Type 2 diabetes sufferers wanted for Middlesex University study
15/01/2016
Psychology department investigating if brain training challenges can aid weight loss in Type 2 diabetes sufferers
Psychologists at Middlesex University have launched an
appeal for local people with Type 2 diabetes to take part in an innovative new
study which aims to aid weight loss in sufferers of the disease through
participation in fun brain training challenges online.
The University's Psychology department is working in
collaboration with the Royal Free and Central London and Community Healthcare
NHS Trusts to run this research project which is funded by Diabetes-UK and will
launch later this month.
Vicky Whitelock, Psychology Doctoral PhD student at
Middlesex University said: "The brain training involves remembering a sequence
of numbers and letters through a series of challenges. Our work is the first
test of whether this kind of training can help participants to change their
eating habits and improve their control of diabetes.
"Working memory is believed to be linked to areas of the brain
that are responsible for self-control. It is thought that by undertaking
working memory training like this it may increase activity in these areas of
the brain essential for self-control, and ultimately improve someone's ability
to resist tempting foods.
"Type 2 diabetes is a condition where controlling food
intake is important to help reduce the risk of developing both short term and
long term physical complications, so participants could really benefit from
this type of training."
Organisers of the study are looking for people with Type 2
diabetes who have access to a computer and the internet at home to do this
online training.
Participants would also need to come to the University on
three occasions so researchers can assess whether the training has been
successful and travel costs would be reimbursed.
If you are interested in taking part in the study please
contact Vicky Whitelock, Psychology Doctoral PhD student at Middlesex
University on +44 (0)20 8411 4440.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers wanted for Middlesex University study
The University's Psychology department is working in collaboration with the Royal Free and Central London and Community Healthcare NHS Trusts to run this research project which is funded by Diabetes-UK and will launch later this month.
Vicky Whitelock, Psychology Doctoral PhD student at Middlesex University said: "The brain training involves remembering a sequence of numbers and letters through a series of challenges. Our work is the first test of whether this kind of training can help participants to change their eating habits and improve their control of diabetes.
"Working memory is believed to be linked to areas of the brain that are responsible for self-control. It is thought that by undertaking working memory training like this it may increase activity in these areas of the brain essential for self-control, and ultimately improve someone's ability to resist tempting foods.
"Type 2 diabetes is a condition where controlling food intake is important to help reduce the risk of developing both short term and long term physical complications, so participants could really benefit from this type of training."
Organisers of the study are looking for people with Type 2 diabetes who have access to a computer and the internet at home to do this online training.
Participants would also need to come to the University on three occasions so researchers can assess whether the training has been successful and travel costs would be reimbursed.
If you are interested in taking part in the study please contact Vicky Whitelock, Psychology Doctoral PhD student at Middlesex University on +44 (0)20 8411 4440.