Special vision training may curb car crashes
From: VA Research Currents - June 2005 - page 2

Special computer-based training to improve older adults’ ability to process
visual information could help them avoid automobile accidents, according to a
VA study presented at the American Geriatrics Society annual meeting in May
2005. 

The study, led by Richard Sims, MD, chief of the geriatrics section at the
Birmingham, AL, VA Medical Center, involved 45 veterans, ages 60 to 80,
with impaired vision. A control group received 10 one-hour training sessions
on using the Internet, while the other group received 10 sessions of speedof-
processing training. Designed to improve visual-information processing, the
computerized instruction program gives users increasingly challenging
visual-attention tasks to complete. 

Those who received the special training then scored significantly better on
tests requiring them to identify a particular object amid various visual
distractions on a computer screen. 

"Because older drivers with impairments in visual attention experience more
motor vehicle crashes, efforts to improve speed of processing may result in
lower crash rates among these individuals," said Sims. The study was
sponsored by VA's Rehabilitation Research and Development Service.

Links:
Computer training helps reduce car accidents in elderly
http://www.medicalpost.com/mpcontent/article.jsp?content=20050613_192451_5624