Long-term Adaptation in VR: Retention of Altered Sensorimotor Contingencies through Redirected Walking

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Neuroscience
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Redirected walking (RDW) modifies locomotion-vision relationships in virtual reality (VR).
• Short-term adaptation to altered sensorimotor contingencies is known, but long-term retention is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate long-term retention of RDW adaptation across multiple days and VR sessions.
• Determine if adapted sensorimotor settings are immediately available upon re-entering VR.

Main Methods:

• Ten participants underwent nine RDW sessions over two weeks with a fixed rightward curvature gain.
• Adaptation assessed via blind walking and pointing tasks; perceptual detection thresholds measured.

Main Results:

• Participants showed consistent curved trajectories during blind walking, indicating retained RDW adaptation.
• Pointing accuracy and curvature detection thresholds remained stable.
• Adapted sensorimotor contingencies were retained across days and immediately available in VR.

Conclusions:

• Adaptation to altered sensorimotor contingencies in VR is retained across multiple sessions and days.
• Retained adaptations are immediately accessible upon re-entering VR.
• Findings are relevant for repeated VR use scenarios.