Balance Testing for Normally Aging Adults and People with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy who use Multifocal Eyeglasses
Mentor 1
Dennis Tomashek
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
28-4-2017 1:30 PM
End Date
28-4-2017 4:00 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 an increased risk of falls in older adults. People with DPN rely more on vision to maintain stability when walking. 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. Subjects in this study include: normally aging adults who wear MfLs, adult MfL wearers with DPN, and non-MfL wearing adults with DPN. 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. It is anticipated that the data analysis will show a significant association between MfLs and instability in individuals with DPN. Disseminating the results of this study to clinicians of various disciplines can potentially improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes and the geriatric patient population within the community.
Balance Testing for Normally Aging Adults and People with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy who use Multifocal Eyeglasses
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 an increased risk of falls in older adults. People with DPN rely more on vision to maintain stability when walking. 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. Subjects in this study include: normally aging adults who wear MfLs, adult MfL wearers with DPN, and non-MfL wearing adults with DPN. 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. It is anticipated that the data analysis will show a significant association between MfLs and instability in individuals with DPN. Disseminating the results of this study to clinicians of various disciplines can potentially improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes and the geriatric patient population within the community.
