Exploring the Influence of Sensory Cues on Eating Behavior Using Virtual Reality
Launched by PENN STATE UNIVERSITY · Oct 25, 2024
Trial Information
Current as of August 19, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is looking into how different smells, like those of a city or nature, can influence our eating habits while using virtual reality. The goal is to see if these sensory cues can help reduce food intake or improve food choices, which could lead to better health for everyone. By understanding how smells affect what we eat, researchers hope to create guidelines for designing outdoor dining areas that encourage healthier eating.
To participate, you need to be between 18 and 29 years old and fluent in English. You should not have any food allergies nor any conditions that could affect your appetite or ability to enjoy virtual reality, such as certain mental health issues or physical disabilities. Participants will experience a virtual outdoor café setting and may be asked to provide a hair sample for testing. If you're interested and meet the criteria, this study could provide valuable insights into how our environment influences our eating behaviors!
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Between the ages of 18-29
- • Fluent in English
- • Free of self-reported food allergies/food sensitivities
- • No diagnosis of cognitive or physical disabilities/disorders that may affect appetite or eating behaviors (Examples include Major Depressive Disorder, dementia, or eating disorders)
- • No diagnosis of disabilities that may affect sensory proprioception related to virtual reality (Examples include vertigo, epilepsy, and ataxia)
- • Not color blind
- • Does not experience anosmia (inability or weak ability to smell)
- • Must have hair ≥3 cm in length at the cortisol sample site (roughly midline of the skull left to right and two inches up from the base of the hairline at the neck).
- • No hair transplant in the last 6 months
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Are younger than 18 or older than 29 years of age
- • Not fluent in English
- • Have self-reported food allergies
- • Have a diagnosis of cognitive or physical disabilities that may affect appetite or eating behaviors (Examples include Major Depressive Disorder, dementia, or eating disorders)
- • Have a diagnosis of disabilities that may affect sensory proprioception related to virtual reality (Examples include vertigo, epilepsy, and ataxia)
- • Suffers from color blindness
- • Suffers from anosmia (inability or weak ability to smell)
- • Hair shorter than 3 cm in length at the cortisol sample site (roughly midline of the skull left to right and two inches up from the base of the hairline at the neck)
- • Has had a hair transplant in the last 6 months
About Penn State University
Penn State University is a leading research institution renowned for its commitment to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes through innovative clinical trials. As a prominent sponsor of clinical research, the university leverages its diverse expertise across various medical fields to conduct rigorous studies aimed at evaluating new treatments, interventions, and healthcare strategies. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, ethical standards, and patient safety, Penn State University is dedicated to translating research findings into real-world applications that enhance the well-being of communities and contribute to the broader scientific landscape.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
State College, Pennsylvania, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Travis Masterson
Principal Investigator
The Pennsylvania State University
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported