Movement behaviour of patients with eating disorders and inflammatory bowel disease: a controlled study.

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the movement behaviour of patients with eating disorders and inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

Ninety female patients with anorexia nervosa (n = 30), bulimia nervosa (n = 30), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 30) and a healthy control group (n = 30) were videotaped during a 10-min standardised movement sequence. A movement analysis instrument was developed for the evaluation.

RESULTS

The patient groups had a significantly smaller area of movement, less weight shift, more isolated use of their body parts, less integration of the lower body, more peripheral initiation of movement, less strength. No significant differences could be found among the patient groups with eating disorders and inflammatory bowel disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings are discussed in relation to body scheme disturbances and inhibition of nonverbal expression.