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Background: Beam walking is a highly studied assessment of walking balance. Recent research has demonstrated that brief intermittent visual rotations and occlusions can increase the efficacy of beam walking practice on subsequent beam walking without visual perturbations. We sought to examine the influence of full vision removal during practice walking on a treadmill-mounted balance beam. Although visual disruptions improved performance of this task, we hypothesized that removing visual feedback completely would lead to less balance improvements than with normal vision due to the specificity of practice. Methods: Twenty healthy young adults trained to walk at a fixed speed on a treadmill-mounted balance beam for 30 min, either with, or without, normal vision. We compared their balance pre-, during, and posttraining by calculating their step-offs per minute and the percentage change in step-offs per minute. Results: Balance improved in both groups after training, with no significant difference in percentage change in step-offs between the normal vision and the no vision participants. On average, the no vision participants had twice as many step-offs per minute as the normal vision group during training. Conclusion: Although previous experiments show that intermittent visual perturbations led to large enhancements of the effectiveness of beam walking training, completely removing visual feedback did not alter training effectiveness compared with normal vision training. It is likely a result of sensory reweighting in the absence of vision, where a greater weight was placed on proprioceptive, cutaneous, and vestibular inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vision is central to success in nearly all sports, and there is an emerging body of research investigating the links between visual abilities and athletic performance. This preregistered scoping review seeks to clarify the topics of study, methodologies used, populations under investigation, researchers, and disciplines driving this field. Systematic searches of English-language articles were conducted in PubMed and Web of Science, with additional literature identified through bibliographic searches. Six hundred sixty-seven articles published between 1976 and 2023 were identified with 547 empirical studies, 58 review articles, 20 commentaries, and 4 meta-analyses, among others. Among the empirical papers, 411 reported on visual assessments and 98 on vision training interventions. The most represented sports included baseball, soccer, basketball, and cricket, with over 150 articles reporting on professional, elite, or Olympic athletes. This scoping review describes the breadth of this emerging field, identifies its strengths and weaknesses, and provides recommendations for future improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation training combined with visual feedback balance training on motor functions in patients with knee injuries. Methods: A total of 80 patients with sports-related knee injuries from the outpatient and inpatient departments of Lishui City People’s Hospital were randomly divided into control and observation groups, with 40 patients in each group. The control group underwent rehabilitation training based on biomechanical principles, and the observation group underwent additional visual feedback balance training. Trunk control ability, limb motor function, and walking stability were compared between the two groups before, 1 month after, and 3 months after training. Results: After 1 month of training, the lower-limb function scores, trunk control ability scores in activities such as turning to the healthy side and the affected side on the bed, sitting and standing balance, and scores for Dynamic Gait Index and Berg balance scale were all higher in the observation group compared with the control group (P<0.05). After 3 months of training, the differences in scores between the two groups became more pronounced (P<0.05). Conclusions: Rehabilitation training based on biomechanical principles combined with visual feedback balance training effectively improved the limb motor function, enhanced the trunk control ability, and maintained the body balance and walking stability in patients with sports-related knee injuries. This study provided a more effective novel rehabilitation approach for the postoperative recovery of patients with knee injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: We report on an intensive two-day training program on microanastomoses performed on perfused human placenta models. A specific scoring system was elaborated to evaluate the participants' microsurgical skills and report the participants' results. Materials and Methods: Trainees who attended the Zurich Microsurgery Courses in 2023 were included in the study. Before performing the microanastomoses, each participant received a visual didactic training. Training was made on perfused human placenta models. To perform the microvascular anastomoses, vessels of different diameters were chosen, and 9–0 and 10–0 microsutures were used. The course was structured in two days. On day one, participants practiced microvascular dissection, microsuturing and end-to-end anastomoses, while the second day was dedicated to end-to-side and to repeat the most useful microanastomosis depending on the specialty. A score system for the evaluation of a successful microanastomosis was developed and applied to assess the participants' anastomoses. User satisfaction was measured by means of a survey-based questionnaire. Results: Fifty-two participants from different institutions, specializations and levels of experience were included. A significant improvement in the overall microsurgical skills of the included cohort was documented (p < 0.005). The initial average score per anastomosis of 3.56 points (SD 0.71) increased to an average of 3.8 points (SD 0.87) at the end of the course. The steepest learning curve was observed in the placement of knots (Δ 0.48 points, p = 0.003) and microvascular dissection (Δ 0.44 points, p = 0.002). Most participants rated the fidelity and importance of the placental microsuturing course as extremely high. Conclusion: The two-day training program is efficient to teach microvascular dissection and microanastomosis techniques. A significant improvement of participants' microsurgical skills was reported. The human placenta model proved to be a high-fidelity simulator with great user satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longitudinal studies and meta-analyses have shown a causal link between attentional dysfunctions and developmental dyslexia (DD). We carried out a meta-analysis to test the effectiveness of action video games (AVGs) training on visual attention in children with DD. PubMed, Cochrane, Science Report, EBSCO Database, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, and IEEE Explore were consulted. Only quantitative studies with measures of pre- and post-treatment reading skills, written in English, and with an active control group were considered. The risk of bias was evaluated according to RoB2 and ROBINS-I assessment tools. Out of 2073 records, nine experiments using AVGs in 238 children (aged 5–15) with DD were selected. The Hedge's g results indicate that AVGs training affects visual attention as well as reading-related functions. Studies with a larger sample including follow-up assessments and neurobiological studies are needed to verify AVGs long-lasting effects on DD. HIGHLIGHTS: Action video games (AVGs) improve learning by attention enhancement. Attention is dysfunctional in children with developmental dyslexia (DD). AVGs training improves visual attention and reading speed in children with DD. AVGs training also boosts phonological processing (far transfer) in children with DD. Further studies are needed to confirm long-lasting effects of AVGs in children with DD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring water uptake in cementitious systems is crucial to assess their durability against corrosion, salt attack, and freeze-thaw damage. However, gauging absorption currently relies on labor-intensive and infrequent weight measurements, as outlined in ASTM C1585. To address this issue, we introduce a custom computer vision model trained on 6234 images, consisting of 4000 real and 2234 synthetic, that automatically detects the water level in prismatic samples absorbing water. This model provides accurate and frequent estimations of water penetration values every minute. After training the model on 1440 unique data points, including 15 paste mixtures with varying water-to-cement ratios from 0.4 to 0.8 and curing periods of 1 to 7 days, we can now predict initial and secondary sorptivities in real time with high confidence, achieving R² > 0.9. Finally, we demonstrate its application on mortar and concrete systems, opening a pathway toward low-cost and automated durability assessment of construction materials. Monitoring water uptake in cementitious materials is important to assess their durability. Here, the authors introduce a low-cost computer vision method to predict initial and secondary sorptivity in real time in paste, mortar, and concrete systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has been increasing, and the autonomy of these systems and their capabilities in dealing with uncertainties is crucial. Autonomous landing is pivotal for the success of an autonomous mission of UAVs. This paper presents an autonomous landing system for quadrotor UAVs with the ability to perform smooth landing even in undesirable conditions like obstruction by obstacles in and around the designated landing area and inability to identify or the absence of a visual marker establishing the designated landing area. We have integrated algorithms like version 5 of You Only Look Once (YOLOv5), DeepSORT, Euclidean distance