The inpatient management of physical activity in young people with anorexia nervosa

This study investigates the management of physical activity in young inpatients with anorexia nervosa. Through telephone interviews and postal surveys inpatient units across the UK were asked about written documents regarding physical activity management, how they viewed healthy exercise, how they assessed physical fitness to engage in activity, the management approaches taken, provision of education and support around this issue and range of activities provided. Results indicated that a variety of approaches were taken, with little consensus between units, although the majority of approaches did involve some form of restriction, frequently determined by weight criteria. There were few substantial written documents to guide practice and a range of interpretations of healthy exercise. The findings are discussed and suggestions made for research to explore this area further and to inform the development of effective interventions.