Exercise Dependence in Elite Female Dancers

Exercise dependence may be defined as a condition that compels an individual to exercise despite contraindications, and which results in physical and psychological complications when withdrawn. While the syndrome of exercise dependence has been previously associated with athletes in various sports, this research report demonstrates that student dancers exhibit higher levels of exercise dependence than do both endurance and non-endurance athletes. As an extension of this research, the present study was undertaken to explore the level of exercise dependence among elite female ballet dancers. Ten subjects were tested, using an exercise addiction scale that was modified for dancers from the instrument created by Rudy and Estok. Results indicated that the mean exercise dependence score for this population was 21.2 ± 1.6 (SE), which represents a “high” category of exercise dependence according to normative standards. This finding raises concerns, given the psychophysiological disturbances that have been previously associated with the syndrome of exercise dependence. Further research is encouraged to examine the clinical implications of exercise dependence that are unique to dancers, and to develop interventions for addressing this emerging disorder.