Fernandez-del-Valle M, Larumbe-Zabala E, Villaseñor-Montarroso A, Cardona Gonzalez C, Diez-Vega I, Lopez Mojares LM, Perez Ruiz M. Resistance training enhances muscular performance in patients with anorexia nervosa: a randomized controlled trial.
Int J Eat Disord 2014;
47:601-9. [PMID:
24810684 DOI:
10.1002/eat.22251]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Low-intensity exercise applied in anorexia nervosa patients has been shown to have a harmless effect on body composition and to effect short-term improvements in muscular strength and agility. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a high-intensity resistance training program designed for adolescents to improve strength and agility in anorexia nervosa restricting-type patients (AN-R).
METHODS
From a total of 36 female patients with AN-R, one group (intervention, n = 18) underwent a supervised high-intensity resistance training program lasting 8 weeks, and the other group with no exercise (control, n = 18). Body weight, body mass index, whole-body muscular strength, and agility were assessed before, after, and 4 weeks after training (detraining).
RESULTS
Leg-press, bench-press, and lateral row tests improved significantly (p < 0.001) after 8 weeks of training compared with controls. Improvements were maintained after the detraining period. The training program also showed beneficial effects on agility.
DISCUSSION
A high-intensity resistance training program adapted to the recommendations for adolescents in AN-R patients was effective and safe, improving muscular strength in the whole body and the ability to perform daily tasks. However, long-term maintenance of gains seems to be linked to the continuance of training or the use of a maintenance program.
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