A randomized controlled trial of the compuLsive Exercise Activity TheraPy (LEAP): A new approach to compulsive exercise in anorexia nervosa
Year: 2018
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of the compuLsive Exercise Activity theraPy (LEAP) programme integrated with manualized cognitive behavioral therapy for anorexia nervosa (CBT-AN) compared to CBT-AN alone. METHOD: Seventy-eight adults were randomized to CBT-AN, delivered with or without eight embedded sessions of LEAP, for a total of 34 individual outpatient sessions. Participants were assessed at baseline, the end of the first phase of CBT-AN (which included LEAP), mid-therapy, end of therapy, and at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Linear mixed effects modelling was used for comparing trajectories over time by group in primary outcomes of pathological exercise cognitions and secondary outcomes of exercise frequency, BMI, eating disorder (ED) symptoms, AN stage of change, anxiety/depression, and health related quality of life. RESULTS: There were significant improvements over time in all outcomes. There were no significant differences between treatment groups in primary outcome measures. Fidelity and end-of-treatment participant satisfaction were satisfactory across both conditions. DISCUSSION: CBT-AN and LEAP added to CBT-AN resulted in improved attitudes and beliefs toward exercise and general improvements in BMI and ED psychopathology in people with AN.
DOI: 10.1002/eat.22920
Institutions: Western Sydney University, The University of Sydney, University of Nottingham, Glenfield Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Columbia University, University of North Dakota, Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, University Hospital Coventry, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, University of Warwick
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2884727053