Effects of visual impairment and its restoration on electroencephalogram during walking in aged females.
10.1097/CM9.0000000000003549
- Author:
Mingxin AO
1
;
Hongshi HUANG
2
;
Xuemin LI
1
;
Yingfang AO
2
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
2. Department of Sports Medicine, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Humans;
Female;
Walking/physiology*;
Aged;
Electroencephalography/methods*;
Prospective Studies;
Middle Aged;
Cataract/physiopathology*;
Vision Disorders/physiopathology*
- From:
Chinese Medical Journal
2025;138(6):738-744
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND:Visual input significantly influences cerebral activity related to locomotor navigation, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the effects of chronic visual impairment and its rehabilitation on sensorimotor integration during level walking in patients with age-related cataract.
METHODS:This prospective case series enrolled 14 female patients (68.4 ± 4.7 years) with age-related cataract, scheduled for consecutive cataract surgeries at the Department of Ophthalmology in Peking University Third Hospital from June 2019 to June 2020. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals during level walking were recorded using a portable EEG system before and 4 weeks after visual restoration. Walking speed was assessed using the Footscan system. Spectral power of the theta and alpha bands was analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance, with Assignment (rest and walking), Phase (preoperative and postoperative), and Electrode sites (F3, Fz, F4, O1, and O2) as within-subject factors.
RESULTS:Compared to the visual impairment state, theta band power significantly decreased after visual restoration (13.16 ± 1.58 μV 2vs. 23.65 ± 3.48 μV 2 , P = 0.018). Theta activity was notably reduced during walking (17.24 ± 2.43 μV 2vs. 37.86 ± 6.62 μV 2 , P = 0.017), while theta power at rest was not significantly different between the two phases (9.44 ± 1.24 μV 2vs. 9.08 ± 1.74 μV 2 , P = 0.864). Changes in walking speed were correlated with alterations in theta power at electrode sites of O1 ( r = -0.574, P = 0.032) and O2 ( r = -0.648, P = 0.012). Alpha band power remained stable during walking and was unaffected by visual status.
CONCLUSIONS:Chronic visual impairment from age-related cataract triggers enhanced cerebral activation of sensorimotor integration to compensate for visual decline during locomotion. This cerebral over-activation is effectively alleviated by visual restoration.
