Assessment of neuroaesthetic criteria to select hedonic stimuli for rehabilitation: A preliminary study

In recent years, research has increasingly explored the efficacy of art therapy for conditions such as stroke, uncovering benefits like the “Michelangelo effect”, which enhances motor performance in individuals exposed to aesthetically pleasing artwork during specific activities. While standardized stimuli are often used, their clinical effectiveness is questionable. Providing a positive experience with subjectively appreciated visual stimuli is crucial, as it enhances patient engagement and therapeutic outcomes. For this reason, our study aims to understand which paintings, starting from an existing dataset, are most appreciated and which characteristics make them more interesting for observers. We enrolled 59 healthy subjects who evaluated 60 abstract paintings based on pleasantness and element salience. Results highlighted preferences for warm colors, prominent elements, and a sense of movement influencing aesthetic appreciation. Possible hypotheses of these results are linked to the importance of spatial attention, depth perception and visuo-motor integration when viewing paintings. These findings informed the selection of stimulus sets for future motor neurorehabilitation protocols.