The influence of vision on computerized neurobehavioral test scores: A proposal for improving test protocols
Abstract
Computerized tests of neurobehavioral function are frequently administered in neurotoxicological studies with little attention given to the optical properties of test stimuli or to the vision of subjects. Yet many test stimuli are small or briefly presented, and test endpoints often involve short reaction times. Stimulus detection and reaction time are known to be strongly dependent upon stimulus luminance, contrast, and size, as well as on the subject's visual abilities. The current study assessed the influence of visual contrast sensitivity on Neurobehavioral Evaluation System 2 (NES2) test results in three data sets. Analyses indicated that vision was associated with up to 24% of the variance (Hand Eye Coordination test) in NES2 scores, even when visual acuity was normal, and that vision often influenced the significance of group differences. It is suggested that researchers measure the luminance, contrast, and size of test stimuli, the distance from the subject's eyes to the monitor, and the subject's visual contrast sensitivity. The measurement and control of stimulus parameters and the inclusion of visual function scores in analysis models could reduce the variability among computerized test scores both within and between studies. Models that assess the influence of vision on computerized test results may help to identify the CNS domains and specialized functions adversely affected by neurotoxicant exposures.
Key Biomarkers
Symptom Clusters
Cited By (9)
- Chronic biotoxin-associated illness: Multiple-system symptoms, a vision deficit, and effective treatmentNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2005
- Sick building syndrome (SBS) and exposure to water-damaged buildings: Time series study, clinical trial and mechanismsNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2006
- Apartment residents' and day care workers' exposures to tetrachloroethylene and deficits in visual contrast sensitivity.Environmental Health Perspectives · 2002
- A time-series study of sick building syndrome: chronic, biotoxin-associated illness from exposure to water-damaged buildingsNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2005
- Possible estuary-associated syndrome: symptoms, vision, and treatment.Environmental Health Perspectives · 2001
- HUMAN VISUAL FUNCTION IN THE NORTH CAROLINA CLINICAL STUDYON POSSIBLE ESTUARY-ASSOCIATED SYNDROMEJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health · 2001
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