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Related Experiment Videos

Obstacle avoidance during locomotion using haptic information in normally sighted humans.

Aftab E Patla1, T Claire Davies, Ewa Niechwiej

  • 1Gait & Posture Lab, Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L3G1, Canada. patla@healthy.uwaterloo.ca

Experimental Brain Research
|February 11, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Haptic information guides adaptive locomotion, enabling obstacle avoidance even without vision. Practice improves control, demonstrating the tactile sense

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biomechanics
  • Human Sensory Systems

Background:

  • Adaptive locomotion relies on sensory feedback for obstacle negotiation.
  • Haptic information, perceived through touch and proprioception, plays a crucial role in guiding movement.
  • Understanding sensory substitution's efficacy is vital for mobility in visually impaired individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the accuracy and precision of adaptive locomotion control using haptic information in sighted humans.
  • To compare locomotion performance under full vision (FV), restricted lower visual field (RLVF), and no vision (NV) with haptic guidance.
  • To assess the impact of practice on haptic-guided adaptive locomotion.

Main Methods:

  • An obstacle avoidance paradigm was employed, requiring participants to step over obstacles.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Locomotion was assessed under three sensory conditions: FV, RLVF, and NV (haptic only with a cane).
  • GAITRite and OPTOTRAK systems were used to record footfall patterns and limb trajectories.

    • Main Results:

    • Haptic guidance involved reduced approach step lengths and increased exploration time for obstacle assessment.
    • Foot placement variability decreased closer to the obstacle, with a delayed reduction in the haptic condition.
    • Lead and trail limb elevation were significantly higher in the haptic and RLVF conditions compared to FV, indicating reliance on non-visual cues.

    Conclusions:

    • The haptic sensory system is effective in guiding adaptive locomotion and obstacle avoidance, even without visual input.
    • Limitations in haptic perception of obstacle characteristics necessitate adjustments in limb elevation.
    • Practice enhances the control of haptic-guided locomotion, highlighting the adaptability of the human motor system.