What Drives Detection in Hand Redirection?

Abstract

Hand redirection is a visuo-haptic illusion in virtual reality, introducing an offset between the virtual and real hand position. The detection of this illusion is typically attributed to the magnitude of visuo–proprioceptive conflict (VPC). In this work, we investigate how online correction processes and proprioceptive feedback influence the detection of HR. We conducted a controlled experiment (N = 23) comparing a Point condition with a fixed endpoint, an Arc condition with relaxed endpoint constraints, and a Replay-Point condition in which previously recorded movements were passively observed without concurrent proprioceptive feedback. Results show that 1) the Arc manipulation significantly reduced endpoint-driven online correction and increased trajectory deviation and variability. However, its effect on detection thresholds was limited, with a moderate effect observed for the width. 2) In contrast, passive replay without concurrent proprioceptive feedback preserved psychometric width relative to Point, but shifted response bias. Overall, our findings suggest a mixed account in which perceptual detection of the illusion integrates multiple sources of information, including VPC, online-correction kinematic cues and visual movement priors.