Pilot study of a graded exercise program for the treatment of anorexia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a graded exercise program used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa improves quality of life and does not decrease the rate of gain of body fat.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial with outcome measures: change in percent body fat, body mass index (BMI), and Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36-item Quality of Life questionnaire.


RESULTS
Fifteen females and one male meeting the DSM-IV criteria for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa were randomized. There was no difference in change in BMI or percent body fat at 3 months. Quality of life outcomes improved from baseline in the experimental group compared with the control group. However, this difference was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Incorporation of a graded exercise program may increase compliance with treatment, but it did not reduce the short-term rate of gain of body fat or BMI. Longer studies with more subjects are necessary to determine the usefulness of a graded exercise program in anorexia nervosa.
Thien
V
V
University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada.
Thomas
A
A
Markin
D
D
Birmingham
C L
CL
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome