Therapists’ experiences with a new treatment combining physical exercise and dietary therapy (the PED-t) for eating disorders: an interview study in a randomised controlled trial at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the current study is to explore how therapists running a guided physical exercise and dietary therapy programme (PED-t) experience their contribution to the treatment of patients with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.MethodsTen therapists running the PED-t were semistructurally interviewed and the transcribed interviews were analysed using a systematic text condensation approach.SettingThe study was run within the context of a randomised controlled trial at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences.ResultsThe therapists experienced their knowledge about physical exercise and nutrition as important and useful, and that they could share their knowledge with the patients in different ways and with confidence in their own role. They also believed that their knowledge could serve as tools for the patients’ post-treatment recovery and management of their daily lives. Moreover, the therapists put much effort in adjusting their teaching to fit each individual participant. Finally, they reported their personal qualities as important to build trust and therapeutic alliance.ConclusionsThe terms ‘clinical confidence’ and ‘alliance’ may stand out as the overarching ‘metacategories’ covering the experiences revealed in this study. The clinical implication is that new groups of professionals may have an important role in the treatment of eating disorders.Trial registration numberNCTO2079935; Results.

A new treatment for eating disorders combining physical exercise and dietary therapy (the PED-t): experiences from patients who dropped out

“…Feelings of standing on the outside are consistent with a previous study (Bakland et al, 2018) from our research group, and which explored experiences among the therapists who provided the PED-t. They reported that patients' monopolization of group sessions jeopardized their efforts to create an including group climate.…”

“…Overall, the PED-t stands out as helpful in promoting recovery from BN and BED. Importantly, patients' experiences echoed the experiences reported by the PED-t therapists (Bakland et al, 2018). However, some patients wished a more flexible time-frame to allow booster sessions, and voiced feelings of being "different" in terms of age, interests or the nature of their ED (Bakland et al, 2019;Pettersen et al, 2017).…”

Is physical exercise and dietary therapy a feasible alternative to cognitive behavior therapy in treatment of eating disorders? A randomized controlled trial of two group therapies

“…A detailed account of the procedures, safety agenda and the treatment contents has been described previously (Mathisen et al, ). Previously described are also results with respect to effects on physical health and dysfunctional exercise routines (Mathisen et al, ; Mathisen, Sundgot‐Borgen, Rosenvinge, & Bratland‐Sanda, ), as well as feasibility and acceptability (Bakland et al, ; Bakland et al, ; Pettersen et al, ).…”

Treatment of eating disorders: voices from a ward

“…Bratland and Skogmo ( 2011 ) argue for a focus on the joy of motion, and not on the burning of calories. At the same time, patients in treatment where physical exercise is included can get to know their bodies better, have guidance then when it comes to training and food - amount and be helped in situations where misinterpretations can be corrected (Bakland et al, 2018 ).…”