Effect of basic visual functions rehabilitation on reading ability of dyslexic children

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 1. Student Research Commeittee.MSc student of Optometry, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 2. Assisstant Professor, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

3 3. Professor of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

4 4. MSc in Biostatistics, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Aim: Many theories have discussed the etiology of dyslexia in which defect in visual performance is the current one. Therefore different rehabilitation exercises are recommended for elimination related visual defect. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of visual basic functions on improving reading abilities among students with dyslexia.
Materials and Methods: In this study, A total of twenty dyslexic children, 7-11 years of age, were randomly allocated into an experimental group (n=10) and a control group (n=10). The experimental group performed training of visual rehabilitation through 10 sessions that consisted of accommodation facility (AF) training as well as Nejati cognitive rehabilitation program software (basic visual functions training). Control group, however, did not receive any treatment. AF and reading ability were assessed respectively by AF test and Assessment of Persian Reading Ability Test in 2 groups before and after intervention. 
 
Results: Research findings indicate that after visual rehabilitation intervention, reading accuracy and comprehension scores improved in experimental group, as well as reading error score was reduced in this group (p≤0.0005). Whereas, there was not any improvement in control group.
 
Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that basic visual functions rehabilitation would improve reading ability in dyslexic children.
 

Keywords

References

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume 3, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
March and April 2014
Pages 32-41

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 September 2013
  • Revise Date: 04 January 2014
  • Accept Date: 19 February 2014
  • First Publish Date: 21 March 2014

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