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

Bryan Pak-Hei So, Derek Ka-Hei Lai, Daphne Sze-Ki Cheung, Wing-Kai Lam, James Chung-Wai Cheung and Duo Wai-Chi Wong
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Bryan Pak-Hei So: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Derek Ka-Hei Lai: Department of Computing, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Daphne Sze-Ki Cheung: School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Wing-Kai Lam: Sports Information and External Affairs Centre, Hong Kong Sports Institute, Hong Kong 999077, China
James Chung-Wai Cheung: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Duo Wai-Chi Wong: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 10, 1-18

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: X-Reality; virtual rehabilitation; bulimia nervosa; restrictive food-intake disorder; dysphagia; nutrition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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