What You See Is What You Step: The Horizontal-Vertical Illusion Increases Toe Clearance in Older Adults During Stair Ascent

摘要

PURPOSE. Falls on stairs are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly people. A simple safety strategy to avoid tripping on stairs is increasing foot clearance. We determined whether a horizontal-vertical illusion superimposed onto stairs to create an illusory perceived increase in stair-riser height would increase stair ascent foot clearance in older participants.