Compulsive exercise and mental health challenges in fitness instructors; presence and interactions

Journal of Eating Disorders

Christina Gjestvang¹  Solfrid Bratland-Sanda²  Therese Fostervold Mathisen³ 

[1] Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway;Department of Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Studies, University of Southeast Norway, Kongsberg, Norway;Faculty of Health, Welfare and Organisation, Østfold University College, P.O. Box 700, 1757 Halden, Fredrikstad, Norway;

关键词: Dysfunctional exercise;    Compulsive exercise;    Disordered eating;    Depression;    Anxiety;    Physical activity;    Fitness centers;    Personal trainer;    Group instructor;    Eating disorders;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40337-021-00446-0

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundSome physically active people exercise compulsively, which can be associated with several mental health challenges. Fitness instructors are considered important role models for an active, healthy lifestyle; yet little is known about their exercise motives and mental health. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of compulsive exercise and mental health challenges, and their interaction, in fitness instructors.MethodsA total of 270 fitness instructors from Norwegian fitness clubs were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria were operating as instructors within the current year and understanding Norwegian language. Data were collected by an electronic questionnaire and included demographic information, hours of classes instructed and of personal physical activity, Compulsive Exercise Test (CET), Symptom Check List – 10 (SCL-10), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)).ResultsFemales had higher CET scores than males, and 9% of all respondents had CET score above clinical cutoff. Respondents with clinical CET score had higher SCL-10, BDI and EDE-Q global- and subscale scores compared with their counterparts. Although CET was positively and significantly associated with BDI, SCL-10, and EDE-Q, only the latter explained the CET score (ß = 1.23, 99% CI = 0.87, 1.59).ConclusionAbout one out of eleven instructors were above clinical CET cut-off, revealing symptoms of compulsive exercise. EDE-Q significantly contributed in a model explaining 43% of the variation of compulsive exercise.

【 授权许可】

CC BY