The effect of anorexia nervosa inpatient physiotherapy adapted program (ANIPAP): A clinical trial

Abstract

Purpose

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental health pathology with severe somatic consequences that increase the vital risk. The collateral effects by several undernourishment has been studied but the autonomy of within a physical activity context and muscle strength research are insufficient. The purpose of the study is to assess the effect of the adapted exercise physiotherapy program on AN inpatients to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL), body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE), peak-expiratory-flow (PEF), and both, muscle and manual strength.

Methods

26 females hospitalized for AN, severely malnourished (mean age 22.21, and mean BMI 15.01), were divided into two groups: experimental treatment (EG) and control (CG). The treatment sessions were administered 3 days/week, for 4 weeks (including active and counter-resistance mobilizations of the limbs and trunk and breathing exercises).

Results

There was a significant group–time interaction in BMI [F = 2.401, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.008], HRQOL [F = 10.877, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.097], PEF [F = 5.50, p = 0.0295, η2 = 0.20], the muscular strength of triceps brachii [F = 4.417, p = 0.005, η2 = 0.038], thumb opposition [F = 3.595, p = 0.015, η2 = 0.035] and quadriceps [F = 3.739, p = 0.013, η2 = 0.028]. Also showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) on time in CRE, manual strength, and muscular strength (left and right).

Conclusions

Following a 4-week treatment, the adapted physiotherapy program demonstrated significant improvements among patients with severe undernutrition due to AN.