Effect Of A Comprehensive Exercise Program In Individuals Participating In An In-residence Eating Disorders Treatment Program

Abstract

PURPOSE While promoting a positive energy balance and restoring an acceptable body weight is a primary goal of most Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and/or Bulimia Nervosa (BN) treatment programs, optimal health must also include regular physical exercise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of regular physical exercise in individuals being treated for AN and/or BN. Methods Subjects for this study were 12, low- to average-weight, non-pregnant adult females who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for an eating disorder (AN and/or BN) and were admitted to an in-residence eating disorders treatment program. (Age 27.2 ± 2.6 yrs, ht. 1.64 ± 0.26 m, wt. 55.0 ± 2.5 kg, and BMI 20.5 ± 1.1). In addition to the established standard of care, subjects also participated in a 6-wk, 3–4 d/ wk comprehensive exercise program. This consisted of a 5–10 min. warm-up followed by 20–25 min of individually prescribed resistance exercise, 20–25 min of individually prescribed aerobic flactivity, and a 5–10 min cool-down. All subjects were pre- mid- and post-tested for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) (step test), upper body muscular endurance (ME) (1-min push-up, 1-min sit-up), upper and lower body muscular strength (MS) (1-RM bench press, leg press), and flexibility (sit and reach). Salivary cortisol (SC), a marker of stress, was also measured in 6 subjects. Results During the 6-wk, program subjects weight increased by 1.9 ± 0.8kg and BMI increased by 0.7. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in measures of upper body ME and MS. Muscular fexibility and CRF were not significantly different over time. Measures of SC at 3- and 6-week were significantly less than baseline.TableConclusions Moderate regular physical exercise by individuals with AN and/or BN promotes positive changes in physical function and does not negatively impact energy balance. While only preliminary, our findings promote the notion that regular exercise should be strongly considered as a part of the standard of care in the overall treatment of individuals with AN and/or BN.