Orientation and mobility in age-related macular degeneration

This study investigated the orientation and mobility (O&M) performance of subjects with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Mobility performance, assessed as walking speed, percentage preferred waking speed (PPWS), and number of contacts with obstacles, was measured on 21 subjects with ARMD and 11 age-matched controls using a 79-meter indoor mobility course. Orientation was assessed by asking subjects to perform two tasks. Similar trends were found for results using walking speed and PPWS, except that age had a significant effect on walking speed. No significant difference in mobility performance was found between ARMD and control subjects. Reduced illumination resulted in worse mobility performance by both subject groups.