The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
The Vision and Mobility lab studies complex locomotor tasks to reveal the inherent challenges of the neuromotor system in daily life. Utilizing a wide range of biomechanical, perceptual, and neurophysiological methodologies, the lab explores how visual information is acquired, processed and integrated during walking.
The Vision and Mobility Lab aims 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. The labs work helps inform the diagnosis of individuals at risk for falls and the design of interventions to promote safe mobility within both clinical and nonclinical populations.
Primary investigator
Dr. Veronica Silva's research focuses on understanding the visuomotor processes involved in controlling human locomotion and mobility across the lifespan. Silva holds a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, where her doctoral research investigated the role of visual information during stair 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.
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.
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.
