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

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