Driving habits and reaction times on a driving simulation in older drivers with chronic heart failure

Pan, D., Pellicori, P. , Walklett, C., Green, A., Masse, A. R., Wood, J., Purdy, J. and Clark, A. L. (2020) Driving habits and reaction times on a driving simulation in older drivers with chronic heart failure. Journal of Cardiac Failure, 26(7), pp. 555-563. (doi: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2020.04.002) (PMID:32433933)

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Abstract

Judgement and reaction times during complex tasks like driving may be impaired in older adults with chronic heart failure (HF). This study sought to report the driving habits and reaction times of older patients with HF in a specially designed urban driving simulation. We conducted a prospective observational study in HF patients and controls. Patients in both groups underwent cognitive testing and screening for depression. Current drivers undertook questionnaire regarding driving habits followed by an urban road driving simulation consisting of three laps. Five separate hazards appeared in the third lap without warning. Reaction times and stopping distances to the hazards were calculated. Of 247 patients with HF approached for the study, 124 had already voluntarily stopped driving due to HF (n=92) or other medical conditions (n=32), 60 had never had a license, and 32 declined to participate. Of the 74 controls approached, 1 was not currently driving due to a medical condition, and 46 declined to participate. Patients in both groups had similar levels of cognitive function, mood and driving habits. 30 patients with HF [mean (SD) age 74 (±5) years, median (IQR) NT-proBNP 1510 (546-3084) pg/L] and 26 controls [mean age 73 (±5) years, median NT-proBNP 135 (73-182) pg/L] completed the simulation. During lap 3, there was no difference in the driving speed between patients (mean 22.0 SD 4.5 mph) and controls (mean 21.7 SD3.3 mph; p=0.80). Patients had longer reaction times [median 1.10 (IQR 0.98-1.30) seconds) than controls [median 0.96 (IQR 0.83-1.10) seconds, p=0.02], but there was no difference in stopping distances [patients: median 43.9 (IQR 32.2- 49.5) metres; controls: median 38.1 (IQR 32.3-48.8) metres, p=0.31)]. Many older adults with HF no longer drive. Those who continue to drive appear safe to drive on simulated urban roads.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Pellicori, Dr Pierpaolo
Authors: Pan, D., Pellicori, P., Walklett, C., Green, A., Masse, A. R., Wood, J., Purdy, J., and Clark, A. L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
Journal Name:Journal of Cardiac Failure
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1071-9164
ISSN (Online):1532-8414
Published Online:18 May 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 Elsevier
First Published:First published in Journal of Cardiac Failure 26(7): 555-563
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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