Balance Testing for Normally Aging Adults and People with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy who use Multifocal Eyeglasses: A Pilot Study

Mentor 1

Dennis Tomashek

Location

Union Wisconsin Room

Start Date

29-4-2016 1:30 PM

End Date

29-4-2016 3:30 PM

Description

The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the effects of multifocal lenses (MfLs) on balance and stability in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Diabetes Mellitus affects over 26.5 million people in the United States, with DPN occurring in up to 50% of these individuals. Currently, no research investigating the impact of MfLs on stability in persons with DPN exists. Past studies suggest that vision contributes to increased falling risk rate of older adults, and people with DPN rely more on vision to maintain stability when walking. Additionally, determining if there is a correlation between MfLs and instability could prove to be crucial in reducing falls through a predictive model of MfL adaptation. Research in this area will provide relevant implications for clinicians and for patients with diabetes, because it is important that both are aware of extrinsic factors that contribute to instability. Normally aging adults who wear MfLs, adult MfL wearers with DPN, and non-MfL wearing adults with DPN will be tested in this study. Participants will be between the ages of 40-75 years old. Participants will complete a demographic questionnaire, and will be screened prior to participation to ensure that they meet inclusion/exclusion criteria. Participants will complete a battery of tests that assess vision and balance, including the Dynamic Gait Index, Berg Balance Scale, Timed up and Go, 30-second-sit-to-stand, and stability assessments of the Bertec Balance System. These tests will quantify aspects of balance, including lower-limb strength and endurance. Vision assessments include the Howard-Dohlman depth perception test, the Freiburg Acuity and Contrast Test, and visual acuity and stereopsis tests. Data will be statistically analyzed quantitatively using Pearson’s Correlation, and a within-between subjects MANOVA. It is anticipated that the data analysis will show a significant association between MfLs and instability in people with DPN.

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Apr 29th, 1:30 PM Apr 29th, 3:30 PM

Balance Testing for Normally Aging Adults and People with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy who use Multifocal Eyeglasses: A Pilot Study

Union Wisconsin Room

The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the effects of multifocal lenses (MfLs) on balance and stability in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Diabetes Mellitus affects over 26.5 million people in the United States, with DPN occurring in up to 50% of these individuals. Currently, no research investigating the impact of MfLs on stability in persons with DPN exists. Past studies suggest that vision contributes to increased falling risk rate of older adults, and people with DPN rely more on vision to maintain stability when walking. Additionally, determining if there is a correlation between MfLs and instability could prove to be crucial in reducing falls through a predictive model of MfL adaptation. Research in this area will provide relevant implications for clinicians and for patients with diabetes, because it is important that both are aware of extrinsic factors that contribute to instability. Normally aging adults who wear MfLs, adult MfL wearers with DPN, and non-MfL wearing adults with DPN will be tested in this study. Participants will be between the ages of 40-75 years old. Participants will complete a demographic questionnaire, and will be screened prior to participation to ensure that they meet inclusion/exclusion criteria. Participants will complete a battery of tests that assess vision and balance, including the Dynamic Gait Index, Berg Balance Scale, Timed up and Go, 30-second-sit-to-stand, and stability assessments of the Bertec Balance System. These tests will quantify aspects of balance, including lower-limb strength and endurance. Vision assessments include the Howard-Dohlman depth perception test, the Freiburg Acuity and Contrast Test, and visual acuity and stereopsis tests. Data will be statistically analyzed quantitatively using Pearson’s Correlation, and a within-between subjects MANOVA. It is anticipated that the data analysis will show a significant association between MfLs and instability in people with DPN.