The Use of a Distal-to-Tactile Sensory Substitution Interface Does Not Lead to Extension of Body Image

A range of studies in the past decade and a half indicate significant impacts of tool use on body image. In cases of intentional action, contractions of near space or experienced extensions of limbs have been shown when using tools such as rakes. It remains unclear whether the changes in body image...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Seth Anil K., Spiers Adam, Bigge William, Froese Tom, McGann Marek
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: EDP Sciences 2011-12-01
Series:BIO Web of Conferences
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/20110100060
Description
Summary:A range of studies in the past decade and a half indicate significant impacts of tool use on body image. In cases of intentional action, contractions of near space or experienced extensions of limbs have been shown when using tools such as rakes. It remains unclear whether the changes in body image are effected by the tool enabling perception at a distance or action/manipulation of the environment at a distance. We studied this issue using a new research tool, the Enactive Torch, a sensory substitution device specifically designed for research into perception and bodily action. The Enactive Torch allows perception at a distance without the capacity for distal action. We report a first experiment indicating that its use on a navigation task has no effect on body image.
ISSN:2117-4458