Curbing of compulsive exercising and motivations in anorexia nervosa : Independent study material for Samk physiotherapy students
Daguet, Amélia Carole (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120432662
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120432662
Tiivistelmä
Eating disorders are a persistent disturbance of eating behaviours with associated distressing emotions which impair physical health and psychosocial functioning. Anorexia nervosa is characterised by self-starvation and low body weight, an extreme fear of gaining weight, and disturbed body image. Sometimes, it is accompanied by purging behaviours like self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, and/or over exercising.
The aim of this thesis was to provide knowledge to Samk physiotherapy students on how to curb hyperactivity and unhealthy motivations for exercising in patients with anorexia nervosa. The objective was to create an independent learning material for Samk physiotherapy students. The independent learning material has been added to Samk’s Psychosomatic Physiotherapy course to be available in the H5P Moodle platform.
The method of this thesis was action-based research. The theorical part included gathering the current evidence-based literature about anorexia nervosa, the pathology, the physiotherapy approach in mental health and the physiotherapist’s role in curbing hyperactivity in anorexia. Based upon which, the practical part was created as an independent learning material.
This thesis emphasizes the importance of changing anorexic patient’s perspectives and exercise goals to support their recovery. Forced exercise abstinence is not recommended, as it increases the risk of relapse. The physiotherapist should allow the patient to move purposefully within predefined boundaries. Addressing the motivations behind physical activity is crucial, as it is the quality that predicts developing an eating disorder. The entire treatment should be planned collaboratively with the patient, with a written contract outlining objectives, guidelines, intensity, and frequency of exercise sessions. It has been demonstrated that mindful movement can alleviate eating-disorder pathology, improve body image, and reduce psychological distress.
The aim of this thesis was to provide knowledge to Samk physiotherapy students on how to curb hyperactivity and unhealthy motivations for exercising in patients with anorexia nervosa. The objective was to create an independent learning material for Samk physiotherapy students. The independent learning material has been added to Samk’s Psychosomatic Physiotherapy course to be available in the H5P Moodle platform.
The method of this thesis was action-based research. The theorical part included gathering the current evidence-based literature about anorexia nervosa, the pathology, the physiotherapy approach in mental health and the physiotherapist’s role in curbing hyperactivity in anorexia. Based upon which, the practical part was created as an independent learning material.
This thesis emphasizes the importance of changing anorexic patient’s perspectives and exercise goals to support their recovery. Forced exercise abstinence is not recommended, as it increases the risk of relapse. The physiotherapist should allow the patient to move purposefully within predefined boundaries. Addressing the motivations behind physical activity is crucial, as it is the quality that predicts developing an eating disorder. The entire treatment should be planned collaboratively with the patient, with a written contract outlining objectives, guidelines, intensity, and frequency of exercise sessions. It has been demonstrated that mindful movement can alleviate eating-disorder pathology, improve body image, and reduce psychological distress.