Simulated prism exposure in immersed virtual reality produces larger prismatic after-effects than standard prism exposure in healthy subjects

Alexander Ramos, Emil Hørning, Inge Linda Wilms*

*Corresponding author for this work
    1 Citation (Scopus)
    26 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Previous studies have shown that the size of the leftward bias after exposure to rightward prism-deviation (the prismatic after-effect) depends on the degree of rightward prism-deviation as well as the type of visual feedback receives during exposure to prism-deviation.
    In this study, we tested if it was possible to obtain a leftward bias in pointing precision using two different methods of creating diverted visual input by simulating a rightward prism diversion of visual input in immersive virtual reality. We compared the results to the leftward bias in pointing precision obtained after exposure to standard prism goggles deviating visual input 10 degrees to the right. Twenty healthy participants were subjected to one session of standard prism adaptation therapy under three different conditions of deviated visual input: 1) created by imitating a 10 degree leftward rotation of the head (VRR), 2) created by imitating a 2D leftward horizontal displacement of 10 degrees (VRS) and 3) a control condition using real right-deviating prisms (PCP). The study showed that the simulated prisms in the VRR and VRS conditions produced deviations in pointing precision of a similar size. However, exposure to the VRS and VRR conditions both produced larger prismatic after-effects than the exposure to real prism goggles. This research is important for the development and use of virtual reality systems in the rehabilitation of neglect after brain injury as it emphasizes that the adjustment to deviated visual input may be affected positively by the use of immersive virtual reality technology.
    Original languageEnglish
    Article number e0217074
    JournalP L o S One
    Volume14
    Issue number5
    Number of pages23
    ISSN1932-6203
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 31 May 2019

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Simulated prism exposure in immersed virtual reality produces larger prismatic after-effects than standard prism exposure in healthy subjects'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this