Embodiment of Virtual Body and Extremities With Movement Control in Reaching Tasks Using Virtual Reality

Abstract

The study explores embodiment in virtual reality (VR), investigating its effects on task performance across various body representations. Previous research highlighted the impact of embodiment on motor performance in VR, emphasizing the importance of body representation. While prior studies mainly focused on full-body avatars, this study aims to understand the perceived embodiment in hand and foot-reaching tasks using different body representations. Thirty-two participants engaged in reaching tasks within VR environments, employing a 4×3 within-subjects design. Results indicated significant differences in embodiment across body representation conditions, with notable effects on task performance. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring virtual environments to enhance embodiment and consider task-specific demands to optimize performance outcomes. Personalizing VR experiences based on body representations could effectively enhance user engagement and satisfaction, offering valuable insights for future VR applications in various domains.