Risk For Exercise Dependence Research Articles

Prevalence and Association of Exercise Dependence and Eating Disorder Risk in Collegiate Student-Athletes.

Exercise dependence (EXD) is a compulsive and addictive behavior that can negatively affect physical and mental health, leading to significant impairment or distress. Exercise dependence has been associated with symptoms of eating disorders (EDs). Student-athletes are an at-risk population for EXD and EDs given the physical and psychological demands of competitive sports. To examine the EXD and ED risks in student-athletes across sex and sport category and to determine the association between EXD and ED. Cross-sectional study. Collegiate athletics. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and II student-athletes (n = 1885; age = 19.8 ± 1.4 years; females = 69.6%, n = 1312; males = 30.4%, n = 573). A web-based survey including demographics, the Exercise Dependence Scale-21, the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and questions about pathogenic behaviors. Overall, 4.9% (n = 92) of the student-athletes were categorized as at risk for EXD (females = 4.8%, n = 63/1312; males = 5.1%, n = 29/573), with differences across sex and sport categories (all: χ28,1885 = 99.1, P < .001). The ED risk in student-athletes (Eating Attitudes Test-2, pathogenic behavior use, or both) was 22.7% (n = 428; females = 25.5%, n = 334/1312; males = 16.4%, n = 94/573), with differences by sex (χ24,1885 = 10.1, P = .039). Multiple logistic regressions indicated a significant association between the risks of EXD and ED for all student-athletes; athletes at risk for EXD were also at greater risk for EDs (odds ratio = 5.104; 95% CI = 3.237, 8.046) than nondependent-asymptomatic athletes (odds ratio = 2.4068; 95% CI = 1.5618, 3.7089). Although physical activity has become a public health intervention to improve overall health in populations, EXD can be considered a problem related to physical activity. Exercise dependence can negatively affect physical and mental health, whereas EDs may be psychiatric disorders influenced by EXD, as exercise can be a compensatory behavior to achieve weight loss. To minimize the overall risk of EDs in student-athletes, additional education and awareness are needed. Special attention should be given to any student-athletes, in particular females, who display signs of EXD.

Personality Traits Associated with the Risk of Exercise Dependence in Ultraendurance Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Exercise dependence (ED) is common in endurance athletes and can lead to physical and psychological distress with various health effects. We designed a prospective cross-sectional study to investigate the personality traits associated with ED among ultraendurance athletes. A total of 507 participants (41.6 (9.8) years, men: 73.7%) completed (1) a screening questionnaire about sociodemographic data, sporting habits, and healthcare data, (2) the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R, 21 items scored from 1 (never) to 6 (always), 7 subscales), (3) the Big Five Inventory (BFI), and (4) 2 items of the SCOFF (Sick-Control-One Stone-Fat-Food) questionnaire regarding possible eating disorders. Based on the EDS-R scores, 37 (7.3%) participants were at risk for ED (scores ≥ 5/6 on ≥3 subscales), 366 (72.2%) were nondependent but symptomatic (scores ≥ 3/6 on ≥3 subscales), and 104 (20.5%) were asymptomatic. Participants with ED had a greater training volume and a higher prevalence of possible eating disorders. A higher level of neuroticism was associated with increased EDS-R scores (r = 0.294; p &lt; 0.001), with significantly higher scores in the ED group (F = 14.50, p &lt; 0.001). The association between neuroticism and ED was not moderated by the presence of eating disorders. These findings will help to screen ultraendurance athletes at risk for ED and optimize their care.

Exercise dependence and orthorexia nervosa in Crossfit: exploring the role of perfectionism.

Physical exercise and healthy diet have a positive effect on health. However, the pathological dimension of both behaviors, namely exercise dependence and orthorexia nervosa, can lead to negative results. So far, literature on these behaviors in the context of high-intensity sports is limited. The present study aims for investigating exercise dependence and orthorexia nervosa in a sample of Crossfit athletes, as well as examining the mediating role of perfectionism in their manifestation.The sample consisted of 110 people who attended Crossfit programs and 131 active gym members. The Exercise Dependence Scale was used to assess exercise dependence, the ORTO-15 to assess orthorexic behavior and the Almost Perfect Scale to evaluate perfectionism.19.8% of crossfitters and 3.8% of gym members were at risk for exercise dependence. 11.7% of participants in the Crossfit group and 10% of participants in the control group had orthorexic symptoms. An association was found between the scores on the two behaviors. In addition, the dimension of perfectionism high standards predicted obligatory exercise and orthorexia nervosa, while the dimension of discrepancy predicted only exercise dependence.The study suggests that exercise dependence is more evident in Crossfit compared to gym athletes and may be accompanied by orthorexic symptoms. Orthorexia nervosa is a noticeable phenomenon in the population of active exercisers. Perfectionism is a risk factor for obligatory exercise and orthorexia. A more demanding selection of target populations is encouraged in order to better understand exercise dependence, orthorexia nervosa and their personality background.

