In an effort towards standardization, this paper evaluates the performance of five eye movement classification algorithms in terms of their assessment of oculomotor fixation and saccadic behavior. The results indicate that performance of these five commonly used algorithms vary dramatically even in the case of a simple stimulus evoked task using a single, common threshold value. The important contributions of this paper are: 1) evaluation and comparison of performance of five algorithms to classify specific oculomotor behavior 2) introduction and comparison of new standardized scores to provide more reliable classification performance 3) logic for a reasonable threshold value selection for any eye movement classification algorithm based on the standardized scores and 4) logic for establishing a criterion-based baseline for performance comparison between any eye movement classification algorithms. Proposed techniques enable efficient and objective clinical applications providing means to assure meaningful automated eye movement classification.

PRL position relative to the fovea can be reliably estimated by plotting the normal foveal fixation bivariate ellipse on undistorted SLO images of retinas in which the fovea is obscured as a result of the disease process.

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In this paper, the effects of visual feedback and aging on postural sway systems and signals are investigated by analyzing the transient phase difference between "input" and "output" which correspond to center of pressure (COP) and center of mass (COM), respectively. In order to analyze the transient phase difference characteristics of COP and COM, a relatively new cross time-frequency analysis technique that provides time- and frequency-localized phase difference information is utilized. The feedback control process in the postural sway is interpreted in terms of a feedback compensator which is characterized in terms of a phase difference. Using the experimental results of the transient phase difference obtained from the cross time-frequency distribution, it is demonstrated that the postural control of young persons are more stable and rely more on visual sensory feedback to stabilize postural control compared to that of the elderly persons.

Trapezoidal distortion of the SLO laser-beam raster can cause stimulus size to change as much as 10% from the top to the bottom of the raster. Measurements of fixed horizontal retinal landmark distances in SLO images can also vary as much as 10%. We developed a straightforward mathematical method for correcting distortion in SLO image measurements.

Background/RationalePelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can impact daily activities and quality of life, such as bladder and bowel incontinence, acute and chronic pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) addresses such dysfunction; however, lack of awareness or barriers to accessing PFPT may prevent or delay individuals from receiving these services. This study evaluated awareness of pelvic floor physical therapy among patients receiving general physical therapy services and examined medical services among patients who have received PFPT. Methods/MethodologyThis study was conducted from June 2016 -April 2017 at seven outpatient physical therapist (PT) clinics in Texas and Colorado. All participants (N=58) were sampled by convenience and referred for physical therapy services. Volunteers completed a confidential, 12-item survey, which ranked awareness and access to PFPT services. Questions included: satisfaction of care, wait time before seeking treatment, and delay of initiation of treatment. Completed surveys were grouped as to whether or not receiving PFPT services (n = 24) or non-PFPT services (n = 34). Chi square statistics were used to explore group comparisons between demographic variables including PFPT awareness and level of receipt of treatment (p = 0.05). Results/FindingsA significant number of patients in the non-PFPT group, 79.4%, were more likely to report low awareness of PFPT, however 64.7% also reported recent PFD symptoms. In the PFPT group 54.17% indicated delay in seeking medical care despite having symptoms with 37.5% delayed receiving PFPT for 1-5 months. No significant relationship existed between patient demographics and level of awareness. Conclusions/ImplicationsAlthough PFD is common in the general population, a lack of provider referrals prevents access to PFPT treatment. Limited patient knowledge about PFPT services are barriers to proper care. Physical therapy screening for PFD symptoms as part of the systems review in patients is needed. Further studies are needed to investigate physical therapist screenings for PFD, patient education, and patient/provider communication for ease of patient access and awareness.

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