Audio Motor Training at the Foot Level Improves Space Representation

Abstract

Spatial representation is developed thanks to the integration of visual signals with the other senses. It has been shown that the lack of vision compromises the development of some spatial representations. In this study we tested the effect of a new rehabilitation device called ABBI (Audio Bracelet for Blind Interaction) to improve space representation. ABBI produces an audio feedback linked to body movement. Previous studies from our group showed that this device improves the spatial representation of space in early blind adults around the upper part of the body. Here we evaluate whether the audio motor feedback produced by ABBI can also improve audio spatial representation of sighted individuals in the space around the legs. Forty five blindfolded sighted subjects participated in the study, subdivided into three experimental groups. An audio space localization (front-back discrimination) task was performed twice by all groups of subjects before and after different kind of training conditions. A group (experimental) performed an audio-motor training with the ABBI device placed on their foot. Another group (control) performed a free motor activity without audio feedback associated with body movement. The other group (control) passively listened to the ABBI sound moved at foot level by the experimenter without producing any body movement. Results showed that only the experimental group, which performed the training with the audio-motor feedback, showed an improvement in accuracy for sound discrimination. No improvement was observed for the two control groups. These findings suggest that the audio-motor training with ABBI improves audio space perception also in the space around the legs in sighted individuals. This result provides important inputs for the rehabilitation of the space representations in the lower part of the body.

Comparison of auditory spatial bisection and minimum audible angle in front, lateral, and back space

“…This is consistent with the idea that the bisection task was performed by making use of an internal representation of source location, and that lack of vision for back space led to a less precise internal representation 12 . Our data extend previous findings regarding auditory spatial perception 8,12,[14][15][16]26,29 , by showing different relative performance on bisection and MAA tasks for front, back and lateral spatial regions.…”

The Role of Visual Experience in Auditory Space Perception around the Legs

“…We expected no differences between groups for space above and below the knee. These two spaces, indeed, can be well calibrated by sensorimotor feedback 47 .…”

“…In order to understand the role of visual sensory experience in auditory perception in these spaces, auditory spatial localization was measured in sighted and, for the first time, in blind participants. Previous evidence 17,46,47 suggests that the senses can differently influence or shape sensory information delivered in different areas of space. Studies have shown that blindness results in enhanced auditory localization performance for areas other than frontal relative to the participant, such as for azimuth judgements in peripheral space 26,31,39 .…”

A Multidimensional, Multisensory and Comprehensive Rehabilitation Intervention to Improve Spatial Functioning in the Visually Impaired Child: A Community Case Study

“…With this work, we argue that our approach may facilitate the acquisition of the ability to adapt to environmental requests, particularly important in the context of spatial cognition. Recent studies have confirmed that multisensory re-habilitation approaches may help the child to move independently in the environment and encode spatial and socially relevant information (Aggius-vella et al, 2017;Cappagli et al, 2017b). Moreover, several evidences have demonstrated that multisensory protocols are more effective than training protocols based on unisensory stimulus regimes due to preexisting congruencies of information coming from the different senses (Shams and Seitz, 2008).…”

“…In fact, it is widely accepted that the lack of early visual experience may have a negative impact on the development of spatial abilities as well as motor skills and mobility ( Fraiberg, 1968 ; Morrongiello et al, 1995 ; Prechtl et al, 2001 ; Sonksen and Dale, 2007 ). Moreover, some studies ( Aggius-vella et al, 2017 ; Purpura et al, 2017 ; Cuppone et al, 2018 ) showed how the use of other senses may help blind and low vision children to reach developmental milestones which would otherwise be difficult to achieve, such as object permanence ( Elisa et al, 2002 ; Fazzi et al, 2011 ), which is one of the main goals of our early re-habilitation. With this work, we argue that our approach may facilitate the acquisition of the ability to adapt to environmental requests, particularly important in the context of spatial cognition.…”