Restructuring Body Experience in Anorexia Nervosa: Virtual Reality Functionality-Focused Mirror Exposure

Sponsor
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
Study ID
NCT06852183
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Anorexia Nervosa

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
FEMALE
Age
16 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • VR -FME — OTHER
    The VR-FME intervention specifically focuses on improving body representation and the body-self relationship by working on multisensory integration processes and embodied cognition techniques. This is thanks to the combination of immersive virtual reality experiences of body illusion combined with traditional psychological techniques. The experimental group will receive this intervention in addition to the usual treatment, which will continue as usual for the control group. The intervention consists of 8 sessions spread over 4 weeks, with 2 sessions per week.

Study Details

Background: Body image disturbance remains a core therapeutic challenge in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) treatment, necessitating innovative intervention approaches. This study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial investigating Virtual Reality Functionality-Focused Mirror Exposure (VR-FME), a novel intervention targeting the perceptual, affective, and cognitive dimensions of body image disturbance in AN patients. Methods: This single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy of VR-FME as an adjunct to treatment as usual (TAU). Participants with AN will be randomly allocated to receive either VR-FME combined with TAU or TAU alone. The intervention specifically addresses altered body image through immersive virtual reality technology, providing controlled exposure and cognitive restructuring opportunities. Primary Outcome: The primary outcome measure will assess changes in body image disturbance severity and core eating disorder symptomatology. We hypothesize that the integration of VR-FME with TAU will demonstrate superior therapeutic outcomes compared to TAU alone. Significance: This protocol represents an innovative approach to addressing body image disturbance in AN, potentially enhancing current therapeutic strategies through the integration of immersive virtual reality technology. The findings will contribute to the evolving landscape of technology-enhanced interventions for eating disorders.

Key Dates

First listed
Feb 28, 2025
Start date
Jun 1, 2025
Status verified
Feb 2025
Primary completion
Jun 30, 2026
Completion
Dec 31, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
40 participants (estimated)
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: VR-FME
    The VR-FME protocol integrates multiple therapeutic approaches within an immersive virtual environment. Each 60-minute session begins with embodiment induction, where participants experience synchronized multisensory stimulation to create embodiment over their virtual body. Then, various therapeutic techniques - including cognitive dissonance mirror exposure, functionality-focused mirror exposure, and compassionate body scan exercises - will be used. Each of the 8 sessions will work on a specific aspect to address different levels of body image disturbance. The intervention structure begins with an initial assessment and familiarization phase in Week 1, followed by intensive body-focused work in Weeks 2-4.
  • Active Comparator: TAU
    For the entire duration of the protocol, both the experimental group (VR-FME) and the control groups will carry out the standard intervention protocol proposed by the treatment center, which consists of an outpatient program that includes weekly internal-nutritional visits, psychotherapy and NPIA assessments to also monitor the pharmacological therapy. Therefore, if the experimental group carries out the standard procedure (Treatment As Usual - TAU) in addition to the VR body image protocol (VR-FME + TAU), the control group will be subjected to the standard treatment path (TAU).

Primary Outcome Measure

Eating Disorder Inventory 3 [ Time Frame: Before the intervention, after the end of the intervention (at the end of the 4th week) and after one month after the intervention ended ]

Central Contacts

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