Search Results (201)

We provide a summary of the research conducted in our laboratory on the relationship between ocular proprioception, general proprioception, and dyslexia. Dyslexic children show a marked proprioceptive deficit which affects motor control, attention and spatial perception. The spatial disturbances are expressed by the presence of a vertical microheterophoria which has very specific characteristics. It is associated with abnormal tone of the oblique muscles and can be modified by means of very low powered prisms and/or remote sensory stimulation. When ocular proprioception is modified, sounds cause stochastic visual losses. This may interfere with the association between phonemes and graphemes, which is necessary for learning to read. The effects of a generalized nocturnal proprioceptive disorder may play a role in the abnormal brain development that has been observed in dyslexic children. Full article

Extended-reality (XR) tools are increasingly used to revitalise museum experiences, but typical head-mounted or smartphone solutions tend to fragment audiences and suppress the social dialogue that makes cultural heritage memorable. This article addresses that gap on two fronts. First, it proposes a four-phase design methodology—spanning artifact selection, narrative framing, tangible-interface fabrication, spatial installation, software integration, validation, and deployment—that helps curators, designers, and technologists to co-create XR exhibitions in which co-presence, embodied action, and multisensory cues are treated as primary design goals rather than afterthoughts. Second, the paper reports LanternXR, a proof-of-concept built with the methodology: visitors share a 3D-printed replica of the fourteenth-century Virgin of Boixadors while wielding a tracked “camera” and a candle-like lantern that lets them illuminate, photograph, and annotate the sculpture inside a life-sized Gothic nave rendered on large 4K displays with spatial audio and responsive lighting. To validate the approach, the article presents an analytical synthesis of feedback from curators, museologists, and XR technologists, underscoring the system’s capacity to foster collaboration, deepen engagement, and broaden accessibility. The findings show how XR can move museum audiences from isolated immersion to collective, multisensory exploration. Full article

Background: Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programmes must partner effectively with families navigating complex circumstances. Adolescent parents (APs) in Teen Parent Units (TPUs) represent a dynamic group demonstrating resilience as they balance childcare, education, and their own developmental journeys. This study explores their understanding of infant hearing, sources of knowledge, and the development of an effective teaching tool. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with AP learners at a TPU in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Following a period of relationship-building, three focus groups were held. Data were analysed using content analysis and reflexive thematic analysis. Results: AP learners demonstrated a strong awareness of multisensory interactions. Major sources of knowledge included their relational interactions with people they trusted (midwives and family members), rather than social media. Four key themes emerged in the teaching tool’s development: (1) the effectiveness of multimodal teaching tools, (2) the benefits of peer-supported group learning, (3) the impact of high strain, and (4) the importance of Te Ao Māori (a Māori worldview). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of culturally grounded health interventions for families navigating complex life circumstances. Group-based learning fostered peer support, hands-on multimodal teaching was effective, and culturally relevant materials and pedagogies enhanced engagement. EHDI programs may more effectively support infants from families navigating complex circumstances by collaborating with trusted support people, integrating with wraparound care networks, utilising safe and familiar settings, and delivering interventions in an engaging and culturally appropriate manner. Full article

The integration of multisensory inputs plays a crucial role in shaping perception and behavior, particularly in the visual system. The collicular pathway, encompassing the optic tectum in non-mammalian vertebrates and the superior colliculus (SC) in mammals, is a key hub for integrating sensory information and mediating adaptive motor responses. Comparative studies across species reveal evolutionary adaptations that enhance sensory processing and contribute to compensatory mechanisms following neuronal injury. The present review outlines the structure and function of the multisensory visual pathways, emphasizing the retinocollicular projections, and their multisensory integration, which depends on synaptic convergence of afferents conveying information from different sensory modalities. The cellular mechanisms underlying multimodal integration remain to be fully clarified, and further investigations are needed to clarify the link between neuronal activity in response to multisensory stimulation and behavioral response involving motor activity. By exploring the interplay between fundamental neuroscience and translational applications, we aim to address multisensory integration as a pivotal target for its potential role in visual rehabilitation strategies. Full article

