Anthropometric Indicators of Executive Drivers as Physiological Correlates of Visual Capacities

With growing global advent of occupation and physical activity guidelines to prevent weight gain, anthropometric measures of height and weight have “stand tall” in checkmating an individual’s nutritional status through mass index (BMI). In recent times, studies have implicated abnormal weight gains in visual malfunctions. Current Study was therefore undertaken to examine in humans, specifically executive drivers, the effect of anthropometric changes (BMI, Weight and height) on visual capacities. Sixty-eight (68) executive drivers who were confirmed to be staff of the Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria were ethically recruited for the study. Subjects were then grouped into four (4 groups) based on their nutritional/BMI status. While Group 1 comprised of those with lower than normal BMI values (undernourished), Group 2 composed of subjects with normal nutritional (BMI) status (Control), with Groups 3 and 4 being over-nourished and obese participants respectively. For each sampled subject, selected visual function/capacities [Visual Acuity (VA), Ophthalmoscopy and Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP)] were obtained and mapped against their respective BMI. Upon statistical analysis of data, study observed a higher mean value [ophthalmoscopy] in the early hours of morning than noon day. Intraocular pressure was also seen to be higher in the right than left eyes, increasing arithmetically at noon than morning. A statistically significant decrease (p < .05) in visual functions with increased BMI and day time was also noticed. Study therefore proved that IOP rises in Delsu executive drivers in the late noon day than early hours of the morning. We recommend a similar study for several other employees across government parastatals in the state.