Exercise interventions for women with anorexia nervosa: A review of the literature

Abstract

Few studies have systematically explored exercise as a part of treatment among patients with AN. Findings of the current review suggest a need for developing further research, but currently the field may benefit from standardized guidelines for treating excessive exercisers with AN.

Speaking on behalf of the body and activity: Investigating the activity experiences of Canadian women living with anorexia nervosa

“…Clinicians should thus consider using these "insider" recommendations from patients themselves for the management of activity during treatment. Our findings both support and extend the existing literature by corroborating theoretical claims with participant voices (Moola et al, 2013;Zunker et al, 2011). For instance, in addition to ensuring that the activity dose and outcome measures are specified, a nutritionally supported, graded, and progressive activity approach that includes psycho-education has been encouraged by researchers for the safe management of activity in AN (Calogero & Pedrotty, 2004;Moola et al, 2013).…”

“…Several research teams from many different countries, however, have questioned the prevailing wisdom that women with AN be restricted from activity (Hausenblas, Cook, & Chittester, 2008;Zunker, Mitchell, & Wonderlich, 2011). The results from several systematic reviews of literature demonstrate that nutritionally supported exercise interventions for patients with AN may improve several psychological parameters of health, such as quality of life and a sense of wellbeing.…”

“…Although fear of weight loss drives activity restriction approaches, exercise interventions with appropriate nutritional support do not compromise weight gain. Eating disorder symptoms either stay the same or improve with activity (Beaumont, Arthur, Russell, & Touyz, 1994;Calogero & Pedrotty, 2004, Chantler, Szabo, & Green, 2006Davies, Parekh, Etelapaa, Wood, & Jaffa, 2007;Del Valle et al, 2010;Giordano, 2005;Hausenblas et al, 2008;Moola et al, 2013;Szabo & Green, 2002;Thien, Thomas, Markin, & Birmingham, 2000;Tokumura, Yoshiba, Tanaka, Nanri, & Watanabe, 2003;Zunker et al, 2011). Readers should refer to the reviews of literature indicated above for further information on AN and exercise.…”

Exercise Addiction and Compulsive Exercising: Relationship to Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, and Addictive Disorders

“…For example, several recent reviews have concluded that moderate amounts of exercise may be an effective therapy or adjunct to therapy for both ED Ng, Ng, & Wong, 2013;Wolff et al, 2011;Zschuckle, Gaudlitz, & Ströhle, 2013;Zunker, Mitchell, & Wonderlich, 2011) and other addictions (Fontes-Ribeiro, Marques, Pereira, Siva, & Macedo, 2011;Lynch et al, 2013). Moreover, exercise is also a widely recommended and accepted behavior that may foster a norm of inclusion to the larger healthy community as opposed to the stigmatization of being labeled with an addiction.…”

Physiotherapy for patients with anorexia nervosa

“…Exercise plays an important role in the lives of many patients with AN (Davis & Fox, 1993;Michielli, Dunbar, & Kalinski, 1994;Ng, Ng, & Wong, 2013;Zunker et al, 2011). More than 50% of AN patients are engaged in physical activity.…”