Eye movements and driving in people with diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of eye movements in driving performance in people with diabetes
IRAS ID
215398
Contact name
Neil Reeves
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
We have recently shown during walking that people with diabetes use their eyes differently during stepping onto targets compared to people without diabetes. In this study we aim to investigate where people look as they drive and whether diabetes affects this. This is important because our previous research has shown the importance of eye movements to driving performance. We also aim to assess the reactions of the muscles that control the foot that applies force to the break of a car and how diabetes might affect this. This is a cross-sectional study where we will investigate three participant groups: 1) people with severe diabetic neuropathy; 2) people with diabetes but no neuropathy and 3) age-matched controls without diabetes. Participants will visit the Manchester Metropolitan University for one testing session where they perform some tests on driving on a simulator (essentially a driving computer game). While driving on the simulator a small camera (eye-tracker) will follow participant’s eye movements to detect where they are looking as they drive. This eye-tracking camera is not obtrusive and will not be noticed by the participants once they begin driving. We will also perform some strength tests on participant’s right leg to simulate the situation of how quickly and forcefully they could apply their foot to the break of a car. This research will identify any differences that diabetes might cause in eye movements during driving and in the reactions of the braking leg. The research might contribute towards an objective assessment of fitness to drive with diabetes based upon eye-steering coordination.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0765
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion