A surprise induced by a visual-haptic illusion in virtual reality can lead to motor improvement.

ABSTRACT: This study assessed the preliminary results of an experimental protocol evaluating the impact of positive expectations on fingertip-to-floor distance during forward bending. Thirty-six participants were assigned to three groups, each receiving a sham physical manipulation in Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR). The first group received a neutral statement about the manipulation's efficacy, while the second and third groups were told the manipulation would improve forward bending, emphasising its fictious positive effect to increase expectations for a beneficial motor improvement. Additionally, the third group also experienced a visual-haptic illusion, by lifting a tile in front of participants and raising the floor in the virtual scenario, creating the belief of reaching the floor thanks to th

SUBMITTER: Job M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12034800 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature