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Growing evidence has revealed the crucial role of motor simulation and spatial perspective-taking in action language. However, there is still a lack of understanding of how motor and spatial processes interact when there are multiple actors involved, and if embodied processes are consistent across different cultures. To address this gap, we examined the interaction between motor simulation and spatial perspective-taking in action-sentences comprehension, along with the consistency of embodied processes across cultures. We collected data from Italian and US English speakers using an online sentence-picture verification task. The participants completed four conditions: two congruent (i.e., the participant is the agent in the sentence and the photo; the agent is someone else interacting with the participant in both the sentence and the picture) and two incongruent (i.e., the agents of the sentence and the picture do not match). The results show that when the perspective of the picture matched that described in the sentence-processing reaction times (RTs) were faster than in the incongruent conditions. In the congruent conditions where the agent is someone else, RTs were slower compared to the condition where the participant is the agent. This has been interpreted as claiming that motor simulation and perspective-taking are independent processes interacting during sentence comprehension (e.g., motor simulation is always run in the role of the agent, but we can adopt multiple perspectives depending on the pronouns and the contextual cues). Furthermore, Bayesian analysis provided evidence that embodied processing of action language entwines a common mechanism, suggesting cross-cultural consistency of embodied processes.

Background In the last decades technologies have started to be integrated into language rehabilitation, but more recently many innovations have been included in the health field, especially the use of virtual reality (VR) and mobile devices. Aim The present review aims to investigate the use and efficacy of innovative technology-based interventions for language rehabilitation in post-stroke patients. We consider innovative technologies as those implementing either virtual reality or mobile software applications. Methods For conducting this systematic review, we conformed to the PRISMA guidelines. The articles were selected by computer-based searches in three high-profile databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were also rated along the efficacy-effectiveness spectrum (RITES). Main Contribution Most of studies used a tablet to deliver the therapy, and only a few of them implemented VR-based treatments. Despite the paucity of literature, the results were encouraging, and showed efficacy and effectiveness of rehabilitation programs based on innovative technologies. Moreover, patients appeared compliant to treatments. Conclusions In future studies, more robust research designs should be implemented with larger sample sizes, more homogenous samples, and comparisons with “treatment-as-usual” control conditions. Finally, we suggest an innovative use of VR for language rehabilitation within an embodied cognition approach