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Contrast sensitivity

Contrast sensitivity refers to the ability to quickly and clearly identify objects in varying lighting conditions and against backgrounds of varying color.

Why is contrast sensitivity important in athletic performance?

Deficiency in contrast sensitivity can interfere with athletic performance by reducing visual information. Errors due to an athlete’s low contrast sensitivity function may be the result of:
i) Untrained visual skills
ii) Glare from the sun or stadium lights.
The higher an athlete’s contrast sensitivity function, the better they are able to process information about objects under different lighting conditions.
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What do athletes need to know about contrast sensitivity?

Although most steps taken to improve contrast sensitivity involve the use of glasses or contact lenses, scientific studies show that contrast sensitivity is a visual skill that can be improved through training.

What should athletes do about improving their contrast sensitivity skills?

In light of the above, athletes can improve their contrast sensitivity skills:
i) With sport-specific vision training drills aimed at object-background contrast and high-speed object identification.
ii) By informing themselves of contrast sensitivity issues particular to their sport; for example, balls lost in the lights or ruts on a slalom ski run.