The effects of mirror visual feedback involved network priming on embodiment perception in healthy subjects: a proof-of-concept study

Introduction: Mirror visual feedback (MVF) efficacy varies with individual embodiment perception. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the behavioral effects of priming via the rubber hand illusion (RHI) and action observation (AO) on embodiment perception during MVF. Methods: Twenty healthy participants were recruited. This experiment contained three rounds: MVF, RHI-MVF, and AO-MVF. At first, all the participants completed the round of MVF, and after 24 hours, they received the round of RHI-MVF or AO-MVF at a random order with an interval of 24 hours. Each round comprised two sessions, including session of simple motor tasks (SMT) and session of objective-based tasks (OBT). In addition, each session contained 5 tasks, which was repeated 10 times at a frequency of 2 seconds per time. Results: The results showed that priming of networks overlapping with MVF through RHI/AO paradigms could enhance the intensity of embodiment perception. The machine learning analysis further revealed a stronger predictive association between RHI and heightened embodiment perception compared to AO. Additionally, we found that OBT could facilitate embodiment elicitation, comparing to SMT. Conclusion: Our findings provided, which insights into modulating embodiment perception during MVF paradigms. These preliminary results might benefit future investigations therapeutic efficacy in neuro-rehabilitation. Clinical trial registration: Identifier ChiCTR2500102438.