Tool use and function knowledge shape visual object processing

Perceiving the environment automatically informs how we can interact with it through affordance mechanisms. However, remains unknown our knowledge about shapes is perceived. In this training study, evaluated whether motor and function novel objects affects visual object processing. Forty-three participants associated a usage or to in interactive virtual reality while their EEG was recorded. Both influenced mu-band (8–12 Hz) rhythms, suggesting that information influence processing during recognition. Learning also prevented reduction of theta-band (4–8 rhythms recorded over posterior cortical areas, predominant top-down tool use on visuo-motor pathways. The modulation being specifically induced by learning an usage, results support further embodied cognition approach rather than reasoning-based