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Eccentric eye and head positions in darkness induce deviation from the intended path.
Klaus Jahn1, Roger Kalla, Sonja Karg
1Klinikum Grosshadern, Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany. Klaus.Jahn@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
Experimental Brain Research
|April 11, 2006
Summary
Eccentric head positions without vision cause specific gait deviations, independent of visual cues. These deviations are opposite to the direction of gaze, unlike visually guided locomotion.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Human Locomotion
Background:
- Head and gaze typically align with the locomotion path.
- Gaze shifts precede planned trajectory changes.
- The role of eccentric head/eye position without vision on gait is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if eccentric horizontal head and/or eye position without vision causes deviations from a straight walking path.
- To determine the relationship between head/eye position and gait deviation direction.
Main Methods:
- Twenty blindfolded healthy volunteers walked towards a target 10m away.
- Various head and eye positions were tested (head straight/70° L/R, eyes straight/35° L/R).
- Gait deviations were measured without visual feedback.
Main Results:
- Head rotation induced significant, direction-specific gait deviations (e.g., left head rotation caused rightward gait deviation).
- Eye position showed a non-significant tendency for opposite gait deviations.
- Largest deviations occurred with maximal head rotation or eyes opposite to head rotation; deviations decreased when gaze was directed backward.
Conclusions:
- Eccentric head positions independently induce direction-specific gait deviations, irrespective of visual information.
- Gait deviations are contraversive to eye-head gaze, contrasting findings in visually controlled locomotion.
- Deviation direction may compensate for perceived or expected gaze-induced path deviations.