Exercise dependence, body dismorphia, and anxiety in crossfit practitioners: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionPhysical exercise provides better body image perception and well-being. However, if practiced compulsively, it may lead to compulsion and psychobiological damage. CrossFit is a method aiming at maximum performance, and it is currently attracting many regular practitioners. ObjectiveEvaluate exercise dependence prevalence, muscle dysmorphia, and trait-state anxiety in CrossFit practitioners. MethodsOne hundred fifty regular male CrossFit practitioners were evaluated and subdivided into two groups: with and without risk for exercise dependence. Trait-state anxiety and muscle dysmorphia were also assessed. Unpaired t-test compared groups, Fisher's exact test was used for associations between categorical variables (p < 0.05), while correlations were verified using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results122 participants were identified with no risk for exercise dependence and 28 with risk for exercise dependence. Participants presented mean age of 30.3 ± 7.05 years and had been practicing physical exercise for 8.02 ± 8.1 years, with training frequency of 5.3 ± 1.09 days per week and 107.9 ± 50.5 min per training day. Prevalence risk of exercise dependence was 18.6%, and muscle dysmorphia was significantly different between groups with (10.7%, n = 3) and without risk (6.6%, n = 8) for exercise dependence. Participants with risk for dependence chose CrossFit mainly due to appearance (32%). ConclusionPrevalence risk of exercise dependence was 18.6% and satisfaction with muscle appearance may influence exercise behavior.

Investigation of the Exercise Dependence of Athletes Doing Kickboxing, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai.

Debates about the conditions in which the frequency and intensity principles of regular exercise, depending on the fact that a sports background can be accepted as extremism, are still a controversial topic. The purpose of this research was to investigate the exercise dependence of athletes who practice Kickboxing, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai. The study included 141 athletes, consisting of 87 men and 54 women. The Exercise Dependence Scale-21 (EDS-21), composed of 21 items developed by Hausenblas and Downs and adapted into the Turkish version by Yeltepe and İkizler, was applied to the athletes. As a result of the research, while athletes showed more sensitivity to the EDS (=71.41), this scale was also defined as symptomatic. It was found that five athletes (3.5%) were asymptomatic-nondependent, 117 athletes (83.0%) were symptomatic-nondependent, and 19 athletes (13.5%) were at risk for exercise dependence. It was determined that athletes were at risk for exercise dependence as follows: Eight athletes were doing Kickboxing, ten athletes were doing Taekwondo, and one athlete was doing Muay Thai. A significant difference was observed according to years of regular training and number of trainings per a day. Other variables presented no significant differences. It was possible to say that years of regular training could be effective in revealing exercise dependence.

Prevalence of Primary and Secondary Exercise Dependence and Its Correlation with Drive for Thinness in Practitioners of Different Sports and Physical Activities

Relatively few studies directly compared the prevalence of exercise dependence (EXD) in different sports. Different conceptualizations and measures of EXD limit the possibility of comparing results from different studies. In this study, we measured the prevalence of EXD and its correlation with drive for thinness (DT) in four different categories of sports and exercise. Participants were 427 people engaging in endurance sports, esthetic sports, team sports, or fitness activities. The Exercise Dependence Scale was adopted to measure EXD; the Drive for Thinness scale was used to measure DT and to distinguish between primary and secondary EXD. Results suggested that none of the considered sport categories seems to be more at risk for EXD than the other ones. A correlation between EXD and DT was found in the fitness group, suggesting, together with previous literature, that EXD could be related to the reward a person strives to achieve trough exercising.

FACTORIAL VALIDITY OF THE KOREAN VERSION OF THE EXERCISE DEPENDENCE SCALE-REVISED.

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the 21-item Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R). The EDS-R was designed to measure the multidimensional aspects of exercise dependence symptoms such as withdrawal, continuance, tolerance, lack of control, reductions, time, and intention. Although the EDS-R has demonstrated sound psychometric properties, it has only been validated in Western samples. Cross-cultural validations of the instrument may increase the knowledge of exercise dependence. Therefore, this study aimed to contribute to the file by investigating the validity and utility of the construct of the EDS-R, using a non-Western sample. 402 adult participants who were over 18 years of age and who reported exercising at least once a week were asked to complete the EDS-R. The results from factor analyses supported that the seven-factor model of exercise dependence symptoms showed an adequate fit for both men and women. The EDS-R scores differentiated between samples, with varying amounts of exercise; 15.4% of the sample was classified as being at risk for exercise dependence. In sum, the results indicated that the EDS-R is a psychometrically reliable assessment tool for exercise dependence symptoms in Korea.

