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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
09:49
Methods to Explore the Influence of Top-down Visual Processes on Motor Behavior
Published on: April 16, 2014
Haptic illusion during finger-held disk rotation: revisiting a deceptively simple illusion
Akira Imai1, Patrice Revol2, Yves Rossetti2,3
1Division of Experimental Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, Institute of Arts, Shinshu University, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, 390-8621, Japan. imaiakr@shinshu-u.ac.jp.
Experimental Brain Research
|July 25, 2026
Summary
The disk-rotating haptic illusion, where a rotating disk feels longer, is primarily caused by the turning hand. The holding hand contributes interactively, influencing the overall perception of size.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Haptics
Background:
- The disk-rotating illusion describes the perception of a disk being longer when rotated end-over-end.
- This illusion is thought to arise from the interaction between the rotating and holding hands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent contributions of the rotating and holding hands to the disk-rotating haptic illusion.
- To differentiate the roles of active rotation versus passive holding in creating the illusion.
Main Methods:
- Twenty participants rotated disks (30 and 39 mm) using custom devices for independent hand control.
- Experiments involved bimanual rotation, simultaneous device use, and single-hand rotation/holding.
- Perceptual judgments of disk length were recorded under each condition.
Main Results:
- The illusion magnitude was comparable under normal bimanual use and simultaneous device use.
- Single-hand rotation produced only 25% of the illusion magnitude observed in bimanual conditions.
- The holding hand showed minimal illusion, while the rotating hand was the primary contributor.
Conclusions:
- The turning hand significantly drives the disk-rotating haptic illusion.
- The holding hand plays an interactive role, modulating the illusion's overall perception.
- Adaptation, aftereffect, and contrast effects may underlie the processing of bimanual signals in this illusion.
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