Path Integration: Effect of Curved Path Complexity and Sensory System on Blindfolded Walking

Authors

Panagiotis Koutakis, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Mukul Mukherjee, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Srikant Vallabhajosula, University of Nebraska at Omaha
David J. Blanke, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Nikolaos Stergiou, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-30-2012

Abstract

Path integration refers to the ability to integrate continuous information of the direction and distance traveled by the system relative to the origin. Previous studies have investigated path integration through blindfolded walking along simple paths such as straight line and triangles. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the role of path complexity in path integration. Moreover, little is known about how information from different sensory input systems (like vision and proprioception) contributes to accurate path integration. The purpose of the current study was to investigate how sensory information and curved path complexity affect path integration. Forty blindfolded participants had to accurately reproduce a curved path and return to the origin. They were divided into four groups that differed in the curved path, circle (simple) or figure-eight (complex), and received either visual (previously seen) or proprioceptive (previously guided) information about the path before they reproduced it. The dependent variables used were average trajectory error, walking speed, and distance traveled. The results indicated that (a) both groups that walked on a circular path and both groups that received visual information produced greater accuracy in reproducing the path. Moreover, the performance of the group that received proprioceptive information and later walked on a figure-eight path was less accurate than their corresponding circular group. The groups that had the visual information also walked faster compared to the group that had proprioceptive information. Results of the current study highlight the roles of different sensory inputs while performing blindfolded walking for path integration.

Comments

NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Gait & Posture. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Gait & Posture, [Vol 37, Issue 2 (2012)] http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.06.027.

Journal Title

Gait & Posture

Volume

37

Issue

2

First Page

154

Last Page

158

Recommended Citation

Koutakis, Panagiotis; Mukherjee, Mukul; Vallabhajosula, Srikant; Blanke, David J.; and Stergiou, Nikolaos, "Path Integration: Effect of Curved Path Complexity and Sensory System on Blindfolded Walking" (2012). Journal Articles. 53.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/biomechanicsarticles/53