Visual testing for readiness to drive after stroke: a multicenter study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of a visual-perception assessment tool, the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test, to predict on-road driving outcome in subjects with stroke.

Design: This was a retrospective study of 269 individuals with stroke who completed visual-perception testing and an on-road driving evaluation. Driving evaluators from six evaluation sites in Canada and the United States participated. Visual-perception was assessed using the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test. Scores range from 0 to 36, with a higher score indicating better visual perception. A structured on-road driving evaluation was performed to determine fitness to drive. Based on driving behaviors, a pass or fail outcome was determined by the examiner.

Results: The results indicated that, using a score on the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test of < or =30 to indicate poor visual-perception and >30 to indicate good visual perception, the positive predictive value of the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test in identifying those who would fail the on-road test was 60.9% (n = 67/110). The corresponding negative predictive value was 64.2% (n = 102/159). Univariate logistic regression analyses revealed that older age, low Motor-Free Visual Perception Test scores and a right hemisphere lesion contributed significantly to identifying those who failed the on-road test.

Conclusions: The predictive validity of the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test is not sufficiently high to warrant its use as the sole screening tool in identifying those who are unfit to undergo an on-road evaluation.