"I'm not physically active - I only go for walks": physical activity in patients with longstanding eating disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To examine self reported versus objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and different reasons for exercise, in patients with longstanding eating disorders (ED) when compared with controls.


METHODS
Inpatient females (n = 59, mean 30.1 years) and nonclinical age matched controls (n = 53, mean 31.3 years) accepted participation in this cross sectional study. Instruments included accelerometer ActiGraph, physical activity diary, Reasons for Exercise Inventory, and Eating Disorders Examination interview.


RESULTS
Self reported and objectively assessed MVPA were higher across all ED diagnoses when compared with controls. The patients' self reported MVPA was lower than the objectively assessed MVPA; no difference was found in controls. Regulation of negative affects, not weight/appearance, was a more important, whereas fitness/health was a less important reason for exercise in patients than controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The underreporting of MVPA in some patients with ED may warrant clinical attention.
Bratland-Sanda
Solfrid
S
Research Institute, Modum Bad Psychiatric Center, Vikersund, Norway. solfrid. bratland-sanda@nih.no
Sundgot-Borgen
Jorunn
J
Rø
Oyvind
O
Rosenvinge
Jan H
JH
Hoffart
Asle
A
Martinsen
Egil W
EW
D056044:Actigraphy; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D018579:Patient Selection; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires