Using virtual reality to help with dietary counseling for fatty liver disease
Feasibility of Immersive Virtual Reality Dietician Program in Patients with Metabolic-dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
NA · Milton S. Hershey Medical Center · NCT06215131
This study tests a new virtual reality program to see if it can help people with fatty liver disease learn about healthy eating and lose weight more effectively.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Hershey, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06215131 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project evaluates the feasibility of an immersive virtual reality dietician program designed to assist individuals with metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease, commonly known as fatty liver disease. The program, called Immersive Virtual Alimentation and Nutrition (IVAN), aims to provide interactive dietary education that overcomes barriers such as cost and transportation. Participants will receive both in-person and virtual reality dietary weight loss counseling to assess the effectiveness of this innovative approach in promoting weight loss and improving liver health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease who own a smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with severe medical or psychiatric comorbidities, pregnant individuals, or those with other causes of liver disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide a more accessible and engaging way for patients to receive dietary education, potentially leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While immersive virtual reality applications in healthcare are emerging, this specific approach to dietary counseling for fatty liver disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Penn State College of Medicine — Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Justin Tondt, MD — Penn State
- Study coordinator: Justin Tondt
- Email: StineLaboratory@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
- Phone: 717-531-0003
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.
Conditions: Fatty Liver, Nonalcoholic, Weight Loss, Virtual Reality, Implementation Science