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High‐intensity exercise is associated with a better nutritional status in anorexia nervosa
Author(s) -
Rizk Melissa,
Kern Laurence,
Lalanne Christophe,
Hanachi Mouna,
Melchior JeanClaude,
Pichard Claude,
Mattar Lama,
Berthoz Sylvie,
Godart Nathalie
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.2661
Subject(s) - bioelectrical impedance analysis , body mass index , anorexia nervosa , medicine , confounding , physical therapy , intensity (physics) , exercise intensity , amenorrhea , physical exercise , sports medicine , anorexia , eating disorders , psychiatry , blood pressure , pregnancy , heart rate , physics , quantum mechanics , biology , genetics
Abstract Objective Our aim is to investigate the links between duration and intensity of exercise and the nutritional status in terms of body composition in acute anorexia nervosa (AN) patients. Method One hundred ninety‐one hospitalized women suffering from AN were included. Exercise duration and intensity were assessed using a semistructured questionnaire. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance. Linear multiple regression analyses were carried out using body mass index, fat‐free mass index, and fat mass index as dependent variables and including systematically exercise duration, exercise intensity, and other confounding variables described in the literature that were significantly associated with each dependent variable in univariate analysis. Results A lower BMI was linked to lower exercise intensity, AN restrictive type, and presence of amenorrhea. A lower FFMI was linked to lower exercise intensity, older age, AN restrictive type, and premenarchal AN. Duration of exercise was not linked to the nutritional status. Conclusions Exercising at higher intensity in AN is associated with a better nutritional status, thus, a better resistance to starvation. The impact of therapeutic physical activity sessions, adapted in terms of exercise intensity and patient's clinical status, should be evaluated during nutrition rehabilitation.