Exercise Addiction Research Articles

Exercise Addiction Inventory-3 (EAI-3): Psychometric properties of the Hungarian version

Background and aims: The Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), based on the components model addictions, is a 6-item instrument used to assess the risk of exercise addiction (REA). Its revised version (EAI-R) was published in 2019 but only differed from the original scale in the response rating range (using a 6-point rather than 5-point Likert scale). In 2023, the EAI-3 was released with two new items (guilt when missing training and exercising despite injury). We aimed to test the validity and reliability of the Hungarian EAI-3 (EAI-3-HU). Methods: We tested 507 regular exercisers (Mage = 38.7 years, SD age = 10.63 years, range age: 18–78 years; 62.7% females) who completed the EAI-3-HU, the obsessive passion subscale of the Passion Scale, and exercise habits questions on the online Qualtrics research platform during autumn/winter 2023–2024. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a good model fit for the two factor EAI-3-HU (CFI = .96; TLI = .94; RMSEA = .07; SRMR = .04). However, the covariance between the latent factors was .97, indicating that they measure an identical concept. Thus, a single-factor solution was appropriate (CFI = .96; TLI = .94; RMSEA = .07; SRMR = .04). Testing measurement invariance revealed the partial scalar invariance across genders. The internal reliability of the scale was good (Cronbach’s α = .81). The scale had good convergent validity with obsessive passion (r = .72), and discriminant validity based on exercise frequency as well as exercise intensity (p < .001). Conclusion: The 8-item single factor EAI-3-HU adequately assesses the Hungarian samples’ REA. Nevertheless, it should be kept in perspective that the revised tool, like its predecessors, only assesses a level of ‘risk’, which does not imply morbidity, thus it has no clinical diagnostic value.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder with compulsive exercise leading to intensive care treatment in an adolescent male: a case report.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders (ED) are compulsive disorders with overlapping symptoms. However, weight loss and over-exercise causing secondary medical complications are rarely seen in OCD. We report the case of a 15-year-old male who presented with atypical symptoms of OCD leading to severe medical compromise. Covid-19 related team sport restrictions led to compulsive exercise associated with intrusive thoughts. The onset of stress fractures limited exercise ability,prompting compensatory food restriction. Bradycardia, hypothermia and hypoglycaemia resulted from severe malnourishment and weight loss in the context of OCD. His weight was 85.8% of ideal body weight on admission, reflective of a weight 10-15 kg lower than his premorbid weight. During admission, he developed exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis with significantly elevated creatinine kinase and required intensive care unit treatment. Psychotropic medication included lamotrigine, olanzapine and high dose fluoxetine alongside cognitive-behavioural therapy. Medical stabilisation and weight restoration allowed discharge to an outpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. This atypical case of OCD highlights the potentially life-threatening risks associated with excessive exercise and malnutrition. This paper highlights the complexities of treatment in a patient who cannot adhere to bed rest and the differential diagnoses of anorexia nervosa, orthorexia nervosa and exercise addiction.

How depression and ADHD relate to exercise addiction: a cross-sectional study among frequent exercisers.

To date, there are no official diagnostic criteria for the frequently reported phenomenon of exercise addiction. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate how mental disorders, specifically depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are related to exercise addiction (EA). A total of 173 participants aged between 18 and 70 years, who reported exercising more than 10 h a week and continued to exercise despite injury or illness, answered questionnaires including the Exercise Dependence Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Homburger ADHD scale for adults. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed adjusting for relevant confounders (age, gender) and stepwise regression was used to identify which of the two mental disorders is the more influential predictor of EA. Pearson correlation analysis showed that depressive symptoms [r (171) = 0.422, p < 0.00] and ADHD symptoms [r (171) = 0.308, p < 0.001] were positively correlated with EA symptoms. The relation between depressive symptoms and EA remained after adjusting for confounders in the regression model (B = 20.531; t(170) = 5.950; 95% CI [13.719, 27.343]; p < 0.001). Similarly, the positive link between ADHD symptoms and EA persisted after controlling for confounders (B = 15.507; t(170) = 3.771; 95% CI [7.389, 23.625]; p < 0.001). Additionally, a stepwise regression model identified that depressive symptoms are a stronger predictor for EA than ADHD symptoms. Depressive symptoms seem to be a stronger predictor for EA compared to ADHD symptoms in frequent exercisers. Although individuals with ADHD May exercise extensively, they might be less at risk for EA than individuals with depression. These results contribute to the complex characterization of the psychiatric profile of individuals with exercise addiction, and underline the need for further research elucidating the interplay between mental disorders and EA.

