Adrian Popescu, Keith Runnalls and Brian K.v. Maraj
Perceptual Motor Behaviour Laboratory, University of Alberta, Canada
Citation
Popescu, A., Runnalls, K., K.v. Maraj, B. (2010). Intermittent visual information affects motor strategies during locomotor pointing. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 41(3), 313-326.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to observe the influence of intermittent vision on motor strategies during locomotor pointing. Six college-aged students, independent walkers with normal or corrected-to-normal vision volunteered to participate. They were required to walk at a self selected pace towards a target located 5m away. Three visual conditions were randomly presented using a pair of Plato LCD goggles (Translucent ): full vision (FV), stance vision (STV), and swing vision (SWV). The status of the googles changed from transparent to translucent as a function of the gait cycle via the signals sent by two force sensitive resistors (National Instruments, Inc.) mounted in the shoe sole of the pointing foot at the heel and ball of the foot respectively. A six-camera Visualeyez motion analysis system (PTI, Burnaby, BC) was employed to capture kinematic data from the LED markers placed on the feet. The pattern of the approach footfall variability remained similar despite vision manipulation. While pointing accuracy was maintained across conditions, two different motor strategies emerged. The strategy for the full vision condition showed a faster approach and shorter step length and swing duration for the last adaptive step. This came in contrast with the strategy for both intermittent vision conditions which had a slower approach followed by longer step length and swing duration for the last adaptive step.
Keywords: Foot targeting, Locomotion, Visual perception