NCT06852183

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

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Catholic University of the Sacred Heart · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 16 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Anorexia Nervosa

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	VR -FME	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-01
• Primary completion: 2026-06-30
• Completion: 2026-12-31
• First posted: 2025-02-28
• Last updated: 2025-02-28