Abstract
We investigated how the size of the horizontal field of view (FoV) affects visual speed perception with individuals running on a treadmill. Twelve moderately trained to trained participants ran on a treadmill at two different speeds (8 and 12 km/h) in front of a moving virtual scene. Different masks were used to manipulate the visible visual field, masking either the central or the peripheral area of the virtual scene or showing the full visual field. We asked participants to match the visual speed of the scene to their actual running speed. For each trial, participants indicated whether the scene was moving faster or slower than they were running. Visual speed was adjusted according to the responses using a staircase method until the Point of Subjective Equality was reached, that is until visual and running speed were perceived as matching. For both speeds and all FoV conditions, participants underestimated visual speed relative to the actual running speed. However, this underestimation was significant only when the peripheral FoV was masked. These results confirm that the size of the FoV should absolutely be taken into account for the design of treadmill-mediated virtual environments (VEs).
Highlights
Because of the associated physiological and psychological benefits, physical activity (PA) is fundamental for human health and well-being
Before performing the running task, the participants filled out the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ – French version), which estimates the weekly amount of PA expressed in MET-min/week
The visual speed was set higher than the actual running speed, meaning that the optical flow had to move faster than the treadmill speed for the two speeds to be perceived as matching, indicating that visual speed was underestimated relative to running speed
Summary
Because of the associated physiological and psychological benefits, physical activity (PA) is fundamental for human health and well-being. Physical activity notably helps to reduce the risk of many diseases and improving the functional status and the quality of life. Treadmill locomotion is monotonous and can lead to boredom. It fails to reproduce overground locomotion because it is characterized by a sensory discrepancy between kinesthetic/motor and visual information (Pelah and Barlow, 1996). Coupling treadmills and virtual environments (VEs) could contribute to improve the engagement and effort of the user, and to enhance the physical experience. It would help minimizing the kinesthetic-visual discrepancy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
