The primary objective of the PROCESS thesis project is to meticulously investigate the role of proprioception in comparison to that of action in the process of adopting a visuo-auditory sensory substitution device. This inquiry remains an open theoretical question in the field (Froese & Ortiz-Garin, 2020). On a practical level, our findings hold the potential to revolutionize the approaches for individuals afflicted with sensorimotor disorders stemming from cerebral lesions, encompassing conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and chronic alcoholism.

The PROCESS project, while building upon antecedent research conducted within our laboratory pertaining to sensory substitution (Deschamps et al., 2016; Rovira et al., 2014; Rovira & Gapenne, 2009; Roy et al., 2019), introduces a distinct dimension by exploring the specific role of proprioception and employs a unique device to test this hypothesis (as detailed below), thus qualifying as a pioneering endeavor.

Our overarching goal is to delve deeply into this line of investigation, seeking to establish unequivocally that the appropriation of a sensory substitution device can indeed be achieved through the intricate interplay between proprioception and sensory feedback. Such an outcome would have transformative implications, potentially ushering in innovative interventions involving sensory substitution and the sonification of movement, initially instigated by a device or healthcare provider, rather than relying solely on the patient's initiative (Bevilacqua et al., 2016).