The Prevalence of Exercise Addiction Symptoms in a Sample of National Level Elite Athletes

Datos Bibliográficos

ID5285801
AutoresMia Beck Lichtenstein (0000-0002-7885-9187, Mental Health Services, autor de correspondencia), Anna Katarina Melin, Anna Melin (0000-0002-8249-1311, Linnaeus University), Attila Szabó (0000-0001-7833-8894, Eötvös Loránd University), Lars Holm (0000-0002-4392-9616)
Año2021
Volumen3
Páginas635418-635418
Fecha de publicación2021-06-10
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaFrontiers in Sports and Active Living (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2624-9367 • E-ISSN: 2624-9367
EditorialFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fspor.2021.635418
PMID34179773
OpenAlexW3172616676
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas9
Referencias citadas31

Exaggerated exercise volumes, lack of control, withdrawal symptoms and conflicts with family and friends are core symptoms of exercise addiction. The condition can lead to health problems and social isolation because exercise is given the highest priority in any situation. The prevalence of the risk of exercise addiction has mostly been assessed in leisure time exercisers such as runners, fitness attendees and cyclists. The prevalence proportion ranges from 3 to 42% depending on the type of sport and the assessment tool. The proportion is greater among elite athletes, and increases with the level of competition. This study's primary aim was to assess the prevalence of exercise addiction among elite athletes competing at national level and its secondary aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Exercise Addition Inventory (EAI) in elite sports. Participants (n= 417) from 15 sports disciplines and with 51% women completed an online survey. Results showed that 7.6% were at risk of exercise addiction. This group was younger, exhibited tendency to exercise despite pain and injury, felt guilty if not exercising enough, and reported substantial eating disorder symptoms. The reliability and validity of the EAI was good suggesting that the scale is appropriate for measuring the risk of exercise addiction in elite athletes

Addiction · Athletes · Elite · Elite Athletes · Physical therapy · Political science · Psychiatry · Sample (material · Chemistry · Clinical Psychology · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Medicine · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology