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Altered Spatiotemporal Gaze Dynamics During Unexpected Obstacle Negotiation in a Fatigued State

Authors :
Jacob W, Hinkel-Lipsker
Nicole M, Stoehr
Pranavi L, Depur
Michael A, Weise
Joshua A, Vicente
Stefanie A, Drew
Sean M, Rogers
Source :
Motor Control. 26:58-75
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Human Kinetics, 2022.

Abstract

Humans use their peripheral vision during locomotion to perceive an approaching obstacle in their path, while also focusing central gaze on steps ahead of them. However, certain physiological and psychological factors may change this strategy, such as when a walker is physically fatigued. In this study, 21 healthy participants walked through a dark room while wearing eye tracking glasses before and following intense exercise. Obstacles were placed in random locations along their path and became illuminated when participants approached them. Results indicate that, when fatigued, participants had altered spatial gaze strategies, including more frequent use of central gaze to perceive obstacles and an increased gaze angular displacement. However, there were no changes in temporal gaze strategies following exercise. These findings reveal how physical fatigue alters one’s visual perception of their environment during locomotion, and may partially explain why people are at greater risk of trips and falls while fatigued.

Details

ISSN :
15432696 and 10871640
Volume :
26
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Motor Control
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....61238d30b628e6d18355a6b148b98bee
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1123/mc.2021-0046