transform, and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller to strengthen the robustness of the overall system. While the YOLOv5 model is trained to identify the visual marker of the landing area and some common obstacles like people, cars, and trees, the DeepSORT algorithm keeps track of the identified objects. Similarly, using the detection of the identified objects and Euclidean distance transform, an open space without any obstacles to land could be identified if necessary. Finally, the PID controller generates appropriate movement values for the UAV using the visual cues of the target landing area and the obstacles. To warrant the validity of the overall system without risking the safety of the involved people, initial tests are performed, and a software-based simulation is performed before executing the tests in real life. A full-blown hardware system with an autonomous landing system is then built and tested in real life. The designed system is tested in various scenarios to verify the effectiveness of the system. The code is available at this repository: https://github.com/rnjbdya/Vision-based-UAV-autonomous-landing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Methods Results Conclusions To evaluate the short‐term (1 week after completion of treatment) effect of office‐based vergence and anti‐suppression therapy (OBVAT) on binocular vision and accommodative function when compared to observation alone in children with small‐to‐moderate angle intermittent exotropia (IXT).In this single‐masked (examiner masked), two‐arm, single‐centre randomised clinical trial, 40 participants, 6 to <18 years of age with untreated IXT were randomly assigned to OBVAT or observation alone. Participants assigned to therapy received 16 weeks of OBVAT (60 min per visit, once per week) with home reinforcement (15 min per day, 5 days a week). Therapy included vergence, accommodation and anti‐suppression techniques. This paper reports the results of clinical measures of binocular vision and accommodation, including fusional vergence, near point of convergence, vergence facility, amplitude of accommodation, the Worth 4‐dot test and the Fusion Maintenance Score (FMS).Treatment group differences at the primary outcome visit significantly favoured the OBVAT group (n = 20) over the observation group (n = 16) in negative fusional vergence break point at both distance (p ≤ 0.001; r = 0.58) and near (adjusted mean difference: 12.3 Δ; 95% CI: 5.3–19.3 Δ; p = 0.001; partial eta squared: 0.28), positive fusional vergence break point at both distance (p = 0.009; r = 0.43) and near (adjusted mean difference: 20.6 Δ; 95% CI: 11.8–29.4 Δ; p ≤ 0.001; partial eta squared: 0.41), vergence facility (adjusted mean difference: 5.6 cpm; 95% CI: 1.9–9.4 cpm; p = 0.005; partial eta squared: 0.22) and the FMS (p = 0.007; r = 0.44).In this randomised clinical trial of participants aged 6 to <18 years with IXT, those in the OBVAT group had a significantly better fusional vergence range, vergence facility, near Worth 4‐dot test result and FMS than the observation group at the 17‐week visit. The improvement in these areas further support the effectiveness of OBVAT for improving IXT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel training technique, visual + electrotactile proprioception training (visual + EP training), which provides additional proprioceptive information via tactile channel during motor training to enhance the training effectiveness. In this study, electrotactile proprioception delivers finger aperture distance information in real-time, by mapping frequency of electrical stimulation to finger aperture distance. To test the effect of visual + EP training, twenty-four healthy subjects participated in the experiment of matching finger aperture distance with distance displayed on screen. Subjects were divided to three groups: the first group received visual training and the other two groups received visual + EP training with or without a post-training test with electrotactile proprioception. Finger aperture control error was measured before and after the training (baseline, 15-min post, 24-h post). Experimental data suggest that both training methods decreased finger aperture control error at 15-min post-training. However, at 24-h post-training, the training effect was fully retained only for the subjects who received visual + EP training, while it washed out for the subjects with visual training. Distribution analyses based on Bayesian inference suggest that the most likely mechanism of this long-term retention is proprioceptive recalibration. Such applications of artificially administered sense have the potential to improve motor control accuracy in a variety of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This work aimed to establish the largest UK and Ireland consensus on myopia management in children and young people (CYP). Methods: A modified Delphi consensus was conducted with a panel of 34 optometrists and ophthalmologists with expertise in myopia management. Results: Two rounds of voting took place and 131 statements were agreed, including that interventions should be discussed with parents/carers of all CYP who develop myopia before the age of 13 years, a recommendation for interventions to be publicly funded for those at risk of fast progression and high myopia, that intervention selection should take into account the CYP's hobbies and lifestyle and that additional training for eye care professionals should be available from non‐commercial sources. Topics for which published evidence is limited or lacking were areas of weaker or no consensus. Modern myopia management contact and spectacles are suitable first‐line treatments. The role and provision of low‐concentration atropine needs to be reviewed once marketing authorisations and funding decisions are in place. There is some evidence that a combination of low‐concentration atropine with an optical intervention can have an additive effect; further research is needed. Once an intervention is started, best practice is to monitor non‐cycloplegic axial length 6 monthly. Conclusion: Research is needed to identify those at risk of progression, the long‐term effectiveness of individual and combined interventions, and when to discontinue treatment when myopia has stabilised. As further evidence continues to emerge, this consensus work will be repeated to ensure it remains relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the long‐term stability of clinical measures of convergence (near point of convergence [NPC] and positive fusional vergence [PFV]) in participants enrolled in the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial‐Attention and Reading Trial (CITT‐ART) who received 16 weeks of office‐based vergence/accommodative therapy. Methods: A total of 310 children, 9–14 years old, with symptomatic convergence insufficiency were enrolled in CITT‐ART. Some 270 completed both their 16‐week primary outcome visit followed by a 1‐year follow‐up visit. Of those 270, 181 (67%) were randomised to the vergence/accommodative therapy. Of the 181 in the vergence/accommodative group, 121 (67%) reported not receiving any additional treatment after the 16‐week primary outcome visit. The mean change in NPC, PFV and percentages of children classified by the predetermined success criteria of convergence (normal NPC [<6 cm] and/or improved by ≥4 cm; normal PFV [passing Sheard's criterion and base‐out break >15Δ] and/or improved by ≥10Δ) were compared at the 16‐week primary outcome visit and 1 year later. Results: Of the 121 who returned for their 1‐year follow‐up visit, there was no significant change in mean adjusted NPC (reduction of −0.2 cm; 95% CI: −1.0 to 0.5 cm) at 1 year. There was a statistically significant decrease in mean‐adjusted PFV (−4.7∆; 95% CI: −6.5 to −2.8Δ) at 1 year. There were similar percentages of participants classified as 'normal' (p = 0.30), 'normal and/or improved' (p > 0.50) and 'normal and improved' (p > 0.14) based on NPC and PFV at the 1‐year visit compared with the 16‐week primary outcome visit. Conclusion: The improvements in NPC and PFV following 16 weeks of vergence/accommodative therapy (with no reported additional treatment thereafter) in children with symptomatic convergence insufficiency persisted 1‐year post‐treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrasound generated during the formation and movement of debris flows exhibits long propagation distance and slow energy attenuation, rendering it ideal for remote monitoring of debris flows. However, accurately identifying the infrasound signals of debris flows is challenging because of the complexity of background noise interference and variations in signal characteristics linked to the event's specific characteristics. In this study, the infrasound signal is preprocessed using high and low-pass filters, wavelet soft threshold denoising to mitigate noise interference, and then time-frequency transformed into a two-dimensional image, which is then input into a deep learning model fused with ResNet18 and Vision Transformer for training. The fusion model offers a potent feature extraction capability and the ability to generalize models, which leads to a better understanding of the details of the infrasound signals from debris flows. The experimental results show that the recognition accuracy of the proposed method is up to 88.60%, which is able to effectively predict and warn about the upcoming debris flow events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This work aims to determine the effect on nerve fiber layer (NFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness trends in eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) treated with Vision Protection Therapy™ (VPT). Methods: A retrospective analysis of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) measured NFL and GCC thickness trends was performed, excluding eyes with poor-quality scans and principal diagnoses other than OAG. This study compares eyes with OAG managed conventionally with IOP control alone (controls) to eyes managed with the addition of VPT (VPT eyes). The direction (+ or −) and magnitude (microns/year) of the OCT trends were the study endpoints. Results: Seventy-eight control eyes of 40 patients and 61 VPT-treated eyes of 39 patients were included in the study. Positive NFL trends were noted in 5% of control eyes vs. 71% of VPT eyes (p < 0.0001). Positive GCC trends were noted in 8% of control eyes vs. 43% of VPT eyes (p < 0.0001). Mean NFL trends (µm/year) were − 0.692 for controls vs. 0.347 for VPT (p < 0.0001). Mean GCC trends (µm/year) were − 0.554 for controls vs. − 0.148 for VPT (p = 0.0175). Conclusions: The addition of VPT to the conventional management of OAG resulted in highly significant improvements in NFL and GCC trends, indicating a reversal of key indicators of glaucoma severity and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Though data on youth is limited, face-to-face CBT for BDD is effective across ages. • Digital treatments show efficacy, with sustained benefits and potential scalability. • Current evidence lacks diversity and may overlook underserved groups' experiences. • New therapies for visual deficits are being explored as potential treatment options. • Studies needed on long-term treatment effects and predictors of treatment response. