Optometry Commons^™

Walking Biomechanics And Energetics Of Individuals With A Visual Impairment: A Preliminary Report, Hunter J. Bennett, Kevin A. Valenzuela, Kristina Fleenor, Steven Morrison, Justin A. Haegele

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Purpose.

Although walking gait in sighted populations is well researched, few studies have investigated persons with visual impairments (VIs). Given the lack of physical activity in people with VIs, it is possible that reduced efficiency in walking could adversely affect activity. The purposes of this preliminary study were to (1) examine the biomechanics and energetics utilized during independent and guided walking in subjects with VIs, and (2) compare gait biomechanics between people with VIs and sighted controls.

Methods.

Three-dimensional motion capture and force platforms were used during independent and guided walking at self-selected speeds. Joint angles, moments, external work, and …

Frameworks For Integrating Technology Into Optometric Education, Helen Crompton

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

(Introduction) Technology has driven a major societal change permeating the very traditions, beliefs and rituals of our social and work milieu. Following the revolution caused by the introduction of the Gutenberg printing press, the current digital epoch has been recognised as the second major event in history that has extended and enhanced access to information and learning (Brynjolfsson 2014; Topol 2015). Research shows that digital technologies can be used to provide educational opportunities that were not possible before this digital era. These technologies allow learning in contextualised settings and provide a variety of learning opportunities for those studying optometry (Yi …

Latanoprost And Timolol In Hydrogel Soft Drug-Dispensing Contact Lenses: A Comparative Analysis, Neha Potdar

Virginias Collegiate Honors Council Conference

Glaucoma patients only can instill glaucoma eye drops. This results in 1-7% absorption of the medication. Surveys show that patients forget to take their medication and have difficulty inserting their eye drops. Researchers at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary have developed latanoprost drug-dispensing hydrogel soft contact lenses that dispense the drug to help facilitate the process. However, some glaucoma patients do not respond to latanoprost because they have uveitic glaucoma or do not want to experience latanoprost’s ocular side effects. Patients need an alternative which can be inserted into these contact lenses. Another commonly used glaucoma drug is timolol …

Physical Activity For Adults With Visual Impairments: Impact Of Socio-Demographic Factors, Justin A. Haegele, Xihe Zhu, Jihyun Lee, Lauren J. Lieberman

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Little is known about what factors influence physical activity participation for adult-aged individuals with visual impairments. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the impact of socio-demographic factors on the physical activity participation of adults with visual impairments. The international physical activity questionnaire-short form and a socio-demographic factor questionnaire were distributed to individuals with visual impairments. A total of 176 adults (M_age = 47.04, 52.8% female) completed the questionnaires. Physical activity and socio-demographic variables were analyzed descriptively and relationships were explored using correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. On average, participants reported 413.79 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical …

Large Reductions Are Possible In Older Driver Crashes At Intersections, Siby Samuel, Yusuke Yamani, Danald L. Fisher

Psychology Faculty Publications

Among all crash types, the largest percentage of older driver fatalities occur at intersections. Many explanations have been offered for older drivers' increased risks of crashing at intersections; however, only recently was it determined that older drivers were much less likely to glance for latent threats after entering an intersection than middle-aged drivers. In response, training programmes were designed to increase the frequency of such glances. The programmes have proven effective, doubling the frequency of these glances for up to a period of two years post-training. The programmes take only an hour to administer and are not directly targeted at …