Addiction Research and Theory December 2006; 14(6): 631–646 Definitions and measures of exercise dependence BENJAMIN ALLEGRE 1 , MARC SOUVILLE 1 , PIERRE THERME 1 , & MARK GRIFFITHS 2 1 UPRES EA 32 94 Sport, Loisir, Sante ´ Faculte ´ des Sciences du Sport, Aix-Marseille, France, and 2 Department of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK Abstract The aim of this review is to synthesize the knowledge about the definitions and measures of exercise dependence based on the few studies available in the literature. This review presents the evolution of exercise dependence conceptualization (measures and definitions) around a number of key considerations and debates. Each of these considerations conceptualizes excessive exercise as a form of dependence. This article overviews a number of distinct areas: (i) the positive and/or negative nature of exercise dependence, (ii) the link between exercise dependence and eating disorders, (iii) the elaboration of diagnostic criteria for exercise dependence, and (iv) the use of substance dependence and the behavioral component model of addiction to conceptualize exercise dependence. Future research areas are also briefly outlined. Keywords: Exercise dependence, definitions, measures Introduction The term ‘‘exercise dependence’’ was first used to describe cases of ‘‘overcommitment’’ to exercise in middle-aged men who continued to run despite injuries and other complications (Little 1969). This observation was reinforced by the difficulty in recruiting participants to study the effects of exercise deprivation on sleep (Baekeland 1970). Participants did not want to abstain from exercise even if they were offered money. Baekeland postulated that the participants were exercise dependent because of their inability Correspondence: Benjamin Allegre, UPRES E.A. 3294 Sport, Loisir, Sante ´ Faculte ´ des Sciences du Sport, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 9, France. Tel: þ33 (4) 91 17 04 55. Fax: þ33 (4) 91 17 22 89. E-mail: benjamin.allegre@staps.univ-mrs.fr ISSN 1606-6359 print/ISSN 1476-7392 online ß 2006 Informa UK Ltd. DOI: 10.1080/16066350600903302