Mobility in Individuals with Moderate Visual Impairments

Abstract

This article reports the results of a study to assess variations in the indoor and outdoor locomotor mobility of 22 low vision adults. Visual acuity, visual field, and contrast sensitivity data were obtained on all participants. Participants were also videotaped while walking unfamiliar indoor and outdoor routes under normal and reduced illumination. These videotapes were viewed by orientation and mobility instructors, who recorded such incidents as stopping or contacting objects during travel. Mobility assessment data obtained from the videotapes were analyzed in relation to type and degree of visual loss. Individuals’ visual fields and contrast sensitivities were found to be related to mobility performance, whereas their visual acuities were not. Visual field and contrast sensitivity together accounted for 39 percent of the variation in mobility performance. Results of the study are discussed in regard to the importance of visual contrast sensitivity and visual field for functional acitivities such as mobility.