Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ PRISM: University of...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/pr...
Doctoral thesis . 2025
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

This Research product is the result of merged Research products in OpenAIRE.

You have already added 0 works in your ORCID record related to the merged Research product.

Spinal Reflex Modulation in Real and Virtual Environments: Investigating the Muscle Spindle’s Role in Sensorimotor Adaptation to Altered Visual Feedback, Sympathetic Arousal, and Postural Tasks

Authors: Hodgson, Daniel;

Spinal Reflex Modulation in Real and Virtual Environments: Investigating the Muscle Spindle’s Role in Sensorimotor Adaptation to Altered Visual Feedback, Sympathetic Arousal, and Postural Tasks

Abstract

Introduction: Sensorimotor control is influenced by multiple sensory and emotional factors, including visual feedback and sympathetic arousal. Virtual reality (VR) provides a powerful tool to study these mechanisms by simulating immersive environments that can modulate static and dynamic motor control. However, the effects of VR on spinal excitability and muscle spindle function remain poorly understood. This dissertation examines how VR alters sensorimotor integration across different motor tasks and explores the potential role of fusimotor control in these adaptations. Methods: Four interrelated studies investigated VR-induced neuromuscular adaptations in the lower limb during stance and locomotion and in the upper limb during muscle contraction and at rest. Reflex responses were assessed in Studies 1—3 using electrical nerve stimulation (H-reflexes) and mechanical (noisy) tendon vibration (NTV), and microneurography was used in Study 4, to examine spinal excitability and muscle spindle sensitivity. Electromyography (EMG) and electrodermal activity (EDA) were recorded to monitor muscle activation and sympathetic arousal. Participants were exposed to various VR conditions, including simulated heights, dynamic motion, and VR/real-world transitions, to assess how altered visual environments influence sensorimotor function. Results: Across studies, VR exposure suppressed H-reflex amplitudes, suggesting reduced spinal excitability, while NTV-evoked responses remained stable, indicating preserved spindle function. The extent and the temporal patterns of VR-induced changes in reflex excitability were task-dependent, with H-reflex suppression and recovery emerging at various stages of VR immersion. Direct recordings of muscle spindles revealed variable but distinct modulations in afferent activity, suggesting independent fusimotor control in VR. In all studies, VR increased physiological markers of sympathetic arousal (e.g., EDA) and subjective discomfort (e.g., fear, anxiety, motion sickness), reinforcing the link between emotional arousal and sensorimotor adaptation. Discussion: These findings demonstrate that immersive VR environments can alter sensorimotor integration through modulations in spinal excitability and fusimotor drive. The persistence of some neuromuscular effects following VR exposure suggests potential implications for rehabilitation, occupational training, and motor learning. Understanding how VR influences sensorimotor control may enhance its application in clinical and performance settings.

Keywords

Spinal Reflexes, Sensorimotor Integration, Microneurography, Electromyography, Physiology, FOS: Biological sciences, Noisy Tendon Vibration, Health Sciences, Virtual Reality, Electrodermal Activity, Muscle Spindles, H-reflex, Neuroscience

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green