Exploring Bodily Awareness via the Integration of the Vestibular System and Interoception

Abstract

Various embodiment theories suggest that the sense of self is rooted in the physical body, indicating that self-awareness emerges from bodily awareness. The integration of multiple sensory modalities, including physiological signals from the body referred to as interoception, constitutes bodily awareness. Although often unconscious, interoception plays a crucial role in maintaining physiological balance and influences perception, emotion, and decision-making [1].   

The multisensory character of vestibular processing integrates vestibular, tactile, proprioceptive, and visual input. It typically operates below conscious awareness but becomes more noticeable during shifts in bodily orientation [2]. Emerging evidence suggests that vestibular-autonomic interactions may link the vestibular and interoceptive systems [1]. The dynamic, subtle nature of both signal types presents a compelling focus for phenomenological investigation.

Despite advancements in cognitive science and neuroscience, understanding how individuals integrate various sensory inputs into a cohesive bodily self remains a challenge. The concept of interoceptive-exteroceptive integration illustrates how internal bodily signals and external sensory information interact to support bodily and self-awareness.

This pilot study employs a parallel mixed-methods research design combining psychometric, motor-behavioral, and phenomenological data. It investigates the potential relationship between vestibular and interoceptive mechanisms, an area with limited empirical research. The research question is, how do individual differences in interoceptive sensibility relate to objective balance performance and subjective experience of the Unipedal Stance Task?

Six healthy adult participants will perform the Unipedal Stance Task (UPST) under two conditions: with their eyes open and closed, to isolate the role of visual input. The UPST was chosen for its clinical validity, sensitivity to subtle balance impairments, and ability to assess static postural control in a straightforward and controlled manner. Participants will be instructed to stand on one leg for as long as possible while minimizing movement.

After completing the task, participants will fill out the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) and participate in a semi-structured phenomenological interview. Quantitative data will include interoceptive sensibility (measured by the MAIA) and balance performance (measured by the duration of stance). These results will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, consistent with the exploratory nature of the study and intend to inform future hypotheses. Qualitative data will be analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how participants understand and reflect on their bodily experiences during the balance task.

Findings could further clarify how vestibular and interoceptive systems interact to shape bodily awareness and may inform future research in neurorehabilitation, mental health, and clinical assessment, particularly in cases of disrupted bodily awareness [3].

References

[1] D. Candia-Rivera, T. Engelen, M. Babo-Rebelo, and P. C. Salamone, “Interoception, network physiology, and the emergence of bodily self-awareness,” Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev., vol. 165, p. 105864, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105864

[2] C. Lopez, “The vestibular system: Balancing more than just the body,” Curr. Opin. Neurol., vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 74–83, 2016. doi: 10.1097/WCO.0000000000000286

[3] H. Y. Wong, “In and out of balance,” in The Subject's Matter: Self-Consciousness and the Body, F. de Vignemont and A. J. T. Alsmith, Eds. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2017, pp. 206–219. doi: 10.7551/mitpress/10462.003.0018