Virtual reality as a tool for cognitive and sensory modulation

Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a transformative medium in neuroscience, moving beyond entertainment into a robust tool for experimental manipulation. Traditionally, studying cognitive and sensory processes required a trade-off between controlled laboratory settings and real-world ecological validity. VR bridges this gap by providing immersive, three-dimensional environments that can be precisely modulated to isolate specific neural responses. By engaging multiple sensory modalities—visual, auditory, and increasingly somatosensory—VR creates a sense of "presence" that activates the brain in ways traditional 2D stimuli cannot. This immersive capacity allows researchers to investigate how the human brain processes complex sensory inputs and orchestrates cognitive functions in real-time.Despite the burgeoning use of VR in psychological and clinical research, there remains a critical gap in our understanding of the precise neurobiological mechanisms through which immersive environments modulate human cognition and sensory perception. This Research Topic aims to address this challenge by consolidating cutting-edge research that utilizes VR as a catalyst for cognitive and sensory change. The primary goal is to shift from purely observational data toward a deeper neuroscientific understanding of VR-induced modulation. We aim to explore how VR can be utilized to re-train the brain, alleviate chronic pain, or enhance executive functions through targeted stimulation, providing a framework for evidence-based VR interventions.We welcome original research, systematic reviews, and methodological papers that explore the capacity of VR to modulate brain function across the lifespan in both healthy and clinical populations.Specific themes include:Neural Mechanisms of VR-induced Analgesia.Cognitive Rehabilitation and Neuroplasticity (e.g., stroke or TBI recovery).Multisensory Integration, body ownership, and proprioception.Spatial Navigation and Memory mapping in 3D virtual spaces.Sensory Processing in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (e.g., ASD).Affective Neuroscience and physiological stress response modulation.Technical Innovations in synchronizing VR with neuroimaging (EEG, fNIRS, fMRI). Topic editors: Matteo Toscani, Asha K. Vas Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79918/virtual-reality-as-a-tool-for-cognitive-and-sensory-modulation