Affiliations: [a] Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands | [b] Department of Civil Engineering and Lighting Science, School of Engineering, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden | [c] Chair Intellectual Disability Medicine of the Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands | [d] Intelligent Lighting Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands | [e] Middin Health Care Provider, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: J. van Duijnhoven, Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 40 247 5760; E-mail:J.v.duijnhoven1@tue.nl
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The non-image-forming effects of luminous radiation on
people with intellectual disabilities or dementia received attention from
researchers. Such studies, however, have generally been conducted using
disparate methodologies which precludes generalization and reproducibility.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the practical
applicability of measurement devices for studies investigating
non-image-forming effects of luminous radiation, specifically for people
with intellectual disabilities or dementia.
METHODS: In three experiments, ten cognitive impaired people and
thirty-nine unaffected subjects participated by wearing one or more portable
devices. Six devices were assessed in total. Measurement data was
accompanied with user experiences obtained from questionnaires, interviews
and observations in order to assess the devices on practical and comfort
issues.
RESULTS: On average, the devices worn by the cognitive impaired
subjects were not experienced as annoying or irritating. No significant
differences are found between genders and for one of the portable devices
significantly less annoyance was reported by the cognitive impaired
participants compared to the unaffected group of participants.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTION: The three phases of the research process in
towards measuring personal luminous exposures are: selection of the most
suitable portable device, application of the assessment method, and the
application of the device in the (pilot) study.
CONCLUSIONS: However, the findings of this study suggest that
inaccuracies potentially caused by practical and comfort issues associated
with the portable devices need to be considered.
