Functional Recovery of a Patient With Anorexia Nervosa: Physical Therapist Management in the Acute Care Hospital Setting

Abstract

Physical therapist management of this severely deconditioned patient hospitalized with severe AN focused on the restoration of functional activities, with intervention intensity being guided by physiologic responses. Traditional aerobic and endurance training were de-emphasized to minimize kilocalorie expenditure and tendencies toward exercise compulsion in this patient population.

Prevalence and management of oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with severe anorexia nervosa: A large retrospective review

“…7 Patients with severe AN are often deconditioned; specifically, they may exhibit significantly diminished muscle tone and weakness. 36,37 Thus, it seems plausible patients with severe AN would be affected. In a recent study by Butler et al, 38 the investigators explored the relationship between aspiration status and tongue and handgrip strength in healthy older adults.…”

“…Oropharyngeal dysphagia impacts populations with diagnoses that result in muscle weakness and impaired swallowing musculature, for example, stroke, neurological conditions, and trauma . Patients with severe AN are often deconditioned; specifically, they may exhibit significantly diminished muscle tone and weakness . Thus, it seems plausible patients with severe AN would be affected.…”

Physiotherapy for patients with anorexia nervosa

“…In some cases, postural stability training is indicated. This approach also provides the opportunity to experience their own body in a more neutral way (Fisher & Schenkman, 2012;Kolnes, 2012;Probst, 2007Probst, , 2013Schenkman, 2012).…”

The meaning of compulsive exercise in women with anorexia nervosa: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

“…Fresh ways of addressing emotions may be through body-oriented therapies, such as NPMP, body awareness, or physical therapy interventions tailored to individuals with anorexia nervosa (e.g., Fisher & Schenkman, 2012;Probst et al, 2013;Scott & Van Blyderveen, 2014;Vancampfort et al, 2014).…”