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Peviani VC, Miller LE, Medendorp WP. Biases in hand perception are driven by somatosensory computations, not a distorted hand model. Curr Biol 2024; 34:2238-2246.e5. [PMID: 38718799 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
To sense and interact with objects in the environment, we effortlessly configure our fingertips at desired locations. It is therefore reasonable to assume that the underlying control mechanisms rely on accurate knowledge about the structure and spatial dimensions of our hand and fingers. This intuition, however, is challenged by years of research showing drastic biases in the perception of finger geometry.1,2,3,4,5 This perceptual bias has been taken as evidence that the brain's internal representation of the body's geometry is distorted,6 leading to an apparent paradox regarding the skillfulness of our actions.7 Here, we propose an alternative explanation of the biases in hand perception-they are the result of the Bayesian integration of noisy, but unbiased, somatosensory signals about finger geometry and posture. To address this hypothesis, we combined Bayesian reverse engineering with behavioral experimentation on joint and fingertip localization of the index finger. We modeled the Bayesian integration either in sensory or in space-based coordinates, showing that the latter model variant led to biases in finger perception despite accurate representation of finger length. Behavioral measures of joint and fingertip localization responses showed similar biases, which were well fitted by the space-based, but not the sensory-based, model variant. The space-based model variant also outperformed a distorted hand model with built-in geometric biases. In total, our results suggest that perceptual distortions of finger geometry do not reflect a distorted hand model but originate from near-optimal Bayesian inference on somatosensory signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria C Peviani
- Donders Institute for Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6525 GD, the Netherlands.
| | - Luke E Miller
- Donders Institute for Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6525 GD, the Netherlands
| | - W Pieter Medendorp
- Donders Institute for Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6525 GD, the Netherlands
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2
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Coelho LA, Gonzalez CLR. Perception, action, and the body model. Neuropsychologia 2024; 196:108853. [PMID: 38490535 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
In 1992, Goodale and Milner proposed to study the visual system based on function, thus dissociating vision for perception (ventral stream) and vision for action (dorsal stream). This became known as the Perception and Action model (PAM). Following the PAM in the visual system, a somatosensory PAM was proposed including a body representation for perception and a separate for action. This review explores the body model of the hand and how it relates to the PAM. The body model refers to the internal representation of the body that is responsible for position sense. Previous research has shown that the representation of the hand features systematic distortions: an overestimation of hand width and an underestimation of finger length. These distortions have been reported using different paradigms, different body parts, and in various settings. Thus, body model distortions appear to be a characteristic of human body representation. If the body model of the hand is distorted, how can actions like reaching and grasping be accurate? We review evidence that body model distortions may in fact provide a functional benefit to our actions, that cortical maps in the somatosensory and motor cortices reflect these distortions, and that actions rely on a distorted body model. We argue that the body model is a product of both the ventral and dorsal somatosensory streams. Further, we suggest that the body model is an example of the inextricable link between the two streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara A Coelho
- Brain in Action Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Lethbridge, AB, Canada; UVIP: Unit for Visually Impaired People, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy.
| | - Claudia L R Gonzalez
- Brain in Action Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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3
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Fabio C, Salemme R, Farnè A, Miller LE. Alpha oscillations reflect similar mapping mechanisms for localizing touch on hands and tools. iScience 2024; 27:109092. [PMID: 38405611 PMCID: PMC10884914 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that our brain re-uses body-based computations to localize touch on tools, but the neural implementation of this process remains unclear. Neural oscillations in the alpha and beta frequency bands are known to map touch on the body in external and skin-centered coordinates, respectively. Here, we pinpointed the role of these oscillations during tool-extended sensing by delivering tactile stimuli to either participants' hands or the tips of hand-held rods. To disentangle brain responses related to each coordinate system, we had participants' hands/tool tips crossed or uncrossed at their body midline. We found that midline crossing modulated alpha (but not beta) band activity similarly for hands and tools, also involving a similar network of cortical regions. Our findings strongly suggest that the brain uses similar oscillatory mechanisms for mapping touch on the body and tools, supporting the idea that body-based neural processes are repurposed for tool use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Fabio
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team of the Lyon Neuroscience Research, Center INSERM U1028 CNRS U5292 University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Department for Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Romeo Salemme
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team of the Lyon Neuroscience Research, Center INSERM U1028 CNRS U5292 University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Neuro-immersion, Lyon, France
| | - Alessandro Farnè
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team of the Lyon Neuroscience Research, Center INSERM U1028 CNRS U5292 University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Neuro-immersion, Lyon, France
| | - Luke E. Miller
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team of the Lyon Neuroscience Research, Center INSERM U1028 CNRS U5292 University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Neuro-immersion, Lyon, France
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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4
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Meng J. Bridging the gap between consciousness and matter: recurrent out-of-body projection of visual awareness revealed by the law of non-identity. Integr Psychol Behav Sci 2024; 58:178-203. [PMID: 37221424 PMCID: PMC10904448 DOI: 10.1007/s12124-023-09775-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Consciousness is the most precious function of brain; however, there is an explanatory gap between consciousness and matter, which is deemed to affect the scientific research on consciousness. We believe that a methodological trap commonly present in scientific research and the incompleteness of logic are the true reasons that affect the research on consciousness. Here, a novel logic tool, the non-identity law, was extracted from physics and applied into the analysis of the visual dynamics related to naturalistic observation of night-shot still life, whose methodological approach is consistent with Descartes' matter-body-mind approach, breaking free from the methodological trap of current research. We show that visual system, the representative sensory system, has a postponed, recurrent out-of-body projection pathway from brain to observed object, besides the well-known feedforward signaling pathway available in existing literature, suggesting that human possesses an instinct of not only subjectively imaging (brain-generated imagery) but also projecting the image back onto the original or a particular place according to the clue of the manipulated afferent messenger light pathway. This finding adds a key piece of puzzle to the visual system. The out-of-body projection, coupled with neural correlates of consciousness (NCC), bridges the gap between consciousness and matter. This study in a self-contained and systematic manner provides a foundation for understanding the subjectivity and intentionality of human consciousness from the angle of visual awareness as well as the isomorphic relationships between unknowable original, private experience, and shareable expression (recording, calculus and deduction), showing that consciousness is obedient to certain rules rather than being unruly. The result paves the way for scientific research on consciousness and facilitates the integration of humanities and natural science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsong Meng
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China.
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5
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Girondini M, Montanaro M, Gallace A. Spatial tactile localization depends on sensorimotor binding: preliminary evidence from virtual reality. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1354633. [PMID: 38445099 PMCID: PMC10912179 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1354633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Our brain continuously maps our body in space. It has been suggested that at least two main frames of reference are used to process somatosensory stimuli presented on our own body: the anatomical frame of reference (based on the somatotopic representation of our body in the somatosensory cortex) and the spatial frame of reference (where body parts are mapped in external space). Interestingly, a mismatch between somatotopic and spatial information significantly affects the processing of bodily information, as demonstrated by the "crossing hand" effect. However, it is not clear if this impairment occurs not only when the conflict between these frames of reference is determined by a static change in the body position (e.g., by crossing the hands) but also when new associations between motor and sensory responses are artificially created (e.g., by presenting feedback stimuli on a side of the body that is not involved in the movement). Methods In the present study, 16 participants performed a temporal order judgment task before and after a congruent or incongruent visual-tactile-motor- task in virtual reality. During the VR task, participants had to move a cube using a virtual stick. In the congruent condition, the haptic feedback during the interaction with the cube was provided on the right hand (the one used to control the stick). In the incongruent condition, the haptic feedback was provided to the contralateral hand, simulating a sort of 'active' crossed feedback during the interaction. Using a psychophysical approach, the point of subjective equality (or PSE, i.e., the probability of responding left or right to the first stimulus in the sequence in 50% of the cases) and the JND (accuracy) were calculated for both conditions, before and after the VR-task. Results After the VR task, compared to the baseline condition, the PSE shifted toward the hand that received the haptic feedback during the interaction (toward the right hand for the congruent condition and toward the left hand for the incongruent condition). Dicussion This study demonstrated the possibility of inducing spatial biases in the processing of bodily information by modulating the sensory-motor interaction between stimuli in virtual environments (while keeping constant the actual position of the body in space).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Girondini
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- MySpace Lab, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Massimo Montanaro
- Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Gallace
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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6
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Bruner E. Cognitive archaeology, and the psychological assessment of extinct minds. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25583. [PMID: 38289186 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Evolutionary anthropology relies on both neontological and paleontological information. In the latter case, fields such as paleoneurology, neuroarchaeology, and cognitive archaeology are supplying new perspectives in prehistory and neuroscience. Cognitive archaeology, in particular, investigates the behaviors associated with extinct species or cultures according to specific psychological models. For example, changes in working memory, attention, or visuospatial integration can be postulated when related behavioral changes are described in the archaeological record. However, cognition is a process based on different and partially independent functional elements, and extinct species could hence have evolved distinct combinations of cognitive abilities or features, based on both quantitative and qualitative differences. Accordingly, differences in working memory can lead to more conceptual or more holistic mindsets, with important changes in the perception and management of the mental experience. The parietal cortex is particularly interesting, in this sense, being involved in functions associated with body-tool integration, attention, and visual imaging. In some cases, evolutionary mismatches among these elements can induce drawbacks that, despite their positive effects on natural selection, can introduce important constraints in our own mental skills. Beyond the theoretical background, some hypotheses can be tested following methods in experimental psychology. In any case, theories in cognitive evolution must acknowledge that, beyond the brain and its biology, the human mind is also deeply rooted in body perception, in social networks, and in technological extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Bruner
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
