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Motivational consequences influence obstacle crossing strategies.
Abigail C Schmitt1, Ashlyn M Jendro1, Isabella Champenois1
1Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|April 16, 2026
Summary
Simulated anxiety from potential negative consequences, like losing time or money, led young adults to cross obstacles more successfully and cautiously. This highlights the role of motivation in movement and fall prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
- Psychology
Background:
- Young adults frequently trip and fall but experience fewer severe consequences.
- Anxiety related to negative task outcomes can influence movement strategies.
- Understanding how motivation affects obstacle negotiation is crucial for fall prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of simulated anxiety, induced by motivational consequences (time and money), on obstacle crossing in young adults.
- To test the hypothesis that negative motivational consequences enhance obstacle crossing success and caution.
Main Methods:
- Sixty young adults were randomized into a control group and a consequence group.
- Participants crossed obstacles while 3D motion capture recorded kinematics and trajectories.
- Motivational consequences (time/money loss) were applied to the consequence group.
Main Results:
- The consequence group was 3.44 times less likely to contact an obstacle compared to the control group, indicating more successful crossings.
- The consequence group exhibited increased caution, characterized by greater foot clearance and longer crossing step lengths.
- These behavioral changes occurred despite consistent task constraints.
Conclusions:
- Perceived negative consequences significantly improve obstacle crossing success and promote cautious movement strategies in young adults.
- Motivational factors play a critical role in modulating motor behavior during obstacle avoidance.
- These findings have implications for designing interventions to enhance safe mobility and prevent falls.
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