Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate the relationship between measures of visual function with traditional performance-based measures of physical performance, muscle strength and power, and newer more challenging measures of physical performance.
Methods :
Cross-sectional analysis of baseline visual function (self-reported eyesight and eye disease, visual acuity (VA, logMAR), log contrast sensitivity (LCS) and physical function tests in 877 older adults in a multi-site cohort study. Separate linear regression models were constructed for short physical performance battery (SPPB), expanded SPPB (eSPPB), their components (gait speed, chair stand, balance, narrow walk), stair climb, four-square step test, leg extension peak power and strength, and grip strength. Multivariable models adjusted for age, gender, race, highest level of education, BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, stroke, and depressive mood.
Results :
Mean age was 76.36±5.01, 40.8% were women, and 13.3% Black race. In adjusted models, worse logMAR VA, lower LCS, and poor self-reported vision were significantly associated with worse performance on the eSPPB and four-square step test (all p<0.05). Lower LCS (p<0.05), but not logMAR VA, was significantly associated with shorter balance time, slower chair stand pace, longer stair climb time, and worse SPPB score. Associations of logMAR VA and LCS with leg extension power and grip strength were attenuated by multivariable adjustment (p>0.05), but logMAR VA remained associated with leg strength (p<0.05). Self-reported macular degeneration (p<0.05), but not cataract or glaucoma, was associated with SPPB, eSPPB, balance, stair climb, and four-square step test in adjusted models. Only LCS and macular degeneration remained associated with SPPB and balance after controlling for visual acuity and self-reported eyesight (p<0.05).
Conclusions :
Poor contrast sensitivity is more strongly associated with physical performance than visual acuity, especially for complex tasks that challenge coordination and balance. These data may suggest a subset of older adults with poor visual and physical function who may benefit from targeted intervention to prevent mobility disability.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.