Compulsive exercise: links, risks and challenges faced

Abstract

Compulsive exercise is a condition described since 1970s. It is characterized by a craving for physical training, resulting in uncontrollable excessive exercise behavior with harmful consequences, such as injuries and impaired social relations. It has not been accepted as a mental disorder in either International Classification of Diseases or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The aim of this literature review was to critically examine the research on links (comorbidity), risks (negative consequences), and challenges faced (problems in a treatment context). This review found that compulsive exercise is associated with eating disorder pathology, perfectionism, neuroticism, narcissism, and obsessive compulsive traits. The most prominent negative consequences were injuries, social impairment, and depression, but more research is needed to uncover the potential dysfunction resulting from compulsive exercise. As the condition is not recognized as a psychiatric disorder, studies on treatment interventions are sparse. Problems with compliance have been reported; therefore, motivational interviewing has been proposed as a treatment approach, in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy. This review summarizes and discusses findings on links/comorbidity, risks/negative consequences, and treatment challenges. We suggest that future studies should pay attention to both prevention and counseling in sports settings, where compulsive exercise appears, as the condition may be associated with harmful consequences.

Low Energy Availability in Athletes 2020: An Updated Narrative Review of Prevalence, Risk, Within-Day Energy Balance, Knowledge, and Impact on Sports Performance

“…Disordered eating behaviours and eating disorders are known to occur frequently in elite female athletes, particularly among those competing in weight class or leanness-demanding sports [46]. These conditions are associated with perfectionism as well as compulsive exercise behaviour, coupled with the inability to reduce training load [47] and can lead to unfavourable outcomes such as injury and emotional distress [47]. Recent research describes how compulsive exercise behaviour is associated with symptoms of disordered eating behaviour, perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive characteristics in long-distance runners of both sexes [48].…”

Exercise addiction, obsessive passion, and the use of nutritional supplements in fitness center attendees

“…Research indicates that the prevalence of exercise addiction varies between 2% and 10% in fitness populations . In specific samples (eg, triathlon), significantly higher rates have been reported .…”

“…Research indicates that the prevalence of exercise addiction varies between 2% and 10% in fitness populations . In specific samples (eg, triathlon), significantly higher rates have been reported . However, it should be noted that prevalence studies only assess the possible “risk” which may never turn into a morbid pattern of exercise behavior, or exercise addiction.…”

Significance of motivational interviewing in public health

“…to alcohol, nicotine, drugs, sex, work, Internet) and typical attitudes like perfectionism, narcissism, neuroticism. Consequences of the addiction are subsequent health problems such as trauma, pain, anxiety, depression and social disturbances [26].…”