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an underrecognized, challenging illness with severe comorbidities, demanding urgent advancements in treatment strategies. This state-of-the-science review describes current research on existing BDD treatments, beginning with a detailed discussion of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the primary psychosocial intervention for BDD, and its foundational theories. We emphasize the significant progress in the field, including the efficacy of face-to-face CBT, the promising outcomes of digital interventions for broadening access to care, and emerging treatments that warrant further exploration. The review also addresses the critical gap of targeted interventions for youth, considering the diseases' typical onset during adolescence. Our review also sheds light on the significant gap in research dedicated to testing these treatments in underserved communities, stressing the importance of including these populations in research and culturally informed and adapted, if necessary, care. The review concludes with recommendations for future directions, outlining areas for ongoing treatment development and research to expand the scope and efficacy of interventions for BDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To contribute evidence about the effectiveness of dichoptic therapy in patients with mild to moderate amblyopia. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in patients enrolled for dichoptic therapy on the Bynocs AmblyGo platform (Kanohi Eye Pvt Ltd) from January to August 2023. Data collected included logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best corrected visual acuity, anterior and posterior segment examination, fixation pattern, dynamic and cycloplegic refraction, orthoptic evaluation, and number of dichoptic therapy sessions. Visual acuity, binocularity, and stereopsis before and after therapy were analyzed. Results: Of 59 patients (median age: 11 years, range: 5 to 30 years) enrolled, 34 (57.6%) had anisometropic amblyopia, 12 (20.3%) had ametropic amblyopia, 10 (17.0%) had strabismic amblyopia, and 3 (5.1%) had deprivation amblyopia. All 6 (10.2%) and 15 (22.4%) patients who had no binocular single vision for near and distance before therapy, respectively, attained normal binocular single vision on completion, except one who suppressed at distance. Twenty-one (75.0%) had improved near stereopsis, and 21 (60.0%) had improved distance stereopsis. Of 74 eyes treated, 61 (82.4%) had improved visual acuity and 73 (98.6%) improved in at least one tested parameter. A majority of these eyes had residual amblyopia after occlusion therapy. Conclusions: Dichoptic therapy improves visual acuity, binocularity, and stereoacuity in patients with amblyopia, including those older than 8 years, especially in partial deprivation, ametropic, and anisometropic amblyopia. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(6):416–424.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to explore the impact of nonpharmacological therapies on cancer patients' daily illness management and long-term well-being. It focuses on the design and effects of immersive multisensory workshops, including therapies such as yoga, music therapy and visual imagery. By examining individuals' experiences before, during and after the service experience, the study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the transformative effects of these immersive multisensorial experiences from the individuals' perspectives. Design/methodology/approach: From November 2021 to March 2023, the authors conducted 13 interviews and 3 focus groups (10 participants in total) among cancer patients. Thematic analysis of recorded interviews and focus groups revealed recurring patterns, key themes and meaningful insights from participants' narratives. Findings: The findings provide insights into individuals' journey of service experiences among cancer patients from a user perspective. By framing the results within the service encounters model, individuals' journey of this immersive multisensory experience is studied in three different periods: the pre-core, the core and the post-core service encounter. The pre-core service encounter includes activities such as information gathering to answer concerns and setting expectations, with the therapy. The core service encounter encompasses the immersive environmental experience, which includes multisensory integration and activity immersion, body-mind reconnection, as well as engaging interactive experiences with service providers, other patients and internal engagement. The post-core service encounter reflects the cognitive, psychological, behavioral and spiritual outcomes of the service. Originality/value: This paper sheds light on the design of immersive multisensory workshops as nonpharmacological therapy. Adopting a user-focused approach using the service encounters framework helps clarify various aspects of this therapy and its effects on patients' reconnection with their bodies and well-being. This research offers valuable insights for designing effective multisensory therapeutic environments for chronic patients to improve the quality of health-care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid release of high-performing computer vision models offers new potential to study the impact of different inductive biases on the emergent brain alignment of learned representations. Here, we perform controlled comparisons among a curated set of 224 diverse models to test the impact of specific model properties on visual brain predictivity – a process requiring over 1.8 billion regressions and 50.3 thousand representational similarity analyses. We find that models with qualitatively different architectures (e.g. CNNs versus Transformers) and task objectives (e.g. purely visual contrastive learning versus vision- language alignment) achieve near equivalent brain predictivity, when other factors are held constant. Instead, variation across visual training diets yields the largest, most consistent effect on brain predictivity. Many models achieve similarly high brain predictivity, despite clear variation in their underlying representations – suggesting that standard methods used to link models to brains may be too flexible. Broadly, these findings challenge common assumptions about the factors underlying emergent brain alignment, and outline how we can leverage controlled model comparison to probe the common computational principles underlying biological and artificial visual systems. Through controlled model-to-brain comparisons across a large-scale survey of deep neural networks, the authors show the data models are trained on matters far more for downstream brain prediction than design factors such as architecture and training task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background Methods Results Conclusions Active vision therapy for amblyopia shows good results, but there is no standard vision therapy protocol. This study compared the results of three treatments, two combining patching with active therapy and one with patching alone, in a sample of children with amblyopia.Two protocols have been developed: (a) perceptual learning with a computer game designed to favour the medium‐to‐high spatial frequency‐tuned achromatic mechanisms of parvocellular origin and (b) vision therapy with a specific protocol and 2‐h patching. The third treatment group used patching only. Fifty‐two amblyopic children (aged 4–12 years), were randomly assigned to three monocular treatment groups: 2‐h patching (n = 18), monocular perceptual learning (n = 17) and 2‐h patching plus vision therapy (n = 17). Visual outcomes were analysed after 3 months and compared with a control group (n = 36) of subjects with normal vision.Visual acuity (VA) and stereoacuity (STA) improved significantly after treatment for the three groups with the best results for patching plus vision therapy, followed by monocular perceptual learning, with patching only least effective. Change in the interocular difference in VA was significant for monocular perceptual learning, followed by patching. Differences in STA between groups were not significant. For VA and interocular differences, the final outcomes were influenced by the baseline VA and interocular difference, respectively, with greater improvements in subjects with poorer initial values.Visual acuity and STA improved with the two most active