Early-Blind Subjects' Spatial Abilities in the Locomotor Space: Exploratory Strategies and Reaction-to-Change Performance

Abstract

The present study was aimed at analysing the effect of the lack of visual experience in the human subject in detecting the rearrangement of objects after a free exploration in the locomotor space. Exploratory patterns and performance levels were recorded. Distance processing was affected by early blindness. The early-blind group's patterns of exploration differed significantly from those of the visually experienced groups. Significant correlations were found between the performance level and the use of systematic patterns of exploration but not with individual features. These data are discussed in the light of the importance of early vision on the development of spatial cognition.