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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05164991

Visuo-Tactile Integration and Body Ownership in the Human Brain

The present project exploits brain imaging and neuroscience robotics to investigate the role of quantifiable visual input on the relationship between visuo-tactile integration and body ownership (the feeling that "this" body belongs to "me").

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Key information

Conditions

Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Behavior Body Representation

Age range

18 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

ETH Zurich, Rehabilitation Engeineering Laboratory

Zurich, 8008, Switzerland

About this study

Observational study, fundamental research, multicentric, national. The analysis of questionnaires, self-reports, and brain imaging associated with the RHI is used to understand the influence of visual input on body ownership. To this aim, participants lay down in the magnetic resonance (MR) scanner (Figure 1B), are presented with visual stimuli (videos of the virtual rubber hand - visual stroking) simultaneously in real time with tactile stimuli (robotic stroking of the participant's hand - tactile stroking), and in combination or not with the measurement of autonomic arousal (GSR) associated with the observation of a video showing the virtual rubber hand in a threatening situation (e.g. a knife approaching the virtual hand - unconscious RHI effects). By means of structured questionnaires and semi-structured self-reports, participants (i) evaluate eventual sensations felt during the visuo-tactile stimulation and (ii) report the personal feelings and impressions about body ownership for the virtual rubber hand (conscious RHI effects).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • general health
  • personal interest
  • age between 18 and 55 years old
  • fulfil standard guidelines for fMRI studies

Exclusion criteria

  • history of seizures, epilepsy
  • specific medications or treatment
  • concomitant diseases (e.g. cardiopathy)
  • pregnancy
  • unexplained loss of consciousness
  • chronic headaches
  • neurological illnesses
  • head concussion,
  • presence of metal in the neck or head
  • implanted medical devices
  • drug abuse
  • inability to give consent

Treatment and study plan

Visuo-tactile stimulations of the right hand

Behavioral

Participants lay down in the magnetic resonance (MR) scanner are presented with visual stimuli (videos of the virtual rubber hand - visual stroking) simultaneously in real time with tactile stimuli (robotic stroking of the participant's hand - tactile stroking). An MR-compatible robot systematically provides the tactile stroking on the participant's hand. MR-compatible goggles show the visual stroking. Patterns of long and short robotic movements will be provided.

Primary outcomes

  1. Neuro-behavioral changes associated with vision-dependent alterations of body ownership, measured via brain activity (fMRI)

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 2 years

    Analysis of objective measures of the RHI

Secondary outcomes

  1. Subjective Experience via VAS scale

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 2 years

    To understand the variations of the body ownership, Visual Analogic Scale, values 0 to 7, 0 = no illusory body ownership, 7 = strong illusory body ownership

  2. Automatic response (skin conductance)

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 2 years

    Measure of the skin conductance response (SCR, measured in siemens) during experiment runs, which is an indirect measure of sympathetic activity.

    Compare the blocks in which a pre-recorded visual threat (a video in which a hand is being pricked by a syringe needle) with baseline blocks and expect a higher SCR signal during "visual threat" blocks compared to the baseline. The SCR will be measured through a device connected to a dedicated laptop and electrodes that will be attached to the left index and middle fingers from participants. The SCR will be saved in log files and estimated a posteriori for each block using a general linear model and the weight regressors will be compared. There are no risks to the participants (since it is a passive measurement) the electrodes are compatible to the magnetic resonance environment.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

Other

Collaborators

  • Eye Hospital Jules Gonin
  • Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Dec 21, 2021
Registry last updated
Sep 13, 2023

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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