Can Augmented Reality be Used as a Portion Size Estimation Aid Tool? A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Dietetic education
• Educational technology
• Public health nutrition

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on augmented reality (AR) tools for portion size estimation education.
• A pilot study developed a 3D food model using AR to teach portion size estimation.
• Assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of AR as an educational aid.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of AR-based tools for teaching portion size estimation skills.
• To compare AR with traditional methods like text, pictures, and 3D food models.
• To assess student acceptability of different learning tools.

Main Methods:

• Pilot intervention study with 43 dietetic students.
• Random assignment into four groups: text only, text and pictures, 3D food model, and AR.
• Learning assessed via pre- and post-tests measuring estimation accuracy (±10% and ±20% error margins).

Main Results:

• AR group had high acceptability ratings (enjoyment: 7.9, usefulness: 8.3, recommendation: 7.1).
• The 3D food model group showed the greatest improvement in estimation accuracy within a 10% error margin (1.5 correct answers).
• AR and 3D food models demonstrated comparable or superior acceptability to traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• AR-based tools are a feasible and potentially effective educational aid for portion size estimation.
• AR tools show potential for training future dietitians in accurate portion size assessment.
• Acceptability of AR tools is comparable to conventional educational methods.