- Alzheimer's Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Turecek J, Ginty DD. Coding of self and environment by Pacinian neurons in freely moving animals. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.11.557225. [PMID: 37745531 PMCID: PMC10515833 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.11.557225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Pacinian corpuscle neurons are specialized low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) that are tuned to detect high-frequency vibration (~40-2000 Hz), however it is unclear how Pacinians and other LTMRs encode mechanical forces encountered during naturalistic behavior. Here, we developed methods to record LTMRs in awake, freely moving mice. We find that Pacinians, but not other LTMRs, encode subtle vibrations of surfaces encountered by the animal, including low-amplitude vibrations initiated over two meters away. Strikingly, Pacinians are also highly active during a wide variety of natural behaviors, including walking, grooming, digging, and climbing. Pacinians in the hindlimb are sensitive enough to be activated by forelimb- or upper-body-dominant behaviors. Finally, we find that Pacinian LTMRs have diverse tuning and sensitivity. Our findings suggest a Pacinian population code for the representation of vibro-tactile features generated by self-initiated movements and low-amplitude environmental vibrations emanating from distant locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Turecek
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
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Miller LE, Fabio C, de Vignemont F, Roy A, Medendorp WP, Farnè A. A Somatosensory Computation That Unifies Limbs and Tools. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0095-23.2023. [PMID: 37848289 PMCID: PMC10668222 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0095-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
It is often claimed that tools are embodied by their user, but whether the brain actually repurposes its body-based computations to perform similar tasks with tools is not known. A fundamental computation for localizing touch on the body is trilateration. Here, the location of touch on a limb is computed by integrating estimates of the distance between sensory input and its boundaries (e.g., elbow and wrist of the forearm). As evidence of this computational mechanism, tactile localization on a limb is most precise near its boundaries and lowest in the middle. Here, we show that the brain repurposes trilateration to localize touch on a tool, despite large differences in initial sensory input compared with touch on the body. In a large sample of participants, we found that localizing touch on a tool produced the signature of trilateration, with highest precision close to the base and tip of the tool. A computational model of trilateration provided a good fit to the observed localization behavior. To further demonstrate the computational plausibility of repurposing trilateration, we implemented it in a three-layer neural network that was based on principles of probabilistic population coding. This network determined hit location in tool-centered coordinates by using a tool's unique pattern of vibrations when contacting an object. Simulations demonstrated the expected signature of trilateration, in line with the behavioral patterns. Our results have important implications for how trilateration may be implemented by somatosensory neural populations. We conclude that trilateration is likely a fundamental spatial computation that unifies limbs and tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke E Miller
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action and Cognition Team-ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1028, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité 5292, 69500 Bron, France
- UCBL, University of Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Neuro-immersion, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cécile Fabio
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action and Cognition Team-ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1028, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité 5292, 69500 Bron, France
- UCBL, University of Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Neuro-immersion, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Frédérique de Vignemont
- Institut Jean Nicod, Department of Cognitive Studies, Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris Sciences et Lettres University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Alice Roy
- Laboratoire Dynamique du Langage, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5596, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - W Pieter Medendorp
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Farnè
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action and Cognition Team-ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1028, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité 5292, 69500 Bron, France
- UCBL, University of Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Neuro-immersion, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
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9
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Legrain V, Filbrich L, Vanderclausen C. Letter on the pain of blind people for the use of those who can see their pain. Pain 2023; 164:1451-1456. [PMID: 36728808 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valéry Legrain
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Louvain Bionics, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Lieve Filbrich
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Camille Vanderclausen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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10
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Najafabadi AJ, Küster D, Putze F, Godde B. Emergence of sense of body ownership but not agency during virtual tool-use training is associated with an altered body schema. Exp Brain Res 2023:10.1007/s00221-023-06644-3. [PMID: 37306754 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this study we examined if training with a virtual tool in augmented reality (AR) affects the emergence of ownership and agency over the tool and whether this relates to changes in body schema (BS). 34 young adults learned controlling a virtual gripper to grasp a virtual object. In the visuo-tactile (VT) but not the vision-only (V) condition, vibro-tactile feedback was applied to the palm, thumb and index fingers through a CyberTouch II glove when the tool touched the object. Changes in the forearm BS were assessed with a tactile distance judgement task (TDJ) where participants judged distances between two tactile stimuli applied to their right forearm either in proximodistal or mediolateral orientation. Participants further rated their perceived ownership and agency after training. TDJ estimation errors were reduced after training for proximodistal orientations, suggesting that stimuli oriented along the arm axis were perceived as closer together. Higher ratings for ownership were associated with increasing performance level and more BS plasticity, i.e., stronger reduction in TDJ estimation error, and after training in the VT as compared to the V feedback condition, respectively. Agency over the tool was achieved independent of BS plasticity. We conclude that the emergence of a sense of ownership but not agency depends on performance level and the integration of the virtual tool into the arm representation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Jahanian Najafabadi
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Bielefeld University, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany.
- School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences, Constructor University Bremen, 28759, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Dennis Küster
- Department of Computer Science, University of Bremen, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Felix Putze
- Department of Computer Science, University of Bremen, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ben Godde
- School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences, Constructor University Bremen, 28759, Bremen, Germany
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11
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Cairo F, Burkhardt R. Minimal invasiveness in gingival augmentation and root coverage procedures. Periodontol 2000 2023; 91:45-64. [PMID: 36694255 DOI: 10.1111/prd.12477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Minimally invasive surgical procedures aim at optimal wound healing, a reduction of postoperative morbidity and, thus, at increased patient satisfaction. The present article reviews the concept of minimal invasiveness in gingival augmentation and root coverage procedures, and critically discusses the influencing factors, technical and nontechnical ones, and relates them to the underlying biological mechanisms. Furthermore, the corresponding outcomes of the respective procedures are assessed and evaluated in relation to a possible impact of a minimized surgical invasiveness on the clinical, aesthetic, and patient-related results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cairo
- Head Research Unit in Periodontology and Periodontal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rino Burkhardt
- Private Practice, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Prince Philip Dental Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR.,Department of Periodontics & Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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12
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Bracci S, Op de Beeck HP. Understanding Human Object Vision: A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Representations. Annu Rev Psychol 2023; 74:113-135. [PMID: 36378917 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-032720-041031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objects are the core meaningful elements in our visual environment. Classic theories of object vision focus upon object recognition and are elegant and simple. Some of their proposals still stand, yet the simplicity is gone. Recent evolutions in behavioral paradigms, neuroscientific methods, and computational modeling have allowed vision scientists to uncover the complexity of the multidimensional representational space that underlies object vision. We review these findings and propose that the key to understanding this complexity is to relate object vision to the full repertoire of behavioral goals that underlie human behavior, running far beyond object recognition. There might be no such thing as core object recognition, and if it exists, then its importance is more limited than traditionally thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bracci
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy;
| | - Hans P Op de Beeck
- Leuven Brain Institute, Research Unit Brain & Cognition, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
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13
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Bruner E, Beaudet A. The brain of Homo habilis: Three decades of paleoneurology. J Hum Evol 2023; 174:103281. [PMID: 36455402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2022.103281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In 1987, Phillip Tobias published a comprehensive anatomical analysis of the endocasts attributed to Homo habilis, discussing issues dealing with brain size, sulcal patterns, and vascular traces. He suggested that the neuroanatomy of this species evidenced a clear change toward many cerebral traits associated with our genus, mostly when concerning the morphology of the frontal and parietal cortex. After more than 30 years, the fossil record associated with this taxon has not grown that much, but we have much more information on cranial and brain biology, and we are using a larger array of digital methods to investigate the paleoneurological variation observed in the human genus. Brain volume, the size of the frontal lobe, or the gross hemispheric asymmetries are still relevant issues, but they are considered to be less central than before. More attention is instead being paid to the cortical organization, the relationships with the cranial architecture, and the influence of molecular or ecological factors. Although the field of paleoneurology can currently count on a larger range of tools and principles, there is still a general lack of anatomical information on many endocranial traits. This aspect is probably crucial for the agenda of paleoneurology. More importantly, the whole science is undergoing a delicate change, because of the growing influence of the social environment. In this sense, the disciplines working with fossils (and, in particular, with brain evolution) should take particular care to maintain a healthy professional situation, avoiding an excess of speculation and overstatement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Bruner
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Paseo Sierra de Atapuerca 3, 09002 Burgos, Spain.
| | - Amélie Beaudet
- University of Cambridge, Henry Wellcome Building, Fitzwilliam St, Cambridge CB2 1QH, UK; School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa; Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carrer de l'Escola Industrial, 23, 08201 Sabadell, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Bruner E, Battaglia-Mayer A, Caminiti R. The parietal lobe evolution and the emergence of material culture in the human genus. Brain Struct Funct 2023; 228:145-167. [PMID: 35451642 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02487-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Traditional and new disciplines converge in suggesting that the parietal lobe underwent a considerable expansion during human evolution. Through the study of endocasts and shape analysis, paleoneurology has shown an increased globularity of the braincase and bulging of the parietal region in modern humans, as compared to other human species, including Neandertals. Cortical complexity increased in both the superior and inferior parietal lobules. Emerging fields bridging archaeology and neuroscience supply further evidence of the involvement of the parietal cortex in human-specific behaviors related to visuospatial capacity, technological integration, self-awareness, numerosity, mathematical reasoning and language. Here, we complement these inferences on the parietal lobe evolution, with results from more classical neuroscience disciplines, such as behavioral neurophysiology, functional neuroimaging, and brain lesions; and apply these to define the neural substrates and the role of the parietal lobes in the emergence of functions at the core of material culture, such as tool-making, tool use and constructional abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Bruner
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
| | | | - Roberto Caminiti
- Neuroscience and Behavior Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Roma, Italy.
