Feasibility of Immersive Virtual Reality Dietician Program in Metabolic-dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Launched by MILTON S. HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER · Jan 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help people with fatty liver disease lose weight and improve their diet using immersive virtual reality (iVR). Fatty liver disease is a serious condition that can lead to liver failure, and losing weight through better nutrition is essential for treatment. However, many people struggle to get in-person help from dietitians because of costs, availability, or transportation issues. The researchers have created a program called IVAN that uses virtual reality to make learning about healthy eating fun and interactive. Participants will compare this program with traditional in-person dietary counseling to see which method is more effective for improving diet and weight.

To participate in this trial, you need to be an adult over 18 years old with fatty liver disease confirmed by imaging and have a smartphone. Unfortunately, people who are unable to give consent, are pregnant, or have other serious medical conditions are not eligible. If you join the study, you will receive dietary counseling through the IVAN program and also have the chance to share your experiences through surveys. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and everyone will eventually get to try the IVAN program, ensuring that everyone benefits from this innovative approach to dietary education.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults age \>18 years
• • MASLD identified on imaging
• • Possession of a smartphone
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to provide informed consent
• • Institutionalized/prisoner
• • Pregnant
• • Other causes of hepatic steatosis or chronic liver disease
• • Severe medical/psychiatric comorbidities at the study PI's discretion