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Updated: Aug 11, 2025
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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
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Physical Activity in Functionally Monocular Persons in the United States, 2003-2006
Chandana Papudesu1, Jeffrey Ryuta Willis2, Pradeep Ramulu3
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
Translational Vision Science & Technology
|February 9, 2023
Summary
Functionally monocular individuals engage in less physical activity than those with binocular vision. This study quanties real-world activity differences, highlighting a need for targeted health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Ophthalmology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Physical activity patterns in monocular individuals are not well-characterized.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for public health initiatives and interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare real-world physical activity levels between functionally monocular and binocularly sighted persons in the U.S.
- To identify differences in daily steps and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2003-2006).
- Compared accelerometer-measured physical activity (steps/day, MVPA/day) between monocular (n=172) and binocular (n=7758) participants.
- Used multivariable negative binomial regression, adjusting for age.
Main Results:
- Functionally monocular participants took 16% fewer steps/day (p < 0.01) and 26% less MVPA/day (p = 0.01) compared to binocular individuals.
- Poorer visual acuity, older age, female gender, obesity, heart failure, and arthritis were associated with decreased physical activity.
Conclusions:
- Functionally monocular individuals exhibit significantly lower physical activity levels than their binocularly sighted counterparts.
- Findings emphasize the impact of visual status on population health and the need for tailored physical activity promotion.
