title: [Do radiologists develop perceptual learning contrast sensitivity?].
abstract: A slight difference in brightness between objects close to each other and with no clear-cut outlines separating them can be recognized by the visual function called contrast sensitivity. This function is particularly developed in the radiologist, whose task is to analyze images in many shades of grey and with no clear-cut outlines, due to kinetic and radiogeometrical shading. Assuming that professional habit might develop this function, the authors compared contrast sensitivity in a group of 26 radiologists with contrast sensitivity in a control group (30 non-radiologists). The Vistech VTCS 6500 test was chosen for the task because of its practicality and reliability. The test consists in the recognition of the orientation of 5 series of alternate bright and dark lines differencing in thickness and contrast. The results obtained in the two groups were studied and compared with the statistical test of the analysis of variance, the T-test by Student and the U-test by Mann-Whitney. Contrast sensitivity was surprisingly higher in the radiologists group, in 4 of 5 series of images with bright and dark lines, than in controls and the difference was statistically significant: p < 0.001 with the test and the U-test. A deviation standard increase in contrast sensitivity was found also in radiologists with short-term professional activity (a few years). To explain these results, two hypotheses one suggested by the authors: radiologists pay greater attention to image details, because of their profession; perceptual learning--that is an improvement in the image-research cortical function--might occur, because of constant training. In the radiologist to conclude repeated stimulation of research capabilities in low-contrast images is thought to improve the efficiency of this cortical function.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Oculistica dell'Università di Verona.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Parolini
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Soardi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Panozzo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011871:Radiology
vernacular_title: Esiste nei radiologi l'apprendimento percettivo nella sensibilità al contrasto?