Preliminary investigation of the responsiveness of the Melbourne Low Vision ADL index to low-vision rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a preliminary investigation on the ability of the Melbourne Low Vision ADL Index to detect changes in functional ability as a result of low-vision rehabilitation.


METHODS
Twenty two subjects with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) who were newly referred to the Kooyong Low Vision Clinic were recruited. The Melbourne Low Vision ADL Index was administered prerehabilitation and postrehabilitation. Changes in scores and effect size statistics were analyzed.


RESULTS
The median total score for the subjects prerehabilitation was 67, and the median total score postrehabilitation was 76. The difference in prerehabilitation and postrehabilitation scores was statistically significant (Wilcoxon signed rank test = 248.5, p < 0.001). The mean change score for the total Melbourne Low Vision ADL Index was 9.3 (SD, 5.6). Thus the overall effect size statistic (mean change score divided by SD of prerehabilitation score) was 0.78.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary investigation indicates that the Melbourne Low Vision ADL Index is responsive to a rehabilitation program for patients with ARMD. It has potential to be used as a measure of low-vision rehabilitation outcomes.
Haymes
S A
SA
Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Vic, Australia. s.haymes@optometry.unimelb.edu.au
Johnston
A W
AW
Heyes
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AD
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009988:Orthoptics; D011594:Psychometrics; D012682:Sensory Aids; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria; D014787:Vision Tests / Q000379:methods*; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014792:Visual Acuity