Implementing videoconferencing physical activity program for patients with anorexia nervosa: a pilot study. Oral presentation
Résumé
Introduction:
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious eating disorder, characterized by low weight, food restriction and fear of gaining weight. In addition, anorexics often have other symptoms, such as sleep and psychological disorders (body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem), as well as excessive exercise and muscle strength imbalance. Recent studies have revealed that physical activity practiced in an appropriate manner, could have positive effects on specific symptoms of AN and associated disturbances (1). To our knowledge, no study has investigated the effect of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) program supervised by videoconference in patients with AN. However it appears to be a useful tool which allows to suppress geographic and transportation barriers, to practice in a comfortable and familiar place, also it could be safer and durable in the actual pandemic context. Moreover, studies proved that it is as efficient as a face-to-face program (2,3).
Our study aims to design and conduct an APA program supervised by videoconference, and to assess its effects on specific symptoms of AN, as well as on psychological disorders, physical hyperactivity, muscle strength imbalance and sleep quality.
Method:
This multicentric randomized controlled study will include two groups of AN patients: 25 following the APA program (muscle building, gentle physical practices) over 12 weeks in addition to classic therapeutics, and a control group of 25 AN patients. Participants will be evaluated with physical tests, actimetry and questionnaires, in pre– and post-program and 3 months post-program.
Expected results:
We expect to observe a significant decrease of AN’s symptoms and physical hyperactivity for APA group compared to the control group, and a significant improvement of psychological aspects, muscle strength imbalance and sleep quality.
Possible implications:
This study should confirm the value of videoconferencing in the supervision of APA and could help to establish recommendations for APA treatment in AN.
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious eating disorder, characterized by low weight, food restriction and fear of gaining weight. In addition, anorexics often have other symptoms, such as sleep and psychological disorders (body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem), as well as excessive exercise and muscle strength imbalance. Recent studies have revealed that physical activity practiced in an appropriate manner, could have positive effects on specific symptoms of AN and associated disturbances (1). To our knowledge, no study has investigated the effect of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) program supervised by videoconference in patients with AN. However it appears to be a useful tool which allows to suppress geographic and transportation barriers, to practice in a comfortable and familiar place, also it could be safer and durable in the actual pandemic context. Moreover, studies proved that it is as efficient as a face-to-face program (2,3).
Our study aims to design and conduct an APA program supervised by videoconference, and to assess its effects on specific symptoms of AN, as well as on psychological disorders, physical hyperactivity, muscle strength imbalance and sleep quality.
Method:
This multicentric randomized controlled study will include two groups of AN patients: 25 following the APA program (muscle building, gentle physical practices) over 12 weeks in addition to classic therapeutics, and a control group of 25 AN patients. Participants will be evaluated with physical tests, actimetry and questionnaires, in pre– and post-program and 3 months post-program.
Expected results:
We expect to observe a significant decrease of AN’s symptoms and physical hyperactivity for APA group compared to the control group, and a significant improvement of psychological aspects, muscle strength imbalance and sleep quality.
Possible implications:
This study should confirm the value of videoconferencing in the supervision of APA and could help to establish recommendations for APA treatment in AN.