Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Open Access Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Kinesiology (MS)
Administrative Home Department
Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology
Advisor 1
Carolyn Duncan
Committee Member 1
Kevin Trewartha
Committee Member 2
Kelly Steelman
Abstract
Introduction: Darkened environments pose an increased risk of falling. While considerable research has explored the role of gaze behavior in quiet standing and walking, less attention has been given to its contribution in reactive balance scenarios. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the effect of dark environments on gaze behavior during reactive balance responses. Methods: Thirty young adults (mean age 25 ± 4.4 years) completed forward lean-and-release perturbations in two lighting conditions: 1) Light (~800 Lux) and Dark (0 Lux). Gaze behavior prior to perturbation was quantified using eye-tracking glasses to analyze potential differences between fixation duration, count, location variability, and saccade amplitude. A mixed-measures ANCOVA (alpha = 0.05) where the order of lighting conditions and maximum lean angle were the covariates. Results: Participants showed no significant differences in fixation durations, p=0.44), fixation count, p=0.457, or fixation location variability, p=0.946, between the two different lighting conditions. Saccade amplitude was significantly different, p=0.036, when maximum lean angle was added showing that the angle participants were held at had an impact. Discussion: Our findings suggest that decreased lighting does not have an overall impact on gaze behavior prior to perturbation when individuals are familiar with their environment. Familiarity likely enabled participants to rely on prior knowledge of the environment and floor space, reducing the need to adjust gaze behavior in the dark. This study provides a foundational step toward understanding how decreased ambient lighting influences visuospatial mapping and highlights the utility of eye-tracking devices in evaluating reactive balance control under such conditions.
Recommended Citation
Hart, Lily K., "Contribution of Gaze Behavior in Reactive Balance due to Decreased Environmental Lighting", Open Access Master's Thesis, Michigan Technological University, 2024.
