Peripersonal tracking accuracy is limited by the speed and phase of locomotion

Recent evidence suggests that perceptual and cognitive functions are codetermined by rhythmic bodily states. Prior investigations have focused on the cardiac and respiratory rhythms, both of which are also known to synchronise with locomotion – arguably our most common and natural of voluntary behaviours. Unlike the cardiorespiratory rhythms, walking is entirely under voluntary control, enabling a test of how natural and voluntary rhythmic action may affect sensory function. Here, we show that the speed and phase of human locomotion constrains sensorimotor performance. We used a continuous visuo-motor tracking task in a wireless, body-tracking virtual environment, and found that the accuracy and reaction time of continuous reaching movements were decreased at slower walking speeds, and rhythmically modulated according to the phases of the step-cycle. Decreased accuracy when walking at slow speeds suggests an advantage for interlimb coordination at normal walking speeds, in contrast to previous research on dual-task walking and reach-to-grasp movements. Phasic modulations of reach precision within the step-cycle also suggest that the upper limbs are affected by the ballistic demands of motor-preparation during natural locomotion. Together these results show that the natural phases of human locomotion impose constraints on sensory function and demonstrate the value of examining dynamic and natural behaviour in contrast to the traditional and static methods of psychological science.