How natural movement affects how we see
Official title: The Impact of Natural Locomotion on Visual Processing
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-10939176 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how moving around affects the way our brains process what we see, helping us understand how our vision works when we're on the go compared to when we're standing still.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | September 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,281 |
| NIH project number | 5F31EY034792-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939176 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing low vision or diminished visual processing abilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable vision who do not experience any visual processing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how natural locomotion, or free movement, influences visual processing in the brain. By using advanced techniques to record brain activity during movement, the study aims to understand how two important brain regions, the primary visual cortex and the superior colliculus, respond differently when a subject is moving compared to when they are stationary. The research will analyze visual responses under both conditions to uncover the effects of movement on visual perception and attention. This could provide insights into how our visual system adapts to changes in our environment while we move.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of visual processing, potentially leading to improved treatments for individuals with visual impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that locomotion can affect visual processing, but this research aims to explore this effect in a more natural and dynamic setting, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharp, Shelby L — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Sharp, Shelby L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.