Motion-detection threshold and measures of balance in older adults: the SEE Project.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify the visual factors associated with various levels of balance ability in a population-based study of older adults.


METHODS
Data for this analysis came from the third round of the Salisbury Eye Evaluation population-based cohort study (1505 individuals). Measures of visual function including acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual fields, and motion detection were obtained. Balance was assessed by determining if participants could complete a series of timed stands designed to increase in difficulty. The outcome was an unsuccessful stand. Analyses were performed using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations with stand type as an indicator variable.


RESULTS
In a model containing all vision variables, those with worse motion-detection threshold were more likely to have an unsuccessful tandem stand (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.13-2.15) and soleo stand (on one foot of choice with eyes open and arms out; OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.57-6.06) while those with worse visual field were more likely to have an unsuccessful tandem stand (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.08-1.38) after adjustment. Furthermore, the relationship between motion-detection threshold and an unsuccessful stand was stronger for the most difficult stand on one foot (the soleo stand) (P = 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
Problems with balance in older adults may be due, in part, to decreased ability to detect small movements and/or visual field reduction.
Freeman
Ellen E
EE
Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Broman
Aimee T
AT
Turano
Kathleen A
KA
West
Sheila K
SK
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland; D009039:Motion Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology