Research

Behavioral and cognitive sciences for the understanding of the perception-action system, At the Tokyo Metropolitan University Perception and Action Laboratory, we have been conducting research into the functional relationship between perception and action. Our specific research topics include conscious and non-conscious processes in perceptual and motor control; action-oriented representation of space; gait and posture; and gaze behavior during locomotion. We intend to apply the empirical findings obtained in laboratory settings to the field of sports and rehabilitation.

Three-dimensional motion analysis of human gait

Objective:

Walking is fundamental human movement. The objective of our studies of walking is to understand the role of perceptual (especially visual) systems on the control of human gait. The experiments are designed on the basis of the methodology of experimental psychology. The system of three-dimensional motion analyses is used to measure whole-body movement during walking. Dynamical changes in space were designed to occur in an experimental room by using adjustable movable doors.

Apparatuses:

A three-dimensional motion capture system (Qualisys Inc.); a customized movable door (Uchida Denshi Inc.); an LCD shutter goggle (PLATO, Translucent Technologies Inc.); and accelerometers (Microstone Inc.).

Research topics:

  • Perceptual-motor control of locomotion through apertures
  • Asymmetry of spatial cognition during walking
  • Obstacle avoidance during walking
  • Three-dimensional motion analysis of walking by visually impaired individuals


An experiment involving walking through an aperture created between movable doors.


OQUS cameras (Qualysis Inc., Sweden), used in the three-dimensional motion analysis


An LCD shutter goggle, which is used for visual occlusion during movement


Graduate students working on an experiment involving perceptual judgment of aperture widths