Defensive peripersonal space is modified by a learnt protective posture

The Hand Blink Reflex (HBR) is a subcortical defensive response, elicited by the electrical stimulation of the median nerve. HBR increases when the stimulated hand is inside the defensive peripersonalspace (DPPS) of the face. However, the presence of a screen protecting the face could reduce the amplitude of this response. This work aimed to investigate whether the learning of a posture intended to protect the head could modulate the HBR responses. Boxing athletes learn a defensive posture consisting of blocking with arms opponent’s blow towards the face. Two groups were recruited: 13 boxers and 13 people naïve to boxing. HBR response was recorded and elicited in three hand positions depending on the distance from the face. A suppression of HBR enhancement in the static position close to the face was observed in boxer group, contrary to the control group. Also, the higher years of practice in boxing, the higher suppression occurred. However, this suppression was not observed when boxers were asked to move the hand up-to/down-from the face. These findings might suggest that the sensorimotor experience related to a previously learnt protective posture can modify the HBR and thus shape the dimension of the DPPS.