Diverted Gaze in Obstacle Crossing

Nathaniel Lee Romine, Purdue University

Abstract

To examine the role of gaze diversion on obstacle crossing, young adults completed a discrete simple reaction time task (RT) during the approach phase to an obstacle on an 8 m walkway. The RT task was located in one of two positions: on the obstacle or at eye level at the end of the walk way. Obstacle crossing with no RT task and standing with RT task were included to obtain baseline measures for gait and RT. In total there were five conditions: walking baseline, standing with RT task at eye level, walking with RT task at eye level, standing with RT task on obstacle, and walking with RT task on obstacle. RT during gait was slower and more variable than during standing (p ≤ 0.03), but only when the RT task was at eye level, such that gaze was diverted away from the obstacle. Average gait speed during approach (50 cm) to obstacle was significantly faster in both RT on obstacle and at eye level than the baseline conditions (p = 0.003). Lead toe clearance variability was increased in the RT on the obstacle as compared to the RT at eye level (p = 0.03). Lead and trail limb foot placement was closer to the obstacle in the RT eye level condition as compared to both the RT on obstacle and baseline (p <= 0.0005). Changes in reaction time, gait speed, foot clearance variability, and foot placement were observed in a discrete simple RT gaze diversion task. These findings highlight the critical role of vision during the approach phase to an obstacle.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Rietdyk, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Kinesiology

COinS