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15
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Fossataro C, Galigani M, Rossi Sebastiano A, Bruno V, Ronga I, Garbarini F. Spatial proximity to others induces plastic changes in the neural representation of the peripersonal space. iScience 2022; 26:105879. [PMID: 36654859 PMCID: PMC9840938 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripersonal space (PPS) is a highly plastic "invisible bubble" surrounding the body whose boundaries are mapped through multisensory integration. Yet, it is unclear how the spatial proximity to others alters PPS boundaries. Across five experiments (N = 80), by recording behavioral and electrophysiological responses to visuo-tactile stimuli, we demonstrate that the proximity to others induces plastic changes in the neural PPS representation. The spatial proximity to someone else's hand shrinks the portion of space within which multisensory responses occur, thus reducing the PPS boundaries. This suggests that PPS representation, built from bodily and multisensory signals, plastically adapts to the presence of conspecifics to define the self-other boundaries, so that what is usually coded as "my space" is recoded as "your space". When the space is shared with conspecifics, it seems adaptive to move the other-space away from the self-space to discriminate whether external events pertain to the self-body or to other-bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Fossataro
- MANIBUS Lab, Psychology Department, University of Turin, Turin 10123, Italy
| | - Mattia Galigani
- MANIBUS Lab, Psychology Department, University of Turin, Turin 10123, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Bruno
- MANIBUS Lab, Psychology Department, University of Turin, Turin 10123, Italy
| | - Irene Ronga
- MANIBUS Lab, Psychology Department, University of Turin, Turin 10123, Italy
| | - Francesca Garbarini
- MANIBUS Lab, Psychology Department, University of Turin, Turin 10123, Italy,Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Turin 10123, Italy,Corresponding author
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16
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Ujitoko Y, Tokuhisa R, Hirota K. Vibrotactile Spatiotemporal Pattern Recognition in Two-Dimensional Space Around Hand. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HAPTICS 2022; 15:718-728. [PMID: 36215358 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2022.3213313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated vibrotactile spatiotemporal pattern recognition in the two-dimensional space around a hand. The participants placed their hands on the medium, and identified the recognized pattern presented in the medium. There were 64 rotational patterns, presented with sequential impulse vibrations. We investigated how well humans recognized the patterns presented around their hand, and identified the pattern factors (e.g., rotational direction) that affected recognition accuracy. The probability of obtaining correct answers was 48.9 %. It was observed that the start and end points, rotational direction, and the number of vibrations affected recognition accuracy. It was also found that patterns starting or ending on the ulnar side ( 0°) of the hand were difficult to recognize, whereas those starting or ending on the distal ( 90°) or proximal side ( 270°) of the hand were easily recognizable. Furthermore, we found a type of the oblique effect. Patterns starting or ending in the oblique direction were more difficult to recognize than those in the cardinal direction. We also found that the clockwise rotational pattern was slightly easier to recognize than the counterclockwise rotational pattern. Finally, the underestimation of the judgment of tactile numerosity explains how the number of vibrations in the patterns affected the recognition accuracy. This result can be used as a baseline when the recognition of spatiotemporal patterns outside the body under other conditions is examined in future studies.
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17
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Ryan CP, Ciotti S, Cosentino L, Ernst MO, Lacquaniti F, Moscatelli A. Masking Vibrations and Contact Force Affect the Discrimination of Slip Motion Speed in Touch. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HAPTICS 2022; 15:693-704. [PMID: 36149999 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2022.3209072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Multiple cues contribute to the discrimination of slip motion speed by touch. In our previous article, we demonstrated that masking vibrations at various frequencies impaired the discrimination of speed. In this article, we extended the previous results to evaluate this phenomenon on a smooth glass surface, and for different values of contact force and duration of the masking stimulus. Speed discrimination was significantly impaired by masking vibrations at high but not at low contact force. Furthermore, a short pulse of masking vibrations at motion onset produced a similar effect as the long masking stimulus, delivered throughout slip motion duration. This last result suggests that mechanical events at motion onset provide important cues to the discrimination of speed.
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18
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Tinelli F, Gori M, Beani E, Sgandurra G, Martolini C, Maselli M, Petri S, Purpura G. Feasibility of audio-motor training with the multisensory device ABBI: Implementation in a child with hemiplegia and hemianopia. Neuropsychologia 2022; 174:108319. [PMID: 35820452 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Spatial representation is crucial when it comes to everyday interaction with the environment. Different factors influence spatial perception, such as body movements and vision. Accordingly, training strategies that exploit the plasticity of the human brain should be adopted early. In the current study we developed and tested a new training protocol based on the reinforcement of audio-motor associations. It supports spatial development in one hemiplegic child with an important visual field defect (hemianopia) in the same side of the hemiplegic limb. We focused on investigating whether a better representation of the space using the sound can also improve the involvement of the hemiplegic upper limb in daily life activity. The experimental training consists of intensive but entertaining rehabilitation for two weeks, during which a child performed ad-hoc developed audio-motor-spatial exercises with the Audio Bracelet for Blind Interaction (ABBI) for 2 h/day. We administered a battery of tests before and after the training that indicated that the child significantly improved in both the spatial aspects and the involvement of the hemiplegic limb in bimanual tasks. During the assessment, ActiGraph GT3X+ was used to measure asymmetry in the use of the two upper limbs with a standardized clinical tool, the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), pre and post-training. Additionally, the study measured and recorded spontaneous daily life activity for at least 2 h/day. These results confirm that one can enhance perceptual development in motor and visual disorders using naturally associated auditory feedback to body movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tinelli
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Laboratory of Vision, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Monica Gori
- U-VIP: Unit for Visually Impaired People, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Beani
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Laboratory of Vision, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Sgandurra
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Laboratory of Vision, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Martolini
- U-VIP: Unit for Visually Impaired People, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Maselli
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Petri
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Laboratory of Vision, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Purpura
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Laboratory of Vision, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy; School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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Bassolino M, Franza M, Guanziroli E, Sorrentino G, Canzoneri E, Colombo M, Crema A, Bertoni T, Mastria G, Vissani M, Sokolov AA, Micera S, Molteni F, Blanke O, Serino A. Body and peripersonal space representations in chronic stroke patients with upper limb motor deficits. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac179. [PMID: 35950092 PMCID: PMC9356734 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The continuous stream of multisensory information between the brain and the body during body–environment interactions is crucial to maintain the updated representation of the perceived dimensions of body parts (metric body representation) and the space around the body (the peripersonal space). Such flow of multisensory signals is often limited by upper limb sensorimotor deficits after stroke. This would suggest the presence of systematic distortions of metric body representation and peripersonal space in chronic patients with persistent sensorimotor deficits. We assessed metric body representation and peripersonal space representation in 60 chronic stroke patients with unilateral upper limb motor deficits, in comparison with age-matched healthy controls. We also administered a questionnaire capturing explicit feelings towards the affected limb. These novel measures were analysed with respect to patients’ clinical profiles and brain lesions to investigate the neural and functional origin of putative deficits. Stroke patients showed distortions in metric body representation of the affected limb, characterized by an underestimation of the arm length and an alteration of the arm global shape. A descriptive lesion analysis (subtraction analysis) suggests that these distortions may be more frequently associated with lesions involving the superior corona radiata and the superior frontal gyrus. Peripersonal space representation was also altered, with reduced multisensory facilitation for stimuli presented around the affected limb. These deficits were more common in patients reporting pain during motion. Explorative lesion analyses (subtraction analysis, disconnection maps) suggest that the peripersonal space distortions would be more frequently associated with lesions involving the parietal operculum and white matter frontoparietal connections. Moreover, patients reported altered feelings towards the affected limb, which were associated with right brain damage, proprioceptive deficits and a lower cognitive profile. These results reveal implicit and explicit distortions involving metric body representation, peripersonal space representation and the perception of the affected limb in chronic stroke patients. These findings might have important clinical implications for the longitudinal monitoring and the treatments of often-neglected deficits in body perception and representation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Bassolino
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) , Geneva 1202 , Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), MySpace Lab , Lausanne 1011 , Switzerland
- Institute of Health, School of Health Sciences, HES-SO Valais-Wallis , Sion 1950 , Switzerland
| | - Matteo Franza
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) , Geneva 1202 , Switzerland
| | - Eleonora Guanziroli
- Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Valduce Hospital Como , Costa Masnaga 23845 , Italy
| | - Giuliana Sorrentino
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) , Geneva 1202 , Switzerland
| | - Elisa Canzoneri
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) , Geneva 1202 , Switzerland
| | - Maria Colombo
- Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Valduce Hospital Como , Costa Masnaga 23845 , Italy
| | - Andrea Crema
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational Neuroengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) , Geneva 1202 , Switzerland
- AGO Neurotechnologies, Sàrl , Geneva 1201 , Switzerland
| | - Tommaso Bertoni
