[Adaptive estimation of contrast thresholds using the visual evoked potential (VEP)]

The visual evoked potential (VEP) can be used to objectively estimate sensory thresholds. Recently, we developed an adaptive procedure for this threshold estimation based on a Fourier analysis of steady-state responses during the recording. In this study we quantified the reduction in recording time of this adaptive procedure. Steady-state VEPs to pattern reversal (f = 8.3 Hz) of checkerboards with 8 contrast values between 0.64% and 82% were recorded monocularly. Adaptive and non-adaptive recordings were performed for full correction (fc) and for blurred stimulus patterns (+1.5 D and +3.0D). VEP contrast thresholds were defined by the lowest contrast condition that showed a significant response. An ANOVA of the VEP thresholds showed significant effects (p < 0.0001) of the factors "procedure" (psychophysics, adaptive VEP, non-adaptive VEP) and "correction" (fc, fc + 1.5D, fc + 3.0D). Compared to non-adaptive recordings, adaptive recordings showed thresholds that were significantly reduced and closer to psychophysical contrast thresholds. By applying the adaptive procedure the recording time can be reduced by a factor of about 2 when compared to the non-adaptive procedure. The new adaptive VEP procedure may help to improve the correlation of electrophysiological and psychophysical estimates of sensory thresholds and may accelerate functional testing in the clinical routine.