With globalization and the transformation of socio-cultural structures, the focus of spatial design has shifted from functionality to perceptual experience and atmospheric creation. This study draws on the spatial perception theory and the phenomenology of perception to examine how sensory subjects perceive and respond to the physical attributes of space. It explores key elements that shape spatial experiences, including lighting, color, spatial form, sound, material, and scent, all of which contribute to the construction of emotional ambiance and the perceptual character of interior environments. Based on this foundation, this study proposes multi-sensory design strategies for interior spaces, including the following: (1) visual perception: modifying color and lighting to establish emotional ambiance and enhance spatial depth; (2) auditory perception: crafting soundscapes that deepen immersion; (3) tactile perception: designing both direct and indirect tactile experiences; and (4) olfactory and gustatory perception: incorporating scent design to evoke memory and forge emotional connections. To demonstrate the practical potential of these strategies, this study presents a conceptual design case of a coffee roasting factory in Suzhou. The design integrates visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory elements to enhance users’ overall spatial perception through multi-sensory coordination. This study ultimately seeks to provide theoretical insights into practical design strategies, highlighting the importance of perceptual experience in improving spatial quality and guiding future interior design practice. Full article

This study investigates how virtual reality (VR) experiences influence tourists’ intentions to visit Da Lat, Vietnam, as a botanical destination, emphasizing the mediating roles of enjoyment and immersion. By integrating flow theory with the Information Systems Success model, this research develops a comprehensive framework explaining how content quality, system quality, and VR vividness shape user engagement and travel intentions. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study analyzes survey data from 231 valid responses out of 240 participants. The findings reveal that content quality, system quality, and vividness significantly enhance enjoyment and immersion, which subsequently have a positive impact on travel intentions. The study contributes to the tourism and consumer experience literature by demonstrating how multisensory engagement in VR fosters decision-making. Theoretical implications include extending flow theory within virtual tourism and highlighting the joint influence of technological and perceptual factors on user behavior. Practically, these insights inform tourism marketers on optimizing VR environments to evoke emotional engagement and enhance destination appeal through immersive technology. Full article

Social media influencers strategically design the auditory and visual features of short videos to enhance consumer engagement. Among these, auditory emotional arousal and visual variation play crucial roles, yet their interactive effects remain underexplored. Drawing on multichannel integration theory, this study applies multimodal machine learning to analyze 12,842 short videos from Douyin, integrating text analysis, sound recognition, and image processing. The results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between auditory emotional arousal and consumer engagement, where moderate arousal maximizes interaction while excessively high or low arousal reduces engagement. Visual variation, however, exhibits a positive linear effect, with greater variation driving higher engagement. Notably, audiovisual congruence significantly enhances engagement, as high alignment between arousal and visual variation optimizes consumer information processing. These findings advance short video marketing research by uncovering the multisensory interplay in consumer engagement. They also provide practical guidance for influencers in optimizing voice and visual design strategies to enhance content effectiveness. Full article

In modern stadium design, wood materials have received increasing attention due to their affinity with nature. Based on the pro-nature design hypothesis, this study explores how wood stadium design perception affects spectators’ spectator satisfaction through biophilicity, and analyzes its mechanism of action in the four dimensions of visual, olfactory, tactile, and perceptual wood design perception. By analyzing 641 samples, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the effects of wood design perception on multiple sensory dimensions. The findings suggest that (1) four-dimensional wood design perceptions positively affect stadium spectator satisfaction, and (2) biophilic affinity plays a mediating role in four-dimensional wood design perceptions affecting stadium spectator satisfaction. This study enriches the theoretical framework of the pro-natural design hypothesis, provides insights into the potential of wooden stadium design to enhance spectator experience, and provides new empirical evidence for the field of architectural and environmental psychology. By revealing the emotional role played by biophilicity in multi-sensory dimensions, it has important practical guidance for enhancing spectator satisfaction, optimizing spatial experience design, and promoting the integration of architectural design with the natural environment in sports stadiums, which has broad social and cultural value. Full article

Daily actions are influenced by sensory information. Several studies have investigated the multisensory integration of multiple sensory modalities, known as crossmodal perception. Recently, visual–olfactory crossmodal perception has been studied using objective physiological measures rather than subjective evaluations. This study focused on sensing in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), which responds to visual and olfactory stimuli, and may serve as a physiological indicator of perception. Using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), we analyzed the emotions evoked by combinations of colored light and fragrance with a particular focus on the lateralization of brain function. We selected pleasant and unpleasant fragrances from some essential oils, paired with colored lights that were perceived as either harmonious or disharmonious with the fragrances. NIRS measurements were conducted under the four following conditions: fragrance-only, colored light-only, harmonious crossmodal, and disharmonious crossmodal presentations. The results showed that the left OFC was activated during the crossmodal presentation of a harmonious color with a pleasant fragrance, thereby evoking pleasant emotions. In contrast, during the crossmodal presentation of a disharmonious color with an unpleasant fragrance, the right OFC was activated, suggesting increased displeasure. Additionally, the lateralization of brain function between the left and right OFC may be influenced by ‘pleasure–displeasure ’ and ‘crossmodal perception–multimodal perception’. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder responsible for both motor and non-motor disturbances impairing motor behavior. This complexity necessitates integrated, multidisciplinary, and comprehensive models of care. A new and interesting complementary approach is represented by “Dance Well”, i.e., an artistic, multisensory dance intervention based on art and music. This pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of a 4-week Dance Well (DW) program in PD patients in early–medium disease stages. Methods: Twenty-four PD patients (H&Y ≤ 3; MoCA score ≥ 13.8) were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups, both with a twice-per-week frequency and lasting 4 weeks: one group underwent the DW program, while the other underwent conventional physiotherapy (CPT). Demographic, biometric, and clinical data were collected. To study the treatment effect, motor (Unified PD Rating Scale-III, Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale, 6-Minute Walk Test, and Falls Efficacy Scale), cognitive (Corsi Supra Span Test, Trail Making Test A and B-A), and emotional–motivational (Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Apathy Evaluation Scale) outcome measures were assessed, before and after the rehabilitation program. To study treatment compliance and safety, the number of dropouts and any adverse events (such as injuries and falls) were recorded. Results: All outcome measures improved in both groups. The percentage of improvement in outcome measures assessing attention and motivation was greater in the DW group. No dropouts, falls, or injuries occurred. Conclusions: In the early–medium stages of PD, DW could be considered a feasible and safe complementary treatment, useful in improving motor, cognitive, and emotional–motivational symptoms. Full article

Thermal technologies that effectively deliver thermal stimulation through skin-integrated systems and enable temperature perception via the activation of cutaneous thermoreceptors are key to enhancing immersive experiences in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) through multisensory engagement. However, recent advancements and commercial adoption have predominantly focused on haptic rather than thermal technology. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in wearable thermal devices (WTDs) designed to reconstruct artificial thermal sensations for VR/AR applications. It examines key thermal stimulation parameters, including stimulation area, magnitude, and duration, with a focus on thermal perception mechanisms and thermoreceptor distribution in the skin. Input power requirements for surpassing thermal perception thresholds are discussed based on analytical modeling. Material choices for WTDs, including metal nanowires, carbon nanotubes, liquid metals, thermoelectric devices, and passive cooling elements, are introduced. The functionalities, device designs, operation modes, fabrication processes, and electrical and mechanical properties of various WTDs are analyzed. Representative applications illustrate how flexible, thin WTDs enable immersive VR/AR experiences through spatiotemporal, programmable stimulation. A concluding section summarizes key challenges and future opportunities in advancing skin–integrated VR/AR systems. Full article

