Effects of Frequent Changes in Extended Self-Avatar Movements on Adaptation Performance

Abstract

Among several perceptive traits of virtual reality, the relationship between the physical body and a self-avatar is unclear. In this study, we investigate a case of hyper-adaptability, i.e., the capability of users to adjust to the movements of an altered self-avatar when such movements abruptly and frequently change. Fo-cusing on movements of the upper limbs, we show ex-perimentally the effect of the frequency of variations in virtual body alterations on adaptability. Moreover, we report a positive evaluation of the sense of embodiment and the overall user experience with virtual re-ality, and finally underline how these studies can be considered a basis for the design and development of virtual rehabilitation systems.