Adaptive Gaze Strategies for Locomotion with Constricted Visual Field

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) significantly impairs peripheral vision, affecting visuo-motor coordination during locomotion.
• Understanding compensatory gaze strategies in RP is crucial for rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To precisely evaluate how peripheral visual field loss impacts gaze strategies during walking.
• To identify specific compensatory mechanisms employed by individuals with RP.

Main Methods:

• Nine RP subjects and nine healthy controls walked in various conditions (straight, sideways, with/without obstacles).
• Whole-body kinematics were captured using motion analysis.
• Gaze direction was tracked using an eye-tracker.

Main Results:

• RP subjects exhibited altered gaze patterns: increased pre-walking exploration, ground/door/obstacle fixation, and head tilting.
• RP subjects showed more frequent and larger rapid eye movements.
• Despite visual challenges, RP subjects maintained trajectory accuracy, with a slight reduction in walking speed.

Conclusions:

• RP individuals demonstrate adaptive sensory-motor coordination to maintain environmental awareness and navigation.
• Findings highlight the importance of visual compensatory mechanisms for gait in RP.
• Results can inform the development of targeted rehabilitation programs for RP patients.