Cognitive training decreases motor vehicle collision involvement of older drivers.

CL — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 10:38:40 +0000

J Am Geriatr Soc. 2010 Nov;58(11):2107-13. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2010.03138.x.

Ball K, Edwards JD, Ross LA, McGwin G Jr.

Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To test the effects of cognitive training on subsequent motor vehicle collision (MVC) involvement of older drivers.

DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, multisite, single-blind clinical trial.

SETTING: Community-dwelling seniors at four U.S. sites: Birmingham, Alabama; Baltimore, Maryland; Indianapolis, Indiana; and State College, Pennsylvania.

PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred eight older drivers (mean age 73.1; 18.6% African American) who were randomized to one of three cognitive interventions or a control condition.

INTERVENTIONS: Up to 10 sessions of cognitive training for memory, reasoning, or speed of processing.

MEASUREMENTS: State-recorded MVC involvement up to 6 years after study enrollment.

RESULTS: Speed-of-processing and reasoning training resulted in lower rates of at-fault collision involvement over the subsequent approximately 6-year period than controls. After adjusting for age, sex, race, education, mental status, health, vision, depressive symptoms, and testing site, participants randomized to the speed-of-processing and reasoning interventions had an approximately 50% lower rate (per person-mile) of at-fault MVCs than the control group (rate ratio (RR) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.34-0.96 for speed of processing), and (RR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.27-0.92 for reasoning). There was no significant difference observed for the memory group.

CONCLUSION: Cognitive speed-of-processing and reasoning training resulted in a lower at-fault MVC rate in older drivers than in controls. Considering the importance of driving mobility, the costs of crashes, and the benefits of cognitive training, these interventions have great potential to sustain independence and quality of life of older adults. More research is needed to understand the effects of different types and quantities of training.

© 2010, Copyright the Authors. Journal compilation © 2010, The American Geriatrics Society.
PMID: 21054291 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Noise exposure in convertible automobiles.

CL — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 21:10:54 +0000

J Laryngol Otol. 2010 Nov 25:1-5.
Noise exposure in convertible automobiles.
Mikulec AA , Lukens SB , Jackson LE , Deyoung MN . Department of Otolaryngology, St Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri, USA.

Abstract

Objective:To quantify the noise exposure received while driving a convertible automobile with the top open, compared with the top closed.Methods:Five different convertible automobiles were driven, with the top both closed and open, and noise levels measured. The cars were tested at speeds of 88.5, 104.6 and 120.7 km/h.Results:When driving with the convertible top open, the mean noise exposure ranged from 85.3 dB at 88.5 km/h to 89.9 dB at 120.7 km/h. At the tested speeds, noise exposure increased by an average of 12.4-14.6 dB after opening the convertible top.Conclusion:Driving convertible automobiles at speeds exceeding 88.5 km/h, with the top open, may result in noise exposure levels exceeding recommended limits, especially when driving with the convertible top open for prolonged periods.

PMID: 21106136 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The Longevity Project » Travelling

Cognitive training decreases motor vehicle collision involvement of older drivers.

Noise exposure in convertible automobiles.