Reaching articular limits can negatively impact embodiment in virtual reality.

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality
• Embodiment Studies

Background:

• Full-body avatars in Virtual Reality (VR) enhance immersion and presence.
• Sense of Embodiment (SoE) is linked to improved task performance, motivation, and motor learning.
• Previous research identified limits of discrepancy and disruptive events causing a Break in Embodiment (BiE).

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of articular limits on embodiment during reaching movements in VR.
• To investigate how proprioceptive feedback from physical joint limitations affects the virtual body experience.
• To identify risks to SoE from distorted movements or poorly calibrated avatars.

Main Methods:

• Experimental analysis of user perception during reaching movements in a VR environment.
• Focus on the proprioceptive feedback generated by physical articular limits.
• Comparison of user's physical movement with avatar's virtual movement.

Main Results:

• Perceiving physical articular limits during arm extension provides distinct proprioceptive feedback.
• Discrepancies between physical and avatar joint movements lead to incorrect posture mapping.
• This mismatch disrupts the Sense of Embodiment (SoE).

Conclusions:

• Articular limits represent a significant, often overlooked, factor in VR embodiment.
• Failure to accurately map physical joint limitations in avatars risks breaking embodiment.
• Accurate avatar calibration and movement representation are crucial for maintaining SoE in VR.