The ‘hand paradox’: distorted representations guide optimal actions

Imagine if your body had its own funhouse mirror, where your hand would be wider and have shorter fingers. Well, it turns out that our brain does just that! In a fascinating review, Longo explains how our perception of our own hand can be distorted, with our brain making it wider and with stubby fingers. This seems counterintuitive, right? But actually, these distortions play a crucial role in helping us move and control our hands effectively. You see, to have precise motor control, we need accurate information about the structure and dimensions of our hand. By exaggerating certain features, our brain enhances our ability to perform actions efficiently. It’s like having a cheat code for optimal hand movements!

To better understand this puzzle, scientists are exploring how these distorted representations develop and how they’re processed in the brain. They’re also investigating if similar distortions occur in other body parts. Unlocking these mysteries could provide valuable insights into motor control and even potential therapies for conditions affecting body perception.