Vision and Mobility Lab
We aim to advance the understanding of the fundamental visuomotor processes involved in the control of human locomotion and mobility, and how such processes change with aging, disease, and exercise.
Mission
We aim to advance the understanding of the fundamental visuomotor processes involved in the control of human locomotion and mobility, and how such processes change with aging, disease, and exercise. Our integrated approach enables the study of perceptual, cognitive, and motor processes involved in mobility. Our research has the potential to inform the diagnosis of individuals at risk for falls and the design of interventions to promote safe mobility within both clinical and nonclinical populations.
Area of Focus
In the Vision & Mobility lab we study complex locomotor tasks (e.g., distracted walking, locomotion on stairs, obstacle avoidance, outdoor walking) to reveal the inherent challenges of the neuromotor system in daily life. We utilize a wide range of biomechanical, perceptual, and neurophysiological methodologies to explore how visual information is acquired, processed, and integrated during walking. We are also interested in investigating the effects of aging, exercise, and disease on the visuomotor process of locomotion.
Current Research Projects
Functional Field of View during locomotion:
This study focuses on examining the influence of distracted walking on the functional field of view (FFOV) in young, middle-aged, and older adults. To achieve our research goals, we record and analyze whole-body kinematics, eye movements, the functional field of view and dual-tasking cost.
Outdoor Mobility:
As we age, our reliance on vision increases, and we may experience difficulty adapting our gait pattern to changes in terrain and cognitive demands. This project aims to investigate the impact of dual-task and environmental demands on gait. We utilize wearable devices, including eye trackers and inertial measurement units (IMUs) to record vision and mobility while on various indoor and outdoor terrains.
Role of Visual Processing on Locomotion Explored via Dual-Task Methodology:
This project explores the cognitive and motor impact of visual secondary tasks on challenging gait in young and older adults. Through a series of experiments, we will investigate the role of vision when performing a complex locomotion task (multiple obstacle crossing). We will also assess the impact of dual-tasking and ageing on gaze behaviour and gait when crossing multiple obstacles.
Graduate students
Graduate Students:
- Brontë Vollebregt, PhD Student
- Larissa Feitosa, Master’s Visiting Student
Undergraduate Students:
- Karissa Bowden, BKin URA student
- Peace Ukpaka, BKin URA student
- Dheemant Jallepalli, Mitacs Globalink visiting student
- Sofiia Zolotopupova, Mitacs Globalink visiting student
- Simran Dhaliwal, Science research volunteer student
Lab Alumni
- Christine Tran, URA student (2019)
- Kevin Arbey Ducuara Ilsaza, Mitacs student (2022)
- Yussefa Sanyang, Mitacs student (2022)