Maria Bakland, Jorunn Sundgot-Borgen, Rolf Wynn, Jan H Rosenvinge, Annett Victoria Stornæs, Gunn Pettersen
Journal: BMJ open 2018;8(1):e019386
PMID: 29330176
Research has found that physical exercise and diet therapy (PED-t) can significantly reduce the symptoms experienced by patients with eating disorders. While many studies exist on overall knowledge about treating eating disorders, there is a gap around the therapist’s perspective in delivering a treatment programme. The aim of this study is to explore the therapists’ experiences while delivering PED-t treatments for patients with eating disorders. Interviews from ten therapists delivering the PED-t program were transcribed and analysed. Overall these therapists felt their professional knowledge and ability to maintain a good group dynamic was an important source of patients’ trust in the program. Based on these results, the authors conclude that professionals of various clinical backgrounds may have a significant role in treating patients with eating disorders.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the current study is to explore how therapists running a guided physical exercise and dietary therapy programme (PED-t) experience their contribution to the treatment of patients with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
METHODS
Ten therapists running the PED-t were semistructurally interviewed and the transcribed interviews were analysed using a systematic text condensation approach.
SETTING
The study was run within the context of a randomised controlled trial at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences.
RESULTS
The therapists experienced their knowledge about physical exercise and nutrition as important and useful, and that they could share their knowledge with the patients in different ways and with confidence in their own role. They also believed that their knowledge could serve as tools for the patients' post-treatment recovery and management of their daily lives. Moreover, the therapists put much effort in adjusting their teaching to fit each individual participant. Finally, they reported their personal qualities as important to build trust and therapeutic alliance.
CONCLUSIONS
The terms 'clinical confidence' and 'alliance' may stand out as the overarching 'metacategories' covering the experiences revealed in this study. The clinical implication is that new groups of professionals may have an important role in the treatment of eating disorders.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCTO2079935; Results.
© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.
Full Text Sources:
Medical:
Other Literature Sources:
© Copyright 2026, Nutrition Evidence
NED wishes to thank the following organisations for their support:
We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze site traffic with Google Analytics. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more.