"To exercise sustainably" – Patients’ experiences of compulsive exercise in eating disorders and the CompuLsive Exercise Activity TheraPy as a treatment: a qualitative interview study.

Background : Compulsive exercise (CE) is common in eating disorders (EDs), but a systematic treatment model has been missing. The CompuLsive Exercise Activity TheraPy (LEAP) is a cognitive behavioral therapeutic (CBT) treatment for CE in EDs, aiming to promote healthy physical activity (PA). LEAP is currently evaluated in a randomized efficacy trial. In parallel, it is crucial to learn more about its acceptability and feasibility by qualitatively investigating participants’ experiences. Methods: Nine patients with various EDs participating in the LEAP trial were interviewed about their experiences of taking part in LEAP and about CE as an ED symptom using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were analyzed according to thematic analysis. Results: The informants expressed that CE had not been addressed in their standard ED treatment and that LEAP as such provided an important complement, spurring reflection, awareness, and changed feelings and behaviors in relation to CE. Initially, increased PA was triggered for some, but this side effect was transitory. A wish for more treatment time, in terms of longer or additional sessions, was expressed. Conclusions : Overall, LEAP seemed to fill an important treatment need and seemed both acceptable and feasible to patients. However, treatment time and the initial increase in PA may need further investigation and attention in order to optimize this treatment. Trial registration: The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry (registration date 2020-03-25), trial ID: ISRCTN80711391.