Evaluations of Traffic-related Cognitive Function of Japanese Older Adults by Virtual Reality System
Year: 2017
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine whether there is a reduction in traffic-accident-related cognitive function of older Japanese adults compared to that of young people. We developed a traffic simulator for the CAVE-type virtual reality system. The simulator enables its user to feel immersed in 3D CG by tracking sensors and multiple screens surrounding him/her, and thus we are able to safely investigate people’s behaviors in various traffic situations. The participants were 20 older adults (14 males and 6 females) and 20 young adults (18 males and 2 females). The average age of the older adults was 70.6y (sd=3.4y), and that of the young adults was 23.1y (sd=1.8). We measured the minimum safe distances (MSD) between the participants and an approaching vehicle when they crossed a street. Student t-test was used to determine any significant differences between two groups. The results of this study were: (1) Regardless of the color (white or blue), size of vehicle (average-sized or truck) or time (daytime or evening), there are differences between the MSDs at the speed of 30km/h and 50km/h for young adults (P<0.01). (2) there were no differences between the MSDs at the speed of 30km/h and 50km/h for older adults except that of white average-sized vehicle in daytime (P<0.01). We conclude that there is a significant decline of the cognitive function of elderly adults compared to young adults.
Source: Innovation in Aging
Authors: N. Takehara, R. Sasakura, N. Ohno, Y. Tamura, R. Varadhan, H. Uchida
Institutions: University of Hyogo, Konan University, Johns Hopkins University
Language: English
Topic: Older Adults Driving Studies
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,977
OpenAlex ID: W2725226676