Effects of differences in visual acuity on gait time and trunk acceleration when older women negotiate stairs

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of good and poor binocular visual acuity (GBVA and PBVA, respectively) on the gait time, trunk acceleration amplitude, and trunk acceleration ratio of older women when climbing and descending stairs.MethodsIn total, 26 older adult women subjects (age between 66-90 years) were enrolled. The BVAs of 13 were ≥ 0.4 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (PBVA group); the others had BVAs ≤ 0.3 logMAR (GBVA group). All subjects climbed and descended a flight of three steps while fitted with a tri-axial accelerometer placed over the T2 and L3 spinal processes. Gait time, overall and directional trunk acceleration amplitude, and trunk acceleration ratio were measured when ascending and descending.ResultsUpper trunk acceleration amplitudes in the overall, anterior-posterior (AP), and vertical (VT) directions and the trunk acceleration ratio when climbing stairs were significantly lower in the GBVA than in the PBVA group. Upper trunk acceleration amplitudes in the overall, AP, medial-lateral (ML), and VT directions when descending stairs were significantly lower in the GBVA than in the PBVA group.ConclusionsVisual acuity decrements were associated with all aspects of upper trunk control when stair negotiation. Those with PBVA were jerkier than subjects with GBVA, and the former also exhibited more fluctuations in upper trunk movement. Thus, visual status must be considered when elderly individuals undergo functional training and physical therapy so that healthcare professionals can better assist their older adult women.