The Effect on Exercise Addiction and Anxiety Levels in Breathing Exercises in Bodybuilding Athletes

Abstract Exercise is considered a promising and emerging treatment for individuals recovering from addiction. The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of breathing exercises on exercise addiction and anxiety levels in bodybuilding athletes. The population of the research consisted of 20 test subjects and 20 control volunteers, male and female participants, who exercised in the fitness center of the Asis sports complex located at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University in Van province. Breathing exercises were performed on the subject group for 40 minutes, 2 days a week for 10 weeks. The survey was measured twice in total for the subject and control groups, before the exercise program and at the end of the exercise program. Personal information form, Exercise Addiction Scale (EAS) and Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS) were used as data collection tools in the study. To find the relationship between breathing exercises and exercise addiction and anxiety levels, Shapiro-Wilk analysis was tested and T-test was used to compare two independent groups since normal distribution was detected. When we look at the control group, there was only a difference in the comparison of exercise addiction results, while in the experimental group, a significant difference was found between the performance of breathing exercises and the comparison of exercise addiction and anxiety results. It can be said that breathing exercises reduce exercise addiction and anxiety levels in individuals doing bodybuilding sports. It is very important to maintain balance and have a healthy approach when exercising. In order to benefit from the benefits of exercise to the maximum extent, personalized programs should be prepared and implemented under expert guidance. It may be recommended that Breathing Exercise studies be applied to other sports branches as well. Keywords: Bodybuilding Athletes, Breathing Exercises, Exercise Addiction, Anxiety

Erratum. The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma, Exercise Addiction, Emotion Regulation Difficulties, and Basic Psychological Needs in Türkiye

Erratum. The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma, Exercise Addiction, Emotion Regulation Difficulties, and Basic Psychological Needs in Türkiye

The role of physical activity in mitigating stress-induced internet addiction among Chinese college students

BackgroundThis study addresses the nexus of stress, physical exercise, and internet addiction in college students, aiming to unravel their complex interactions. With prior research hinting at correlations, this study seeks deeper insights into the optimal exercise duration and the mediating role of physical activity in the stress-internet addiction relationship. MethodsWe examined 2892 Chinese college students, assessing psychosocial traits via established scales: the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and DASS-21 for stress. We adopted a questionnaire survey method to collect data, and through convenience sampling, participants were selected. Analysis involved Structural Equation Model (SEM) and restricted cubic splines (RCS). ResultsAmong participants, 22.0 % self-reported internet addiction symptoms. Notably, a non-linear correlation between moderate (MPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) and internet addiction was evident (P < 0.001), while light physical activity (LPA) showed no significant association (P = 0.182). MPA initially reduced internet addiction as activity hours increased, but its efficacy lessened after 0.8 h/day. Conversely, VPA's impact fluctuated, declining from 0 to 0.18 h/day, then stabilizing. SEM analysis highlighted VPA and MPA's partial mediation in the stress-internet addiction relationship. Specifically, the path coefficient from stress to MPA was −0.037 (P < 0.05), and the path coefficient from MPA to internet addiction was −0.056 (P < 0.01). Additionally, the path coefficient from stress to VPA was −0.067 (P < 0.001), and the path coefficient from VPA to internet addiction was −0.102 (P < 0.001). ConclusionThis study unveils the intricate interplay between physical activity, stress, and internet addiction among college students. With 22.0 % reporting addiction symptoms, urgent interventions tailored to promoting healthy physical activity levels are imperative to mitigate internet addiction risks. LimitationsThe cross-sectional nature of our design precludes the establishment of causal relationships between psychological stress and internet addiction.

