Examining how smells influence eating behavior in a virtual café
Dining Out in NYC: Using VR to Investigate the Influence of Multisensory Urban Design Factors on Eating Behavior in Emerging Adults
This study is testing how different smells in a virtual café affect what young adults choose to eat and how much they eat.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (State College, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06662149 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of different sensory cues, specifically pleasant and unpleasant smells, on eating behavior within a virtual reality-simulated outdoor café setting. By analyzing how these smells affect food choices and intake, the researchers aim to uncover insights that could inform public guidelines for creating healthier eating environments. Participants will be young adults aged 18-29, who will experience various olfactory stimuli while engaging in virtual eating scenarios. The findings could lead to strategies for promoting healthier eating habits in real-world settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy young adults aged 18-29 who are fluent in English and do not have any food allergies or cognitive/physical disabilities affecting their eating behavior.
Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range of 18-29, have food allergies, or suffer from cognitive or physical disabilities affecting appetite will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into how sensory environments can be designed to encourage healthier eating behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using virtual reality to study sensory influences on eating behavior is relatively novel, similar studies have shown that sensory cues can significantly impact food choices.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
State College, Pennsylvania
- Health, Ingestive Behavior, and Technology Laboratory of Pennsylvania State University — State College, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Travis Masterson — The Pennsylvania State University
- Study coordinator: Christina M Blackmon
- Email: cmb8633@psu.edu
- Phone: 425-499-8049
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.