Can visual stimulus induce proprioceptive drift in the upper arm using virtual reality?

Sustained isometric contractions (SIC), such as holding an arm stationary in a space, are often used in upper limb rehabilitation exercises, particularly where it is important to protect the joints and tendons or to reduce patient fatigue. However, visual cues within a virtual environment may have an unanticipated effect on the ability to maintain SIC. This study investigated the influence of background motion within a virtual environment on the ability to maintain a fixed position during an upper limb task. It was found that introducing directional movement had a significant differential effect on the ability to maintain SIC.