Multisensory stimulation decreases phantom limb distortions and is optimally integrated

The multisensory integration of signals from different senses is crucial to develop an unambiguous percept of the environment and our body. Losing a limb causes drastic changes in the body, sometimes causing pain and distorted phantom limb perception. Despite the debate over why these phenomena arise, some researchers suggested that they might be linked to an impairment of multisensory signals inflow and integration. Therefore, reestablising optimally integrated sensory feedback could be crucial. The related benefits on sensory performance and body self-representation are still to be demonstrated, particularly in lower-limb amputees. We present a multisensory framework combining Virtual reality and electro-cutaneous stimulation that allows the optimal integration of visuotactile stimuli in lower-limb amputees even if nonspalially matching. We also showed that this multisensory stimulation allowed faster sensory processing, higher embodiment, and reductions in phantom limb distortions. Our find support the development of multisensory rehabilitation approaches, restoring a correct body representation.

Automated summary

The multisensory integration of signals plays a crucial role in developing a clear percept of the environment and body. Lower-limb amputees often face challenges in integrating multisensory signals, leading to pain and distorted phantom limb perception. However, a multisensory framework combining virtual reality and electro-cutaneous stimulation can effectively improve sensory perception and reduce phantom limb distortions.