TY - JOUR
T1 - Effects of seasonal allergic rhinitis on driving performance, memory functioning, psychomotor performance and quality of life
AU - Mets, M.A.J.
AU - Volkerts, E.R.
AU - Dunnebier, E.A.
AU - de Senerpont Domis, L.M.
AU - Olivier, B.
AU - Verster, J.C.
PY - 2008
Y1 - 2008
N2 - Background: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) has shown to affect quality of life and impair cognitive functioning.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to compare driving ability, memory, and psychomotor performance during grass pollen season with winter season in untreated patients with SAR.
Methods:
Patients with SAR were trained and tested during the grass pollen season (summer) and winter. An on-the-road driving test during normal traffic conditions was performed. Primary parameter is the Standard Deviation of Lateral Position (SDLP), i.e. the weaving of the car. In addition, a word learning test and continuous performance test were performed and quality of life was assessed. Patients were included if in winter the Total 5-Symptoms Score (T5SS) was < 3 and in summer the T5SS was > 3.
Results:
70 patients were recruited of which 22 started the study. Fifteen patients completed the study of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. These 11 patients had a mean T5SS of 6.8 in summer and 0.6 in winter. Patient reported a significantly reduced overall quality of life during grass pollen season (p<0.0001). No significant effects were found on the driving test, except a significant (but not relevant) decrease in mean speed during the grass pollen season (p<0.035). No significant effects were found on the word learning test and continuous performance test.
Conclusion:
Our data suggest that moderate SAR symptoms do not impair driving ability, memory functioning and continuous performance. However, given the small sample size future studies should confirm these findings.
AB - Background: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) has shown to affect quality of life and impair cognitive functioning.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to compare driving ability, memory, and psychomotor performance during grass pollen season with winter season in untreated patients with SAR.
Methods:
Patients with SAR were trained and tested during the grass pollen season (summer) and winter. An on-the-road driving test during normal traffic conditions was performed. Primary parameter is the Standard Deviation of Lateral Position (SDLP), i.e. the weaving of the car. In addition, a word learning test and continuous performance test were performed and quality of life was assessed. Patients were included if in winter the Total 5-Symptoms Score (T5SS) was < 3 and in summer the T5SS was > 3.
Results:
70 patients were recruited of which 22 started the study. Fifteen patients completed the study of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. These 11 patients had a mean T5SS of 6.8 in summer and 0.6 in winter. Patient reported a significantly reduced overall quality of life during grass pollen season (p<0.0001). No significant effects were found on the driving test, except a significant (but not relevant) decrease in mean speed during the grass pollen season (p<0.035). No significant effects were found on the word learning test and continuous performance test.
Conclusion:
Our data suggest that moderate SAR symptoms do not impair driving ability, memory functioning and continuous performance. However, given the small sample size future studies should confirm these findings.
U2 - 10.2174/1874838400801010019
DO - 10.2174/1874838400801010019
M3 - Article
SN - 1874-8384
VL - 1
SP - 19
EP - 25
JO - The Open Allergy Journal
JF - The Open Allergy Journal
ER -