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), MySpace Lab , Lausanne 1011 , Switzerland
| | - Giulio Mastria
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), MySpace Lab , Lausanne 1011 , Switzerland
| | - Matteo Vissani
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) , Geneva 1202 , Switzerland
- The Biorobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna , Pontedera, Pisa 56025 , Italy
| | - Arseny A Sokolov
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London , London WC1N 3BG , UK
- Service de Neurologie, Département des Neurosciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) , Lausanne 1011 , Switzerland
| | - Silvestro Micera
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational Neuroengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) , Geneva 1202 , Switzerland
- The Biorobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna , Pontedera, Pisa 56025 , Italy
| | - Franco Molteni
- Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Valduce Hospital Como , Costa Masnaga 23845 , Italy
| | - Olaf Blanke
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) , Geneva 1202 , Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Geneva Medical School , Geneva 1211 , Switzerland
| | - Andrea Serino
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) , Geneva 1202 , Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), MySpace Lab , Lausanne 1011 , Switzerland
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20
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Ujitoko Y, Kuroki S. Sinusoidal Vibration Source Localization in Two-Dimensional Space Around the Hand. Front Psychol 2022; 13:878397. [PMID: 35756225 PMCID: PMC9232185 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.878397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
There are use cases where presenting spatial information via the tactile sense is useful (e.g., situations where visual and audio senses are not available). Conventional methods that directly attach a vibrotactile array to a user's body present spatial information such as direction by having users localize the vibration source from among the sources in the array. These methods suffer from problems such as heat generation of the actuator or the installation cost of the actuators in a limited space. A promising method of coping with these problems is to place the vibrotactile array at a distance from the body, instead of directly attaching it to the body, with the aim of presenting spatial information in the same way as the conventional method. The present study investigates the method's effectiveness by means of a psychophysical experiment. Specifically, we presented users with sinusoidal vibrations from remote vibrotactile arrays in the space around the hand and asked them to localize the source of the vibration. We conducted an experiment to investigate the localization ability by using two vibration frequencies (30 Hz as a low frequency and 230 Hz as a high frequency). We chose these two frequencies since they effectively activate two distinctive vibrotactile channels: the rapidly adapting afferent channel and the Pacinian channel. The experimental results showed that humans can recognize the direction of the vibration source, but not the distance, regardless of the source frequency. The accuracy of the direction recognition varied slightly according to the vibration source direction, and also according to the vibration frequency. This suggests that the calibration of stimulus direction is required in the case of both high and low frequencies for presenting direction accurately as intended. In addition, the accuracy variance of direction recognition increased as the source became farther away, and the degree of increase was especially large with the low-frequency source. This suggests that a high frequency is recommended for presenting accurate direction with low variance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Ujitoko
- NTT Communication Science Laboratories, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Scinob Kuroki
- NTT Communication Science Laboratories, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Atsugi, Japan
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21
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Zhou J, Lai J, Menda G, Stafstrom JA, Miles CI, Hoy RR, Miles RN. Outsourced hearing in an orb-weaving spider that uses its web as an auditory sensor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122789119. [PMID: 35349337 PMCID: PMC9169088 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122789119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceThe sense of hearing in all known animals relies on possessing auditory organs that are made up of cellular tissues and constrained by body sizes. We show that hearing in the orb-weaving spider is functionally outsourced to its extended phenotype, the proteinaceous self-manufactured web, and hence processes behavioral controllability. This finding opens new perspectives on animal extended cognition and hearing-the outsourcing and supersizing of auditory function in spiders. This study calls for reinvestigation of the remarkable evolutionary ecology and sensory ecology in spiders-one of the oldest land animals. The sensory modality of outsourced hearing provides a unique model for studying extended and regenerative sensing and presents new design features for inspiring novel acoustic flow detectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439
| | - Junpeng Lai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902
| | - Gil Menda
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Jay A. Stafstrom
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Carol I. Miles
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902
| | - Ronald R. Hoy
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Ronald N. Miles
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902
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22
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Are tools truly incorporated as an extension of the body representation?: Assessing the evidence for tool embodiment. Psychon Bull Rev 2022; 29:343-368. [PMID: 35322322 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-021-02032-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The predominant view on human tool-use suggests that an action-oriented body representation, the body schema, is altered to fit the tool being wielded, a phenomenon termed tool embodiment. While observations of perceptual change after tool-use purport to support this hypothesis, several issues undermine their validity in this context, discussed at length in this critical review. The primary measures used as indicators of tool embodiment each face unique challenges to their construct validity. Further, the perceptual changes taken as indicating extension of the body representation only appear to account for a fraction of the tool's size in any given experiment, and do not demonstrate the covariance with tool length that the embodiment hypothesis would predict. The expression of tool embodiment also appears limited to a narrow range of tool-use tasks, as deviations from a simple reaching paradigm can mollify or eliminate embodiment effects altogether. The shortcomings identified here generate important avenues for future research. Until the source of the kinematic and perceptual effects that have substantiated tool embodiment is disambiguated, the hypothesis that the body representation changes to fit tools during tool-use should not be favored over other possibilities such as the formation of separable internal tool models, which seem to offer a more complete account of human tool-use behaviors. Indeed, studies of motor learning have observed analogous perceptual changes as aftereffects to adaptation despite the absence of handheld tool-use, offering a compelling alternative explanation, though more work is needed to confirm this possibility.
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23
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Eden J, Bräcklein M, Ibáñez J, Barsakcioglu DY, Di Pino G, Farina D, Burdet E, Mehring C. Principles of human movement augmentation and the challenges in making it a reality. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1345. [PMID: 35292665 PMCID: PMC8924218 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28725-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Augmenting the body with artificial limbs controlled concurrently to one's natural limbs has long appeared in science fiction, but recent technological and neuroscientific advances have begun to make this possible. By allowing individuals to achieve otherwise impossible actions, movement augmentation could revolutionize medical and industrial applications and profoundly change the way humans interact with the environment. Here, we construct a movement augmentation taxonomy through what is augmented and how it is achieved. With this framework, we analyze augmentation that extends the number of degrees-of-freedom, discuss critical features of effective augmentation such as physiological control signals, sensory feedback and learning as well as application scenarios, and propose a vision for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Eden
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mario Bräcklein
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jaime Ibáñez
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK.,BSICoS, IIS Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Giovanni Di Pino
- NEXT: Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction Research Unit, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Farina
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Etienne Burdet
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Carsten Mehring
- Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, 79104, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, 79104, Germany
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24
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Three-Dimensional Printing Model Enhances Craniofacial Trauma Teaching by Improving Morphologic and Biomechanical Understanding: A Randomized Controlled Study. Plast Reconstr Surg 2022; 149:475e-484e. [PMID: 35196687 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000008869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teaching about craniofacial traumas is challenging given the complexity of the craniofacial anatomy and the necessity for good spatial representation skills. To solve these problems, three-dimensional printing seems to be an appropriate educative material. In this study, the authors conducted a randomized controlled trial. The authors' main objective was to compare the performance of the undergraduate medical students in an examination based on the teaching support: three-dimensionally printed models versus two-dimensional pictures. METHODS All participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups using a random number table: the three-dimensionally-printed support group (three-dimensional group) or the two-dimensionally-displayed support group (two-dimensional group). All participants completed a multiple-choice question evaluation questionnaire on facial traumatology (first, a zygomatic bone fracture; then, a double mandible fracture). Sex and potential confounding factors were evaluated. RESULTS Four hundred thirty-two fifth-year undergraduate medical students were enrolled in this study. Two hundred six students were allocated to the three-dimensional group, and 226 were allocated to the two-dimensional group. The three-dimensionally printed model was considered to be a better teaching material compared with two-dimensional support. The global mean score was 2.36 in the three-dimensional group versus 1.99 in the two-dimensional group (p = 0.008). Regarding teaching of biomechanical aspects, three-dimensionally-printed models provide better understanding (p = 0.015). Participants in both groups exhibited similar previous student educational achievements and visuospatial skills. CONCLUSIONS This prospective, randomized, controlled educational trial demonstrated that incorporation of three-dimensionally-printed models improves medical students' understanding. This trial reinforces previous studies highlighting academic benefits in using three-dimensionally-printed models mostly in the field of understanding complex structures.
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25
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Martel M, Fuchs X, Trojan J, Gockel V, Habets B, Heed T. Illusory tactile movement crosses arms and legs and is coded in external space. Cortex 2022; 149:202-225. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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26
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Amoruso E, Dowdall L, Kollamkulam MT, Ukaegbu O, Kieliba P, Ng T, Dempsey-Jones H, Clode D, Makin TR. Intrinsic somatosensory feedback supports motor control and learning to operate artificial body parts. J Neural Eng 2022; 19:016006. [PMID: 34983040 PMCID: PMC10431236 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac47d9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Considerable resources are being invested to enhance the control and usability of artificial limbs through the delivery of unnatural forms of somatosensory feedback. Here, we investigated whether intrinsic somatosensory information from the body part(s) remotely controlling an artificial limb can be leveraged by the motor system to support control and skill learning.Approach.We used local anaesthetic to attenuate somatosensory inputs to the big toes while participants learned to operate through pressure sensors a toe-controlled and hand-worn robotic extra finger. Motor learning outcomes were compared against a control group who received sham anaesthetic and quantified in three different task scenarios: while operating in isolation from, in synchronous coordination, and collaboration with, the biological fingers.Main results.Both groups were able to learn to operate the robotic extra finger, presumably due to abundance of visual feedback and other relevant sensory cues. Importantly, the availability of displaced somatosensory cues from the distal bodily controllers facilitated the acquisition of isolated robotic finger movements, the retention and transfer of synchronous hand-robot coordination skills, and performance under cognitive load. Motor performance was not impaired by toes anaesthesia when tasks involved close collaboration with the biological fingers, indicating that the motor system can close the sensory feedback gap by dynamically integrating task-intrinsic somatosensory signals from multiple, and even distal, body-parts.Significance.Together, our findings demonstrate that there are multiple natural avenues to provide intrinsic surrogate somatosensory information to support motor control of an artificial body part, beyond artificial stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Amoruso
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - L Dowdall
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M T Kollamkulam
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - O Ukaegbu
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - P Kieliba
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - T Ng
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - H Dempsey-Jones
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - D Clode
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - T R Makin
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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27
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Fabio C, Salemme R, Koun E, Farnè A, Miller LE. Alpha Oscillations Are Involved in Localizing Touch on Handheld Tools. J Cogn Neurosci 2022; 34:675-686. [DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_01820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The sense of touch is not restricted to the body but can also extend to external objects. When we use a handheld tool to contact an object, we feel the touch on the tool and not in the hand holding the tool. The ability to perceive touch on a tool actually extends along its entire surface, allowing the user to accurately localize where it is touched similarly as they would on their body. Although the neural mechanisms underlying the ability to localize touch on the body have been largely investigated, those allowing to localize touch on a tool are still unknown. We aimed to fill this gap by recording the electroencephalography signal of participants while they localized tactile stimuli on a handheld rod. We focused on oscillatory activity in the alpha (7–14 Hz) and beta (15–30 Hz) ranges, as they have been previously linked to distinct spatial codes used to localize touch on the body. Beta activity reflects the mapping of touch in skin-based coordinates, whereas alpha activity reflects the mapping of touch in external space. We found that alpha activity was solely modulated by the location of tactile stimuli applied on a handheld rod. Source reconstruction suggested that this alpha power modulation was localized in a network of fronto-parietal regions previously implicated in higher-order tactile and spatial processing. These findings are the first to implicate alpha oscillations in tool-extended sensing and suggest an important role for processing touch in external space when localizing touch on a tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Fabio
- ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, France
- University of Lyon 1, France
| | - Romeo Salemme
- ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, France
- University of Lyon 1, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Neuro-immersion, France
| | - Eric Koun
- ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, France
- University of Lyon 1, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Neuro-immersion, France
| | - Alessandro Farnè
- ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, France
- University of Lyon 1, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Neuro-immersion, France
- University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Luke E. Miller
- ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, France
- University of Lyon 1, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Neuro-immersion, France
- Donders Institute for Brain, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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28
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Abstract
Perhaps the most recognizable “sensory map” in neuroscience is the somatosensory homunculus. Although the homunculus suggests a direct link between cortical territory and body part, the relationship is actually ambiguous without a decoder that knows this mapping. How the somatosensory system derives a spatial code from an activation in the homunculus is a longstanding mystery we aimed to solve. We propose that touch location is disambiguated using multilateration, a computation used by surveying and global positioning systems to localize objects. We develop a Bayesian formulation of multilateration, which we implement in a neural network to identify its computational signature. We then detect this signature in psychophysical experiments. Our results suggest that multilateration provides the homunculus-to-body mapping necessary for localizing touch. Perhaps the most recognizable sensory map in all of neuroscience is the somatosensory homunculus. Although it seems straightforward, this simple representation belies the complex link between an activation in a somatotopic map and the associated touch location on the body. Any isolated activation is spatially ambiguous without a neural decoder that can read its position within the entire map, but how this is computed by neural networks is unknown. We propose that the somatosensory system implements multilateration, a common computation used by surveying and global positioning systems to localize objects. Specifically, to decode touch location on the body, multilateration estimates the relative distance between the afferent input and the boundaries of a body part (e.g., the joints of a limb). We show that a simple feedforward neural network, which captures several fundamental receptive field properties of cortical somatosensory neurons, can implement a Bayes-optimal multilateral computation. Simulations demonstrated that this decoder produced a pattern of localization variability between two boundaries that was unique to multilateration. Finally, we identify this computational signature of multilateration in actual psychophysical experiments, suggesting that it is a candidate computational mechanism underlying tactile localization.
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29
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Mangalam M, Fragaszy DM, Wagman JB, Day BM, Kelty-Stephen DG, Bongers RM, Stout DW, Osiurak F. On the psychological origins of tool use. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104521. [PMID: 34998834 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of tool use in human life has generated multiple lines of scientific and philosophical investigation to understand the development and expression of humans' engagement with tools and its relation to other dimensions of human experience. However, existing literature on tool use faces several epistemological challenges in which the same set of questions generate many different answers. At least four critical questions can be identified, which are intimately intertwined-(1) What constitutes tool use? (2) What psychological processes underlie tool use in humans and nonhuman animals? (3) Which of these psychological processes are exclusive to tool use? (4) Which psychological processes involved in tool use are exclusive to Homo sapiens? To help advance a multidisciplinary scientific understanding of tool use, six author groups representing different academic disciplines (e.g., anthropology, psychology, neuroscience) and different theoretical perspectives respond to each of these questions, and then point to the direction of future work on tool use. We find that while there are marked differences among the responses of the respective author groups to each question, there is a surprising degree of agreement about many essential concepts and questions. We believe that this interdisciplinary and intertheoretical discussion will foster a more comprehensive understanding of tool use than any one of these perspectives (or any one of these author groups) would (or could) on their own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhur Mangalam
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
| | | | - Jeffrey B Wagman
- Department of Psychology, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61761, USA
| | - Brian M Day
- Department of Psychology, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
| | | | - Raoul M Bongers
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Dietrich W Stout
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - François Osiurak
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Mécanismes Cognitifs, Université de Lyon, Lyon 69361, France; Institut Universitaire de France, Paris 75231, France
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30
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Tsay JS, Kim H, Haith AM, Ivry RB. Understanding implicit sensorimotor adaptation as a process of proprioceptive re-alignment. eLife 2022; 11:76639. [PMID: 35969491 PMCID: PMC9377801 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple learning processes contribute to successful goal-directed actions in the face of changing physiological states, biomechanical constraints, and environmental contexts. Amongst these processes, implicit sensorimotor adaptation is of primary importance, ensuring that movements remain well-calibrated and accurate. A large body of work on reaching movements has emphasized how adaptation centers on an iterative process designed to minimize visual errors. The role of proprioception has been largely neglected, thought to play a passive role in which proprioception is affected by the visual error but does not directly contribute to adaptation. Here, we present an alternative to this visuo-centric framework, outlining a model in which implicit adaptation acts to minimize a proprioceptive error, the distance between the perceived hand position and its intended goal. This proprioceptive re-alignment model (PReMo) is consistent with many phenomena that have previously been interpreted in terms of learning from visual errors, and offers a parsimonious account of numerous unexplained phenomena. Cognizant that the evidence for PReMo rests on correlational studies, we highlight core predictions to be tested in future experiments, as well as note potential challenges for a proprioceptive-based perspective on implicit adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Tsay
- Department of Psychology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Hyosub Kim
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of DelawareNewarkUnited States,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of DelawareNewarkUnited States
| | - Adrian M Haith
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Richard B Ivry
- Department of Psychology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
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31
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Silva-Gago M, Ioannidou F, Fedato A, Hodgson T, Bruner E. Visual Attention and Cognitive Archaeology: An Eye-Tracking Study of Palaeolithic Stone Tools. Perception 2021; 51:3-24. [PMID: 34967251 DOI: 10.1177/03010066211069504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The study of lithic technology can provide information on human cultural evolution. This article aims to analyse visual behaviour associated with the exploration of ancient stone artefacts and how this relates to perceptual mechanisms in humans. In Experiment 1, we used eye tracking to record patterns of eye fixations while participants viewed images of stone tools, including examples of worked pebbles and handaxes. The results showed that the focus of gaze was directed more towards the upper regions of worked pebbles and on the basal areas for handaxes. Knapped surfaces also attracted more fixation than natural cortex for both tool types. Fixation distribution was different to that predicted by models that calculate visual salience. Experiment 2 was an online study using a mouse-click attention tracking technique and included images of unworked pebbles and 'mixed' images combining the handaxe's outline with the pebble's unworked texture. The pattern of clicks corresponded to that revealed using eye tracking and there were differences between tools and other images. Overall, the findings suggest that visual exploration is directed towards functional aspects of tools. Studies of visual attention and exploration can supply useful information to inform understanding of human cognitive evolution and tool use.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Silva-Gago
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
| | | | - Annapaola Fedato
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
| | - Timothy Hodgson
- College of Social Science, 4547University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Emiliano Bruner
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
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32
