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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Eating Disorder | Study protocol

Taking the LEAP: study protocol for a randomized, multicentre, naturalistic, efficacy trial of the compuLsive Exercise Activity theraPy (LEAP) - a cognitive behavioral program specifically targeting compulsive exercise in patients with eating disorders

Authors: Elin Monell, Caroline Meyer, Agnieszka Szwajda, Emma Forsén Mantilla

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

About half of Swedish eating disorder patients report exercising compulsively and compulsive exercise (CE) is prevalent in all diagnoses and both genders. Yet there are no systematic treatments targeting CE in specialist care. This study aims to evaluate the effects of The CompuLsive Exercise Activity TheraPy (LEAP) - a promising group treatment targeting compulsive exercise, in Swedish eating disorder patients.

Method

One hundred twenty-eight adult females and males suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or other specified feeding and eating disorders (type 1, 2, or 4) with CE will be recruited via four specialist eating disorder treatment units. Participants will be randomized to receive treatment as usual (control group) or treatment as usual plus LEAP (intervention group). The groups will be assessed on key variables (e.g., BMI, eating disorder symptoms, exercise cognitions and behaviors) at three occasions: initially, after 3 months and after 6 months.

Discussion

The project takes place in a clinical setting, including both male and female patients with different eating disorder diagnoses with CE, enabling a good indication of the efficacy of LEAP. If our results are positive, LEAP has the potential of benefiting about half of the eating disorder population, with remission and recovery hopefully improving as a result.

Trial registration

The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry (registration date 2020-03-25), trial ID: ISRCTN80711391.

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Title: Taking the LEAP: study protocol for a randomized, multicentre, naturalistic, efficacy trial of the compuLsive Exercise Activity theraPy (LEAP) - a cognitive behavioral program specifically targeting compulsive exercise in patients with eating disorders
Authors: Elin Monell
Caroline Meyer
Agnieszka Szwajda
Emma Forsén Mantilla
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Eating Disorder
Anorexia Nervosa
Eating Disorder
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03356-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Taking the LEAP: study protocol for a randomized, multicentre, naturalistic, efficacy trial of the compuLsive Exercise Activity theraPy (LEAP) - a cognitive behavioral program specifically targeting compulsive exercise in patients with eating disorders

Abstract

Background

Method

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Discussion

Trial registration

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