EFFECT OF SELF-PRODUCED LOCOMOTION ON INFANT POSTURAL COMPENSATION TOOPTIC FLOW

This research demonstrates that experiences associated with early self -produced locomotion facilitate a developmental shift in the visual co ntrol of posture. Results showed greater use of optic flow for postura l control (as measured in a ''moving room'') after self-produced locom otor experience. Infants with endogenous (creeping) or artificial (wal ker) self-produced locomotor experience responded to portions of the o ptic flow field, whereas prelocomotor infants did not. Taken together these findings suggest that self-produced locomotion facilitates diffe rential use of smaller portions of the optic flow field. Findings will be discussed in terms of how perceptual experiences associated with m oving the self in space bring about important changes in visual propri oception.