Abstract
Dynamic visual acuity (DVA) requires visuo-perceptual processing to resolve the critical details of a target in motion. Athletes demonstrate superior DVA performance compared to non-athletes in a seated position. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of different postures and exertion levels on DVA in athletes. METHODS: Varsity rugby players (n=10; female=6; age=20.4yrs ±1.4) without recent concussion (˃ 2 years) and/or vestibular-ocular abnormalities were included. DVA was assessed using a custom program (moV& V&MP, University of Waterloo, Ontario) displayed on a 55” LCD monitor at a viewing distance of 4m. The program presented a randomly (RW) or horizontally (H) moving letter ‘E’ target facing left/right/up/down. Participants had to correctly identify the orientation of the target with a keypad as it progressively reduced in size. DVA was scored as the log of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR), of the smallest target correctly identified (i.e., low score = better DVA). Participants completed one RW and H trial at a speed of 2.31m/s (30°/s) during four conditions: seated; standing; and treadmill walking at low (85-100 beats per minute [bpm]) and moderate (115-130bpm) intensities. RESULTS: The difference in LogMAR scores from the seated condition were calculated for each of the other conditions. There were no interaction effects of target motion and posture (F=1.02, p=.382), and no main effect of target motion (F=0.30, p=.598). However, there was a trending main effect of posture (Stand: 0.00 vs. Walk Low: -0.14 vs. Walk Mod: 0.04 p= .056, f= 0.25). These findings indicate that athletes’ DVA improved from seated during moderate intensity treadmill walking more so than both standing and low-intensity treadmill walking. CONCLUSION: Athletes appear to have improved DVA in sport-specific conditions of greater postural and exertional demands. Therefore, sport training experience may enhance visuo-perceptual skills. These findings may inform clinicians to consider the assessment of DVA with progressive, dynamic contexts for rehabilitation, such as for return to sport from concussion.
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