Modulation of thermal perception by VR-based visual stimulation to the embodied virtual body

Visual stimulation to the embodied virtual body could modulate human perception, however the associated neurophysiological mechanisms have not elucidated yet. The present study aimed to reveal the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms from a neurophysiological viewpoint. Fifteen healthy participants were subjected to three visual conditions (i.e., fire, water, and non-visual effect conditions) and psychological pain stimulation (thermal grill stimulation). Oscillatory neural activities during stimulation were measured with electroencephalogram. The association between accessory visual stimulation applied to the embodied virtual body, induced by virtual reality, and perception was examined through neuronal oscillatory analysis using electroencephalogram data. Regression analysis was performed to obtain data on brain regions contributing to sensory modulation with body illusion. The results of subjective measures under the fire and water conditions showed that thermal perception were modulated by a visual stimulus to the virtual hand. Furthermore, we found that the insula was commonly associated with thermal perception under the fire and water conditions. This result indicate that the insula may control sensory information as a gatekeeper as well as facilitate the access to human attention and cognition as a hub, suggesting the influence on perception and cognition.