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

Author
Abstract
:

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.

Year of Publication
:
2021
Journal
:
Appetite
Volume
:
157
Number of Pages
:
104988
Date Published
:
2021
ISSN Number
:
0195-6663
URL
:
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0195-6663(20)31610-X
DOI
:
10.1016/j.appet.2020.104988
Short Title
:
Appetite
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