Effects of electrical brain stimulation on brain indices and presence experience in immersive, interactive virtual reality

Abstract The subjective presence experience in virtual reality (VR) is associated with distinct brain activation patterns. Particularly, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) seems to play a central role. We investigated effects of electric stimulation (transcranial direct current, tDCS) on as well activity and connectivity. Thirty-eight participants received either anodal ( N = 18) or cathodal 20) DLPFC before interacting an immersive VR sham stimulation. During interaction, EEG heart rate were recorded. After rated their using standardized questionnaires. Cathodal led stronger connectivity than Increased was numerically lower levels presence. Anodal did not lead changes connectivity, no differences ratings found between These results indicate that tDCS over leads more synchronized state, which might hamper networks, are generally evolvement experience. Our underline importance for VR.