Can touching your virtual hand trick your brain? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT05836038

Terminated Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Tufts University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study from Tufts University aims to understand how combining touch and sight in virtual reality (VR) can create a feeling of owning a virtual hand. Researchers will have 30 right-handed adults perform tasks while seeing their virtual hand touched and feeling the same pattern on their real opposite hand. The study measures motor performance, embodiment, and usability, but has been withdrawn before enrolling any participants.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Visio-Tactile Stimulation
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help improve virtual reality experiences for training or therapy by understanding how touch and sight create a sense of body ownership.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early feasibility study with no participants enrolled yet. It only tests healthy adults, so results may not apply to people with medical conditions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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