treatments, that is, vision therapy followed by perceptual learning. Patching alone showed the worst outcome. These results suggest that vision therapy should include monocular accommodative exercises, ocular motility and central fixation exercises where the fovea is more active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From tying one's shoelaces to driving a car, complex skills involving the coordination of multiple muscles are common in everyday life; yet relatively little is known about how these skills are learned. Recent studies have shown that new sensorimotor skills involving re-mapping familiar body movements to unfamiliar outputs cannot be learned by adjusting pre-existing controllers, and that new task-specific controllers must instead be learned "de novo". To date, however, few studies have investigated de novo learning in scenarios requiring continuous and coordinated control of relatively unpractised body movements. In this study, we used a myoelectric interface to investigate how a novel controller is learned when the task involves an unpractised combination of relatively untrained continuous muscle contractions. Over five sessions on five consecutive days, participants learned to trace a series of trajectories using a computer cursor controlled by the activation of two muscles. The timing of the generated cursor trajectory and its shape relative to the target improved for conditions trained with post-trial visual feedback. Improvements in timing transferred to all untrained conditions, but improvements in shape transferred less robustly to untrained conditions requiring the trained order of muscle activation. All muscle outputs in the final session could already be generated during the first session, suggesting that participants learned the new task by improving the selection of existing motor commands. These results suggest that the novel controllers acquired during de novo learning can, in some circumstances, be constructed from components of existing controllers. Author summary: Real-world skills often involve continuous coordination of multiple muscles. Recent studies of sensorimotor skill learning have argued that these skills are not learned by adjusting existing control policies, instead requiring a new controller to be learned "de novo". It remains unclear how such controllers are learned for tasks involving unfamiliar combinations of body movements. In this study, we used a novel human-computer interface task to test this. Over five sessions, participants learned to trace a series of cursor trajectories by coordinating the activation of two muscles. We found that participants tended to reuse the same muscle contractions for trained and untrained variants of the task, and that performance improvements were attributable to improvements in the choice of muscle contractions from a pre-existing repertoire. Our results suggest that new control policies can sometimes be constructed from elements of existing ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a gradual increase in the number of optometry education programs in Africa yet there is limited knowledge on optometry students' experiences of their clinical training. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the optometry students' experiences of their clinical learning environment at a national referral and teaching hospital in Uganda. Methods: Between April 2023 and May 2023, face to face in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of the participants. All 16 optometry students in fourth-year at university were purposefully recruited into the study. Data was collected at the end of the students' clinical training at the eye clinic of a national referral and teaching hospital. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis using an inductive thematic approach. Results: Two themes, learning at the eye clinic and organization of the eye clinic, were identified to represent participants' experiences. Each theme had three sub themes. Conclusion: Training optometry students at an eye clinic enhances their clinical skills and knowledge of diagnosing and managing various eye conditions. Future studies should compare optometry students' experiences in lower-level health units to those in national referral hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using a vibration device to ease pain during upper extremity injections. Specifically, the study aims to compare the pain levels of patients who receive the injection with and without the use of vibration therapy. The results of this study may have implications for improving patient outcomes and satisfaction during routine injection procedures. Material and Methods: This randomized controlled trial included patients aged 18 years or older who were scheduled to receive an injection in the upper extremity. A total of 60 patients were enrolled and randomized to either the intervention group or the control group using a computer‑generated randomization sequence. The level of satisfaction and pain levels were assessed using a visual analog scale. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the institutional review board. Results: The mean pain score immediately after the injection was 4.03 ± 2.11 out of 10 in the vibration group (n = 30), compared to 7.4 ± 1.37 out of 10 in the control group (n = 30) (P < 0.001). Patients in the vibration group also reported higher levels of satisfaction and comfort during the injection (P < 0.001). No adverse events were reported in either group. Conclusion: Our study proves that using a vibration device during upper extremity injections can effectively reduce postinjection pain and improve patient satisfaction. Further research is needed to explore this intervention’s long‑term effects and feasibility in different clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual art is pervasive in modern society. From advertising to fine arts galleries, the visual arts play a visible role in how we view and understand the world. In this review, we consider research that speaks to whether our experiences with art can change the way we see. Numerous studies speak, often indirectly, to this question—addressing whether artists see things differently from nonartists. Specifically, we reviewed literature that investigates the ways artistic ability and artistic training interact with visual abilities from the perspective that artists can be described as experts in visual media. Some work suggests that those who identify as artists or undergo artistic training perform better than nonartists on measures of low-level vision, high-level perception, and visual cognition, and show differences in brain activity while engaged in perceptual or artistic tasks. Other studies do not support these conclusions, however, and report no differences between artists and nonartists. We conclude that experimentally designed and well controlled training studies are necessary to elucidate whether artistic training shapes the brain and its perceptual and cognitive processes or whether budding artists gravitate toward the visual arts because of existing visual abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality (VR)–guided motor imagery (MI) is a widely used approach for motor rehabilitation, especially for patients with severe motor impairments. Most approaches provide visual guidance from the first‐person perspective (1PP). MI training with visual guidance from the third‐person perspective (3PP) remains largely unexplored. We argue that 3PP MI training has its own advantages and can supplement 1PP MI. For some movements beyond the view of 1PP, such as shoulder shrugging and other axial movements, MI are suitable performed under 3PP. However, the efficiency of existing paradigms for 3PP MI is unsatisfactory. We speculate that the absence of sense of body ownership (SOO) from 3PP could be one possible factor and hypothesize that 3PP MI could be enhanced by eliciting SOO over a 3PP avatar. Based on our hypothesis, a novel paradigm was proposed to enhance 3PP MI by inducing full‐body illusion (FBI) from 3PP, which is similar to the so‐called out‐of‐body experience (OBE), using synchronous visuo‐tactile stimulus with VR. The event‐related Electroencephalograph (EEG) desynchronization (ERD) at motor‐related regions from 31 healthy participants were calculated and compared with a control paradigm without "OBE" FBI induction. This study attempts to enhance 3PP MI with FBI induction. It offers an opportunity to perform MI guided by action observation from 3PP with elicited SOO to the observed avatar. We believe that 3PP MI could provide more possibilities for effective rehabilitation training, when SOO could be elicited to a virtual avatar and the present work demonstrates its viability and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the design processes for developing eye training materials for children with low vision (CLV) using computer game applications based on eye movement tracking to enhance their vision skills. The primary aim was to create interactive eye training materials tailored to improve CLV’s vision abilities. Employing a design-based research methodology, the study followed four distinct phases: analysis, development, evaluation and testing, and documentation and reflection. Initially, a game-based eye training program was developed. This program was then tested with CLV to gather relevant data for refining the design of eye-gaze games. Data were meticulously collected from a diverse group of stakeholders, including parents, special education teachers, ophthalmologists, and expert faculty members, using various methods such as interviews, focus group meetings, usability testing, and direct observations. The results provided critical insights into the design processes required to create a practical and usable game-based eye training program for CLV. These findings highlighted that children with low