Conference Proceeding

Collision Avoidance Training Using a Driving Simulator in Drivers with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study

Authors
  • Jeffrey D Dawson (University of Iowa, Iowa City)
  • Matthew Rizzo (University of Iowa, Iowa City)
  • Steven W Anderson (University of Iowa, Iowa City)
  • Elizabeth Dastrup (University of Iowa, Iowa City)
  • Ergun Y Uc (University of Iowa, Iowa City)

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) impairs driving performance, and simulator studies have shown increased crashes compared to controls. In this pilot study, eight drivers with PD participated in three drive sessions with multiple simulator intersections of varying visibility and traffic load, where an incurring vehicle posed a crash risk. Over the course of the three sessions (once every 1-2 weeks), we observed reduction in crashes (p=0.059) and reaction times (p=0.006) to the vehicle incursion. These findings suggest that our simulator training program is feasible and potentially useful in drivers with PD. Future research questions include transfer of training to different driving tasks, duration of benefit, and the effect on long term real life outcomes in comparison to a standard intervention (e.g., driver education class) in a randomized trial.

How to Cite:

Dawson, J. & Rizzo, M. & Anderson, S. & Dastrup, E. & Uc, E., (2009) “Collision Avoidance Training Using a Driving Simulator in Drivers with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study”, Driving Assessment Conference 5(2009), 154-160. doi: https://doi.org/10.17077/drivingassessment.1316

Rights: Copyright © 2009 the author(s)

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Published on
23 Jun 2009
Peer Reviewed