Brain Training with the Body in Mind: Towards Gamified Approach-Avoidance Training using Virtual Reality

Abstract Approach-Avoidance Training (AAT) is a promising intervention for modifying automatic cognitive biases toward highly palatable, but unhealthy food cues. As AAT requires repetitive motor exercises in response to basic visual stimuli, users typically find the training boring. Virtual reality (VR) provides an innovative opportunity for delivering more engaging, and ultimately, effective training through presenting virtual sensory stimuli in the virtual environment that replace the user's sensory stimuli. In this study, we compared user experience (flow, immersion, engagement) and performance (accuracy, approach bias) of AAT delivered via three interfaces (computer, smartphone, and VR). Participants were 24 adults (50% female; n = 12) aged 20-45 years old (M = 31.05, SD = 8.18).. Results showed that VR-delivered AAT received higher engagement, flow, and immersion ratings from users than AAT delivered via a computer or smartphone application. Participants also made fewer errors on the VR delivered AAT. Thus, in our experiment VR resulted in being a more engaging and effective way to deliver the training. Future research should examine the potential of VR to further leverage gamification elements within more immersive environments.