Real World Navigation Independence in the Early Blind Correlates With Differential Brain Activity Associated With Virtual Navigation
Author
dc.contributor.author
Halko, Mark A.
Author
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Connors, Erin C.
es_CL
Author
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Sánchez Ilabaca, Jaime
es_CL
Author
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Merabet, Lotfi B.
es_CL
Admission date
dc.date.accessioned
2014-12-19T15:47:09Z
Available date
dc.date.available
2014-12-19T15:47:09Z
Publication date
dc.date.issued
2014
Cita de ítem
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Hum Brain Mapp 35:2768–2778, 2014.
en_US
Identifier
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DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22365
Identifier
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https://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/126731
General note
dc.description
Artículo de publicación ISI
en_US
Abstract
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Navigating is a complex cognitive task that places high demands on spatial abilities, particularly
in the absence of sight. Significant advances have been made in identifying the neural correlates
associated with various aspects of this skill; however, how the brain is able to navigate in the absence of
visual experience remains poorly understood. Furthermore, how neural network activity relates to the
wide variability in navigational independence and skill in the blind population is also unknown. Using
functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated the neural correlates of audio-based navigation
within a large scale, indoor virtual environment in early profoundly blind participants with differing levels
of spatial navigation independence (assessed by the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction scale). Performing
path integration tasks in the virtual environment was associated with activation within areas of a
core network implicated in navigation. Furthermore, we found a positive relationship between Santa Barbara
Sense of Direction scores and activation within right temporal parietal junction during the planning
and execution phases of the task. These findings suggest that differential navigational ability in the blind
may be related to the utilization of different brain network structures. Further characterization of the factors
that influence network activity may have important implications regarding how this skill is taught
in the blind community.