Risk for exercise dependence, eating disorder pathology, alcohol use disorder and addictive behaviors among clients of fitness centers.

Background and AimsExercise dependence (EXD) is considered a behavioral addiction that is often associated with eating disorders. To date, only few studies examined the potential overlap between EXD and other addictive behaviors. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating the relationship of EXD with pathological buying, pathological video gaming (offline and online), hypersexual behavior, and alcohol use disorder in a sample of clients of fitness centers.MethodsThe following questionnaires were answered by 128 individuals (age M = 26.5, SD = 6.7 years; 71.7% men, 74.2% university students): Exercise Dependence Scale, Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, Compulsive Buying Scale, Pathological Computer-Gaming Scale, Hypersexual Behavior Inventory, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).Results7.8% of the sample were at-risk for EXD, 10.9% reported eating disorder pathology, 2.3% pathological buying, 3.1% hypersexual behavior, and none of the participants suffered from pathological video gaming. The criteria for severe alcohol disorder pathology (AUDIT ≥ 16) were fulfilled by 10.2%. With regard to continuous symptom scores, EXD symptoms were positively correlated with both eating disorder pathology and pathological buying but not with pathological video gaming, hypersexuality or alcohol use disorder. It is noteworthy that more symptoms of pathological buying corresponded with more symptoms of hypersexual behavior. The correlation pattern did not differ by gender.DiscussionThe co-occurrence of EXD, pathological buying and hypersexual behavior on a subclinical level or in the early stage of the disorders should be taken into account when assessing and treating patients. More research is warranted in order to investigate possible interactions between these conditions.

Temperament and Risk for Exercise Dependence: Results of a Pilot Study in Female Patients with Eating Disorders Compared to Elite Athletes

Background: The present pilot study investigated the relationship between temperament and the risk for exercise dependence (EXD). Sampling and Methods: A total of 32 female patients with eating disorders (potentially at risk for secondary EXD) and 29 female elite athletes without eating disturbances (potentially at risk for primary EXD) answered the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), the Exercise Dependence Scale-German version (EDS-G), the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales, and the effortful control subscale of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire (ATQ-EC). Results: There were significant positive correlations of the EDS-G with the BIS in women with an eating disorder and with the BAS in elite athletes. No significant association was found between the EDS-G and effortful control. Conclusions: The results indicate that the risk for EXD is associated with avoidance tendencies in women with eating disorders and with approach tendencies in elite athletes. Implications for secondary and primary EXD are discussed.

Gender differences in exercise dependence and eating disorders in young adults: a path analysis of a conceptual model.

The purpose of our study was to study the prevalence of exercise dependence (EXD) among college students and to investigate the role of EXD and gender on exercise behavior and eating disorders. Excessive exercise can become an addiction known as exercise dependence. In our population of 517 college students, 3.3% were at risk for EXD and 8% were at risk for an eating disorder. We used Path analysis the simplest case of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate the role of EXD and exercise behavior on eating disorders. We observed a small direct effect from gender to eating disorders. In females we observed significant direct effect between exercise behavior (r = −0.17, p = 0.009) and EXD (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) on eating pathology. We also observed an indirect effect of exercise behavior on eating pathology (r = 0.16) through EXD (r = 0.48, r2 = 0.23, p < 0.001). In females the total variance of eating pathology explained by the SEM model was 9%. In males we observed a direct effect between EXD (r = 0.23, p < 0.001) on eating pathology. We also observed indirect effect of exercise behavior on eating pathology (r = 0.11) through EXD (r = 0.49, r2 = 0.24, p < 0.001). In males the total variance of eating pathology explained by the SEM model was 5%.

Factorial Validity and Invariance Testing of the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised in Swedish and Portuguese Exercisers

The present study investigated the factorial validity and factorial invariance of the 21-item Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised using 162 Swedish and 269 Portuguese exercisers. In addition, the prevalence of exercise dependence symptoms and links to exercise behavior, gender, and age in the two samples was also studied. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the hypothesized 7-factor model made a good fit to data in both samples. Multi-sample analyses supported partial measurement invariance across the samples; only factor loadings involving items 3 and 19 were noninvariant. The “Reduction in Other Activities” and “Lack of Control” factors were the most problematic scales in terms of average variance explained and reliability measures of weighted omega and Cronbach's alpha. In total, 9.2% of the Swedish sample and 5.2% of the Portuguese sample were classified as at risk for exercise dependence. Overall, the results support the factorial validity of the translated Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised in samples outside North-America, although more research is needed.