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Was it less painful for knights? Influence of appearance on pain perception
Author(s) -
Weeth A.,
Mühlberger A.,
Shiban Y.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
european journal of pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.305
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1532-2149
pISSN - 1090-3801
DOI - 10.1002/ejp.1087
Subject(s) - virtual reality , perception , psychology , embodied cognition , anticipation (artificial intelligence) , pain perception , audiology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , medicine , computer science , neuroscience , artificial intelligence
Abstract Background Pain perception is a subjective experience shaped by different factors. In this study, we investigated the influence of a visually manipulated appearance of a virtual arm on pain perception. Specifically, we investigated how pain perception and vegetative skin responses were modified by inducing a virtual protection on the right arm by a virtual armour. Methods Participants ( n = 32) immersed in virtual reality embodied a virtual arm, which appeared in three different versions (uncovered, neutral or protected). During the virtual reality simulation, the participants received electrical stimulations of varying intensities. Skin conductance level ( SCL ) was analysed for the phase anticipation (from the moment the arm appeared until the electric stimulation) and perception of pain (after the electric stimulation). Pain ratings were acquired after the painful stimuli occurred. Results The sense of embodiment was positive for the unprotected and neutral condition and lower for the protected than for the neutral arm. Pain ratings were significantly decreased in the protected arm condition compared with both the unprotected arm and the neutral arm conditions. The SCL measurements showed no significant differences for the three arm types. Conclusions According to the pain ratings, participants felt significantly less pain in the covered arm condition compared with the unprotected and the neutral arm condition. Subjective pain perception was decreased by a virtual protection of the arm in VR . The simplicity of the manipulation suggests possible practical uses in pain therapy by strengthening the patients’ own capacities to influence their pain using simple cognitive manipulations via virtual reality. Significance A virtual, covered arm causes differences in reported pain ratings. Physiological measurements do not confirm the findings. Visual information about body protection can have an impact on pain perception.