Altered Spatiotemporal Gaze Dynamics During Unexpected Obstacle Negotiation in a Fatigued State

Area of Science:

• Human locomotion and visual perception
• Exercise physiology
• Gaze behavior analysis

Background:

• Locomotion typically involves peripheral vision for obstacle detection and central gaze for navigation.
• Physical fatigue can significantly impact cognitive and motor functions, potentially altering visual strategies during movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of physical fatigue on visual gaze strategies during locomotion.
• To determine if fatigue alters spatial and temporal gaze patterns when navigating obstacles.

Main Methods:

• 21 healthy participants walked in a dark room with eye-tracking glasses.
• Gaze behavior was recorded before and after intense exercise.
• Obstacles were illuminated upon approach during the walking trials.

Main Results:

• Fatigued participants exhibited altered spatial gaze strategies, using central vision more for obstacles.
• Increased gaze angular displacement was observed in the fatigued state.
• No significant changes were found in temporal gaze strategies post-exercise.

Conclusions:

• Physical fatigue modifies visual perception and gaze control during locomotion.
• Altered spatial gaze strategies under fatigue may contribute to an increased risk of trips and falls.