Reaching within a dynamic virtual environment
2007
Effects of Visual Field Motion on Reaching
Sample size: 5
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Assaf Y Dvorkin, Robert V Kenyon, Emily A Keshner
Primary Institution: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Hypothesis
Roll motion of the visual field would affect timing and position of the arm in space.
Conclusion
The motion of the visual field interfered with the ability to process two consecutive stimuli during reaching.
Supporting Evidence
- Subjects were able to amend ongoing motion to match target position regardless of scene motion.
- The presence of visual field motion produced significantly longer pauses during the reach movement.
- Terminal arm posture exhibited a drift in the direction opposite to the roll motion.
Takeaway
When you reach for something while the background is moving, it can mess up how you aim your hand.
Methodology
Five healthy subjects reached for targets in a virtual environment with varying visual field motion.
Limitations
The study only included young healthy adults, limiting generalizability to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Five young healthy adults aged 25–35 years, all right-handed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.018
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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