Does Resistance Training Improve the Functional Capacity and Well Being of Very Young Anorexic Patients? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Received 1 June 2009; accepted 9 September 2009. published online 17 November 2009. Corrected Proof
Abstract
Purpose
We determined the effects of a 3-month low–moderate-intensity strength training program (2 sessions/week) on functional capacity, muscular strength, body composition, and quality of life (QOL) in 22 young (12–16 yrs) anorexic outpatients.
Methods
Patients were randomly assigned to a training or control group (n=11 [10 females] each). Training sessions were of low intensity (loads for large muscle groups ranging between 20%–30% and 50%–60% of six repetitions maximum [6RM] at the end of the program). We measured functional capacity by the time up and go and the timed up and down stairs tests. Muscular strength was assessed by 6RM measures for seated bench and leg presses. We estimated percent body fat and muscle mass. We assessed patients' QOL with the Short Form-36 items.
Results
The intervention was well tolerated and did not have any deleterious effect on patients' health, and did not induce significant losses in their body mass. The only studied variable for which a significant interaction (group × time) effect was found (p=.009) was the 6RM seated lateral row test.
Conclusions
Low–moderate-intensity strength training does not seem to add major benefits to conventional psychotherapy and refeeding treatments in young anorexic patients.
ABSTRACT
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