Effect of self-movement on visually directed throwing: Implications for distance perception

Abstract

This study investigated how running on a treadmill influences the accuracy of throwing a ball to a hoop. Based upon previous research carried out in an open field that demonstrates that targets are perceived further away when running on a treadmill compared to when standing, we examined if this effect persisted in a visually directed throwing task. Fourteen athletes with normal or corrected vision participated. In Experiment 1, participants made indirect distance estimates of targets at 6 m, showing larger estimates while running. In Experiment 2, participants performed a throwing task, aiming to throw balls into a hoop while running or standing on a treadmill. The results showed that running on a treadmill influenced distance estimation, leading to larger throws. These findings suggest that the perception of distance is a process that relies on perceptual cues and sensorimotor feedback.