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Scherer J, Müller MM, Unterbrink P, Meier S, Egelhaaf M, Bertrand OJN, Boeddeker N. Not seeing the forest for the trees: combination of path integration and landmark cues in human virtual navigation. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1399716. [PMID: 38835838 PMCID: PMC11148297 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1399716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In order to successfully move from place to place, our brain often combines sensory inputs from various sources by dynamically weighting spatial cues according to their reliability and relevance for a given task. Two of the most important cues in navigation are the spatial arrangement of landmarks in the environment, and the continuous path integration of travelled distances and changes in direction. Several studies have shown that Bayesian integration of cues provides a good explanation for navigation in environments dominated by small numbers of easily identifiable landmarks. However, it remains largely unclear how cues are combined in more complex environments. Methods To investigate how humans process and combine landmarks and path integration in complex environments, we conducted a series of triangle completion experiments in virtual reality, in which we varied the number of landmarks from an open steppe to a dense forest, thus going beyond the spatially simple environments that have been studied in the past. We analysed spatial behaviour at both the population and individual level with linear regression models and developed a computational model, based on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), to infer the underlying combination of cues. Results Overall homing performance was optimal in an environment containing three landmarks arranged around the goal location. With more than three landmarks, individual differences between participants in the use of cues are striking. For some, the addition of landmarks does not worsen their performance, whereas for others it seems to impair their use of landmark information. Discussion It appears that navigation success in complex environments depends on the ability to identify the correct clearing around the goal location, suggesting that some participants may not be able to see the forest for the trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Scherer
- Department of Neurobiology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Martin M Müller
- Department of Neurobiology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Patrick Unterbrink
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Sina Meier
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Martin Egelhaaf
- Department of Neurobiology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Norbert Boeddeker
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Scheller M, Nardini M. Correctly establishing evidence for cue combination via gains in sensory precision: Why the choice of comparator matters. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:2842-2858. [PMID: 37730934 PMCID: PMC11133123 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02227-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Studying how sensory signals from different sources (sensory cues) are integrated within or across multiple senses allows us to better understand the perceptual computations that lie at the foundation of adaptive behaviour. As such, determining the presence of precision gains - the classic hallmark of cue combination - is important for characterising perceptual systems, their development and functioning in clinical conditions. However, empirically measuring precision gains to distinguish cue combination from alternative perceptual strategies requires careful methodological considerations. Here, we note that the majority of existing studies that tested for cue combination either omitted this important contrast, or used an analysis approach that, unknowingly, strongly inflated false positives. Using simulations, we demonstrate that this approach enhances the chances of finding significant cue combination effects in up to 100% of cases, even when cues are not combined. We establish how this error arises when the wrong cue comparator is chosen and recommend an alternative analysis that is easy to implement but has only been adopted by relatively few studies. By comparing combined-cue perceptual precision with the best single-cue precision, determined for each observer individually rather than at the group level, researchers can enhance the credibility of their reported effects. We also note that testing for deviations from optimal predictions alone is not sufficient to ascertain whether cues are combined. Taken together, to correctly test for perceptual precision gains, we advocate for a careful comparator selection and task design to ensure that cue combination is tested with maximum power, while reducing the inflation of false positives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Scheller
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK.
| | - Marko Nardini
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
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Rayes RK, Mazorow RN, Mrotek LA, Scheidt RA. Utility and Usability of Two Forms of Supplemental Vibrotactile Kinesthetic Feedback for Enhancing Movement Accuracy and Efficiency in Goal-Directed Reaching. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5455. [PMID: 37420621 PMCID: PMC10302602 DOI: 10.3390/s23125455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in wearable sensors and computing have made possible the development of novel sensory augmentation technologies that promise to enhance human motor performance and quality of life in a wide range of applications. We compared the objective utility and subjective user experience for two biologically inspired ways to encode movement-related information into supplemental feedback for the real-time control of goal-directed reaching in healthy, neurologically intact adults. One encoding scheme mimicked visual feedback encoding by converting real-time hand position in a Cartesian frame of reference into supplemental kinesthetic feedback provided by a vibrotactile display attached to the non-moving arm and hand. The other approach mimicked proprioceptive encoding by providing real-time arm joint angle information via the vibrotactile display. We found that both encoding schemes had objective utility in that after a brief training period, both forms of supplemental feedback promoted improved reach accuracy in the absence of concurrent visual feedback over performance levels achieved using proprioception alone. Cartesian encoding promoted greater reductions in target capture errors in the absence of visual feedback (Cartesian: 59% improvement; Joint Angle: 21% improvement). Accuracy gains promoted by both encoding schemes came at a cost in terms of temporal efficiency; target capture times were considerably longer (1.5 s longer) when reaching with supplemental kinesthetic feedback than without. Furthermore, neither encoding scheme yielded movements that were particularly smooth, although movements made with joint angle encoding were smoother than movements with Cartesian encoding. Participant responses on user experience surveys indicate that both encoding schemes were motivating and that both yielded passable user satisfaction scores. However, only Cartesian endpoint encoding was found to have passable usability; participants felt more competent using Cartesian encoding than joint angle encoding. These results are expected to inform future efforts to develop wearable technology to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of goal-directed actions using continuous supplemental kinesthetic feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramsey K. Rayes
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA; (R.K.R.); (R.N.M.); (L.A.M.)