Chasing a Phantom Dysfunction: A Position Paper on Current Methods in Exercise Addiction Research

AbstractExercise addiction has been investigated for almost half a decade in well over 1000 published papers. Studies adopt different terminologies like exercise addiction, overexercise, exercise dependence, compulsive exercise, obligatory exercise, and the like to refer to the same concept while creating conceptual confusion and rendering cross-study comparability challenging. The paradox is that fewer than ten research articles cover cases of clinical significance, yielding an extremely high ratio of publications to problematic cases. While there is evidence that significantly more clinically attention-meriting cases might exist, they surface in clinical practice rather than research settings. It is also peculiar that scholars search for a common path or shared etiology for exercise addiction, while each case, like those in substance use disorder, is unique, as also predicted by clinical models. Furthermore, the survey method uses scales yielding risk scores without diagnostic value. Most research in this direction, therefore, seems to be futile. Thus, it is not surprising that more than 10 years ago, the panel editing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) found insufficient evidence for exercise addiction being a mental dysfunction. As a result, exercise addiction has no clinical diagnostic criteria. This position paper aims to identify conceptual and methodological research barriers that hinder progress in this field, ultimately calling for a paradigm shift toward more productive research. In conclusion, the position of this paper is that most currently used research methodologies on exercise addiction are unsatisfactory and, consequently, a paradigm shift is urgently needed.

When Healthy Habits Turn Harmful: A Medical Perspective on Exercise Addiction

Behavioural addictions, also known as non-substance-related addictions, encompass a range of compulsive behaviours that closely mirror substance use disorders in their effects on the brain's reward system and the individual's daily life. These addictions include, but are not limited to, gambling disorder, internet gaming disorder, compulsive shopping, and the focus of this review - exercise addiction. Exercise addiction is characterized by an intense, uncontrollable urge to engage in physical activity, despite potential negative consequences. Unlike substance use disorders, exercise addiction often remains underrecognized, overshadowed by the widespread promotion of regular physical activity as a healthy lifestyle choice. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of exercise addiction, covering its psychological origin and characteristics, diagnostic criteria, co-occurrence with other psychiatric disorders, epidemiology among athletes and management strategies.

Editorial: The relationship between exercise addiction, social media use, and mental health

Editorial: The relationship between exercise addiction, social media use, and mental health

Are Sub-elite Athletes at Higher Risk of Eating Disorders, Exercise Addiction, Depression, and Low Energy Availability Compared With Elite Athletes?

The main objective of this study was to investigate the risk of eating disorders, exercise addiction, depression, and low energy availability (LEA) in Danish female and male elite compared with sub-elite athletes. A cross-sectional study. An online survey. A total of 410 elite athletes (mean age 20.1 years, 51% females) and 206 sub-elite athletes (mean age 21.3 years, 52% females) from 15 different sports.Assessment of Risk Factors: Eating Disorders, exercise addiction, depression, and LEA. The Sick Control, One Stone (6.5 kg), Fat, Food, the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, the Exercise Addiction Inventory, the Major Depression Inventory, and the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire or the Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire. We found that more female sub-elite athletes compared with elite athletes had risk of eating disorders (EDs) (37.4% vs 23.4%; P < 0.012) and the same was found for males (23.2% vs 10.4%; P = 0.005). More athletes with risk of EDs had risk of exercise addiction (12.8 vs 5.4%, P = 0.006), depression (27.3 vs 4.2%, P < 0.001), and LEA (females 55.1 vs 40.7%, P = 0.024, and males 29.4 vs 13.7%, P = 0.036, respectively) compared with athletes without risk of EDs. Sub-elite athletes have a higher risk of eating disorders compared with elite athletes. Regular screening of ED symptoms and associated conditions in elite and especially sub-elite athletes may ensure early identification.

The Relationship between Physical Activity Enjoyment and Exercise Addiction

The Relationship between Physical Activity Enjoyment and Exercise Addiction

중년기 생활체육 참여자들의 건강염려경향성이 운동중독에 미치는 영향 : 운동몰입의 매개효과

중년기 생활체육 참여자들의 건강염려경향성이 운동중독에 미치는 영향 : 운동몰입의 매개효과

THE INTERACTION BETWEEN EXERCISE ADDICTION AND NUTRITIONAL LEVELS AMONG STUDENTS OF THE FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Physical exercise is a voluntary, planned, structured, continuous activity aimed at developing and improving body and physical fitness. While nutrition constitutes one dimension of healthy lifestyle behaviors, exercise and physical activity constitute the other dimension. We aimed to examine the relationship between healthy nutrition levels and exercise addiction levels of students studying at the faculty of health sciences. Our study was performed on 133 students studying at Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences. The nutrition levels of the participants were assessed with the Nutrition Exercise Behavior Scale (NEBS) and exercise dependence levels were assessed with the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS). The mean values of age and body mass index of the subjects were 21.83±4.21 and 18.13±3.09, respectively. There were statistically significant and weak correlations between participants' healthy eating habits and exercise dependence level (r=0.386 - p

