Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025
08:27
Quantification of Oculomotor Responses and Accommodation Through Instrumentation and Analysis Toolboxes
Published on: March 3, 2023
1.1K
Annual Baseline King-Devick Oculomotor Function Testing Is Needed Due to Scores Varying by Age
Dearbhla Gallagher1, Doug King2,3,4, Patria Hume2,5
1Human Performance Exercise & Wellbeing Centre, Bucks New University, Bucks, Buckinghamshire HP11 2JZ, UK.
Sports (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 23, 2021
Summary
Baseline King-Devick (K-D) test scores show age-related improvements in oculomotor function, but no sex differences. Annual individualized testing is recommended for this important measure.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- The King-Devick (K-D) test is a rapid, objective measure of oculomotor function.
- Establishing normative baseline data is crucial for identifying potential deficits, particularly in pediatric and adolescent populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document baseline King-Devick (K-D) oculomotor function scores for male and female participants aged 4 to 20 years.
- To identify age and sex-related differences in K-D test performance.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1936 participants (1300 male, 636 female) aged 4-20 years.
- Participants completed the spiral-bound K-D test to assess oculomotor function.
Main Results:
- Overall, K-D test scores improved by 1.4 seconds per year with age.
- Participants aged 6-11 years had faster baseline times compared to normative data (3.5-8.6s faster).
- Participants aged 12-14 years had slower baseline times compared to normative data (-3.9 to -7.9s slower).
Conclusions:
- Age group differences were observed in K-D test times, but no significant sex differences were found.
- Changes in single card times suggest improvements related to reading speed.
- Results underscore the importance of individualized, annual pre-injury baseline K-D testing.