vision could benefit significantly from eye-tracking technology, using it to enhance their scanning, focusing, and tracking skills. Overall, the study suggests that eye-tracking technology offers a promising tool for developing vision-improving interventions for children with low vision, thus contributing valuable knowledge to the field of vision rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eye Movements and Visual Abilities Characteristics in Gymnasts, Soccer Players, and Esports Athletes: A Comparative Study. JEPonline 2024;27(5):70-80. This study investigated the differences in eye movements and visual ability among female athletes from gymnastics, soccer, and esports. Forty-two female athletes (14 per Group) participated. Eye movements were recorded using Tobii Pro Glasses 2 while the participants viewed standardized video stimuli. Fixation count, fixation duration, and saccade amplitude were analyzed. Visual abilities were assessed through tasks measuring visual working memory, peripheral vision, and near-far accommodation. Gymnasts exhibited significantly longer fixation duration compared to soccer players for single object stimuli. Gymnasts also showed longer total fixation duration compared to both soccer and esports athletes. Esports athletes demonstrated faster mean reaction times in the near-far accommodation task compared to gymnasts. The findings indicate that sport-specific visual demands influence eye movement patterns and performance. The gymnasts exhibited detailed visual analysis, while the soccer players prioritized rapid scanning. The esports athletes demonstrated superior near-far accommodation. These findings highlight the need for sport-specific visual training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Stroboscopic visual training can force sensory reweighting to restore the original weights by increasing sensitivity to proprioceptive information, which may be an effective method to improve proprioception. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of balance training in three conditions, low frequency, high frequency and normal vision, on ankle proprioception in patients with chronic ankle instability. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with chronic ankle instability recruited from the students of Southwest Medical University were randomly assigned to a low- frequency vision training group, a high-frequency vision training group, and a normal vision training group, with 12 subjects in each group. Subjects in the three groups underwent progressive hop stabilization and balance training, in which the low-frequency vision training group and the high-frequency vision training group wore stroboscopic spectacles during the training, with a stroboscopic frequency of 1.75 and 5 Hz, respectively. The training in each group was performed three times a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Assessments, including ankle proprioception, ankle stability self-assessment and dynamic postural stability, were performed before training and within 1 week after the completion of training. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was a significant main effect of time factor in ankle proprioception (P < 0.05). Compared with the pre-training period, subjects in the low-frequency vision training group and the high-frequency vision training group showed significant improvement in ankle proprioception after 4 weeks of training (P < 0.05); and subjects in the low-frequency vision training group showed a significant improvement in ankle proprioception compared with that of the normal vision training group after 4 weeks of training (P < 0.05). There were significant main effects of time factor and group × time interaction in ankle proprioception (P < 0.05). Compared with the pre-training period, the ankle stability self-assessment in all three groups was improved after 4 weeks of training (P < 0.05). And the ankle stability self-assessment in high-frequency visual training group was higher than that in normal vision training group after 4 weeks of training (P < 0.05). Compared with the pre-training period, subjects in the low-frequency vision training group and the high-frequency vision training group showed significant improvements in forward dynamic postural stability, posteromedial dynamic postural stability, and posterolateral dynamic postural stability after 4 weeks of training (P < 0.05), while in the normal vision training group, forward dynamic postural stability and posterolateral dynamic postural stability were significantly improved after 4 weeks of training (P ≤ 0.05). To conclude, balance training under stroboscopic visual conditioning improves proprioception, ankle stability self-assessment, and dynamic postural stability in patients with chronic ankle instability regardless of frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Barnes Foundation is a traditional art collection and it is one of a kind as for the assorted hanging of the paintings. The sophisticated wall compositions by Albert Barnes were created as a tool for art education, and they have not been altered since 1951. Today, we are interested whether Barnes' taste withstood the test of time. We asked participants in an online study to create their own hangings on five of the original gallery walls, and also tested whether beholders are able to identify a missing painting from a selection of suitable alternatives. Results show that Barnes' motifs are reproduced by a significant number of participants and that experts produce more Barnes-like displays than naive participants. We conclude that Albert Barnes based his choices at least to some degree on universally valid visual aspects that are still understood today, especially by people trained in the visual domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background To assess the efficacy and safety of virtual reality-based visual training (VRVT) in myopia control among children. Methods The randomized, parallel-group, single-blind clinical trial conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital enrolled 65 low-myopic children (aged 8 to 13 years) with cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) between − 0.50 and − 3.00 diopters (D), astigmatism less than − 1.00 D, anisometropia less than 1.50D, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) more than 0.0 logarithm (LogMAR) of the minimum angle of resolution. The participants were enrolled in December 2020, and the follow-up of this study concluded on August 2021. Children were assigned randomly to the intervention group (VRVT plus single-vision spectacle [SVS]) and the control group (only SVS without receiving VRVT). The intervention group was administered for 20 min per day with VRVT under parental supervision at home. The primary outcome was changes in axial length (AL) at 3 months. Macular choroidal thickness (mCT) was regarded as a key secondary outcome. Results Among 65 participants (mean age: 10.8 years, 52.3% male), 60 children (92.3%) who completed the 3-month intervention and 6-month follow-up were included in the analysis (30 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group). The changes of AL were 0.063 ± 0.060 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.074 to 0.119 mm) in the intervention group and 0.129 ± 0.060 mm (95% CI, 0.107 to 0.152 mm) and in the control group at 3 months (t = − 2.135, P = 0.037), and the mean difference between the two groups was 0.066 mm. The change of mCT were 22.633 ± 36.171 μm (95% CI, 9.127 to 36.140 μm) in the intervention group and − 3.000 ± 31.056 μm (95% CI, − 14.597 to 8.597 μm) in the control group at 3 months (t = 2.945, P = 0.005). VR vertigo was the most common adverse event which was occurred in two children (2/30, 6.67%) in the intervention group. Conclusions VRVT is a promising method for myopia control in children with good user acceptability. Among children aged 8 to 13 years with low-myopia, nightly use of VRVT resulted in slowing myopia progression. Trial registration This protocol was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06250920), retrospectively registered on 01 February 2024.

Introduction: Visual perception plays a pivotal role in a child’s overall development and learning. Occupational therapists often employ interventions to support children in enhancing their visual perception skills, with technology-based approaches gaining prominence in recent years. This review intends to highlight the significance of visual perception interventions, especially those involving technology. Aim: To systematically synthesise the literature on the effectiveness of technology-based interventions on visual perception in children with disabilities aged 4-12 years. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of studies was conducted using electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and OTseeker). Additionally, studies were also considered through manual searches from printed journals (American Journal of Occupational Therapy, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, and the Australian Journal of Occupational Therapy) to identify existing technology-based visual perception interventions in children aged 4-12 years. Risk of Bias was conducted through guidelines for systematic review by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Data extraction was reported by tabulating author(s) and year, sample characteristics, outcome measures used, study design, intervention details (experimental, comparator, study setting, duration), and outcomes of the studies. Results: In the present review of 13 studies, two studies used iPad interventions, while 11 used computer-based interventions, targeting various clinical groups like developmental delays, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, down syndrome, hydrocephalus, and special needs. Occupational therapists led most studies, with some involving physiotherapists, educators, and multidisciplinary teams. iPad interventions focused on visual skills with structured apps, while computer methods included games and software like Microsoft Office and Computerised Visual Perception Training (CVPT) for visual training. Positive effects were seen on visual perception and motor skills across different conditions with these technology-based interventions. Conclusion: Visual perception interventions, particularly those incorporating technology, have become invaluable in the field of paediatric occupational therapy. As technology continues to evolve, occupational therapists must remain adaptive and innovative in their strategies to provide the best possible support for children with visual perception difficulties.

