Eating disorders (ED) affect the relationship with food and body image. Virtual reality (VR), combined with artificial intelligence (AI), offers new clinical solutions, overcoming traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The ARCADIA VR project aims to develop devices to treat ED through personalized VR systems (e.g. Enhanced Body-Swap for anorexia, Emotional Rescripting for bulimia) and AI predictive algorithms to monitor severity, risk and efficacy of treatments. These approaches promise better and faster results, improving diagnosis and treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
80
The protocol begins with a baseline session, where participants familiarize themselves with their virtual body and provide anamnesis and therapeutic efficacy baseline data. The treatment phase includes 12 bi-weekly sessions where participants embody a virtual avatar in a VR environment. During each session, the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the virtual body is incrementally increased toward a target BMI approximating normal weight (18.5). Follow-ups are conducted at 4, 8, and 12 weeks to assess long-term effects.
The protocol starts with an assessment phase (1 session), gathering anamnesis and baseline therapeutic efficacy data. This is followed by an evaluation phase (2 sessions), where participants rate craving responses for virtual foods and environments in immersive VR, with physiological data collected via biosensors. Using this data, a personalized exposure hierarchy is created, combining the most craving-inducing foods and environments into 40 interactive 3D scenarios. The treatment phase involves 9 VR sessions focusing on emotional regulation and craving management. Follow-ups at 4, 8, and 12 weeks evaluate progress.
Participants follow a similar structure with a baseline session to collect anamnesis and baseline data, but without VR immersion. The treatment phase consists of 12 bi-weekly sessions of standard cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), focusing on addressing maladaptive thought patterns, promoting healthy eating behaviors, and reducing body image disturbances. Follow-ups are conducted at 4, 8, and 12 weeks to monitor progress. No VR or AI technologies are integrated.
Participants undergo an assessment phase (1 session) to collect baseline data and an evaluation phase (2 sessions) using standard craving questionnaires without VR immersion or biosensors. The treatment phase includes 9 sessions of traditional CBT targeting binge-purge cycles and emotional triggers. Follow-ups at 4, 8, and 12 weeks monitor progress without the integration of VR or AI technologies.
Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB) - National Research Council (CNR)
Messina, Italy, Italy
RECRUITINGEating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3)
The EDI-3 is a standardized self-report questionnaire widely used to assess symptoms and psychological traits associated with the development and maintenance of eating disorders. It includes 91 items across 12 scales, using a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never) to 5 (always).
Time frame: For Bulimia Nervosa the evaluations will be at T0 (baseline),T1 (monitoring at 5 weeks), T2 (post-intervention at 9 weeks), and T3 (follow-up at 12 weeks). For Anorexia Nervosa will be at T0 (baseline), 5 weeks (T1), 9 weeks (T2), and 12 weeks (T3)
Physical Appearance State and Trait Anxiety Scale (PASTAS)
The PASTAS is a validated measure for assessing state and trait anxiety related to body image. Participants rate their anxiety and nervousness about their physical appearance, including negative thoughts and physiological responses, on a 5-point Likert scale (0 = never, 5 = always)
Time frame: For Anorexia Nervosa the evaluation sessions will be scheduled at T0 (baseline), 5 weeks (T1), 9 weeks (T2), and 12 weeks (T3) and will last 5 minutes.
Body Image Assessment Scale-Body Dimensions (BIAS-BD)
The BIAS-BD evaluates the perceptual and emotional components of body image dimensions. It measures the discrepancy between perceived and ideal body size (body dissatisfaction) and the discrepancy between perceived and actual body size (body distortion). It uses a range of 17 silhouettes, with different versions for males and females.
Time frame: For Anorexia Nervosa, the evaluation sessions will be scheduled at T0 (baseline), 5 weeks (T1), 9 weeks (T2), and 12 weeks (T3) and will last 15 minutes.
Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2)
The BAS-2 is a 10-item measure that assesses body appreciation. Participants rate statements on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = never, 5 = always). Higher scores indicate greater body appreciation. Example items include "I respect my body" and "I feel comfortable in my body."
Time frame: For Anorexia Nervosa, the evaluation sessions will be scheduled at T0 (baseline), 5 weeks (T1), 9 weeks (T2), and 12 weeks (T3) and will last 10 minutes.
Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS)
The OBCS consists of 24 items grouped into three subscales: body control, body shame, and appearance control beliefs. Each subscale includes 8 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree). Subscale scores are calculated as means, with higher scores indicating greater levels of the measured variable.
Time frame: For Anorexia Nervosa the evaluation sessions will be scheduled at T0 (baseline), 5 weeks (T1), 9 weeks (T2), and 12 weeks (T3) and will last 10 minutes.
Body Uneasiness Test (BUT)
The BUT is a 34-item self-report questionnaire focusing on body dissatisfaction and body-related emotions such as anxiety, concern, and embarrassment. It comprises five subscales-weight phobia, body image concern, avoidance, compulsive self-monitoring, and depersonalization-and a general score. This tool is validated in Italian.
Time frame: For Anorexia Nervosa the evaluation sessions will be scheduled at T0 (baseline), 5 weeks (T1), 9 weeks (T2), and 12 weeks (T3) and will last 10 minutes.
Food Craving Questionnaire (FCQ)
The FCQ measures the intensity of food cravings both as a trait (habitual experiences) and as a state (current experiences). The FCQ-Trait comprises 39 items rated on a 6-point Likert scale (never to always), while the FCQ-State comprises 15 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree).
Time frame: For Bulimia Nervosa the evaluation session will be divided into three moments and will last 15 minutes. The proposed evaluation moments are T0 (baseline), T1 (monitoring at 5 weeks), T2 (post-intervention at 9 weeks), and T3 (follow-up at 12 weeks).
Binge Eating Scale (BES)
The BES is a self-report tool designed to identify and quantify the severity of Binge Eating Disorder (BED). It assesses the frequency of binge episodes, associated behaviors, and emotional experiences during and after binge eating. Higher scores indicate greater severity of BED symptoms.
Time frame: For Bulimia Nervosa the evaluation session will be divided into three moments and will last 5 minutes. The proposed evaluation moments are T0 (baseline), T1 (monitoring at 5 weeks), T2 (post-intervention at 9 weeks), and T3 (follow-up at 12 weeks).
Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS-20)
The DERS is a self-report questionnaire assessing emotional regulation abilities. The Italian short version (DERS-20) includes 20 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = almost never, 5 = almost always) and measures five dimensions: lack of acceptance, difficulty engaging in goal-directed behavior, lack of control, difficulty recognizing emotions, and reduced self-awareness. Higher scores indicate greater difficulties in emotional regulation.
Time frame: For Bulimia Nervosa the evaluation session will be divided into three moments and will last 10 minutes. The proposed evaluation moments are T0 (baseline), T1 (monitoring at 5 weeks), T2 (post-intervention at 9 weeks), and T3 (follow-up at 12 weeks).
State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)
The STAI is a self-report questionnaire measuring state anxiety (temporary condition) and trait anxiety (long-standing tendency). It consists of 40 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (almost never to almost always). Twenty items assess state anxiety (STAI-S), and 20 assess trait anxiety (STAI-T). Higher scores indicate higher levels of anxiety.
Time frame: For Bulimia Nervosa the evaluation session will be divided into three moments and will last 20 minutes. The proposed evaluation moments are T0 (baseline), T1 (monitoring at 5 weeks), T2 (post-intervention at 9 weeks), and T3 (follow-up at 12 weeks).
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