12週動體視力訓練對高齡者與超高齡者視覺與平衡能力之影響

Effects of 12 weeks of dynamic visual acuity training on young-elderly and old-elderly's visual ability and balance

緒論：高齡者發生跌倒的時機好發於正在步行時，步行是日常生活中的最基本運動形式，由於高齡者在步行過程中處於自身移動，外在物體處於靜止或移動的一種運動狀態，在此情況下，高齡者的動體視力會影響到對外在物體訊息的接收正確性與時效性，進而影響其平衡能力，甚至於造成失衡跌倒。先前研究已發現，77歲年齡區間以上高齡者的動體視力衰退率顯著多於步行速度的衰退率，顯示此年齡之後的高齡者，其動體視力可能無法應付正常步態速度所產生的視覺訊息接收；如何增進或延緩高齡者與超高齡者的動體視力，是減少高齡者發生跌倒機率的重要議題。因此，本研究目的在探討12週動體視力訓練對於高齡者（65歲－76歲）和超高齡者（77歲－88歲）之視覺與平衡能力的影響。方法：73名65歲－76歲的高齡者與77歲－88歲的超高齡者為研究對象，分為動體視力訓練組和控制組，以Athlevision運動視覺軟體進行12週、每週3次、每次30分鐘的動體視力訓練，訓練前後以3D視覺系統進行縱向動體視力、橫向動體視力、眼球運動、深度知覺、視覺反應時間等運動視覺能力，以及高齡者功能性體適能測試中的靜態與動態平衡能力測試。結果：一、高齡者的視覺能力與平衡能力隨年齡增長而有下降趨勢，且高齡者之視覺能力和平衡，均顯著優於超高齡者；二、高齡者經12週動體視力訓練後，縱向動體視力、橫向動體視力、眼球運動等運動視覺能力，以及靜態平衡能力有顯著進步；但超高齡者經12週動體視力訓練後，各項運動視覺能力和靜動態平衡能力則未顯著進步。結論：運動視覺能力和平衡能力會隨老化而下降，高齡者可透過12週的動體視力訓練提高部分運動視覺和靜態平衡能力，但超高齡者則無任何促進效果。

Introduction: The previous study found that the decline in dynamic visual acuity was greater than that of comfortable walking velocity and fastest walking velocity when the elderly were older than 77. The study showed that dynamic visual acuity might not respond accurately when walking at 77 years old. Accordingly, how these young-elderly and old-elderly (older than 77 years) enhance or delay the decline in their dynamic visual acuity is a very important issue for preventing the elderly from falling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the 12-week dynamic visual acuity program on the visual ability and balance of the young-elderly (65-76 years) and old-elderly (77-88 years). Method: Seventy-three young-elderly, ages 65-76, and old-elderly, ages 77-88,were recruited as participants in this study. A dynamic visual acuity program using the Athlevision sports vision software was conducted for 12weeks, with 3sessions30 minutes long per week. The 3D visual system was used to measure dynamic visual acuity, kinetic visual acuity, eye movements, depth perception, and visual reaction times. Static and dynamic balances were measured by using the measurements of the functional fitness for old adults. Results: Visual acuity and balance were declining due to aging. The young-elderly, ages 65-76, had greater visual acuity and balance than the old-elderly, ages 77-88 (p < .05). The dynamic visual acuity, kinetic visual acuity, eye movements, and static balance in the young-elderly, ages 65-76, improved significantly after the 12-week dynamic visual acuity program (p < .05). However, no significant improvement was found among the old-elderly, ages 65-76 (p < .05). Conclusion: The visual acuity and static balance in the young-elderly improved significantly after the 12-week dynamic visual acuity program. This finding suggested that the young-elderly could increase their safety while walking and lower their fall risk by enhancing their visual acuity and static balance. This may improve the irquality of life and reduce their medical expenses.