Background: To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of individuals who underwent small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery and explore the influencing factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 21, 2023, to August 13, 2023, at Xiangyang Central Hospital. The participants were patients who had undergone SMILE surgery. The self-designed questionnaire had a Cronbach's α = 0.849. Multivariable analyses were performed to determine the factors influencing the KAP scores. Results: Finally, 485 valid questionnaires were analyzed. The median knowledge score was 14 (/17, 82.4%; IQR: 12–15). The median attitude score was 15 (/20, 75.0%; IQR: 14–16). The median practice score was 48 (/60, 80.0%; IQR: 42–54). The knowledge scores correlated to the attitude (r = 0.323, P < 0.001) and practice (r = 0.202, P < 0.001) scores, while the attitude scores correlated to the practice scores (r = 0.065, P < 0.001). College diploma (OR = 0.299, 95%CI: 0.110–0.812, P = 0.018), myopia for < 2 years (OR = 0.177, 95%CI: 0.060–0.526), and not receiving proper eye training (OR = 0.588, 95%CI: 0.402–0.862) were independently associated with knowledge. Being 19–30 years old (OR = 0.421, 95%CI: 0.235–0.756), being ≥ 31 years old (OR = 0.259, 95%CI: 0.111–0.601), myopia for 2–5 years (OR = 0.476, 95%CI: 0.232–0.978), myopia for 5–10 years (OR = 0.480, 95%CI: 0.263–0.875), and moderate myopia in the right eye (OR = 1.745, 95%CI: 1.024–2.974) were independently associated with attitude. Female gender (OR = 1.826, 95%CI: 1.196–2.787), being ≥ 31 years (OR = 2.587, 95%CI: 1.113–6.014), college diploma (OR = 3.436, 95%CI: 1.366–8.641), bachelor's degree (OR = 2.826, 95%CI: 1.214–6.581), and not having proper eye training (OR = 0.458, 95%CI: 0.310–0.677) were independently associated with practice. Conclusions: Patients who underwent SMILE had high KAP regarding SMILE. This study identified KAP items that would warrant education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess the efficacy and safety of virtual reality-based visual training (VRVT) in myopia control among children. Methods: The randomized, parallel-group, single-blind clinical trial conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital enrolled 65 low-myopic children (aged 8 to 13 years) with cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) between − 0.50 and − 3.00 diopters (D), astigmatism less than − 1.00 D, anisometropia less than 1.50D, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) more than 0.0 logarithm (LogMAR) of the minimum angle of resolution. The participants were enrolled in December 2020, and the follow-up of this study concluded on August 2021. Children were assigned randomly to the intervention group (VRVT plus single-vision spectacle [SVS]) and the control group (only SVS without receiving VRVT). The intervention group was administered for 20 min per day with VRVT under parental supervision at home. The primary outcome was changes in axial length (AL) at 3 months. Macular choroidal thickness (mCT) was regarded as a key secondary outcome. Results: Among 65 participants (mean age: 10.8 years, 52.3% male), 60 children (92.3%) who completed the 3-month intervention and 6-month follow-up were included in the analysis (30 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group). The changes of AL were 0.063 ± 0.060 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.074 to 0.119 mm) in the intervention group and 0.129 ± 0.060 mm (95% CI, 0.107 to 0.152 mm) and in the control group at 3 months (t = − 2.135, P = 0.037), and the mean difference between the two groups was 0.066 mm. The change of mCT were 22.633 ± 36.171 μm (95% CI, 9.127 to 36.140 μm) in the intervention group and − 3.000 ± 31.056 μm (95% CI, − 14.597 to 8.597 μm) in the control group at 3 months (t = 2.945, P = 0.005). VR vertigo was the most common adverse event which was occurred in two children (2/30, 6.67%) in the intervention group. Conclusions: VRVT is a promising method for myopia control in children with good user acceptability. Among children aged 8 to 13 years with low-myopia, nightly use of VRVT resulted in slowing myopia progression. Trial registration: This protocol was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06250920), retrospectively registered on 01 February 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: In elite curling, precise time perception, speed control, and accuracy are critical components of performance. Stroboscopic training enhances visual processing speed, reaction time, motor skill control, and cognitive abilities by challenging the brain to make quick decisions with limited visual information. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of stroboscopic visual conditions on the key performance aspects of elite athletes in curling to determine whether these effects can be leveraged in long-term training to enhance elite curling performance. Methods: This study involved the participation of 32 national-level male curling athletes (n = 32, age: 19.9 ± 2.2 years, height: 178.0 ± 6.2 cm, body mass: 71.9 ± 10.6 kg, and training age: 2.7 ± 0.9 years). A cross-over controlled experiment was conducted, with participants randomly assigned to either a stroboscopic-first group (n = 16) or a control-first group (n = 16). Each participant completed tests under both stroboscopic and normal visual conditions, including assessments of time perception error, speed control error, and curling accuracy. Paired sample t-tests were employed to analyse performance differences across conditions, and two-factor ANOVA was used to analyse sequence effects. Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to compare differences if the main effect was significant. Cohen's d was used for two-group comparisons, whereas ηp2 and Cohen's f were used for comparisons involving three or more groups. Results: under stroboscopic conditions, participants experienced increased errors in time perception (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.143), delivery speed control (p = 0.016, Cohen's d = 0.448), and reduced accuracy (p = 0.029, Cohen's d = 0.404). The sequence main effect on speed control error was significant (p = 0.025, ηp2 = 0.081, Cohen's f = 0.297). Conclusions: Stroboscopic visual conditions negatively impacted cognition (especially time perception) and delivery performance focused on speed control and accuracy in elite curling, highlighting the potential and feasibility of using stroboscopic training to enhance elite curling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the possible benefits of the use of perceptual learning and dichoptic therapy combined with patching in children with amblyopia over the use of only patching. Methods: Quasi-experimental multicentric study including 52 amblyopic children. Patients who improved their visual acuity (VA) by combining spectacles and patching were included in patching group (PG: 20 subjects), whereas those that did not improved with patching performed visual training (perceptual learning + dichoptic therapy) combined with patching, being assigned to the visual treatment group (VT: 32 subjects). Changes in VA, contrast sensitivity (CS), and stereopsis were monitored during a 6-month follow-up in each group. Results: Significant improvements in VA were found in both groups at 1 month (p < 0.01). The total improvement of VA was 0.18 ± 0.16 and 0.31 ± 0.35 logMAR in PG and VT groups, respectively (p = 0.317). The Wilcoxon effect size was slightly higher in VT (0.48 vs. 0.54) at 6 months. An enhancement in CS was observed in the amblyopic eye of the VT group for all spatial frequencies at 1 month (p < 0.001). Likewise, the binocular function score also increased significantly in VT group (p = 0.002). A prediction equation of VA improvement at 1 month in VT group was obtained by multiple linear regression analysis (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.747). Conclusions: A combined treatment of visual training and patching is effective for obtaining a predictable improvement of VA, CS, and binocularity in patching-resistant amblyopic children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Currently, there is no consensus regarding the management of intermittent exotropia (IXT), which includes both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Nonsurgical management of IXT has been suggested and includes watchful observation, patching, overminus lenses, prism, and vision therapy/orthoptics. While a significant portion of IXT patients are treated by surgery, it is reported that there is a substantial tendency for reoperation or recurrence of IXT. This paper provides a comprehensive review of non-surgical and surgical treatment options for the IXT. Methods: Search strategies involving combination of keywords including intermittent exotropia, divergence excess, basic exotropia, refractive error, glasses, spectacles, natural history, untreated, observe, occlusion, patch, overminus, overcorrecting minus, prism, vision therapy, orthoptic, anti-suppression, fusion exercise, and surgery were used in Medline. All English articles from 