Adapting a two-stage water load test to measure gastric sensitivity over time

Van Dyck et al. [8] developed a two-stage protocol to estimate interoceptive (gastric) sensitivity independently of stomach volume. They provided no foreknowledge of the second stage (reaching stomach fullness), following the initial stage (drinking until satiated), therefore preventing longitudinal research. The current study provided foreknowledge. Despite this, within-subject variation over time was found, with increases for satiation (p < 0.050) and% satiation (p < 0.000), and decreases regarding fullness (p < 0.000). Some participants expressed trepidation at baseline, hence foreknowledge may have encouraged avoidance of premature fullness. Future longitudinal studies should consider using one baseline to acclimatise, followed by a true baseline.