Movement as Preventive Education for Females at Risk of Anorexia Nervosa: Effects of Physical-Cognitive Interventions on Psychophysiological Markers

<ns3:p>Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex psychiatric disorder posing major challenges to treatment. Effective early prevention requires interdisciplinary approaches integrating physical activity with health education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive potential of structured body-oriented interventions by comparing their effectiveness in improving subjective and physiological well-being among young women at risk of developing AN. Methods: Forty-two women exhibiting Anorexia Readiness Syndrome (ARS) symptoms were randomly assigned to three Nalu. Mindful Movement interventions: Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), yoga, and mindfulness. Well-being was assessed subjectively (stress, anxiety, mood, eating disorder symptoms) and objectively (heart rate and heart rate variability parameters). Measurements were taken at baseline, after a four-week control period, and following a four-week intervention. Interoceptive awareness was examined as a potential mediator of psychophysiological resilience to AN risk. Results: Mixed-design repeated-measures ANOVA showed no changes in psychometric measures and a stress-like physiological decline during the control period. All interventions improved subjective well-being, while physiological improvement occurred after yoga and mindfulness training. Yoga produced the strongest overall effects. Regression analyses indicated that ARS scores were predicted by body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem, both linked to interoceptive deficits and trait anxiety. Improvements in self-esteem and body dissatisfaction were associated with intervention-related increases in interoceptive awareness. Conclusion: Integrative physical–mental practices may serve as effective preventive strategies against eating disorders by enhancing interoceptive awareness and emotional regulation. These findings support the inclusion of such interventions within health education and exercise science curricula targeting at-risk populations.</ns3:p>