Assess and rehabilitate body representations via (neuro)robotics: An emergent perspective

Abstract

The perceptions of our own body (e.g., size and shape) do not always coincide with its real characteristics (e.g., dimension). To track the complexity of our perception, the concept of mental representations (model) of the body has been conceived. Body representations (BRs) are stored in the brain and are maintained and updated through multiple sensory information. Despite being altered in different clinical conditions and being tightly linked with self-consciousness, which is one of the most astonishing features of the human mind, the BRs and, especially, the underlying mechanisms and functions are still unclear. In this vein, here we suggest that (neuro)robotics can make an important contribution to the study of BRs. The first section of the study highlights the potential impact of robotics devices in investigating BRs. Far to be exhaustive, we illustrate major examples of its possible exploitation to further improve the assessment of motor, haptic, and multisensory information building up the BRs. In the second section, we review the main evidence showing the contribution of neurorobotics-based (multi)sensory stimulation in reducing BRs distortions in various clinical conditions (e.g., stroke, amputees). The present study illustrates an emergent multidisciplinary perspective combining the neuroscience of BRs and (neuro)robotics to understand and modulate the perception and experience of one's own body. We suggest that (neuro)robotics can enhance the study of BRs by improving experimental rigor and introducing new experimental conditions. Furthermore, it might pave the way for the rehabilitation of altered body perceptions.

Proprioception impacts body perception in healthy aging – insights from a Psychophysical and Computational Approach

“…In line with previous studies documenting alterations in body representations in individuals with proprioceptive impairments 23,26,31 , and considering the physiological decline of proprioception during aging 5,6 , we expect i) to identify higher mBR distortions and altered BO in older adults and ii) to observe a predominant role of proprioception in explaining these alterations.…”

“…This might lay the groundwork to generate new prevention and stimulation strategies not only focused on sensorimotor functions but also on body perception in typical aging. This is particularly relevant considering that new methods for the rehabilitation of distortions in body representation have recently been proposed 24,26 and tested in clinical populations 23,25,31,64 , but not yet extended to support wellbeing in seniors.…”

“…body ownership (BO), also depends on the coherent integration of bodily cues in space and time. This has been demonstrated by alteration in BO induced by the so-called multisensory body illusions (e.g., the rubber hand illusion, RHI 19,22 ) or by alteration in the processing of somatosensory and in particular proprioceptive information as in amputees [23][24][25][26] or stroke patients [27][28][29][30][31] reporting altered body experience e.g. phantom or altered perceived dimension of the affected limb, mBR.…”

Evaluation of upper limb perception after stroke with the new Affected Limb Perception Questionnaire (ALPQ): a study protocol

“…The present study aims at describing a broad picture of BPs alterations after stroke in the different phases of the disease and in relation to sensorimotor deficits, UL activity, brain lesions as well as recovery. This knowledge would potentially drive the development of new rehabilitative targeted and personalized interventions taking into account BPs disturbances to improve patients’ functional outcome [ 8 , 70 ].…”

Virtual, augmented and mixed reality for motor neurorehabilitation: a systematic methodological review focused on the role of body representation (Preprint)

“…The body of literature surrounding the use of VR in neurorehabilitation reflects a diverse array of findings and perspectives, shedding light on both the promises and challenges of integrating this innovative technology into clinical practice [28,35]. Ventura et al (2023) [49] conducted a systematic review that underscored the potential of body ownership illusion through VR in limb rehabilitation post-stroke, highlighting its role in accelerating motor recovery by fostering a sense of embodiment [69]. This finding resonates with embodied cognition theories, which emphasize the reciprocal relationship between bodily states and cognitive functions, particularly evident in language processing among individuals with neurological disorders [70].…”