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Virtual Reality Experiments with Physiological Measures
Published on: August 29, 2018
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Electroencephalographic Signature of Out-of-Body Experiences Induced by Virtual Reality: A Novel Methodological
Charlotte Martial1,2, Helena Cassol1, Mel Slater3,4
1University of Liège, Belgium.
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience
|May 31, 2023
Summary
Virtual reality technology can induce out-of-body experiences (OBEs). Brain activity during these virtual OBEs showed changes in delta, alpha, theta, and beta waves, suggesting altered conscious states.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Virtual Reality
Background:
- Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are subjective dissociative phenomena.
- Studying OBEs is challenging due to their unpredictable nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To induce virtual OBE-like experiences using virtual reality (VR) and multisensory stimulation.
- To investigate the neural correlates of these induced OBEs using electroencephalography (EEG).
Main Methods:
- Seven healthy participants underwent a VR experiment with two conditions: visuo-tactile feedback ON and OFF.
- Participants' viewpoints were elevated in VR, simulating an OBE.
- Continuous 128-electrode EEG was recorded throughout the experiment.
Main Results:
- Participants reported strong sensations of floating and elevation but weak to moderate feelings of being out-of-body.
- EEG data revealed increased delta and decreased alpha relative power.
- Reduced theta complexity and increased beta-2 connectivity were also observed.
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality can effectively induce OBE-like subjective experiences.
- Specific EEG power shifts, particularly in delta and alpha bands, are associated with these altered conscious states.
- Findings contribute to understanding the neural basis of consciousness and self-perception.
