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Orientation and mobility training for adults with low vision.
1University of Florence, Eye Clinic II, Department of Oto-neuro-ophthalmological Surgical Sciences, Via le Morgagni 85, Florence, Italy 50134. gianni.virgili@unifi.it
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 21, 2006
Summary
Orientation and mobility (O&M) training for visually impaired adults showed mixed results in a review of two small studies. Further research is needed to determine the most effective O&M training methods for individuals with low vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Mobility Studies
Background:
- Orientation and mobility (O&M) training is crucial for visually impaired individuals to maintain travel independence.
- This training equips individuals with compensatory skills for navigating environments with reduced visual input.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of orientation and mobility (O&M) training for adults experiencing low vision.
- The review considered training with or without assistive devices.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and others up to 2006.
- Included randomized or quasi-randomized trials comparing O&M training to no training in adults with low vision.
- Two authors independently assessed study eligibility, quality, and extracted data.
Main Results:
- Two small studies met the inclusion criteria, representing consecutive phases of the same curriculum development.
- Inadequate randomization and lack of masking were noted in both studies.
- Training showed no effect in the first study but was beneficial in the second, possibly due to curriculum refinement and patient-specific tailoring.
Conclusions:
- The review found limited evidence from two small trials comparing O&M training to physical exercise, with no significant difference demonstrated.
- There is a lack of evidence regarding the optimal O&M training for diverse low-vision populations.
- Future research should focus on well-designed randomized controlled trials and standardized, sensitive mobility assessment tools.