Influence of degraded visual acuity from light-scattering goggles on obstacle gait

This study examined the effect on gait of degrading visual input by simulation on a course with obstacles. Thirty healthy, young adult males walked on a 6 m path with three obstacles (height: 5, 10, 20 cm, width: 10 cm) set at intervals of 150 cm with and without degraded visual input from light-scattering goggles. Gait was examined with respect to time, length, angle and walk speed parameters. Gait changed significantly in the degraded visual input condition. The distances between the obstacles and foot before the obstacles were significantly larger in 10 and 20 cm obstacles under the degraded visual input condition, but distances after passing the obstacle had no significant difference among obstacle height. We therefore conclude that a decrease of visual function alters the perception of an obstacle’s height, particularly the 5 cm height obstacle.