Non-visually-guided distance perception depends on matching torso fluctuations between training and test

Area of Science:

• Movement Science
• Biophysics
• Human Locomotion

Background:

• Accurate blindwalking to replicate instructed distances relies on sensory cues.
• Multifractal organization in connective tissue is hypothesized to support sensory signal utilization for spatial judgments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if multifractal properties of postural accelerometry predict accuracy in blindwalking distance replication.
• To explore the relationship between postural multifractality and sensory feedback during locomotion.

Main Methods:

• Ten participants completed blindwalking trials over prescribed distances, involving two laps.
• Postural accelerometry data were collected from the torso during both open- and closed-eyes walking conditions.
• Regression modeling was used to analyze the contribution of multifractality to distance replication accuracy.

Main Results:

• Multifractality of postural accelerometry significantly predicted blindwalking distance replication accuracy on Lap 2.
• Participants who maintained comparable multifractality between Lap 1 and Lap 2, particularly with eyes closed, showed more accurate distance replication.
• The findings highlight the role of multifractality in processing sensory information for spatial navigation.

Conclusions:

• Postural accelerometry's multifractal structure is a key predictor of blindwalking accuracy.
• Consistent multifractal dynamics during locomotion are crucial for precise distance perception and replication.
• This research offers insights into the neural and biomechanical underpinnings of spatial memory and navigation.