Normative Scores for the NIH Toolbox Dynamic Visual Acuity Test from 3 to 85 Years.

Carol Li,Jennifer L Beaumont,Rose Marie Rine,Michael C Schubert,Jerry Slotkin

doi:10.3389/fneur.2014.00223

Abstract

As part of the National Institutes of Health Toolbox initiative, a computerized test of dynamic visual acuity (cDVA) was developed and validated as an easy-to-administer, cost- and time-efficient test of vestibular and visual function. To establish normative reference values, 3,992 individuals, aged 3–85 years, without vestibular pathology underwent cDVA testing at multiple clinical research testing facilities across the United States. Test scores were stratified by sociodemographic characteristics. cDVA was worse in males (p < 0.001) and those subjects 50 years or older, while there was no difference in dynamic visual acuity across age groups binned from 3 to 49 years. Furthermore, we used these normative cDVA data as a criterion reference to compare both the long (validated) and short versions of the test. Both versions can distinguish between those with and without vestibular pathology (p = 0.0002 long; p = 0.0025 short). The intraclass correlation coefficient between long- and short-cDVA tests was 0.86.

Highlights

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) prevents retinal slip during head motion by moving the eyes contrary to the head
As part of the National Institutes of Health Toolbox for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIH Toolbox) initiative [1], a computerized dynamic visual acuity test was developed for examination of the VOR
NIH Toolbox computerized dynamic visual acuity (cDVA) NORMATIVE DATA In the normative population, 3,992 participants with cDVA data were evaluated with mean age 21.0 ± 18.9 years, range 3– 85 years (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) prevents retinal slip during head motion by moving the eyes contrary to the head. This gaze stabilization occurs for both linear and angular head motion, and pathology of the VOR leads to poor visual acuity during head motion. The dynamic visual acuity (DVA) test, in which scores reflect the difference in visual acuity between stationary and head rotation, measures the individual’s ability to maintain gaze during head rotation. As part of the National Institutes of Health Toolbox for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIH Toolbox) initiative [1], a computerized dynamic visual acuity (cDVA) test was developed for examination of the VOR. Rotational chair testing, and light box testing were completed to confirm vestibular and visual function status and shown to be reliable for static visual acuity (SVA) and DVA [2, 3]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion