Logo image
Back
Using virtual reality to train inhibitory control and reduce binge eating: A proof-of-concept study
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Using virtual reality to train inhibitory control and reduce binge eating: A proof-of-concept study

Stephanie M. Manasse, Elizabeth W. Lampe, Adrienne S. Juarascio, Jichen Zhu and Evan M. Forman
Appetite, v 157, 104988
01 Feb 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2020.104988
PMID: 33049341
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2020.104988View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access (License Unspecified),  Open

Abstract

Binge eating Brain training Go/no-go Inhibitory control Virtual reality
One reason for limited efficacy of treatments for binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN) is a failure to directly target deficits in inhibitory control (i.e., the ability to withhold a pre-potent response). Inhibitory control trainings (ICTs; computerized tasks meant to improve inhibitory control) have shown promise but appear not to be powerful enough to generalize to real-word eating behavior or engaging enough for to sustain long-term compliance. Delivering an ICT through virtual reality (VR) technology should increase intervention power because 3D imagery and actual real hand/arm movements are lifelike and may improve compliance because the VR environment is highly engaging. Thus, we created the first-ever VR-based ICT to test its initial feasibility, acceptability, and impact on binge eating. We recruited participants (N = 14) with once-weekly loss-of-control (LOC) eating to use the VR ICT daily, at home, for two weeks, and measured feasibility, acceptability and change in LOC eating at post-intervention and 2-week follow-up. The VR ICT was feasible to construct and deploy, and demonstrated high acceptability and compliance (i.e., 86.8% of daily trainings completed). Users of the VR ICT experienced large decreases in LOC eating at post-intervention and 2-week follow-up. Results from this initial pilot indicate that delivering ICT through VR is feasible, acceptable, and is associated with reductions in binge eating. Future study is warranted and should examine whether a VR ICT can serve as a useful adjunct to standard treatment for BN and BED.

Metrics

12 Record Views
20 citations in Web of Science
20 citations in Scopus

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#5 Gender Equality
#3 Good Health and Well-Being

InCites Highlights

Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:

Web of Science research areas
Behavioral Sciences
Nutrition & Dietetics
Logo image