- I would suggest physical activity for anorexia because…
– The body is alive, It needs to move
– Feels normal
– Doing something for themselves
– Reconnecting: mind – body, different parts of a body
– Reducing anxiety
– Endorphin release
– Self confidence
– Fun, joy
– Circulation (vascular system)
– Grounding (here and now)
– Connecting to the environment
– Socialization – contact
– More relaxation
– Body image; body boundaries; body self; body sensations; body awareness
– Empowerment
– Taking personal responsibility
– Deflexion
– Reward
– Self control/structure/boundaries
- I would not suggest p.a. for anorexia because…
Supporting distractive systems
Mental:
– Triggers
– Focusing on appearance
– Lack of body awareness during treatment
– During treatment daily activities
– Amenorrhea
Physical:
– The patient’s lack of education about anorexia
– Osteoporosis
– Life-threatening conditions (heart and etc.)
– Other injuries
– Increase stress
– The risk of not gaining weight/balance activity and diet
– OCD, self-competition, social isolation, self hatred
– Lack of supervision/control/limits
– Protection from the emotions
– Not getting out of the vicious circle/staying il
- Assessment
Health
– Medical history
– Blood work
– Physical/mental
– Questionnaire
– BMD
– Hydration
– Blood pressure
– BMI
– %/BW (not % Body Fat)
– Sleeping Quality
– Social situation
Fitness
Modify test for ability of patient/client
– CV capacity
– Muscle strength
– Muscle resistance
– Muscle tone
– Flexibility/mobility
– Balance/coordinatio
- P.A. for AN (after treatment)
Recommended:
– PT first
Emotional aspects: Body and mind (Yoga, Taichi)
– Walking, hiking (nature/outdoor activity)
– Games
Social aspects:
– Low-intensity dance lesson
– Circuit training
– partner training
– trips, visits
Physiological aspect:
– Strength training
– Body weight training
– Cardiovascular
– Aqua fitness
– Pilates/LPF
Not recommended:
– Running + high impact exercise
– Combat sports
– Competitive sports
– Contact sports (sports games)
– Body appearance related activities: Body Pump, Cross Fit, Zumba, Ballet, Gymnastic
– Torsion exercise (golf, tennis)
Conclusion:
All participants agreed that phisycal activity should be implemented in anorexia treatment (in the later phase of treatment) or post treatment. Levels of treatment are to be discussed.
Participants were divided into 4 groups. 1st and the 2nd group have consisted of clinicians and they had to answer the question why they would and would not suggest phisycal activity. The participants of the 1st group were mostly focused on the mental benefits that phisycal activity offers.
The 2nd group divided their opinion of why phisycal activity should not be recommended on mental and physical influence.
The 3rd and 4th group have consisted of fitness experts and their task was to propose the ways to assess the patient from a health and fitness level and which phisycal activity would they recommend and which they would not recommend (after the treatment).
On the next meeting we will determine the phases of anorexia treatment and try to agree on the level of the phisycal activity that is or isn’t suitable and safe for a certain phase.
It is very important to define the kinesiological and medical terminology that is to be used during the project.
