Changing the size of a mirror ‐reflected hand does not affect pain perception: A repeated measures study on healthy human participants
ConclusionObserving a reflection of the hand in front of a mirror did not alter heat pain threshold nor tolerance when compared with a no‐reflection condition, and altering the size of the reflection did not affect pain perception. Researchers and clinicians using visual feedback techniques may consider including an adaptive phase with visuo‐motor feedback to facilitate embodiment of the viewed body part.
SignificanceAn adaptive phase with visuo‐motor feedback enhances the perceptual experience of embodiment of a reflection of a hand and a painful stimulus does not weaken the experience. This should be considered when using visual feedback techniques for pain management.
Source: European Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: P.G. Wittkopf, D.M. Lloyd, M.I. Johnson Tags: Original Article Source Type: research