Seven novice subjects participated in experiments of stick balancing on a linear track
in the anterior-posterior (AP) and the medio-lateral (ML) directions. The goal of
the experiments was to test how the depth perception in the subjects' AP direction
affects balancing performance compared to balancing in the ML direction, where depth
perception does not play a role. It is easier to balance longer sticks than shorter
ones, therefore balancing performance is measured by the length of the shortest stick
that subjects can balance. Subjects were found to be able to balance shorter sticks
in the ML direction than in the AP direction: the ratio of the shortest stick lengths
in the ML direction relative to the AP direction was in average 0.53. Thus, the additional
challenge posed by depth perception in the AP direction is clearly observable. Additionally,
repeated trials were carried out for 5 consecutive days to assess the development
of balancing skill by using stabilometry analysis. The maximal balance time of the
subjects significantly increased with the days of practice.
