Backward motion is easier to judge at walking speed

When we walk forward, the scene ahead spreads outward from a central point. Moving backward produces the opposite pattern, with the scene appearing to contract inward. These patterns, known as optic flow, help us judge our movement through the world. Previous studies have disagre

When we walk forward, the scene ahead spreads outward from a central point. Moving backward produces the opposite pattern, with the scene appearing to contract inward. These patterns, known as optic flow, help us judge our movement through the world.

Previous studies have disagreed about which pattern people are more sensitive to, prompting the team to examine whether movement speed makes a difference.