Exploring body perception in women with anorexia nervosa using the Rubber Hand Illusion

Rubber Hand Illusion in Anorexia Nervosa: the Role of Hand Dimensions and Physical Appearance

Observational Istituto Auxologico Italiano · NCT06296329

This study tests how women with anorexia nervosa see their body position compared to women of normal weight using a trick with a rubber hand to better understand their body image issues.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment28 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorIstituto Auxologico Italiano Academic / other
Locations1 site (Piancavallo, VCO)
Trial IDNCT06296329 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how women with anorexia nervosa perceive their body position compared to a control group of normal weight participants using the Rubber Hand Illusion. The focus is on measuring proprioceptive drift, which refers to the recalibration of the perceived position of the real hand in relation to a rubber hand. By analyzing these differences, the study aims to enhance understanding of body representation issues in anorexia nervosa. The study involves right-handed female participants diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, while excluding those with other neurological or psychiatric disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are right-handed women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.

Not a fit: Patients with concurrent neurological, neurodevelopmental, motor, somatosensory, or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into body perception issues in anorexia nervosa, potentially leading to improved therapeutic approaches.

How similar studies have performed: While the Rubber Hand Illusion has been studied in various contexts, this specific application to anorexia nervosa is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Right-handed
* diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa according to the APA criteria

Exclusion criteria:

• concurrent neurological, neurodevelopmental (e.g., autism), motor, somatosensory and/or psychiatric disorders.

Where this trial is running

Piancavallo, VCO

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anorexia Nervosabodily illusionbody representation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.