01/01/1900 to 01/09/2020 were reviewed. The reference list of the identified articles was also checked for additional relevant articles. Studies focused on animal models or strabismus associated with neurologic disorders or injury were excluded. The following filters were used for surgical management due to the abundance of reports: full text, randomized controlled trial, review, in the last 5 years. Results: Appropriate optical correction of refractive error is generally the starting point for all management approaches, but there is a lack of randomized clinical trial data regarding this treatment modality. Randomized clinical trial data indicate that both observation and occlusion are reasonable management options for children 3–10 years old, and there were insufficient data to recommend occlusion for children 12–35 months old. While overminus lenses were found to improve the control of IXT when assessed wearing overminus spectacles, this improvement did not persist after the treatment ended. The result of the only randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of base-in prism indicated that this treatment is no more effective than nonprism spectacles for improving control. A recent randomized clinical trial showed that vision therapy/orthoptics is effective in improving the control of IXT when compared to observation alone. Surgery was found to alter a number of clinical characteristics of IXT, including reducing the distance and near angle of deviation, reducing photophobia, improving health-related quality of life, stereopsis, and the Newcastle Control Score. However, there are no randomized clinical trial data comparing surgery with a control group such as placebo or a no treatment observation group. Discussion: Rigorously designed clinical trials to investigate the effectiveness of non-surgical and surgical treatments for intermittent exotropia are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are limited studies on the effectiveness of Cambridge vision stimulator (CAM) therapy as a management strategy in amblyopic patients. In addition, all these studies have a low sample size. The main purpose of this study was to compare the effect of CAM therapy with passive occlusion therapy in the management of unilateral amblyopia. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 110 cooperative amblyopic children, who had not been managed previously, were randomly divided into two groups of CAM therapy (n = 55) and passive occlusion therapy (n = 55). In the CAM procedure, five discs with different spatial frequencies (SF) (2, 6, 15, 20, 30 cycles/degree) were presented to the patient (30 minutes a day, twice a week). Plates with SF equal to the two lines better than the measured corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were chosen. During the training, the non-amblyopic eye was occluded. The standard occlusion therapy protocols were performed in the occlusion therapy group. The CDVA for all patients was measured at baseline and then at one, two, and three months after the treatment. Results: The mean age of patients in CAM and occlusion therapy groups was 7.0 ± 2.1 and 6.9 ± 1.9 years, respectively (p =.721). There was no significant difference in the mean CDVA between CAM and occlusion therapy groups after one (0.30 ± 0.16 vs. 0.25 ± 0.14, p =.079), two (0.15 ± 0.10 vs. 0.15 ± 0.11, p =.732) and three months (0.05 ± 0.08 and 0.05 ± 0.06, p =.919) from baseline. However, the mean amount of CDVA increased significantly in each follow-up in both groups (all p <.001). Regarding the amblyopia type and severity, the mean improvement of CDVA from baseline in the anisometropic patients and in moderate amblyopia was significantly higher in the CAM group than the occlusion group after two and three months (p <.05). Discussion: CAM and conventional occlusion therapies significantly improved CDVA in children with amblyopia, and the difference was not significant; therefore, they could be used as alternatives. CAM therapy requires cost and time for the amblyopic patient and parents. Thus, it can be considered as a second treatment option in amblyopic patients, especially anisometropic type and moderate amblyopia, with poor compliance to patching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 50 % of brain-damaged patients present with impaired neurovisual functions. This article presents Neuro Vision Training (NVT), the main functions of a new, AI-based software. These enable the diagnosis and therapy of neurovisual functions utilizing rapid eye movements (REM, saccades), slow eye movements, sensitivity in the visual field (contrast, color, movement), visual exploration, reading, visual multitasking, and working memory. NVT can be used by therapists in a clinic or therapy office as well as by patients at home. It enables hybrid therapy (practice and home) of neurovisual disorders and achieves a higher therapy intensity. At the same time, it mitigates the shortage of specialists, especially in rural areas. Numerous application examples demonstrate the benefits of the program in neurovisual rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of destination image from visual media such as online photography is of growing significance to destination managers and marketers who want to make better decisions and attract more visitors to their destination. However, there is no single approach with proven accuracy for doing this. We present a new approach where we fine-tune a deep learning model for a predetermined set of cognitive attributes of destination image. We then train state of the art neural networks using labelled tourist photography and test accuracy by comparing results with a ground truth dataset built for the same set of visual classes. Comparing our fine-tuned model against results which follow past approaches, we demonstrate that the pre-trained models without fine-tuning are not as accurate in capturing all of the destination image's cognitive attributes. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first deep learning computer vision model trained specifically to measure the cognitive component of destination image from photography and can act as a benchmark for future systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study contributes to expanding the existing literature on learning technical skills in youth soccer by comparing the effectiveness of different training approaches in the development of passing skills. The ecological-dynamic approach, which emphasizes the continuous and adaptive interaction between the athlete and the environment, is analyzed in comparison to the traditional prescriptive approach, which relies on predefined techniques and exercises. The aim of the study is to determine which of the two approaches is more effective in improving the performance of young soccer players. Methods: Thirty players (age 12 ± 1.2 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: the ecological-dynamic group (ECG) and a control group (CON). Both groups underwent an eight-week training program with equal sessions. The ECG group's training focused on adjusting constraints like the learning environment, game rules, and visual restrictions to boost adaptability and problem-solving skills. The CON group followed a traditional prescriptive approach with specific instructions, goal setting, immediate feedback, and structured exercise progression. Passing abilities were evaluated before and after the program using the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test, with a retention test administered five weeks later. Descriptive statistics, including mean values and percentage improvements, were used. A repeated measures ANOVA compared differences between the groups. Results: The analysis revealed a significant Occasion × Group interaction for all performance variables, indicating that the ECG group experienced greater improvements than the CON group. Specifically, the ECG group showed significant reductions in Trial Time (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.6), Penalty Time (p = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.4), and Overall Performance (p = 0.011, ηp2 = 0.8) from pre-test to post-test. However, these improvements did not persist into the retention test (p = 0.131, p = 0.792, and p = 0.192, respectively). The CON group also improved significantly in Trial Time (p = 0.003), Penalty Time (p = 0.002), and Overall Performance (p = 0.001) from pre-test to post-test, but with smaller effect sizes and no sustained gains at retention. Conclusions: The ecological-dynamic approach (EDG) has proven to be more effective in enhancing passing skills compared to the traditional prescriptive approach (CON). Although both methods led to performance improvements, the EDG group achieved more significant progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of image processing technology, computer vision technology has been widely applied in the field of motion training. How to effectively restore blurred images during motion training and achieve deduplication of motion training images has become a current research hotspot. However, traditional algorithms cannot effectively extract the blurred information in the overlapping areas. The article studied a motion training image blur deduplication algorithm based on visual sensing was studied. The algorithm first performed blur restoration on the input motion training image, and then used the KL (Kullback Leibler) transform to deduplicate the restored image. The results showed that the image blur deduplication method based on visual sensing had a maximum deduplication rate of 88.6%. The visual perception technology proposed in this paper has better results in motion training image processing, which can improve the clarity and visual quality of the image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated responses to clinical parameters, but a