Comparative study of eye movements in extent of central and peripheral vision and use by young and elderly walkers.

Abstract

This study compares the visual abilities of young and elderly groups while walking, focusing on differences in the ranges and velocities of eye movements and on differences in the extent and use of their central and peripheral vision. On the basis of two experiments, the following differences between young and elderly walkers in the use of vision, as well as the effect of these differences on walking cadence (the number of steps per minute) were clarified. Elderly subjects depended more on central vision than younger subjects while they were walking, and their walking cadences were hindered by limited visual range. In contrast, younger subjects made use of both their central and peripheral vision while walking; the clarity of peripheral vision gave them greater control over the process of their walking than elderly subjects had.