Extending peripersonal space representation without tool-use: evidence from a combined behavioral-computational approach.

ABSTRACT: Stimuli from different sensory modalities occurring on or close to the body are integrated in a multisensory representation of the space surrounding the body, i.e., peripersonal space (PPS). PPS dynamically modifies depending on experience, e.g., it extends after using a tool to reach far objects. However, the neural mechanism underlying PPS plasticity after tool use is largely unknown. Here we use a combined computational-behavioral approach to propose and test a possible mechanism accounting for PPS extension. We first present a neural network model simulating audio-tactile representation in the PPS around one hand. Simulation experiments showed that our model reproduced the main property of PPS neurons, i.e., selective multisensory response for stimuli occurring close to the hand. We us

SUBMITTER: Serino A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4313698 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature