Virtual Reality-Based Immersive Rehabilitation for Cognitive- and Behavioral-Impairment-Related Eating Disorders: A VREHAB Framework Scoping Review

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health Vol. 19; no. 10; p. 5821
• Main Authors: So, Bryan Pak-Hei, Lai, Derek Ka-Hei, Cheung, Daphne Sze-Ki, Lam, Wing-Kai, Cheung, James Chung-Wai, Wong, Duo Wai-Chi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 10.05.2022; MDPI
• Subjects: Anorexia; Behavior; Binge-Eating Disorder - therapy; Bulimia; Bulimia Nervosa; Cognition; Cognition & reasoning; Cognitive ability; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Dementia; Eating disorders; Feeding and Eating Disorders - therapy; Females; Human subjects; Humans; Keywords; Older people; Rehabilitation; Review; Software; Virtual Reality; bulimia nervosa; dysphagia; nutrition; restrictive food-intake disorder; virtual rehabilitation; X-Reality
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105821

Virtual reality (VR) technology is one of the promising directions for rehabilitation, especially cognitive rehabilitation. Previous studies demonstrated successful rehabilitation in motor, cognitive, and sensorial functions using VR. The objective of this review is to summarize the current designs and evidence on immersive rehabilitation interventions using VR on cognitive- or behavioral-related eating disorders, which was mapped using a VREHAB framework. Two authors independently searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Ten (n = 10) articles were eligible for review. Treatments for anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder/bulimia nervosa were reported through enhanced/experimental cognitive behavior therapy (ECT), cue exposure therapy (CET), and body exposure therapy (BET) via the virtual environment. Some studies reported that the VR effects were superior or comparable to traditional treatments, while the effects may last longer using VR technology. In addition, VR was perceived as acceptable and feasible among patients and therapists and could be valuable for supplementing existing therapies, relieving manpower and caregiver burdens. Future studies may consider incorporating haptic, smell, and biofeedback to improve the experience, and thus the effects of the treatments for the users.