VISUAL CONTROL OF HIGH-VELOCITY FOOT-TARGETING TASKS IN NOVICE AND EXPERT PERFORMERS

Abstract

The visual regulation of step length and duration during target-directed locomotion was examined in relation to gait mode, approach velocity, obstacle task, and practice during a series of four experiments. Visual regulation was found to decrease in novice performers but increase in expert performers when approach velocity increased. The aptitude of expert performers is partly due to their ability to visually regulate for a greater time and distance during the approach, resulting in more accurate final foot placement. The speed/accuracy trade-off may be a mechanism that protects novice performers from harm whilst negotiating obstacles in the everyday environment.