Spatial frequency discrimination learning in normal and developmentally impaired human vision

Astle, Andrew T., Webb, Ben S. and McGraw, Paul V. (2010) Spatial frequency discrimination learning in normal and developmentally impaired human vision. Vision Research, 50 (23). pp. 2445-2454. ISSN 1878-5646

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Abstract

Perceptual learning effects demonstrate that the adult visual system retains neural plasticity. If perceptual learning holds any value as a treatment tool for amblyopia, trained improvements in performance must generalise. Here we investigate whether spatial frequency discrimination learning generalises within task to other spatial frequencies, and across task to contrast sensitivity. Before and after training, we measured contrast sensitivity and spatial frequency discrimination (at a range of reference frequencies 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 c/deg). During training, normal and amblyopic observers were divided into three groups. Each group trained on a spatial frequncy discrimination task at one reference frequency (2, 4, or 8 c/deg). Normal and amblyopic observers who trained at lower frequencies showed a greater rate of within task learning (at their reference frequency) compared to those trained at higher frequencies. Compared to normals, amblyopic observers showed greater within task learning, at the trained reference frequency. Normal and amblyopic observers showed asymmetrical transfer of learning from high to low spatial frequencies. Both normal and amblyopic subjects showed transfer to contrast sensitivity. The direction of transfer for contrast sensitivity measurements was from the trained spatial frequency to higher frequencies, with the bandwidth and magnitude of transfer greater in the amblyopic observers compared to normals. The findings provide further support for the therapeutic efficacy of this approach and establish general principles that may help develop more effective protocols for the treatment of developmental visual deficits.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/706908
Keywords: Amblyopia; Perceptual learning; Spatial frequency; Discrimination; Detection
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Science > School of Psychology
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2010.09.004
Depositing User: Eprints, Support
Date Deposited: 24 Oct 2016 10:20
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 16:29
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/37858

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