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Applying Incongruent Visual-Tactile Stimuli during Object Transfer with Vibro-Tactile Feedback
Published on: May 23, 2019
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Bodily illusions disrupt tactile sensations.
Sarah D'Amour1, Lisa M Pritchett1, Laurence R Harris1
1Centre for Vision Research, Department of Psychology, York University.
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance
|December 9, 2014
Summary
Altering body perception with illusions reduced tactile sensitivity and acuity. This suggests body representation changes disrupt fundamental tactile processing, offering insights into conditions like eating disorders or post-amputation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Somatosensory Perception
- Body Representation
Background:
- Accurate tactile information interpretation relies on a precise body representation.
- The role of body representation in tactile perception is an emerging research area.
- Investigating the impact of distorted body schema on tactile processing is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if perceptual distortions in body representation affect tactile sensations.
- To measure changes in spatial acuity and tactile sensitivity under altered body perception.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a tendon vibration illusion to perceptually alter arm length and waist width.
- Measured tactile spatial acuity and sensitivity thresholds before and after body distortion.
Main Results:
- Found a significant reduction in both tactile acuity and sensitivity thresholds.
- Observed these reductions when the arm or waist was perceptually altered.
- Indicated a general disruption of low-level tactile processing.
Conclusions:
- Perceptual body representation changes disrupt fundamental tactile processing.
- Disruptive changes may reflect early stages of body schema alteration.
- Findings offer insights into sensory processing in abnormal body representation states (e.g., eating disorders, amputation).
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