significant proportion of allergy patients in real-life settings would have been excluded from such studies. Therefore, real-world research is needed, and there is a growing body of information on allergen immunotherapy's long-term effectiveness and safety. Real-world evidence can be a valuable instrument to better understand the patient's journey and the effectiveness and safety of therapies. For this purpose, a registry will be used for the first time in Italy to evaluate the impact of allergen immunotherapy on several outcomes, including quality of life and disease-related effects in the pediatric and adult allergic population with a socio-economic assessment and respect to real-world health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translating sensory inputs to perceptual decisions relies on building internal representations of features critical for solving complex tasks. Yet, we still lack a mechanistic account of how the brain forms these mental templates of task-relevant features to optimize decision-making. Here, we provide evidence for recurrent inhibition: an experience-dependent plasticity mechanism that refines mental templates by enhancing A-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated (GABAergic) inhibition and recurrent processing in superficial visual cortex layers. We combine ultrahigh-field (7 T) functional magnetic resonance imaging at submillimeter resolution with magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate the fine-scale functional and neurochemical plasticity mechanisms for optimized perceptual decisions. We demonstrate that GABAergic inhibition increases following training on a visual (i.e., fine orientation) discrimination task, enhancing the discriminability of orientation representations in superficial visual cortex layers that are known to support recurrent processing. Modeling functional and neurochemical plasticity interactions reveals that recurrent inhibitory processing optimizes brain computations for perpetual decisions and adaptive behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dichoptic training has emerged as a promising rehabilitation approach for improving binocular visual function in patients with strabismus. A prospective observational study design was employed to assess the effectiveness of online video game-based dichoptic training in rehabilitating binocular visual function in patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia. Methods: A total of 64 patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia were recruited and divided into the training group and the control group based on whether they would receive the dichoptic training. The dichoptic training was conducted for 3 months in the training group and the control group would not accept any form of orthoptic therapy. Assessments of binocular visual functions and deviation were conducted at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up. Results: Twenty-nine participants in the training group (mean 9.69 ± 2.66 years old) and 26 participants in the control group (mean 8.41 ± 2.64 years old) completed follow-up. At both 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the training group showed superior distance stereopsis compared to the control group, with near stereopsis only showing significant difference at the 6-month follow-up. Additionally, the training group exhibited significantly less distance exo-deviation drift than the control group at these times, and no significant difference was observed in near exo-deviation drift between the groups. The control group had a significantly higher rate of suboptimal surgical outcomes at both the 3- and 6-month follow-up. However, no significant differences were observed in simultaneous perception and fusion functions between the two groups. Conclusions: Online video game-based dichoptic training has the potential to become a novel postoperative rehabilitation strategy for patients with intermittent exotropia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of step training (ST) utilizing a multivisual-cue mat on gait performance in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Thirty-six patients with PD aged between 63.3 ± 7.91 and 68.8 ± 8.20 years, at Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stage 2–3, were included in the study and randomly allocated to either a ST Group (n = 18) or a Control Group (n = 18). The ST Group underwent movement strategy training incorporating a multi-visual-cue mat, while the Control Group maintained regular daily activities. Outcome gait measures were assessed using a two-way mixed-design ANOVA. The results revealed that the ST group had significant (P < 0.001) improvements in gait velocity, step length, stride length, and a significantly reduced number of steps and double support time, Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III motor score, and a freezing of gait questionnaire (FOG-Q) score. However, cadence was not significantly different compared with the Control Group (P = 0.13). All measured outcomes in patients in the ST Group were improved. Step training using a multivisual-cue mat has potential therapeutic benefits for enhancing gait performance in patients with Parkinson’s Disease, and appears to be both feasible and safe. The multi-visual-cue mat presents a promising avenue for further exploration as a beneficial tool to improve gait parameters in patients with PD in home exercise settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the TQU-SLAM benchmark dataset, which includes 160,631 RGB-D frame pairs with the goal to be used in Dell Learning (DL) training of Visual SLAM and Visual Odometry (VO) construction models. It was collected from the corridors of three interconnected buildings with a length of about 230 m. The ground-truth data of the TQU-SLAM benchmark dataset, including the 6-DOF camera pose, 3D point cloud data, intrinsic parameters, and the transformation matrix between the camera coordinate system and the real world, were prepared manually. The TQU-SLAM benchmark dataset was tested based on the PySLAM framework with traditional features, such as SHI_TOMASI, SIFT, SURF, ORB, ORB2, AKAZE, KAZE, and BRISK and features extracted from DL LIKE VGG. Experiments were also conducted on DPVO for VO estimation. The camera pose estimation results were evaluated and presented in detail, while the challenges of the TQU-SLAM benchmark dataset were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential therapeutic avenue for optic neuropathy patients. To assess its safety and efficacy, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, focusing on the latest evidence pertaining to the improvement of visual acuity (VA) through stem cell therapy. Methods: We analyzed Each database from its inception until June 2024. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify the included studies. Data were extracted regarding the year of publication, the name of the first author, sample size, VA (Log Mar), and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness. PRISMA protocol was used as a guide to perform this meta-analysis. STATA 16 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 66 eyes were examined in seven papers. Based on the meta-analysis, the mean VA (Log MAR) of patients with optic neuropathy improved from 0.90 to 0.65 following stem cell therapy intervention (p-value = 0.001). The thickness of the RNFLs did not demonstrate a significant change (p-value was 0.174). Conclusion: According to this systematic review and meta-analysis, stem cell therapy may improve the visual acuity of patients with optic neuropathy. Aside from the traditional therapy that can be provided to patients with optic neuropathy, stem cell therapy may also be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the progression of central retinal vein occlusion (CVO) prior to treatment initiation and its impact on prognosis. Of the 54 studied eyes with acute CVO, the average logMAR visual acuity (VA) at the initial visit was 0.65 ± 0.49 with an average time to treatment of 14.9 ± 14.5 days. VA at the initial treatment was identified as a stronger predictor of VA at the final visit compared to VA at the first visit or other factors. Patients who received treatment more than 28 days after the initial visit experienced a significant decline in VA compared to those treated within 28 days (0.21 ± 0.35 vs. 0.04 ± 0.13, p = 0.006). Additionally, patients who were treated between 15 and 28 days showed a greater decrease in VA compared to those treated within 14 days (0.12 ± 0.46 vs. 0.018 ± 0.02, p = 0.026). These findings from the current retrospective analysis suggesting that there is a possibility of VA decline at the initial treatment associating with worse prognosis even when treatment is administered within a month should be further investigated in the prospective study. Also, it may be crucial to consider frequent monitoring of acute CVO patients for initiating treatment at the optimal timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapheme-color synesthesia (GC-S) is a neurological condition in which the perception of a grapheme elicits the experience of color or even the visual representation of that grapheme as colored. Previous research using transcranial magnetic stimulation on GC-synesthetes demonstrated enhanced excitability of the visual cortex. Consequently, we hypothesized that using anodal "offline" transcranial direct current stimulation on the visual cortex in area V4 followed by visual training could boost cortical excitability in the target areas and thus produce effects similar to GC-S in non-synesthetes. We discovered that after anodal stimulation, participants had a considerably smaller mean change in reaction time on white symbols than after sham and cathodal stimulation. Our findings indirectly support the cross-activation hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]