The impact of attention training on children with low vision: A randomized trial

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to show the effectiveness of a 6-week attention training program on the cognition, quality of life (QOL), and activities of daily living in children with low vision. Materials and methods: Included in this study were 20 children with low vision, aged 7-12 years. The children were divided into 2 groups. While the first group (n = 10) participated in a 6-week Pay Attention© training program 3 times a week for 30 min, the second group (n = 10) was the control. Before and after the program, all of the participants were evaluated using a modified child Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Northwick Park Index of Independence (NPI), and the low vision QOL (LVQOL) questionnaire. Results: After 6 weeks, while significant differences in the outcome measurements were observed in the trained children (P<0.05), the children in the control group had no significant differences (P > 0.05). Some differences between the groups were significant in favor of the trained children (P<0.05). In the trained children, significant differences were found in terms of the MMSE, NPI, and LVQOL (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results obtained from this study show that the attention training program improves cognitive function, independence in activities of daily living, and the QOL of children with low vision. © TÜBİTAK.