Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
11:35
Dual-mode Imaging of Cutaneous Tissue Oxygenation and Vascular Function
Published on: December 8, 2010
Full body illusion is associated with widespread skin temperature reduction
Roy Salomon1, Melanie Lim, Christian Pfeiffer
1Center for Neuroprosthetics, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland ; Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland.
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
|July 31, 2013
Summary
Synchronous touch and sight on matching body parts create an illusory sense of self in a virtual body. This full-body illusion alters self-perception and causes physiological changes, like reduced skin temperature.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Bodily self-consciousness involves the sense of owning one's physical body.
- Integration of sensory signals is crucial for body ownership.
- Visuo-tactile stimulation can induce illusory body ownership.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of anatomical congruency in visuo-tactile stimulation on bodily self-consciousness.
- To determine if congruent or incongruent stroking affects self-identification and self-location.
- To explore physiological changes associated with the full-body illusion.
Main Methods:
- Participants received temporally synchronous visuo-tactile stroking on their real and virtual bodies.
- Stroking locations were manipulated to be anatomically congruent or incongruent.
- Measurements included self-identification, self-location, and skin temperature.
Main Results:
- Congruent stroking led to illusory self-identification with the virtual body.
- Changes in self-location were observed under congruent stimulation conditions.
- A decrease in skin temperature was noted across multiple body locations during congruent stimulation.
Conclusions:
- The full-body illusion (FBI) significantly alters bodily self-consciousness.
- Anatomical congruency is key for inducing illusory self-identification and self-location.
- FBI can instigate widespread physiological changes, demonstrating a link between self-perception and bodily responses.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by sustained extreme cold exposure, and severe...
01:25Body Temperature
The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...
01:07Body Temperature
Body temperature reflects the equilibrium between heat production and heat loss within the body. Most heat is generated by metabolically active tissues, particularly the liver, heart, brain, kidneys, and endocrine organs. At rest, skeletal muscles contribute 20–30% of total heat production, but during vigorous exercise, this can increase up to 30–40 times.
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...
01:43Thermosensation
Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...
01:28Factors Affecting Body Temperature
As a nurse, it is vital to understand the factors affecting body temperature to monitor variations and effectively evaluate deviations from regular.
Factors may include:
Factors may include:
01:26Thermoregulation
The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...