Multisensory self-motion perception

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

As we move through the world, our brain has the extraordinary task of seamlessly integrating information from across our various sensory systems including, vision, audition, our muscles and joints, and the acceleration detectors in our inner ear (vestibular). By optimally integrating these sensory inputs, this allows us to estimate self-movement parameters such as speed, distance, and heading direction with greater precision than any one sensory input alone. Traditionally, each of these sensory systems has been studied independently of one another, but my research program is aimed at quantifying how these multiple sensory inputs are integrated in the brain. Our research exploits the unique benefits of basic perceptual tasks and state-of-the-art simulation and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to develop models of multisensory self-motion perception across the lifespan. The main objectives of the proposed research program are to: Objective 1: Evaluate how different sensory stimulus characteristics (e.g. duration, speed) affect the reliability of self-motion estimates and how this affects sensory weighting during self-motion perception. Objective 2: Assess whether perceptual learning occurs during self-motion and whether training with explicit feedback improves self-motion estimate precision. Objective 3: Examine the extent to which expectations influence multisensory self-motion perception and sensory weighting. Objective 4: Explore how typical age-related changes across sensory, cognitive, and motor systems affect multisensory integration during self-motion. Scientific Approach We will use the Challenging Environment Assessment Laboratory; a state-of-the-art simulation facility that includes VR systems and a large 6 degree-of-freedom motion platform. These facilities allow for the systematic manipulation of sensory inputs under controlled conditions. We will use well-established psychophysical and behavioral paradigms and modelling techniques to measure sensory estimate precision and sensory weights. We will use a battery of well-established baseline tests of sensory, motor, and cognitive functions to account for individual differences and to investigate any associations between domain-specific abilities and experimental task performance. Impact These studies will contribute significantly to the the scientific field of multisensory integration; particularly self-motion perception, locomotion, mobility, and aging. Long-term applied impacts of these studies may be relevant to design of virtual reality systems and simulators, and user interface and vehicle design considerations for an aging population.