# A randomised control trial study evaluating a compulsive exercise group for adolescent inpatients with eating disorders

## TL;DR

This study tested a 7-session group intervention for compulsive exercise in adolescents with anorexia nervosa, finding that it did not significantly improve outcomes compared to standard treatment.

## Contribution

A manualized group intervention for compulsive exercise in adolescents with eating disorders was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

## Key findings

- Both treatment groups showed significant reductions in compulsive exercise and eating disorder symptoms.
- No significant differences were found between the NEAT + TAU and TAU groups on outcome measures.
- Standard treatment and the NEAT group were both effective in reducing symptoms.

## Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of a 7-session manualised group intervention for Compulsive Exercise (NEAT) as an adjuvant to inpatient treatment for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN).

Adolescents aged 12–17 consented to the study (N = 75). Using a randomised control design, they were allocated to the NEAT group with treatment as usual (NEAT + TAU) (N = 43), or to treatment as usual alone (TAU) (N = 32). Self-report measures of compulsive exercise and eating disorder psychopathology were administered at two timepoints to assess the efficacy of the intervention.

51 participants completed the study (NEAT + TAU N = 27; TAU N = 24). Both groups saw a significant decrease in compulsive exercise and eating disorder psychopathology between timepoints. There were no significant differences between treatment groups on the outcome measures.

Intensive, multidisciplinary TAU, and NEAT group added to TAU were effective at reducing compulsive exercise and eating disorder symptoms. Clinical opinion and recommendations for further study are discussed. Treatment manual is made available below.

Level of evidence: Level I Evidence obtained from: at least one properly designed randomised controlled trials; systematic reviews and meta-analyses; experimental studies.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40519-025-01809-1.