Reducing the Urge to be Physically Active in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa through Virtual Reality: A Randomized-Controlled Feasibility Trial

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Georgios Paslakis
• Subject Area: Clinical Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 545676497

Physical activity urges in patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) are a promising target for facilitating weight restoration but have remained unaddressed, especially during early inpatient treatment. We hypothesize that exposure to simulated movement in a virtual reality (VR) environment reduces the urge for physical activity, alleviating the subjective burden and improving weight normalization. The primary objective here is to evaluate the feasibility of a full-scale randomized trial (RCT) that will examine the effectiveness of the VR intervention as an add-on treatment. The feasibility of the full-scale RCT will depend on a) whether patients will evaluate the experience as acceptable, b) tolerate VR side effects, and c) whether patients will adhere to the intended intervention schedule. We define a set of 3-tiered, formal progression criteria and employ a “traffic light system” demarcating go (GREEN), amend (AMBER), and stop (RED) continuation signals for advancing to the full-scale RCT.

• DFG Programme: Clinical Trials