- Medical School, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Rachel N. Mazorow
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA; (R.K.R.); (R.N.M.); (L.A.M.)
| | - Leigh A. Mrotek
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA; (R.K.R.); (R.N.M.); (L.A.M.)
| | - Robert A. Scheidt
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA; (R.K.R.); (R.N.M.); (L.A.M.)
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Negen J, Slater H, Nardini M. Sensory augmentation for a rapid motor task in a multisensory environment. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2023:RNN221279. [PMID: 37302045 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-221279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory substitution and augmentation systems (SSASy) seek to either replace or enhance existing sensory skills by providing a new route to access information about the world. Tests of such systems have largely been limited to untimed, unisensory tasks. OBJECTIVE To test the use of a SSASy for rapid, ballistic motor actions in a multisensory environment. METHODS Participants played a stripped-down version of air hockey in virtual reality with motion controls (Oculus Touch). They were trained to use a simple SASSy (novel audio cue) for the puck's location. They were tested on ability to strike an oncoming puck with the SASSy, degraded vision, or both. RESULTS Participants coordinated vision and the SSASy to strike the target with their hand more consistently than with the best single cue alone, t(13) = 9.16, p <.001, Cohen's d = 2.448. CONCLUSIONS People can adapt flexibly to using a SSASy in tasks that require tightly timed, precise, and rapid body movements. SSASys can augment and coordinate with existing sensorimotor skills rather than being limited to replacement use cases - in particular, there is potential scope for treating moderate vision loss. These findings point to the potential for augmenting human abilities, not only for static perceptual judgments, but in rapid and demanding perceptual-motor tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Negen
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University
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Wollesen B, Fricke M, Jansen CP, Gordt K, Schwenk M, Muehlbauer T, Morawietz C, Kruse A, Gramann K. A three-armed cognitive-motor exercise intervention to increase spatial orientation and life-space mobility in nursing home residents: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial in the PROfit project. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:437. [PMID: 33129261 PMCID: PMC7603752 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01840-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In nursing home residents, the combination of decreasing mobility and declining cognitive abilities, including spatial orientation, often leads to reduced physical activity (PA) and life-space (LS) mobility. As a consequence of sedentary behavior, there is a lack of social interaction and cognitive stimulation, resulting in low quality of life. It has not yet been examined whether cognitive-motor training including spatial cognitive tasks is suitable to improve spatial orientation and, as a consequence, to enlarge LS mobility, and increase well-being and general cognitive-motor functioning. Therefore, the overall goal of this multicentric randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to compare the effect of three different intervention approaches including functional exercise and orientation tasks on PA, LS and spatial orientation in nursing home residents. Methods A three-arm single-blinded multicenter RCT with a wait-list control group will be conducted in a sample of 513 individuals (needed according to power analysis) in three different regions in Germany. In each nursing home, one of three different intervention approaches will be delivered to participating residents for 12 weeks, twice a week for 45 min each: The PROfit basic group will perform functional strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises always at the same location, whereas the PROfit plus group changes the location three times while performing similar/the same exercises as the PROfit basic group. The PROfit orientation group receives navigation tasks in addition to the relocation during the intervention. Physical and cognitive functioning as well as psychological measures will be assessed in all study groups at baseline. Participants will then be randomized into either the intervention group or the wait-list control group. After 12 weeks, and after 24 weeks the measures will be repeated. Discussion This study evaluates whether the three different interventions are feasible to reduce the decline of or even improve PA, LS, and spatial orientation in nursing home residents. By adding different training locations in PROfit plus, the program is expected to be superior to PROfit basic in increasing physical and cognitive parameters. Moreover, we expect the PROfit orientation intervention to be most effective in terms of PA, LS, and spatial orientation due to two mechanisms: (1) increased physical and cognitive activity will enhance cognitive-motor capacity and (2) the spatial training will help to build up cognitive strategies to compensate for age-related loss of spatial orientation abilities and related limitations. Trial registration The trial was prospectively registered at DRKS.de with registration number DRKS00021423 on April 16, 2020 and was granted permission by the Technical University Berlin local ethics committee (No. GR_14_20191217).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Wollesen
