Neural correlates associated with superior tactile symmetry perception in the early blind.

ABSTRACT: Symmetry is an organizational principle that is ubiquitous throughout the visual world. However, this property can also be detected through non-visual modalities such as touch. The role of prior visual experience on detecting tactile patterns containing symmetry remains unclear. We compared the behavioral performance of early blind and sighted (blindfolded) controls on a tactile symmetry detection task. The tactile patterns used were similar in design and complexity as in previous visual perceptual studies. The neural correlates associated with this behavioral task were identified with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In line with growing evidence demonstrating enhanced tactile processing abilities in the blind, we found that early blind individuals showed significantly superi

SUBMITTER: Bauer C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4305477 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature