, as a concussion baseline and neuro-diagnostic tool and potentially as a supportive component to concussion prevention strategies. This paper is focused on providing detailed methods for select vision training tools and reporting normative data for comparison when vision training is a part of a sports management program. The overall program includes standard vision training methods including tachistoscope, Brock's string, and strobe glasses, as well as specialized light board training algorithms. Stereopsis is measured as a means to monitor vision training affects. In addition, quantitative results for vision training methods as well as baseline and post-testing *A and Reaction Test measures with progressive scores are reported. Collegiate athletes consistently improve after six weeks of training in their stereopsis, *A and Reaction Test scores. When vision training is initiated as a team wide exercise, the incidence of concussion decreases in players who participate in training compared to players who do not receive the vision training. Vision training produces functional and performance changes that, when monitored, can be used to assess the success of the vision training and can be initiated as part of a sports medical intervention for concussion prevention.

The reliability of a VISION COACH task as a measure of psychomotor skills

The VISION COACH™ interactive light board is designed to test and enhance participants' psychomotor skills. The primary goal of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of the Full Field 120 VISION COACH task. One hundred eleven male and 131 female adult participants completed six trials where they responded to 120 randomly distributed lights displayed on the VISION COACH interactive light board. The mean time required for a participant to complete a trial was 101 seconds. Intraclass correlation coefficients, ranging from 0.962 to 0.987 suggest the VISION COACH Full Field 120 task was a reliable task. Cohen's d's of adjacent pairs of trials suggest learning effects did not negatively affect reliability after the third trial.

A novel computer software for the evaluation of dynamic visual acuity

Purpose

Dynamic visual acuity (DVA) is defined as the ability to discriminate fine details in a moving target. Albeit a growing interest in DVA, there is a lack of standardized, validated instrumentation and procedures for the assessment of this visual function parameter. The aim of the present study was to analyze qualitative construct validity and test–retest reliability of a novel, computer-assisted instrument (DinVA 3.0) for the measurement of DVA.

Methods

Two different experiments are presented, involving the participation of 33 subjects. The first experiment aimed at testing qualitative construct validity of the DinVA 3.0 by comparing the outcome of a series of trials consisting in different speeds, contrasts and trajectories of the target stimuli with those reported in the literature. The second experiment assessed test–retest reliability by repeating a series of trials at three different time intervals, at maximum target stimuli contrast and either high or low speed configurations.

Results

The results of the first experiment gave support to the qualitative construct validity of DinVA 3.0, as the DVA scores were found to be modulated by the speed of the moving target (high speeds yielded lower DVA), contrast (high contrast resulted in better DVA) and trajectory (DVA was better at horizontal rather than oblique trajectories). Test–retest reliability was found to be good, with a small insignificant trend towards improvement with learning.

Conclusion

The DinVA 3.0 proved to be a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of DVA and may be considered a promising tool for both clinicians and researchers.

Effects of dynavision training as a preparatory intervention status postcerebrovascular accident: a case report

ABSTRACT Objective. This is a case study of a 67-year-old woman, status post right hemispheric ischemic lesion cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and her use of Dynavision training as a preparatory intervention to determine its influence on her performance skills and perceived occupational performance. Method. The participant engaged in 6 weeks of Dynavision intervention, 3 days per week. The participant was evaluated using a broad battery of assessments at pretest and posttest. Outcome measures included the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and goniometric active range of motion (AROM) measurements for the upper extremity. Standing activity tolerance during engagement in occupations also was assessed. A qualitative interview was employed to ascertain the participant's perceptions of how Dynavision training influenced her performance in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Results. Improvements in performance skills, perceived occupational performance, and perceived satisfaction with engagement in occupation were noted. The participant demonstrated improved AROM, functional activity tolerance, and greater awareness of the neglected side. Qualitative interviews revealed that the participant's satisfaction and confidence with ADL and IADL tasks improved at the time of posttest. Conclusion. Data suggest positive effects of Dynavision intervention when used with an individual status post-CVA.

Assessment Tools for Evaluating Fitness to Drive: A Critical Appraisal of Evidence

Background. Many office-based assessment tools are used by occupational therapists to predict fitness to drive. Purpose. To appraise psychometric properties of such tools, specifically predictive validity for on-road performance. Methods. A literature search was conducted to identify assessment tools and studies involving on-road outcomes (behind-the-wheel evaluation, crashes, traffic violations). Using a standardized appraisal process, reviewers rated each tool's psychometrric properties, including its predictive validity with on-road performance. Findings. Seventeen measures met the inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests many tools do not have cut-off scores linked with on-road outcomes, although some had stronger evidence than others. Implications. When making a determination regarding driver fitness, clinicians should consider the psychometric properties of the tool as well as existing evidence concerning its utility in predicting on-road performance. Caution is warranted in using any one office-based tool to predict driving fitness; rather, a multifactorial-based assessment approach that includes physical, cognitive, and visual-perceptual components, is recommended.

Correlations of selected psychomotor and visuomotor tests with initial Dynavision performance

The current study investigated the relationship between Dynavision scores for 36 men and 52 women (M age = 20.5 yr.) and performance on six conventional psychomotor tests which presumably tap similar psychomotor abilities and visuomotor skills. Analysis indicated that initial Dynavision performance was significantly correlated with performance on these common psychomotor tests. These data extend findings that propose the effectiveness of the Dynavision apparatus to assess performance on basic visual-motor and visual-cognitive functions. Taken together with these new results, findings suggest that this apparatus might contribute to psychomotor assessment and may be potentially useful for effective selection and identification of individual differences in human behavioral performance.

Response to visual stimuli by adults with developmental disabilities

Young college students with (n=20) and without (n=20) developmental disabilities performed a hand-eye coordination task that involved contacting illuminated target buttons on a wall-mounted board while simultaneously reading numbers in central vision. The target buttons were arranged in 5 concentric rings allowing for the computation of successful contact rates between different areas of the movement environment. Analysis showed, although students with developmental disabilities had lower overall contact rates than peers without such disabilities, both groups performed with comparable accuracy in all locations within the movement environment. This finding suggests that special adaptations of visual information in the working environment for a person with developmental disabilities may not be necessary.

Sex differences in performance on three novel continuous response tasks

The Dynavision apparatus was used to assess psychomotor differences between men and women first-time users. Subjects, 50 men and 76 women, were tested on three 60-sec. Dynavision response tasks of graded difficulty. An analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated that men performed significantly better than women on all tasks. Performances on all tasks were also significantly different from each other within both sexes (p < or = .05). Furthermore, a significant interaction between sex and task was based on a greater drop in performance on the most complex task for women than for men.

Driving skills in elderly persons with stroke: comparison of two new assessment options

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of two methods of assessing off-road driving skills that claim to predict on-road driving fitness of persons with stroke.

METHOD

Fifty-six persons with stroke (age 44 to 82 yrs; mean, 60.2 yrs) completed the 2 off-road driving assessments along with standard clinical and on-road driving tests.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Linear stepwise regression on 4 variables of the Dynavision Performance Assessment Battery (DPAB), the Cognitive Behavioral Driver's Inventory (CBDI) variable (composite score), and the variables of age, gender, and lesion side.

RESULTS

A 4-minute endurance subtest from the DPAB was superior to the CBDI in predicting success/failure in the on-road driving test (75%). However, success on both the 4-minute endurance subtest from the DPAB and the CBDI tests significantly improved the prediction of on-road success. If participants passed the CBDI and the endurance test from the DPAB, they also passed the on-road assessment.

CONCLUSION

Driving fitness of elderly persons with stroke can be assessed with reasonable accuracy using off-road tests, minimizing the expense and risk associated with on-road assessments in this population.

Rehabilitation of visuomotor skills in poststroke patients using the Dynavision apparatus

The Dynavision is a new apparatus that may help address some of the limitations inherent in conventional approaches to rehabilitation of visual skills of persons suffering from neurological dysfunction. Here the basic features of the apparatus are described, an overview of preliminary experimental evidence for its effectiveness in rehabilitation presented and application in the training of compensatory scanning strategies for visual inattention and visual-field deficits and in the increasing of oculomotor control outlined.