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Martel M, Boulenger V, Koun E, Finos L, Farnè A, Roy AC. Body schema plasticity is altered in Developmental Coordination Disorder. Neuropsychologia 2021; 166:108136. [PMID: 34953795 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.108136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a pathological condition characterized by impaired motor skills. Current theories advance that a deficit of the internal models is mainly responsible for DCD children's altered behavior. Yet, accurate movement execution requires not only correct movement planning, but also integration of sensory feedback into body representation for action (Body Schema) to update the state of the body. Here we advance and test the hypothesis that the plasticity of this body representation is altered in DCD. To probe Body Schema (BS) plasticity, we submitted a well-established tool-use paradigm to seventeen DCD children, required to reach for an object with their hand before and after tool use, and compared their movement kinematics to that of a control group of Typically Developing (TD) peers. We also asked both groups to provide explicit estimates of their arm length to probe plasticity of their Body Image (BI). Results revealed that DCD children explicitly judged their arm shorter after tool use, showing changes in their BI comparable to their TD peers. Unlike them, though, DCD did not update their implicit BS estimate: kinematics showed that tool use affected their peak amplitudes, but not their latencies. Remarkably, the kinematics of tool use showed that the motor control of the tool was comparable between groups, both improving with practice, confirming that motor learning abilities are preserved in DCD. This study thus brings evidence in favor of an alternative theoretical account of the DCD etiology. Our findings point to a deficit in the plasticity of the body representation used to plan and execute movements. Though not mutually exclusive, this widens the theoretical perspective under which DCD should be considered: DCD may not be limited to a problem affecting the internal models and their motor functions, but may concern the state of the effector they have to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Martel
- Laboratoire Dynamique Du Langage, UMR5596, CNRS/University Lyon 2, Lyon, France; Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team - ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS U5292, University Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
| | - Véronique Boulenger
- Laboratoire Dynamique Du Langage, UMR5596, CNRS/University Lyon 2, Lyon, France
| | - Eric Koun
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team - ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS U5292, University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Livio Finos
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Farnè
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team - ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS U5292, University Lyon 1, Lyon, France; Hospices Civils de Lyon, Mouvement et Handicap, Neuro-immersion, Lyon, France; Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Italy
| | - Alice Catherine Roy
- Laboratoire Dynamique Du Langage, UMR5596, CNRS/University Lyon 2, Lyon, France; Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Italy
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33
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Thibault S, Py R, Gervasi AM, Salemme R, Koun E, Lövden M, Boulenger V, Roy AC, Brozzoli C. Tool use and language share syntactic processes and neural patterns in the basal ganglia. Science 2021; 374:eabe0874. [PMID: 34762470 DOI: 10.1126/science.abe0874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Thibault
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team (ImpAct), Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon, 69000, France.,University of Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - Raphaël Py
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team (ImpAct), Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon, 69000, France.,University of Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - Angelo Mattia Gervasi
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team (ImpAct), Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon, 69000, France
| | - Romeo Salemme
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team (ImpAct), Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon, 69000, France
| | - Eric Koun
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team (ImpAct), Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon, 69000, France
| | - Martin Lövden
- Aging Research Center (ARC), Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Véronique Boulenger
- University of Lyon, Lyon 69000, France.,Dynamics of Language laboratory, CNRS UMR5596, Lyon, France
| | - Alice C Roy
- University of Lyon, Lyon 69000, France.,Dynamics of Language laboratory, CNRS UMR5596, Lyon, France
| | - Claudio Brozzoli
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action & Cognition Team (ImpAct), Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon, 69000, France.,University of Lyon, Lyon 69000, France.,Aging Research Center (ARC), Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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34
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Precision control for a flexible body representation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 134:104401. [PMID: 34736884 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive body representation requires the continuous integration of multisensory inputs within a flexible 'body model' in the brain. The present review evaluates the idea that this flexibility is augmented by the contextual modulation of sensory processing 'top-down'; which can be described as precision control within predictive coding formulations of Bayesian inference. Specifically, I focus on the proposal that an attenuation of proprioception may facilitate the integration of conflicting visual and proprioceptive bodily cues. Firstly, I review empirical work suggesting that the processing of visual vs proprioceptive body position information can be contextualised 'top-down'; for instance, by adopting specific attentional task sets. Building up on this, I review research showing a similar contextualisation of visual vs proprioceptive information processing in the rubber hand illusion and in visuomotor adaptation. Together, the reviewed literature suggests that proprioception, despite its indisputable importance for body perception and action control, can be attenuated top-down (through precision control) to facilitate the contextual adaptation of the brain's body model to novel visual feedback.
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35
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Sobinov AR, Bensmaia SJ. The neural mechanisms of manual dexterity. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:741-757. [PMID: 34711956 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The hand endows us with unparalleled precision and versatility in our interactions with objects, from mundane activities such as grasping to extraordinary ones such as virtuoso pianism. The complex anatomy of the human hand combined with expansive and specialized neuronal control circuits allows a wide range of precise manual behaviours. To support these behaviours, an exquisite sensory apparatus, spanning the modalities of touch and proprioception, conveys detailed and timely information about our interactions with objects and about the objects themselves. The study of manual dexterity provides a unique lens into the sensorimotor mechanisms that endow the nervous system with the ability to flexibly generate complex behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton R Sobinov
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sliman J Bensmaia
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Committee on Computational Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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36
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Ronga I, Galigani M, Bruno V, Castellani N, Rossi Sebastiano A, Valentini E, Fossataro C, Neppi-Modona M, Garbarini F. Seeming confines: Electrophysiological evidence of peripersonal space remapping following tool-use in humans. Cortex 2021; 144:133-150. [PMID: 34666298 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The peripersonal space (PPS) is a special portion of space immediately surrounding the body, where the integration between tactile stimuli delivered on the body and auditory or visual events emanating from the environment occurs. Interestingly, PPS can widen if a tool is employed to interact with objects in the far space. However, electrophysiological evidence of such tool-use dependent plasticity in the human brain is scarce. Here, in a series of three experiments, participants were asked to respond to tactile stimuli, delivered to their right hand, either in isolation (unimodal condition) or combined with auditory stimulation, which could occur near (bimodal-near) or far from the stimulated hand (bimodal-far). According to multisensory integration spatial rule, when bimodal stimuli are presented at the same location, we expected a response enhancement (response time - RT - facilitation and event-related potential - ERP - super-additivity). In Experiment 1, we verified that RT facilitation was driven by bimodal input spatial congruency, independently from auditory stimulus intensity. In Experiment 2, we showed that our bimodal task was effective in eliciting the magnification of ERPs in bimodal conditions, with significantly larger responses in the near as compared to far condition. In Experiment 3 (main experiment), we explored tool-use driven PPS plasticity. Our audio-tactile task was performed either following tool-use (a 20-min reaching task, performed using a 145 cm-long rake) or after a control cognitive training (a 20-min visual discrimination task) performed in the far space. Following the control training, faster RTs and greater super-additive ERPs were found in bimodal-near as compared to bimodal-far condition (replicating Experiment 2 results). Crucially, this far-near differential response was significantly reduced after tool-use. Altogether our results indicate a selective effect of tool-use remapping in extending the boundaries of PPS. The present finding might be considered as an electrophysiological evidence of tool-use dependent plasticity in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ronga
- MANIBUS Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Mattia Galigani
- MANIBUS Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Bruno
- MANIBUS Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Nicolò Castellani
- MANIBUS Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy; Molecular Mind Lab, IMT School for Advanced Studies, Lucca, Italy
| | | | - Elia Valentini
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Brain Science, University of Essex, UK
| | - Carlotta Fossataro
- MANIBUS Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Neppi-Modona
- MANIBUS Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Garbarini
- MANIBUS Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy.
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37
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Maimon-Mor RO, Schone HR, Henderson Slater D, Faisal AA, Makin TR. Early life experience sets hard limits on motor learning as evidenced from artificial arm use. eLife 2021; 10:66320. [PMID: 34605407 PMCID: PMC8523152 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of artificial arms provides a unique opportunity to address long-standing questions on sensorimotor plasticity and development. Learning to use an artificial arm arguably depends on fundamental building blocks of body representation and would therefore be impacted by early life experience. We tested artificial arm motor-control in two adult populations with upper-limb deficiencies: a congenital group—individuals who were born with a partial arm, and an acquired group—who lost their arm following amputation in adulthood. Brain plasticity research teaches us that the earlier we train to acquire new skills (or use a new technology) the better we benefit from this practice as adults. Instead, we found that although the congenital group started using an artificial arm as toddlers, they produced increased error noise and directional errors when reaching to visual targets, relative to the acquired group who performed similarly to controls. However, the earlier an individual with a congenital limb difference was fitted with an artificial arm, the better their motor control was. Since we found no group differences when reaching without visual feedback, we suggest that the ability to perform efficient visual-based corrective movements is highly dependent on either biological or artificial arm experience at a very young age. Subsequently, opportunities for sensorimotor plasticity become more limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni O Maimon-Mor
- WIN Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hunter R Schone
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Laboratory of Brain & Cognition, NIMH, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | | | - A Aldo Faisal
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Computing, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tamar R Makin
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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38
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Ujitoko Y, Tokuhisa R, Sakurai S, Hirota K. Impact Vibration Source Localization in Two-Dimensional Space Around Hand. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HAPTICS 2021; 14:862-873. [PMID: 34061752 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2021.3085756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This article investigated the localization ability of an impulse vibration source outside the body in two-dimensional space. We tested whether humans can recognize the direction or distance of an impulse vibration source when using their hand to detect spatiotemporal vibrotactile information provided by the propagated vibrational wave from the source. Specifically, we had users put their hands on a silicone rubber sheet in several postures. We asked users to indicate the position of the vibration source when a location on the sheet was indented. Experimental results suggested that the direction of the impact vibration source can be recognized to some extent, although recognition accuracy depends on hand posture and the position of the vibration source. The best results were achieved when the fingers and palm were grounded and a vibration source was presented around the middle fingertip, and the directional recognition error in this case was 6 °. In contrast, results suggest it is difficult to accurately recognize the distance of the vibration. The results of this study suggest a new possibility for directional display where vibrotactile actuators are embedded at a distance from the user's hand.
