Systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate no effect of rubber hand illusion on pain in healthy individuals, suggesting further investigation is needed.
• Whether the Rubber Hand Illusion reduces pain remains a key open question. • The review finds mixed and conflicting evidence that RHI affects pain. • Meta-analysis shows no reliable effect of RHI on pain modulation. • Findings challenge theories claiming bodily illusions can ease pain. • Results call for deeper study before applying body-ownership methods clinically.
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Coppi et al. (2026) studied this question.
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