Presentation
Changes in the Distribution of Visual Attention Associated with Lower-Body and Back-Support Exoskeleton Use During Lifting Tasks
SessionPoster Session 1
DescriptionThe spatial distribution of visual attention helps individuals direct focus to specific areas or objects in space, allowing them to perform everyday tasks safely and effectively. Exoskeleton use, which can introduce new sensory experiences and alter proprioceptive feedback, may affect visuospatial attention. This study examined whether the use of a combined back- and leg-support exoskeleton during lifting tasks affected visuospatial attentional performance and gaze distribution across the upper and lower visual field, using the Attentional Visual Field task and eye-tracking measures. Results indicate that without exoskeleton use, participants’ responses to the upper-field visual targets were faster than to the lower-field targets; however, this upper-field advantage disappeared with exoskeleton use, suggesting a downward shift in visual attentional distribution. While not statistically significant, a similar trend was observed with eye-tracking data, with increased gazes directed at the lower field during exoskeleton use. These findings suggest that exoskeletons supporting specific body areas may alter the spatial distribution of attention, potentially shifting attention toward the visual field corresponding to the region of support. Such shifts in visuospatial attention could impair the detection of critical information in areas where attention is reduced, having significant implications for task performance and safety.
Event Type
Poster
TimeTuesday, October 14th5:30pm - 6:30pm CDT
LocationRiverside East
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