Investigation Of The Relationship Between Social Media Addiction, Social Media Burnout and Exercise Commitment In Individuals Actively Engaged in Fitness

In contemporary society, the widespread integration of digital technologies; It has opened unprecedented avenues for connection, information dissemination, and self-expression. However, as individuals become increasingly immersed in the complex web of online interactions, concerns about maladaptive behavior have begun to receive academic attention. This discourse converges on three interrelated phenomena: social media addiction, exercise addiction, and the concept of social media burnout in athletes. These facts, based on rigorous academic research, underscore the complex dynamics between technology, physical activity, and mental health. The purpose of this discussion, which investigates the subtle dimensions of social media addiction, exercise addiction and the unique manifestation of burnout in individuals who engage in fitness, is to examine the relationship between social media addiction, social media burnout and exercise adherence in individuals who actively engage in fitness. In our research, scale systems consist of 3 parts; personal information form, social media addiction scale, social media burnout scale and exercise addiction scale. While the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used in the research, IBM SPSS 26 statistical program was used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained, it was determined that there was no significant difference between the participants' social media addictions and exercise addictions, and it can be said that individuals who are actively involved in fitness act consciously about social media use. In addition, as a result of the exercise addiction scale applied to measure the exercise addiction of the participants, it was concluded that although the majority of the participants (n = 334) showed symptoms of exercise addiction, they were not exercise addicts.

Profiling and assessing the risks of image- and performance-enhancing drugs use during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Image and Performance-Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs) can enhance mental and physical capabilities and impact one's overall health. Initially confined in sport environments, IPEDs use has become increasingly widespread in a high-performing society. The present study was aimed at profiling IPEDs use during the COVID-19 lockdown among an international sample of young adults. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in eight countries (United Kingdom, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and Japan) between April and May 2020. The survey questionnaire included validated measurements such as Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) as well as questions about the type of IPEDs, purchasing methods and socio-demographic information. A total of 736 IPEDs users were included in the survey. Their mean age was 33.05 years (±SD = 10.06), and 64.2% were female participants. Overall, 6.8% were found at risk of exercise addiction (EAI >24), 27.6% presented high levels of appearance anxiety, and 24.9% revealed low levels of emotional regulation's self-compassion. Most participants (55.6%) purchased IPEDs through pharmacies/specialized shops, while 41.3% purchased IPEDs on the Internet. Online IPEDs buyers were mainly men who had higher scores on the Exercise Addiction Inventory. One or more IPEDs classifiable as "potentially risky" were used by 66.3% of the sample. Users of "potentially risky IPEDs" were younger and primarily men. They showed higher scores both on the Exercise Addiction Inventory and Appearance Anxiety Inventory. This study profiled users of IPEDs when the most restrictive COVID-19 lockdown policies were implemented in all the participating countries. More targeted post-COVID 19 prevention strategies should be implemented according to the emerged socio-demographic and psychopathological traits and cross-cultural differences emerged. Longitudinal studies will also be needed to determine the long-term effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on IPEDs consumption.

Exercise addiction: a comparison between runners, cyclists, swimmers, and triathletes

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare exercise addiction (EA) between runners, cyclists, swimmers, and triathletes. Took part in this study 39 runners, 32 cyclists, 30 swimmers and 38 triathletes. Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS), and the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) was used to evaluate the EA and classified the participants into: at-risk for EA, nondependent-symptomatic, and nondependent asymptomatic.

