Exploring the use of virtual body swap in patients with anorexia nervosa: A Systematic scoping review

Abstract

Background: Virtual body swap (VBS) technology is an emerging intervention for tackling body image distortion in anorexia nervosa (AN). Mechanisms and effects are unclear. Aim: 1) To identify the mechanism of VBS on health outcomes and; 2) observe the effects of the VBS among patients with AN. Data Source: A total of 12 databases were searched from inception to January 2021: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Google Scholars, Open Grey, The British Library, Cogprints and ClinicalTrial.gov. Reference list and relevant journals were searched. Eligibility Criteria: Both adolescents and adults diagnosed with AN were included. Articles related to different mechanism pathways and aspects of health outcomes were selected. Data collection and synthesis: We used Arksey & O’Malley’s 5 stages and followed the Systematic Reviews and Meta- analyses reporting guidelines for scoping reviews(PRISMA-Sc). Two independent reviewers extracted data using data extraction forms and data were analysed thematically. Results: Overall, 2,951 records were identified and 17 articles were included. Mechanism pathway of VBS included 1)avatar creation, 2)viewing of virtual scenario, 3)introducing visual and sensory interpersonal multisensory stimulation, 4)stimulating Bayesian perception model and predictive coding, 5)adapting and changing body matrix to a)improve emotion, b)modify cognitive-behavioural symptoms and c)weight gain. Implications: Our findings provided knowledge of mechanism that benefits future study designs and understanding of interventional effects, strengthening implementation certainty. Future studies: Subsequent studies should evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of VBS and other cognitive-behavioural interventions in larger samples. Randomised trials and qualitative studies should also be considered. Conclusion: Virtual body swap technology is an innovative tool for treatments of anorexia nervosa.