Sport Experience and Task Complexity Modulate Dynamic Visual Acuity During Different Balance and Physical Exertion Demands

Athletes have better dynamic visual acuity (DVA) while seated compared to the general population. However, it is unclear whether athletes maintain superior DVA during standing and walking.PurposeTo examine DVA performance while standing and walking relative to seated for athletes compared to students from the general population.MethodsInteruniversity athletes (Athlete = 16; age = 20.7 ± 1.4) and recreationally-active students (Student = 17; age = 21.3 ± 1.4) performed a custom DVA task. A Tumbling 'E' was presented in four possible orientations moving in random (R) or horizontal (H) motion at 30°/s. DVA was performed during four conditions: seated, standing, low-intensity and moderate-intensity treadmill walking. Change in DVA from seated was calculated as the difference in log of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) from each condition and response time (RT, ms) was recorded using a keypad. Repeated measures mixed ANOVAs were conducted to compare DVA change scores and RT between groups for each condition.ResultsDuring R-motion, the Athlete group improved DVA change scores from seated to all conditions, whereas the Student group had worse DVA change scores (<i>p</i> = 0.015, <i>f</i> = 0.51). Both groups responded significantly faster for R-motion during moderate-intensity walking (<i>p</i> = 0.001). For H-motion, no differences were observed in DVA change score or RT.ConclusionAthletes improved performance on an random and unpredictable DVA task from seated to standing and walking compared to recreationally-active students who exhibited worse changes in DVA accuracy despite faster responses. Spatiotemporal properties of the DVA task appeared to modulate performance based on level of complexity.