Prevalence of the Risk of Exercise Addiction Based on a New Classification: A Cross-Sectional Study in 15 Countries

AbstractExercise addiction is widely studied, but an official clinical diagnosis does not exist for this behavioral addiction. Earlier research using various screening instruments examined the absolute scale values while investigating the disorder. The Exercise Addiction Inventory-3 (EAI-3) was recently developed with two subscales, one denoting health-relevant exercise and the other addictive tendencies. The latter has different cutoff values for leisure exercisers and elite athletes. Therefore, the present 15-country study (n = 3,760) used the EAI-3 to classify the risk of exercise addiction (REA), but only if the participant reported having had a negative exercise-related experience. Based on this classification, the prevalence of REA was 9.5% in the sample. No sex differences, and few cross-national differences were found. However, collectivist countries reported greater REA in various exercise contexts than individualist countries. Moreover, the REA among athletes was (i) twice as high as leisure exercisers, (ii) higher in organized than self-planned exercises, irrespective of athletic status, and (iii) higher among those who exercised for skill/mastery reasons than for health and social reasons, again irrespective of athletic status. Eating disorders were more frequent among REA-affected individuals than in the rest of the sample. These results do not align with recent theoretical arguments claiming that exercise addiction is unlikely to be fostered in organized sports. The present study questions the current research framework for understanding exercise addiction and offers a new alternative to segregate self-harming exercise from passionate overindulgence in athletic life.

Assessing biomarkers of remission in female patients with anorexia nervosa (REMANO): a protocol for a prospective cohort study with a nested case–control study using clinical, neurocognitive, biological, genetic, epigenetic and neuroimaging markers in a French specialised inpatient unit

BackgroundAnorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder associated with frequent relapses and variability in treatment responses. Previous literature suggested that such variability is influenced by premorbid vulnerabilities such as...

A real‐life snapshot: Evaluating exposures to low energy availability in male athletes from various sports

AbstractProblematic low energy availability (LEA) is the underlying cause of relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs). Male specific etiology, as well as the duration and degree of LEA exposures resulting in REDs remain to be adequately described. The present study aimed to assess occurrences of LEA (energy availability [EA] &lt;25 kcal/kg fat‐free mass/day) in male athletes from various sports over 7 days. Associations between number of LEA days, physiological measures, and body image concerns were subsequently evaluated. The athletes recorded their weighed food intakes and training via photo‐assisted mobile application. Body composition and resting metabolic rates were measured, and venous blood samples collected for assessments of hormonal and nutrition status. Participants also answered the Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire (LEAM‐Q), Eating Disorder Examination—Questionnaire Short (EDE‐QS), Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), and Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). Of 19 participants, 13 had 0–2, 6 had 3–5, and none had 6–7 LEA days. No associations were found between the number of LEA days with the physiological and body image outcomes, although those with greatest number of LEA days had highest EEE but relatively low dietary intakes. In conclusion, this group displayed considerable day‐to‐day EA fluctuations but no indication of problematic LEA.

Effects of school-based physical activity on volition in exercise, sleep quality and internet addiction in Italian adolescents

School-settings represent ideal context to promote healthy habits as in adolescence most risk factors may occur or intensify leading to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles. Thus, a deeper understanding of the factors promoting healthy lifestyles in adolescents is of utmost importance.This observational study aims to investigate: 1) gender-related differences in physical activity (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescets – PAQ-A), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI) and internet addiction (Internet Addiction Test – IAT) levels and Volition in Exercise (VE); 2) the relationship between PAQ-A and VE, PSQI and IAT; 3) the effects of a five-month (T0; T5) school-based physical activity (PA) intervention on the above-mentioned factors. PAQ-A,VE, PSQI and IAT were assessed before (T0) and after (T5) a school-based PA intervention. The PA intervention consisted of coordinative exercises and team sports performed for 1 h twice a week. At T0, girls showed lower PAQ-A, PSQI scores, lower volition facilitators (“self-confidence” and “coping with failure”) and higher volition inhibitor (“postponing training”) than boys. Significant correlations were observed for volition factors an IAT in males and volition and PSQI and IAT in females. After the PA intervention (T5), “postponing training” and “self-confidence” factors were reduced compared to T0.Exercise specialists should consider gender differences in volition in exercise factors during a school-based PA to plan and realize PA protocols aiming at maximizing exercise adherence to tackle sedentary behaviors in adolescents.