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Convergence and divergence show large and sustained improvement after short isometric exercise
American Journal of Optometry and Physiological Optics
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Vergence training effectiveness depends on sustained effort, not alternating movements. Short, focused exercises can yield significant, lasting improvements in vergence control for both adults and children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Vision Science
Background:
- Conflicting reports exist regarding the efficacy of vergence training.
- Previous studies have not consistently identified the factors contributing to successful vergence training outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sustained versus alternating effort in vergence training.
- To determine optimal conditions for achieving significant and lasting improvements in vergence control.
Main Methods:
- Two studies utilized push-up and prism vergence exercises.
- Investigated the effects of sustained effort in a specific direction versus alternating movements.
- Compared results from motor-driven and hand-turned instruments in adults and children.
Main Results:
- Improvement in vergence training is contingent upon sustained effort in the trained direction.
- Alternating movements yield small and inconsistent effects.
- Five minutes of sustained effort can lead to substantial, long-lasting gains in convergence or divergence prism vergence scores.
- Motor-driven instruments provide more discriminating scores than hand-turned instruments.
Conclusions:
- The constancy and direction of effort are critical factors in vergence training success.
- Isometric exercise appears to maximize potentiating processes, potentially explaining training effects.
- Vergence training, particularly with sustained effort, may be a viable therapeutic approach for improving vergence control and potentially treating conditions like strabismus.
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