Spatial, not temporal cues drive predictive orienting movements during navigation: a virtual reality study

Neuroreport. 2000 Mar 20;11(4):775-8. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200003200-00024.

Abstract

A fundamental property of the human brain is the ability to make predictions of future sensory and motor events. We have recently found that steering manoeuvres when walking along curvilinear trajectories are controlled by an anticipatory guidance of the direction of head (and eyes). However it is unclear whether a time-related or space-related signal triggers such anticipatory head orienting movements. By simulating navigation along a multi-legged virtual corridor we show that anticipatory orienting movements are triggered (in standing subjects) by reaching specific locations rather than by the time to the approaching corridor's bend. Similar to what happens in car driving, specific spatial features of the route rather than time to collision seem to drive steering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiology
  • Head Movements / physiology
  • Humans
  • Orientation / physiology*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Space Perception / physiology*
  • Time Factors
  • User-Computer Interface*