ERIC Number: EJ1008135
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1499-4046
EISSN: N/A
Improving Weight Maintenance Using Virtual Reality (Second Life)
Sullivan, Debra K.; Goetz, Jeannine R.; Gibson, Cheryl A.; Washburn, Richard A.; Smith, Bryan K.; Lee, Jaehoon; Gerald, Stephanie; Fincham, Tennille; Donnelly, Joseph E.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, v45 n3 p264-268 May-Jun 2013
Objective: Compare weight loss and maintenance between a face-to-face (FTF) weight management clinic and a clinic delivered via virtual reality (VR). Methods: Participants were randomized to 3 months of weight loss with a weekly clinic delivered via FTF or VR and then 6 months' weight maintenance delivered with VR. Data were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months for weight and process variables. Twenty overweight and obese individuals (31.1 plus or minus 3.6 years of age; body mass index, 32.8 plus or minus 5.1; 85% females; 20% minorities) responded to advertisement and met inclusion criteria. Diets (1,200-1,800 kcal/d) used prepackaged meals, fruits and vegetables, and physical activity (300 min/wk). Results: Weight loss was significantly greater for FTF at 10.8% compared with 7.6% for VR (P less than 0.05). However, weight maintenance was significantly greater for VR at 14.0% compared with 9.5% for FTF (P less than 0.05). Conclusions and Implications: Virtual reality compares favorably with FTF for weight loss and may facilitate greater weight maintenance. (Contains 1 figure and 1 table.)
Descriptors: Body Weight, Computer Simulation, Obesity, Adults, Dietetics, Physical Activities, Outcomes of Treatment, Comparative Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A