This virtual reality study examined the potential of vibrotactile signals to assess their suitability for investigating event file coding in purposeful movements. Building on Hommel’s original paradigm, the experiment transferred the concept from a traditional visual setting to an immersive VR environment, where cues and responses were executed through natural hand movements rather than keypresses. Vibrotactile stimuli were delivered via a custom-built, wireless vibration module attached to the palm, capable of transmitting directional vibrations (up, down, left, right).

Each trial comprised a visual cue, two vibrotactile stimulation phases (S1, S2), and their corresponding reaction phases (R1, R2). R2 was of particular interest, as it evaluated how previously established event files—temporary bindings between sensory and motor features—influenced response speed and accuracy. Three binding conditions were implemented: CompatibleSame (feature repetition), CompatibleNotSame (feature change), and Incompatible (partial feature repetition).

The results revealed significant performance differences across conditions. CompatibleSame yielded fastest reaction times and lowest error rates, indicating strong priming and repetition benefits. CompatibleNotSame produced slower responses and higher error rates, likely reflecting cognitive effort required to form new bindings. In the Incompatible condition, residual influences of prior associations persisted, affecting performance. Analysis of hand and eye movements supported these findings, showing effective reformation of event files in CompatibleNotSame, while Incompatible maintained traces of earlier bindings.

Overall, the study demonstrates that vibrotactile cues in VR offer a powerful tool for probing event file processes, with binding compatibility exerting robust and measurable influence on both behavioral outcomes and motor control.