Author(s): DEL VALLE PAGADOR, A., PAGADOR, A.1,2, MORÁN, E.3, OLMEDILLAS, H.1, COBO, A.3, MENENDEZ, A.A.4, SUAREZ, L.3, ARIAS, L.5, FAEDO, C.3, SÁNCHEZ, M.A.5, VALLADARES, P.3, SALCEDO, S.5, DÍAZ, C.6, TERRADOS, N.4, IGLESIAS, E.1,2, FERNANDEZ-DEL-VALLE, M.1,2, Institution: UNIVERSITY OF OVIEDO, Country: SPAIN, Abstract-ID: 2175

INTRODUCTION:
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain and a disturbed body image [1]. With low recovery rates (50%), shows the second highest mortality rate (5-7%) among all mental disorders. Coinciding with the period of highest risk of relapse (after hospitalization), AN patients show an altered body composition and poor muscular health. Resistance training (RE) has been associated with benefits in factors that “are specific or diagnostic for AN” [2], however, prescription and implementation still under debate. Given the importance of returning to a healthy physical fitness - in addition to improved mental health [3], it is key to assist professionals in exercise prescription management. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the effects of an evidence-based extra-hospital RE intervention on physical and mental health of AN patients after hospitalization.
METHODS:
A total of 21 patients (age 22.38±8.9 years; body mass index 17.6±2.2 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either exercise (ANE = 11) or control groups (ANC = 10). Physical fitness assessments included anthropometry, body impedance analysis [e.g. skeletal muscle mass (SMM), percent body fat], cardiorespiratory fitness test, half-squat (HS) test [e.g. HS maximal strength (HSFmax)], and grip strength. Mental health was evaluated through the Eating Disorder Examination questionnaire and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Intervention consisted of a 10-week evidence-based progressive RE program [4] of moderate-high intensity, 3 days/week, and including big muscle group exercises. After checking for normality, non-parametric U Mann-Whitney or parametric Student t test were performed.
RESULTS:
ANE patients improved significantly muscular fitness [SMM - t(12)=2.24, p=0.045; HSFmax - Z = - 2.36, p = 0.018], symptomatology [Weight Concern – Z = - 2.98 , p = 0.003; Shape Concern – Z = - 2.65 , p = 0.009; Global Score – Z = - 2.15 , p = 0.032] and SF-36 perceived health [Body Pain – t(19)=2.35, p=0.030] to a greater extent compared to ANC. Additionally, a trend was found on the SF-36 Mental Component Scale – t(19)=2.07, p=0.052].
CONCLUSION:
This is the first study to report significant improvements in AN symptomatology linked to the participation on a moderate-to-high intensity RE program. These results show that individualized and supervised extra-hospital RE in AN is safe and allows physical and psychological improvements which are key for a positive progress.

1 Zipfel et al. Lancet Psychiatry.
2 Hausenblas et al. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews.
3 Alberti et al. J Sports Med Phys Fitness.
4 Fernández del Valle et al. The International journey of eating disorders.