Virtual Reality Technologies for Research and Education in Obesity and Diabetes: Research Needs and Opportunities

Abstract

Abbreviations: (3D) three-dimensional, (BMI) body mass index, (HMD) head-mounted display, (SOC) standard of care, (VE) virtual environment, (VR) virtual reality Keywords: behavior, diabetes, health education, obesity, simulation, virtual reality AbstractThe rising rates, high prevalence, and adverse consequences of obesity and diabetes call for new approaches to the complex behaviors needed to prevent and manage these conditions. Virtual reality (VR) technologies, which provide controllable, multisensory, interactive three-dimensional (3D) stimulus environments, are a potentially valuable means of engaging patients in interventions that foster more healthful eating and physical activity patterns. Furthermore, the capacity of VR technologies to motivate, record, and measure human performance represents a novel and useful modality for conducting research. This article summarizes background information and discussions for a joint July 2010 National Institutes of Health -Department of Defense workshop entitled Virtual Reality Technologies for Research and Education in Obesity and Diabetes. The workshop explored the research potential of VR technologies as tools for behavioral and neuroscience studies in diabetes and obesity, and the practical potential of VR in fostering more effective utilization of diabetes-and obesity-related nutrition and lifestyle information.Virtual reality technologies were considered especially relevant for fostering desirable health-related behaviors through motivational reinforcement, personalized teaching approaches, and social networking. Virtual reality might also be a means of extending the availability and capacity of health care providers. Progress in the field will be enhanced by further developing available platforms and taking advantage of VR's capabilities as a research tool for well-designed hypothesis-testing behavioral science. Multidisciplinary collaborations are needed between the technology industry and academia, and among researchers in biomedical, behavioral, pedagogical, and computer science disciplines. Research priorities and funding opportunities for use of VR to improve prevention and management of obesity and diabetes can be found at agency websites (National Institutes of Health: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/index.html; Department of Defense: www.tatrc.org).

Using Avatars to Model Weight Loss Behaviors: Participant Attitudes and Technology Development

“…14,32 Survey data revealed high interest (88%) among women in an avatar-based program for modeling weight loss behaviors. This finding is important, as it shows that, even among those who have not used avatar-based technology frequently, there is a basic level of interest and understanding of the potential for its use as a weight loss tool.…”

“…28 Modeling and observational learning are important for behavior change; 29 observing a model can increase self-efficacy via processes such as performance accomplishments and vicarious experiences. 30 Virtual reality and other avatarbased technologies are tools that can be used to illustrate and model weight loss behaviors, because they provide a controllable, naturalistic environment that can be tailored to include features that are relevant for target weightrelated behaviors; 8,31,32 they also may be particularly relevant for non-face-to-face treatment methods. However, gaps exist regarding the usability of an avatar-based program for the general population interested in losing weight.…”

Innovation in Weight Loss Intervention Programs: An Examination of a 3D Virtual World Approach

“…While there are a variety of means to achieve weight loss, one intervention is a weight loss program, many of which are informed by the work of behavioral and social scientists who have established models and theories in an effort to understand behavior. As noted earlier, FtF delivery is common and, more recently, Internet-based -"2D web" -2 A 2010 joint National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense workshop, titled "Virtual Reality Technologies for Research and Education in Obesity and Diabetes", called for research on the use of VR as tools for behavioral studies and their potential for fostering more effective interventions (see Ershow et al 2011). programming has emerged [33[41]. This emergence is not surprising given that, as of 2010, Internet use has reached 79% of all US adults (Pew Internet & American Life Project).…”

“…Over the last 15 years, Internet-based programming (e.g., online self-help, educational and diagnostic offerings) has emerged, although most are designed to inform and not necessarily elicit permanent behavior change [26][27] [8]. Yet, the rising rates, high prevalence, and adverse consequences of obesity call for the development and testing of new and innovative approaches that address barriers and bring needed help to those most affected by overweight and obesity [14] [26]. One such innovation is the application of three dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) technologies -here, more specifically 3D virtual worlds (VWs) accessed via a computer/monitor and navigated using inexpensive computer mice -as a tool to produce behavior change to manage weight.…”

Development of and Feedback on a Fully Automated Virtual Reality System for Online Training in Weight Management Skills

“…4 According to social learning theory, the methods typically used for online skills training (static text, audio, and/or video lessons), which lack interactivity and the opportunity to observe and practice skills use, may be inadequate and therefore lead to lower weight loss compared to face-to-face treatment. 5 This journal published a special issue 6 describing how virtual reality (VR) technology could improve adherence to BWL skills, 7 and ultimately improve weight losses, by providing a safe environment in which to observe, learn, and practice skills use. 7,8 A few early studies showed that VR could be used for these purposes, but most relied on a human counselor to guide the experience, thus limiting their reach and increasing cost.…”