Comparative evaluation the performance of older drivers versus adults drivers

• Grant number: 12/20627-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: January 01, 2013
• End date: December 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Julia Maria D'Andrea Greve
• Grantee: Angelica Castilho Alonso
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

With the increase in life expectancy is increasing the number of drivers aged high roaming the streets of Brazil. In general, scholars argue that while the majority of young drivers involved in accidents for their behavior - daring, drink, speeding, willful disobedience of traffic rules with the elderly causes, in general, has to do with their physical and cognitive performance. Driving a car requires physical skills, such as mobility, vision and hearing, as well as cognitive skills needed to integrate and respond appropriately to various situations and fast transient imposed in traffic. The loss of these abilities due to age most often are not perceived by motorists. Therefore it is essential to identify and delineate strategies to better evaluate the driving performance of older vehicles in order to reduce risk. The driving simulator has proved a useful tool for evaluation and rehabilitation of the elderly, has the advantage of creating driving situations that could hardly be ethically reproduced in real environment, thus enabling a safe and economical driving skills test. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the performance of older drivers compared with a group of adult drivers to identify risks of traffic accidents. There will be a cross-sectional survey, observational, without therapeutic intervention. Volunteers respond to questionnaires about personal data, socio-demo graphic, historical and direction of health and will hold the following clinical assessments: assessment in isokinetic strength of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the ankle to 300 / s, grip and hold PAIMAR an evaluation at the driving simulator to verify the reaction time and driving conditions (understanding of rules and traffic lights and speed)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

ALONSO, ANGELICA C.; PETERSON, MARK D.; BUSSE, ALEXANDRE L.; JACOB-FILHO, WILSON; BORGES, MAURICIO T. A.; SERRA, MARCOS M.; LUNA, NATALIA M. S.; MARCHETTI, PAULO H.; GREVE, JULIA M. D. A.. Muscle strength, postural balance, and cognition are associated with braking time during driving in older adults. Experimental Gerontology, v. 85, p. 13-17, DEC 2016. (12/20627-5, 13/50138-9)