An experimental approach to training interoceptive sensitivity: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Petra Warschburger, Hanna R. Wortmann, Ulrike A. Gisch, Nadja-Raphaela Baer, Liane Schenk, Verena Anton, Manuela M. Bergmann
Nutrition Journal December 19, 2022 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-022-00827-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot randomized controlled trial protocol Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 120 |
| Population | Middle-aged and older couples aged 50-80 years participating in the NutriAct Family Study |
| Interventions | e.g. body scan) |
| Duration | 21-day training; measurement points at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | The study protocol proposes that a 21-day mindfulness-based training program may increase interoceptive sensitivity and thereby promote intuitive eating and prevent overeating in middle-aged and older couples. It aims to assess feasibility and effectiveness by comparing couple-based training, individual training, and no training across pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up measurements. |
Abstract
Background: Eating in absence of hunger is quite common and often associated with an increased energy intake co-existent with a poorer food choice. Intuitive eating (IE), i.e., eating in accordance with internal hunger and satiety cues, may protect from overeating. IE, however, requires accurate perception and processing of one's own bodily signals, also referred to as interoceptive sensitivity. Training interoceptive sensitivity might therefore be an effective method to promote IE and prevent overeating. As most studies on eating behavior are conducted in younger adults and close social relationships influence health-related behavior, this study focuses on middle-aged and older couples.
Methods: The present pilot randomized intervention study aims at investigating the feasibility and effectiveness of a 21-day mindfulness-based training program designed to increase interoceptive sensitivity. A total of N = 60 couples participating in the NutriAct Family Study, aged 50-80 years, will be recruited. This randomized-controlled intervention study comprises three measurement points (pre-intervention, post-intervention, 4-week follow-up) and a 21-day training that consists of daily mindfulness-based guided audio exercises (e.g., body scan). A three-arm intervention study design is applied to compare two intervention groups (training together as a couple vs. training alone) with a control group (no training). Each measurement point includes the assessment of self-reported and objective indicators of interoceptive sensitivity (primary outcome), self-reported indicators of intuitive and maladaptive eating (secondary outcomes), and additional variables. A training evaluation applying focus group discussions will be conducted to assess participants' overall acceptance of the training and its feasibility.
Discussion: By investigating the feasibility and effectiveness of a mindfulness-based training program to increase interoceptive sensitivity, the present study will contribute to a deeper understanding of how to promote healthy eating in older age.
Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), no. DRKS00024903. Retrospectively registered on April 21, 2021.
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Mindfulness meditation training alters cortical representations of interoceptive attention Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience June 11, 2012
- Mindfulness and Behavior Change Harvard Review of Psychiatry November 1, 2020
- Improvement of Interoceptive Processes after an 8-Week Body Scan Intervention. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2017
- Differential changes in self-reported aspects of interoceptive awareness through 3 months of contemplative training Frontiers in Psychology January 6, 2015
- Mindfulness-based interventions for obesity-related eating behaviours: a literature review. Obesity Reviews March 18, 2014