Fisioterapia en mulleres con trastornos da conduta alimentaria

Abstract

The Association of Bulimia and Anorexia of A Coruña (ABAC) includes physical activity in its multidisciplinary treatment of eating disorders. Physiotherapy in mental health is not usually included in multidisciplinary teams in Spain but in other countries. We used two service-learning programs to include physiotherapy in this association and contents about mental health in undergraduate courses of Physiotherapy. In cooperation with the psychological area of treatment, two physiotherapy interventions adapted to ABAC members were developed. These interventions were different and they had different objectives. Three students of the 3rd year Nutrition and physiotherapy course (Bachelor of Physiotherapy) carried out an assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal pain in patients with eating disorders. The student of the 4th year course Bachelor thesis designed and implemented a specific intervention to improve body image in the same kind of patients. Seven users of ABAC participated in both programs. New contents about physiotherapy in mental health were included in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy. The results of the two programs were positive. Students acquired relevant competencies and learning outcomes, but their ability for critical reflection was variable. The satisfaction of students, users, lecturer and the involved staff was high.