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39
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Ryan CP, Bettelani GC, Ciotti S, Parise C, Moscatelli A, Bianchi M. The interaction between motion and texture in the sense of touch. J Neurophysiol 2021; 126:1375-1390. [PMID: 34495782 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00583.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides providing information on elementary properties of objects, like texture, roughness, and softness, the sense of touch is also important in building a representation of object movement and the movement of our hands. Neural and behavioral studies shed light on the mechanisms and limits of our sense of touch in the perception of texture and motion, and of its role in the control of movement of our hands. The interplay between the geometrical and mechanical properties of the touched objects, such as shape and texture, the movement of the hand exploring the object, and the motion felt by touch, will be discussed in this article. Interestingly, the interaction between motion and textures can generate perceptual illusions in touch. For example, the orientation and the spacing of the texture elements on a static surface induces the illusion of surface motion when we move our hand on it or can elicit the perception of a curved trajectory during sliding, straight hand movements. In this work we present a multiperspective view that encompasses both the perceptual and the motor aspects, as well as the response of peripheral and central nerve structures, to analyze and better understand the complex mechanisms underpinning the tactile representation of texture and motion. Such a better understanding of the spatiotemporal features of the tactile stimulus can reveal novel transdisciplinary applications in neuroscience and haptics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen P Ryan
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuromotor Physiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma C Bettelani
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Ciotti
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuromotor Physiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Moscatelli
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuromotor Physiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Bianchi
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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40
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Weser VU, Proffitt DR. Expertise in Tool Use Promotes Tool Embodiment. Top Cogn Sci 2021; 13:597-609. [PMID: 34080797 DOI: 10.1111/tops.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Body representations are known to be dynamically modulated or extended through tool use. Here, we review findings that demonstrate the importance of a user's tool experience or expertise for successful tool embodiment. Examining expert tool users, such as individuals who use tools in professional sports, people who use chopsticks at every meal, or spinal injury patients who use a wheelchair daily, offers new insights into the role of expertise in tool embodiment: Not only does tool embodiment differ between novices and experts, but experts may experience enhanced changes to their body representation when interacting with their own, personal tool. The findings reviewed herein reveal the importance of assessing tool skill in future studies of tool embodiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica U Weser
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine
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41
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Kieliba P, Clode D, Maimon-Mor RO, Makin TR. Robotic hand augmentation drives changes in neural body representation. Sci Robot 2021; 6:eabd7935. [PMID: 34043536 PMCID: PMC7612043 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abd7935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Humans have long been fascinated by the opportunities afforded through augmentation. This vision not only depends on technological innovations but also critically relies on our brain's ability to learn, adapt, and interface with augmentation devices. Here, we investigated whether successful motor augmentation with an extra robotic thumb can be achieved and what its implications are on the neural representation and function of the biological hand. Able-bodied participants were trained to use an extra robotic thumb (called the Third Thumb) over 5 days, including both lab-based and unstructured daily use. We challenged participants to complete normally bimanual tasks using only the augmented hand and examined their ability to develop hand-robot interactions. Participants were tested on a variety of behavioral and brain imaging tests, designed to interrogate the augmented hand's representation before and after the training. Training improved Third Thumb motor control, dexterity, and hand-robot coordination, even when cognitive load was increased or when vision was occluded. It also resulted in increased sense of embodiment over the Third Thumb. Consequently, augmentation influenced key aspects of hand representation and motor control. Third Thumb usage weakened natural kinematic synergies of the biological hand. Furthermore, brain decoding revealed a mild collapse of the augmented hand's motor representation after training, even while the Third Thumb was not worn. Together, our findings demonstrate that motor augmentation can be readily achieved, with potential for flexible use, reduced cognitive reliance, and increased sense of embodiment. Yet, augmentation may incur changes to the biological hand representation. Such neurocognitive consequences are crucial for successful implementation of future augmentation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Kieliba
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Danielle Clode
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AZ, UK
- Dani Clode design, 40 Hillside Road, London SW2 3HW, UK
| | - Roni O Maimon-Mor
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AZ, UK
- WIN Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Tamar R Makin
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AZ, UK.
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, UK
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42
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Silva-Gago M, Fedato A, Terradillos-Bernal M, Alonso-Alcalde R, Martín-Guerra E, Bruner E. Not a matter of shape: The influence of tool characteristics on electrodermal activity in response to haptic exploration of Lower Palaeolithic tools. Am J Hum Biol 2021; 34:e23612. [PMID: 34000102 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Haptics involves somatosensory perception through the skin surface and dynamic touch based on the proprioceptive response of the whole body. Handling Palaeolithic stone tools influences the arousal and attentional engagement, which can be detected and measured through electrodermal activity. Although tool shape has generally been studied to consider tool functions or tool making, it is also a major factor in tool sensing and haptic perception. The purpose of this survey is to analyze whether the electrodermal reactions are influenced by stone tool morphology. METHODS We first quantify the morphological variability of 72 stone tools through geometric morphometrics. Then, 12 stone tools from the previous sample were randomly selected to perform the electrodermal analysis in a sample of 46 right-handed adults. RESULTS Elongation is the main factor involved in Lower Palaeolithic shape variation, followed by the position of the maximum thickness. Attention and manipulation time are mainly influenced by tool size, while arousal mostly correlates with tool weight. Electrodermal activity is apparently not influenced by the overall tool shape. Tool size, weight, and base morphology are the variables that mainly trigger an electrodermal reaction. CONCLUSIONS Electrophysiological reaction is more sensitive to specific physical features of the tool than to its general outline. These features are not particularly different in worked pebbles and handaxes in terms of grasping, but underwent remarkable changes in other technological traditions. That changes associated with behavioral performances can be employed in cognitive archaeology to investigate the relationships between tool sensing and tool use.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Silva-Gago
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
| | - Annapaola Fedato
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
| | | | - Rodrigo Alonso-Alcalde
- Museo de la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain.,Área de Prehistoria, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - Elena Martín-Guerra
- Sociograph Marketing Science Consulting, Plaza Campus Universitario 1, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Emiliano Bruner
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
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Multisensory integration of visual cues from first- to third-person perspective avatars in the perception of self-motion. Atten Percept Psychophys 2021; 83:2634-2655. [PMID: 33864205 DOI: 10.3758/s13414-021-02276-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the perception of self-motion, visual cues originating from an embodied humanoid avatar seen from a first-person perspective (1st-PP) are processed in the same way as those originating from a person's own body. Here, we sought to determine whether the user's and avatar's bodies in virtual reality have to be colocalized for this visual integration. In Experiment 1, participants saw a whole-body avatar in a virtual mirror facing them. The mirror perspective could be supplemented with a fully visible 1st-PP avatar or a suggested one (with the arms hidden by a virtual board). In Experiment 2, the avatar was viewed from the mirror perspective or a third-person perspective (3rd-PP) rotated 90° left or right. During an initial embodiment phase in both experiments, the avatar's forearms faithfully reproduced the participant's real movements. Next, kinaesthetic illusions were induced on the static right arm from the vision of passive displacements of the avatar's arms enhanced by passive displacement of the participant's left arm. Results showed that this manipulation elicited kinaesthetic illusions regardless of the avatar's perspective in Experiments 1 and 2. However, illusions were more likely to occur when the mirror perspective was supplemented with the view of the 1st-PP avatar's body than with the mirror perspective only (Experiment 1), just as they are more likely to occur in the latter condition than with the 3rd-PP (Experiment 2). Our results show that colocalization of the user's and avatar's bodies is an important, but not essential, factor in visual integration for self-motion perception.
