Postural Response as a Behavioral Correlate of Presence in Virtual Reality

Abstract Presence is a central concept in virtual reality (VR) research but is most often assessed using post-experience questionnaires that are subjective and susceptible to bias. Behavioral measures may offer a complementary, objective perspective on presence, particularly when examined in relation to specific situational demands. Rather than attempting to validate postural control as a global measure of presence, this Forum article explores whether postural responses show promise as a stimulus-evoked behavioral correlate of presence in an immersive virtual environment. Participants stood wearing a head-mounted display while viewing a VR-based construction site in which walls and ceiling elements moved toward the user, while postural responses were recorded using motion capture. Trunk sway magnitude and direction were quantified and compared to quiet stance, and subjective presence was assessed following each trial. Results showed greater postural sway during many virtual events relative to baseline, with moderate but non-significant associations with self-reported presence. Although limited by a small sample size, these exploratory findings highlight the potential and limitations of postural control as a context-dependent indicator of presence and are intended to stimulate further methodological discussion.