Can Entertaining Action-video Games Enhance Dynamic Visual Function and Improve Balance? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Balance control is an important component even in a very simple daily task like walking. However, as we age, our physical and visual function would gradually deteriorate even in the absence of health or eye problems. Improving elderly balance control through different training is one way to prevent falls. In our project, we investigate the use of action video games, which is easy-to-find and entertaining, as a visual function trainer to improve balance of older adults.

We hypothesize that the training would show an improvement in both balance and dynamic vision. Our primary hypothesis is that postural sway in static and dynamic balance measures will improve after action video-game intervention. For secondary outcome measures, we hypothesize that the training will improve dynamic visual function (as measured by dynamic visual acuity and dynamic contrast sensitivity), and visual attention measures (as measured by useful field of view, multiple object tracking and spatial attention).

Inclusion criteria

• Ability to understand and speak Cantonese
• No formal training or regular practice of balance function (e.g. Tai-chi)
• Little and preferably no video-game experience
• Best corrected distance acuity of 0.2 logMAR or better

Exclusion criteria

• Any diagnosed ocular diseases and ocular-motor abnormalities
• Suffering form severe medical problems or self reported neurological or cognitive disorders
• Suffering from physical impairments or physical limitations restricting them from training
• Having self reported vestibular or cerebellar dysfunction, history of vertigo or severe hearing loss
• Suffering from crippling arthritis, or a recent fracture of lower limb
• Planned major surgery during the trial