- Department of Biological Psychology and Neuroergonomics, TU Berlin, Fasanenstr. 1, 10623, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Mollerstraße 10, 20148, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Madeleine Fricke
- Department of Biological Psychology and Neuroergonomics, TU Berlin, Fasanenstr. 1, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carl-Philipp Jansen
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Bergheimer Str. 20, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Gordt
- Institute of Sports and Sports Sciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 720, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schwenk
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Bergheimer Str. 20, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Sports and Sports Sciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 720, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Christina Morawietz
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Adele Kruse
- Department of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Mollerstraße 10, 20148, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Gramann
- Department of Biological Psychology and Neuroergonomics, TU Berlin, Fasanenstr. 1, 10623, Berlin, Germany.,School of Software, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 2007, Australia
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Negen J, Chere B, Bird LA, Taylor E, Roome HE, Keenaghan S, Thaler L, Nardini M. Sensory cue combination in children under 10 years of age. Cognition 2019; 193:104014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2019.104014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Negen J, Wen L, Thaler L, Nardini M. Bayes-Like Integration of a New Sensory Skill with Vision. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16880. [PMID: 30442895 PMCID: PMC6237778 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35046-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are effective at dealing with noisy, probabilistic information in familiar settings. One hallmark of this is Bayesian Cue Combination: combining multiple noisy estimates to increase precision beyond the best single estimate, taking into account their reliabilities. Here we show that adults also combine a novel audio cue to distance, akin to human echolocation, with a visual cue. Following two hours of training, subjects were more precise given both cues together versus the best single cue. This persisted when we changed the novel cue's auditory frequency. Reliability changes also led to a re-weighting of cues without feedback, showing that they learned something more flexible than a rote decision rule for specific stimuli. The main findings replicated with a vibrotactile cue. These results show that the mature sensory apparatus can learn to flexibly integrate new sensory skills. The findings are unexpected considering previous empirical results and current models of multisensory learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Negen
- Department of Psychology, Durham University Durham, DH1 3LE, Durham, UK.
| | - Lisa Wen
- Department of Psychology, Durham University Durham, DH1 3LE, Durham, UK
| | - Lore Thaler
- Department of Psychology, Durham University Durham, DH1 3LE, Durham, UK
| | - Marko Nardini
- Department of Psychology, Durham University Durham, DH1 3LE, Durham, UK
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Wahn B, König P. Is Attentional Resource Allocation Across Sensory Modalities Task-Dependent? Adv Cogn Psychol 2017; 13:83-96. [PMID: 28450975 PMCID: PMC5405449 DOI: 10.5709/acp-0209-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human information processing is limited by attentional resources. That is, via
attentional mechanisms, humans select a limited amount of sensory input to
process while other sensory input is neglected. In multisensory research, a
matter of ongoing debate is whether there are distinct pools of attentional
resources for each sensory modality or whether attentional resources are shared
across sensory modalities. Recent studies have suggested that attentional
resource allocation across sensory modalities is in part task-dependent. That
is, the recruitment of attentional resources across the sensory modalities
depends on whether processing involves object-based attention
(e.g., the discrimination of stimulus attributes) or spatial
attention (e.g., the localization of stimuli). In the present
paper, we review findings in multisensory research related to this view. For the
visual and auditory sensory modalities, findings suggest that distinct resources
are recruited when humans perform object-based attention tasks, whereas for the
visual and tactile sensory modalities, partially shared resources are recruited.
If object-based attention tasks are time-critical, shared resources are
recruited across the sensory modalities. When humans perform an object-based
attention task in combination with a spatial attention task, partly shared
resources are recruited across the sensory modalities as well. Conversely, for
spatial attention tasks, attentional processing does consistently involve shared
attentional resources for the sensory modalities. Generally, findings suggest
that the attentional system flexibly allocates attentional resources depending
on task demands. We propose that such flexibility reflects a large-scale
optimization strategy that minimizes the brain’s costly resource expenditures
and simultaneously maximizes capability to process currently relevant
information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basil Wahn
- Institute of Cognitive Science, Universität Osnabrück, Osnabrück,
Germany
| | - Peter König
- Institut für Neurophysiologie und Pathophysiologie,
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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