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.