By decoding the behavioral mechanisms underlying material perception, this study pioneers a sensory nudging strategy to accelerate the adoption of sustainable materials. This study, grounded in the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model, investigates the factors influencing the purchase intention and loyalty of wood-plastic composites (WPCs), specifically examining the impact of material stimuli, surface treatment processes, product carriers, and environmental stimuli on consumers’ perceptions of uniqueness and emotional responses. A total of 335 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), with the results indicating that material stimuli and product stimuli were the strongest predictors of perceived uniqueness and emotional responses. Moreover, emotional response had a significantly stronger effect on purchase intention compared to uniqueness perception. Additionally, material familiarity positively moderated the relationship between emotional response and purchase intention. This study provides theoretical support for the marketing of WPCs, emphasizes the significance of integrating material properties, surface treatments, and usage environments in product design, and suggests new avenues for future research, particularly regarding the relationship between multisensory experiences and consumer behavior. Full article

Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) is a rare disorder that impairs autonomic breathing control, leading to alveolar hypoventilation and sometimes to central apnoea, predominantly during sleep. Patients typically require nocturnal ventilatory support and alarms to prevent life-threatening desaturation events. However, current alarm systems integrated into pulse oximeters do not provide adequate assistance at home. To address these limitations, we developed an assistive device with customizable multisensory stimulation that activates based on the severity and duration of desaturation episodes. In a multicenter clinical trial involving 4 children and 11 young adults with CCHS, we assessed the device’s effectiveness and the role of arousals over three nights: one baseline and two test nights. The results showed that the device significantly improved awakening rates and enabled faster recovery from desaturations in young adults. However, no such improvements were observed in children compared to the baseline. Arousal events and sleep efficiency were unaffected by the device in both groups. These findings suggest that the device can enhance the safety and autonomy of young adults with CCHS but may be more effective in alerting caregivers in pediatric cases than directly waking children. Further studies are needed to refine its application across different age groups, given the limited sample size. Full article

The exploitation of immersive simulation platforms to improve traditional training techniques in the agricultural industry sector would enable year-round accessibility, flexibility, safety, and consistent high-quality training for agricultural operators. An innovative workflow in virtual simulations for training and educational purposes includes an immersive environment in which the operator can interact with plants through haptic interfaces, following instructions imparted by a non-playing character (NPC) instructor. This study allows simulating the pruning of a complex case study, a hazelnut tree, reproduced in very high detail to offer agricultural operators a more realistic and immersive training environment than those currently existing. The process of creating a multisensorial environment starts with the integrated survey of the plant with a laser scanner and photogrammetry and then generates a controllable parametric model from roots to leaves with the exact positioning of the original branches. The model is finally inserted into a simulation, where haptic gloves with tactile resistance responsive to model collisions are tested. The results of the experimentation demonstrate the correct execution of this innovative design simulation, in which branches and leaves can be cut using a shear, with immediate sensory feedback. The project therefore aims to finalize this product as a realistic training platform for pruning, but not limited to it, paving the way for high-fidelity simulation for many other types of operations and specializations. Full article

Background: When engaging with the environment, multisensory cues interact and are integrated to create a coherent representation of the world around us, a process that has been suggested to be affected by the lack of visual feedback in blind individuals. In addition, the presence of voluntary movement can be responsible for suppressing somatosensory information processed by the cortex, which might lead to a worse encoding of tactile information. Objectives: In this work, we aim to explore how cross-modal interaction can be affected by active movements and the role of vision in this process. Methods: To this end, we measured the precision of 18 blind individuals and 18 age-matched sighted controls in a velocity discrimination task. The participants were instructed to detect the faster stimulus between a sequence of two in both passive and active touch conditions. The sensory stimulation could be either just tactile or audio–tactile, where a non-informative sound co-occurred with the tactile stimulation. The measure of precision was obtained by computing the just noticeable difference (JND) of each participant. Results: The results show worse precision with the audio–tactile sensory stimulation in the active condition for the sighted group (p = 0.046) but not for the blind one (p = 0.513). For blind participants, only the movement itself had an effect. Conclusions: For sighted individuals, the presence of noise from active touch made them vulnerable to auditory interference. However, the blind group exhibited less sensory interaction, experiencing only the detrimental effect of movement. Our work should be considered when developing next-generation haptic devices. Full article