Behavioural studies of human locomotor pointing have been dominated by specific task constraints of generating maximal approach velocity towards spatial targets. To examine locomotor pointing under different nested task constraints, at sub-maximal approach velocities and with concomitant differences in speed-accuracy trade offs, run-ups of professional cricket bowlers (n = 6) were analysed. Inter- and intra-trial analyses of step length adjustments revealed how differences between current and required locomotor pointing behaviour constrained visual adaptations of gait. Results supported a continuous perception–action coupling control mechanism, although no relationship was observed between step number in sequence and total amount of adjustment made, implying that visual adaptations did not continue to the end of a run-up once initiated. Rather, bowlers made step adjustments throughout the run-up, with strong associations for amount of adjustment made and amount needed. Significant variations were observed in inter-individual strategies for making most adjustments at different points of the run-up. A key premise of prospective control models of locomotor pointing was found to be robust, since regulation of cricketer's gait was continuous and based on perception of current and required behaviour. Findings extend understanding of the nature and range of nested task constraints under which perception–action coupling controls locomotor pointing performance.

Nested task constraints shape continuous perception-action coupling control during human locomotor pointing

Integrating mobile eye tracking and optoelectronic motion capture enables point of gaze to be expressed within the laboratory co-ordinate system and presents a method not commonly applied during research examining dynamic behaviors, such as locomotion. This paper examines the quality of gaze data collected through the integration. Based on research suggesting increased viewing distances are associated with reduced data quality; the accuracy and precision of gaze data as participants (N = 11) viewed floor-based targets at distances of 1–6 m was investigated. A mean accuracy of 2.55 ± 1.12° was identified, however, accuracy and precision measures (relative to targets) were significantly (p < .05) reduced at greater viewing distances. We then consider if signal processing techniques may improve accuracy and precision, and overcome issues associated with missing data. A 4th-order Butterworth lowpass filter with cut-off frequencies determined via autocorrelation did not significantly improve data quality, however, interpolation via Quintic spline was sufficient to overcome gaps of up to 0.1 s. We conclude the integration of gaze and motion capture presents a viable methodology in the study of human behavior and presents advantages for data collection, treatment, and analysis. We provide considerations for the collection, analysis, and treatment of gaze data that may help inform future methodological decisions.

https://doi.org/10.1177/20416695221116652

Evaluating the integration of eye-tracking and motion capture technologies: Quantifying the accuracy and precision of gaze measures

Effects of auditory feedback on gait behavior, gaze patterns and outcome performance in long jumping

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2023.112117

The visual control of locomotion when stepping onto moving surfaces: A comparison of younger and older adults

: Long jump has been extensively used in the investigation of perception-action coupling. The restraints imposed by the tasks nested at the take-off board compel skilled long jumpers to adjust the length of the final 4-5 steps of the run-up based on visual input informing about time-to-arrival. This exploratory study examined the visual regulation parameters in athletes with intellectual impairment (II) during the approach of the long jump. The approach run of 10 elite level T20 Class long jumpers (IIJ) and 10 international level long jumpers without II (NIJ) was recorded during competition. An initial ascending variability of foot placement was observed for both groups, followed by a descending one in the late phase of the approach. The parameters associated with the onset of visual control for IIJ were found to be not statistically significantly different to those of NIJ. The mean maximum toe-board distance variability was 0.38 m and 0.27 m for IIJ and NIJ, respectively. The onset of regulation commenced at the fifth- and third-to-last step for IIJ and NIJ, respectively. The finding that IIJ adjust the last steps of the run-up with sufficient accuracy suggests the presence of visual control. This information can be used to optimize long jump approach run training for athletes with II. intellectual an enhanced of step length intellectual elite performance slower rate of acquiring experience the sporting skill coaches should monitor and take action to prevent the earlier regulation that results in a greater loss in velocity on the take-off board. Future research should focus on the mechanisms that control step regulation of elite level long jumpers with intellectual impairment and their interaction with the performance environment, constraints, and nested actions, adding the effect of different training methods (i.e., explicit vs. implicit learning) on mastering visual control strategies.

Step regulation in Paralympic long jumpers with intellectual impairment

Is gait-based visual regulation identical to gaze-based visual regulation in inexperienced athletes' long jump run-ups?

It is commonly agreed that vision is more sensitive to spatial information, while audition is more sensitive to temporal information. When both visual and auditory information are available simultaneously, the modality appropriateness hypothesis predicts that, depending on the task, the most appropriate (i.e., reliable) modality dominates perception. While previous research mainly focused on discrepant information from different sensory inputs to scrutinize the modality appropriateness hypothesis, the current study aimed at investigating the modality appropriateness hypothesis when multimodal information was provided in a nondiscrepant and simultaneous manner. To this end, participants performed a temporal rhythm reproduction task for which the auditory modality is known to be the most appropriate. The experiment comprised an auditory (i.e., beeps), a visual (i.e., flashing dots), and an audiovisual condition (i.e., beeps and dots simultaneously). Moreover, constant as well as variable interstimulus intervals were implemented. Results revealed higher accuracy and lower variability in the auditory condition for both interstimulus interval types when compared to the visual condition. More importantly, there were no differences between the auditory and the audiovisual condition across both interstimulus interval types. This indicates that the auditory modality dominated multimodal perception in the task, whereas the visual modality was disregarded and hence did not add to reproduction performance.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/03010066221093604

Alexandra Hildebrandt

Papers

Is gait-based visual regulation identical to gaze-based visual regulation in inexperienced athletes' long jump run-ups?

Effects of auditory feedback on gait behavior, gaze patterns and outcome performance in long jumping

Auditory perception dominates in motor rhythm reproduction

Determinants of quality, specificity, and stability of emotional episodic memories in a fine-dining context