Virtual embodiment training is associated with relative alpha power modulation
IntroductionVirtual Reality mediated virtual embodiment training (VR-VET) is designed to reduce chronic pain, yet a neuroimaging marker predictive of outcomes or associated with clinical changes in pain has not been validated. This study considers four candidate EEG metrics that are associated with...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Human Neuroscience |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2025.1537463/full |
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| author | Soraya Miremadi Kai Wai Yang Akshat Kalra Sri Lasya Malladi Julia A. Scott |
| author_facet | Soraya Miremadi Kai Wai Yang Akshat Kalra Sri Lasya Malladi Julia A. Scott |
| author_sort | Soraya Miremadi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionVirtual Reality mediated virtual embodiment training (VR-VET) is designed to reduce chronic pain, yet a neuroimaging marker predictive of outcomes or associated with clinical changes in pain has not been validated. This study considers four candidate EEG metrics that are associated with cognitive states of mental imagery, chronic pain intensity, and stress states. VR-VET with EEG enables measurement of these metrics and collection of kinematic data. Kinematic data serves as an indicator of functional movement. In a healthy population, this study assessed neuroimaging markers for cognitive processes involved in VET or pain perception.MethodsEEG was collected in 16 healthy individuals during VR-VET. Candidate EEG metrics were computed. Position data for each hand was used to calculate smoothness of movement within each activity. EEG metrics and smoothness were compared between the breathwork activity and activities with active movement of arms.ResultsRelative global alpha was significantly different in all VET activities compared to breathwork (p < 0.001). Specifically, relative posterior alpha power (p < 0.001) and relative mu (p = 0.026) were significantly lower in all active conditions. Smoothness of the active arm varied across VET activities and was reduced compared to breathwork (p < 0.001).DiscussionNeuroimaging markers are feasible to investigate VET mechanisms during movement. Relative global alpha is sensitive to VET states and may be related to motor imagery tasks or visual attention, making it a relevant EEG metric in the study of VET. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-29fa482a15b34a479da79ef0a0cf1024 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1662-5161 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Human Neuroscience |
| spelling | doaj-art-29fa482a15b34a479da79ef0a0cf10242025-08-20T03:07:55ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Human Neuroscience1662-51612025-05-011910.3389/fnhum.2025.15374631537463Virtual embodiment training is associated with relative alpha power modulationSoraya Miremadi0Kai Wai Yang1Akshat Kalra2Sri Lasya Malladi3Julia A. Scott4Brain and Memory Care Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United StatesBrain and Memory Care Lab, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United StatesBrain and Memory Care Lab, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United StatesBrain and Memory Care Lab, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United StatesBrain and Memory Care Lab, Department of Bioengineering, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United StatesIntroductionVirtual Reality mediated virtual embodiment training (VR-VET) is designed to reduce chronic pain, yet a neuroimaging marker predictive of outcomes or associated with clinical changes in pain has not been validated. This study considers four candidate EEG metrics that are associated with cognitive states of mental imagery, chronic pain intensity, and stress states. VR-VET with EEG enables measurement of these metrics and collection of kinematic data. Kinematic data serves as an indicator of functional movement. In a healthy population, this study assessed neuroimaging markers for cognitive processes involved in VET or pain perception.MethodsEEG was collected in 16 healthy individuals during VR-VET. Candidate EEG metrics were computed. Position data for each hand was used to calculate smoothness of movement within each activity. EEG metrics and smoothness were compared between the breathwork activity and activities with active movement of arms.ResultsRelative global alpha was significantly different in all VET activities compared to breathwork (p < 0.001). Specifically, relative posterior alpha power (p < 0.001) and relative mu (p = 0.026) were significantly lower in all active conditions. Smoothness of the active arm varied across VET activities and was reduced compared to breathwork (p < 0.001).DiscussionNeuroimaging markers are feasible to investigate VET mechanisms during movement. Relative global alpha is sensitive to VET states and may be related to motor imagery tasks or visual attention, making it a relevant EEG metric in the study of VET.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2025.1537463/fullvirtual embodimentEEGchronic painvirtual realityalpha power band |
| spellingShingle | Soraya Miremadi Kai Wai Yang Akshat Kalra Sri Lasya Malladi Julia A. Scott Virtual embodiment training is associated with relative alpha power modulation Frontiers in Human Neuroscience virtual embodiment EEG chronic pain virtual reality alpha power band |
| title | Virtual embodiment training is associated with relative alpha power modulation |
| title_full | Virtual embodiment training is associated with relative alpha power modulation |
| title_fullStr | Virtual embodiment training is associated with relative alpha power modulation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Virtual embodiment training is associated with relative alpha power modulation |
| title_short | Virtual embodiment training is associated with relative alpha power modulation |
| title_sort | virtual embodiment training is associated with relative alpha power modulation |
| topic | virtual embodiment EEG chronic pain virtual reality alpha power band |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2025.1537463/full |
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