Inter-active real-time virtual reality environment to investigate human locomotion

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The departments Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise, Movement Science and Sport Psychology of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences of the University of Muenster apply for Major Research Instrumentation to study human locomotion in an interactive virtual environment with real-time motion capturing and online feedback. Previous studies gained seminal knowledge of human locomotion under laboratory conditions, such as age-related changes in movement parameters or in certain patients. However, the transfer of laboratory results outside to the real world is still a significant scientific challenge. Advances in technology, such as virtual reality (VR), offers an innovative approach to improve the ecological validity of studies. The applied instrumentation consists of a 180° projection-based VR environment, with a surround sound system, and an implemented multifunctional treadmill with integrated force plates, all of which is synchronized with the VR. The instrument is complemented by a high-resolution motion capturing system using infrared cameras, and wireless electromyography. Together, the motion capturing system and the force plates build the interface to interact with the VR and the treadmill (e.g., self-paced mode). The instrument provides a unique setting for the applicants to study the complex interactions between sensory, motor, and cognitive systems during human locomotion under realistic, but still well standardized and safe experimental conditions. It offers control over all relevant study parameters and enables specific manipulation of the visual, auditory, and physical stimuli via the VR and also due to mechanical perturbation of the treadmill. Thus, one example could include the simulation of a swaying rope bridge. Such methodological advances can only be achieved by a fully integrated and synchronized system, containing the mentioned technical components. Moreover it is possible and planned to implement third-party devices (e.g., eye-tracker, EEG, fNIRS, tES) to study also psychophysiological parameters (e.g., brain activity) during human locomotion. The applicants aim to use this sophisticated instrument for disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research. Namely, to investigate human locomotion within the context of high performance, lifelong development, neurocognition & -motor control, health & well-being, technization & digitalization (see figure 1 in the preamble) under more ecologically valid conditions, to extend and replicate previous results in realistic settings.