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Reader AT, Trifonova VS, Ehrsson HH. The Relationship Between Referral of Touch and the Feeling of Ownership in the Rubber Hand Illusion. Front Psychol 2021; 12:629590. [PMID: 33643162 PMCID: PMC7904681 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.629590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The rubber hand illusion (RHI) is one of the most commonly used paradigms to examine the sense of body ownership. Touches are synchronously applied to the real hand, hidden from view, and a false hand in an anatomically congruent position. During the illusion one may perceive that the feeling of touch arises from the false hand (referral of touch), and that the false hand is one's own. The relationship between referral of touch and body ownership in the illusion is unclear, and some articles average responses to statements addressing these experiences, which may be inappropriate depending on the research question of interest. To address these concerns, we re-analyzed three freely available datasets to better understand the relationship between referral of touch and feeling of ownership in the RHI. We found that most participants who report a feeling of ownership also report referral of touch, and that referral of touch and ownership show a moderately strong positive relationship that was highly replicable. In addition, referral of touch tends to be reported more strongly and more frequently than the feeling of ownership over the hand. The former observations confirm that referral of touch and ownership are related experiences in the RHI. The latter, however, indicate that when pooling the statements one may obtain a higher number of illusion ‘responders’ compared to considering the ownership statements in isolation. These results have implications for the RHI as an experimental paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arran T Reader
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | | | - H Henrik Ehrsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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45
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Preatoni G, Valle G, Petrini FM, Raspopovic S. Lightening the Perceived Prosthesis Weight with Neural Embodiment Promoted by Sensory Feedback. Curr Biol 2021; 31:1065-1071.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.11.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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46
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Cataldo A, Hagura N, Hyder Y, Haggard P. Touch inhibits touch: sanshool-induced paradoxical tingling reveals perceptual interaction between somatosensory submodalities. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20202914. [PMID: 33499781 PMCID: PMC7893281 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human perception of touch is mediated by inputs from multiple channels. Classical theories postulate independent contributions of each channel to each tactile feature, with little or no interaction between channels. In contrast to this view, we show that inputs from two sub-modalities of mechanical input channels interact to determine tactile perception. The flutter-range vibration channel was activated anomalously using hydroxy-α-sanshool, a bioactive compound of Szechuan pepper, which chemically induces vibration-like tingling sensations. We tested whether this tingling sensation on the lips was modulated by sustained mechanical pressure. Across four experiments, we show that sustained touch inhibits sanshool tingling sensations in a location-specific, pressure-level and time-dependent manner. Additional experiments ruled out the mediation of this interaction by nociceptive or affective (C-tactile) channels. These results reveal novel inhibitory influence from steady pressure onto flutter-range tactile perceptual channels, consistent with early-stage interactions between mechanoreceptor inputs within the somatosensory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cataldo
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, Alexandra House 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AZ, UK.,Institute of Philosophy, School of Advanced Study - University of London, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU, UK.,Cognition, Values and Behaviour, Ludwig Maximilian University, Gabelsbergerstraße 62, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Nobuhiro Hagura
- Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, 1-4 Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yousef Hyder
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, Alexandra House 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AZ, UK.,Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, 1-4 Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Patrick Haggard
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, Alexandra House 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AZ, UK.,Institute of Philosophy, School of Advanced Study - University of London, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU, UK
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47
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Ianì F. Embodied cognition: So flexible as to be "disembodied"? Conscious Cogn 2021; 88:103075. [PMID: 33493962 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2021.103075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to explore what I call the "Embodiment Cost Hypothesis" (ECH), according to which, when humans "embody" a part of the world other than their bodies, a measurable cost is detectable on their real bodies. The review analyzes experimental evidence in favor of the ECH by examining studies from different research fields, including studies of action observation (2), tool-use (3), rubber hand illusion (4), and full-body illusions (5). In light of this literature, this review argues that embodiment effects can profitably be seen as phenomena associated with both benefits (resulting from the embodiment of external objects/bodies) and costs (resulting from the disembodiment at various levels of the subject's own body). Implications are discussed in relation to the ongoing debate on the embodied cognition (EC) approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ianì
- Università di Torino, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Via Verdi, 10, 10123 Turin, Italy.
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48
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Cardinali L, Zanini A, Yanofsky R, Roy AC, de Vignemont F, Culham JC, Farnè A. The toolish hand illusion: embodiment of a tool based on similarity with the hand. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2024. [PMID: 33479395 PMCID: PMC7820319 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81706-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A tool can function as a body part yet not feel like one: Putting down a fork after dinner does not feel like losing a hand. However, studies show fake body-parts are embodied and experienced as parts of oneself. Typically, embodiment illusions have only been reported when the fake body-part visually resembles the real one. Here we reveal that participants can experience an illusion that a mechanical grabber, which looks scarcely like a hand, is part of their body. We found changes in three signatures of embodiment: the real hand’s perceived location, the feeling that the grabber belonged to the body, and autonomic responses to visible threats to the grabber. These findings show that artificial objects can become embodied even though they bear little visual resemblance to the hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucilla Cardinali
- Cognition, Motion and Neuroscience Lab, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Zanini
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action and Cognition Team - ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS U5292, Lyon, France.,University UCBL Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Russell Yanofsky
- Cognition, Motion and Neuroscience Lab, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Alice C Roy
- Dynamique Du LangageUMR 5596Institut Des Sciences de L'Homme, CNRS- Lyon University, Lyon, France.,University of Lyon II, Lyon, France
| | | | - Jody C Culham
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alessandro Farnè
- Integrative Multisensory Perception Action and Cognition Team - ImpAct, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS U5292, Lyon, France.,University UCBL Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France.,Neuro-Immersion - Mouvement et Handicap, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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49
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Sorrentino G, Franza M, Zuber C, Blanke O, Serino A, Bassolino M. How ageing shapes body and space representations: A comparison study between healthy young and older adults. Cortex 2020; 136:56-76. [PMID: 33460913 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2020.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
To efficiently interact with the external world, the brain needs to represent the size of the involved body parts - body representations (BR) - and the space around the body in which the interactions with the environment take place - peripersonal space representation (PPS). BR and PPS are both highly flexible, being updated by the continuous flow of sensorimotor signals between the brain and the body, as observed for example after tool-use or immobilization. The progressive decline of sensorimotor abilities typically described in ageing could thus influence BR and PPS representations in the older adults. To explore this hypothesis, we compared BR and PPS in healthy young and older participants. By focusing on the upper limb, we adapted tasks previously used to evaluate BR and PPS plasticity, i.e., the body-landmarks localization task and audio-tactile interaction task, together with a new task targeting explicit BR (avatar adjustment task, AAT). Results show significantly higher distortions in the older rather than young participants in the perceived metric characteristic of the upper limbs. We found significant modifications in the implicit BR of the global shape (length and width) of both upper limbs, together with an underestimation in the arm length. Similar effects were also observed in the AAT task. Finally, both young and older adults showed equivalent multisensory facilitation in the space close to the hand, suggesting an intact PPS representation. Together, these findings demonstrated significant alterations of implicit and explicit BR in the older participants, probably associated with a less efficient contribution of bodily information typically subjected to age-related decline, whereas the comparable PPS representation in both groups could be supported by preserved multisensory abilities in older participants. These results provide novel empirical insight on how multiple representations of the body in space, subserving actions and perception, are shaped by the normal course of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Sorrentino
- Center for Neuroprosthetics, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland; Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland; Center for Neuroprosthetics, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus SUVA, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Franza
- Center for Neuroprosthetics, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland; Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland; Center for Neuroprosthetics, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus SUVA, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Charlène Zuber
- Center for Neuroprosthetics, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus SUVA, Sion, Switzerland; Master of Science, University of Applied Sciences of Western, Switzerland
| | - Olaf Blanke
- Center for Neuroprosthetics, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland; Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland; Center for Neuroprosthetics, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus SUVA, Sion, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Serino
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland; MySpace Lab, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Switzerland
| | - Michela Bassolino
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland; Center for Neuroprosthetics, School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Campus SUVA, Sion, Switzerland; School of Health Sciences, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Sion, Switzerland.
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50
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Cataldo A, Dupin L, Gomi H, Haggard P. Sensorimotor signals underlying space perception: An investigation based on self-touch. Neuropsychologia 2020; 151:107729. [PMID: 33346045 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Perception of space has puzzled scientists since antiquity, and is among the foundational questions of scientific psychology. Classical "local sign" theories assert that perception of spatial extent ultimately derives from efferent signals specifying the intensity of motor commands. Everyday cases of self-touch, such as stroking the left forearm with the right index fingertip, provide an important platform for studying spatial perception, because of the tight correlation between motor and tactile extents. Nevertheless, if the motor and sensory information in self-touch were artificially decoupled, these classical theories would clearly predict that motor signals - especially if self-generated rather than passive - should influence spatial perceptual judgements, but not vice versa. We tested this hypothesis by quantifying the contribution of tactile, kinaesthetic, and motor information to judgements of spatial extent. In a self-touch paradigm involving two coupled robots in master-slave configuration, voluntary movements of the right-hand produced simultaneous tactile stroking on the left forearm. Crucially, the coupling between robots was manipulated so that tactile stimulation could be shorter, equal, or longer in extent than the movement that caused it. Participants judged either the extent of the movement, or the extent of the tactile stroke. By controlling sensorimotor gains in this way, we quantified how motor signals influence tactile spatial perception, and vice versa. Perception of tactile extent was strongly biased by the amplitude of the movement performed. Importantly, touch also affected the perceived extent of movement. Finally, the effect of movement on touch was significantly stronger when movements were actively-generated compared to when the participant's right hand was passively moved by the experimenter. Overall, these results suggest that motor signals indeed dominate the construction of spatial percepts, at least when the normal tight correlation between motor and sensory signals is broken. Importantly, however, this dominance is not total, as classical theory might suggest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cataldo
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, Alexandra House 17 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AZ, UK; Institute of Philosophy, University of London, Senate House, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HU, UK; Cognition, Values and Behaviour, Ludwig Maximilian University, Gabelsbergerstraße 62, 80333, München, Germany.
| | - Lucile Dupin
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, Alexandra House 17 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AZ, UK; Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, INSERM U1266 - Université de Paris, Paris, France; Chaire Blaise Pascal de la Région Ile de France, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Computationnelles, Département d'Etudes Cognitives, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Paris, France
| | - Hiroaki Gomi
- NTT Communication Science Laboratories, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Patrick Haggard
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, Alexandra House 17 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AZ, UK; Chaire Blaise Pascal de la Région Ile de France, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Computationnelles, Département d'Etudes Cognitives, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Paris, France
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