The Impact of Sports Vision Training Under Manipulated Lighting Conditions on Static and Functional Balance and Fear of Falling in Older Adults

Objectives Inadequate ambient lighting leads to decreased functional independence and increased risk of balance impairment and falls in the elderly. This research aims to determine the impact of sports vision training (SVT) under manipulated lighting conditions on the balance and fear of falling in older adults. Methods & Materials This is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test/post-test design conducted on 39 Iranian older adults (12 men and 27 women) aged 60-75 years, who were selected using a convenience sampling method. In both pre- and post-test phases, the berg balance scale test for static balance and timed up & go (TUG) test for functional balance were conducted under low and normal lighting conditions. The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) questionnaire was also completed. Participants were divided into two experimental groups (SVT in normal- and low-light conditions) and a control group (no exercises). The experimental groups performed the SVT at 24 sessions in conditions specific to each group. Results The results of repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that in both experimental groups, the static and functional balance (under two lighting conditions) were improved and the fear of falling was reduced significantly after training (P<0.05). Balance scores under lighting conditions similar to the SVT lighting conditions were higher. Conclusion The SVT under low and normal lighting conditions can improve the balance and reduce the fear of falling in older adults. Therefore, the SVT under low lighting condition is recommended for older adults, in addition to considering normal lighting condition.