Effect of visual information from binocular vision on the motor control of step over obstacles in walking with 90° turn

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationship between one-eye visual deprivation; thus, interfering with stereoscopic perception, and movement and obtain insights on the influence of visual perception on movement to step over obstacles. [Participants and Methods] Participants were 25 healthy individuals. There were two conditions of visual perception (stationary and approaching conditions) and two additional conditions of binocular and monocular visions. Under the four conditions, participants were asked to step over an obstacle immediately after a 90° turn while walking. Distance between the foot and obstacle, foot pressure distribution, and stance phase time were measured. [Results] Toe clearance was lower in the approaching condition than that in the binocular stationary condition. The trajectory length ratio was greater in the approaching condition than that in the stationary condition, and heel-ground contact, metatarsal-ground contact, and stance times were all shorter in the binocular condition. Additionally, heel contact, midfoot contact, metatarsal contact, and stance times were shorter in the approaching condition than that in the stationary condition. [Conclusion] In walking with a 90° turn, the binocular approaching condition provided more visual information and positively affected motor control of movements to step over an obstacle.