ABSTRACT Background and Aims Conduct a pilot randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover trial for adults with subthreshold insomnia symptoms to examine the effectiveness of a cannabinoids supplement on sleep quality and health outcomes. Methods Adults with subthreshold insomnia symptoms (N = 20, Mage = 47.40) were randomized to either the Cannabinoids Supplement (CS) or Placebo Condition (PC) for 10 days. The CS was an oral soft gel that contained 3 mg Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, 6 mg cannabinol, 10 mg cannabidiol, and 90 mg of a proprietary food‐grade terpene blend. Following a 2‐week washout, they completed the alternate condition. The following validated questionnaires were collected at baseline and following each condition: Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Bergen Insomnia Scale, Profile of Mood States (POMS), Perceived Stress Scale, Pain and Sleep Questionnaire. Trait Anxiety Inventory, Flinders Daytime Fatigue, and Health‐related Quality of Life Scale. Clinical trial registry number = ISRCTN 15022302. Results When compared to PC, the CS Condition had significantly improved sleep quality/efficiency, insomnia symptoms, and health‐related quality of life, p < 0.05. Nonsignificant improvements for the CS compared to the PC were found for the POMS mood subscales of tension, anger, fatigue, depression, and vigor, as well as anxiety. The Esteem subscale improved significantly from Baseline to Post for the PC. Both the CS and PC Vigor improved significantly from baseline. Anxiety improved significantly from Baseline to Post for the CS. No adverse events reported. Conclusion This cannabinoid‐based formulation was a well‐tolerated oral supplement that may improve adults' sleep quality/efficiency and health‐related quality of life. Larger controlled trials are encouraged to examine the longer‐term effects of this supplement in a variety of populations and environments.

Background and Aims:Despite widespread use, more research is needed to assess the health effects of herbal plants. Preliminary research indicates that cucumber extract (Cucumis sativus L.) is safe and may exhibit analgesic properties for joint pain, but studies on its impact on other health-related outcomes-including mood, sleep, and health-related quality of life-are lacking. As part of a larger investigation, this study examined the effectiveness of a standardized powder of Cucumis sativus L. (Q-actin) on mood, anxiety, health-related quality of life, and sleep quality. Methods:In this CONSORT-compliant double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 80 adults (M age = 50.10) were randomized to either the Cucumis sativus L. Group (CG; 20 mg/day) or Placebo Group (PG; rice protein, 20 mg/day) for 60 days. Participants completed the Prolife of Mood States, Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, Health-related Quality of Life Scale, and Flinder's Fatigue Scale at Baseline, Day 15, Day 30, and Day 60. Daily assessments of adherence and adverse events were obtained. Data were collected from May 2024 to August 2024, stored electronically, and analyzed using general linear models and nonparametric tests. Results:Significant main effects for Time and Condition (p's < 0.001) were observed, indicating overall improvements across time and differences between groups. Although the interaction effects were not significant, the CG showed greater improvements than the PG in fatigue, mood, sleep quality, perceived stress, anxiety, and health-related quality of life. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion:Cucumis sativus L. shows potential as a herbal intervention for improving mood, sleep quality, and anxiety. However, due to the lack of significant group-by-time interaction effects, these results should be interpreted with caution. Larger, well-powered clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy across diverse populations and settings. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06246383.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.sleepx.2024.100121.].

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Dichrostachys glomerata (Dyglomera®) supplementation on adults’ sleep quality and daytime activity. Methods: Using a double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial, 56 adults with nonclinical poor sleep (M age = 44.50) were randomized to either the Dichrostachys glomerata Group (300 mg/d) or Placebo Group for 60 days. Outcomes were the self-reported Insomnia Severity Index and objective sleep and daytime activity via the Oura Ring. Analysis was undertaken at Day 0 (Baseline), Day 30, and Day 60. Results: The Dichrostachys glomerata Group had improved Insomnia Severity Index symptoms, with significant improvements from Day 0 to Day 60. Objective sleep measures indicated that the Dichrostachys glomerata Group had significantly improved sleep score and deep sleep duration, while the Placebo Group declined in these parameters. The Dichrostachys glomerata Group also improved on sleep latency and time awake, contrasting with worsened of these sleep metrics in the Placebo Group, p’s < .05. No group differences were found for REM. The Dichrostachys glomerata Group improved significantly on the activity outcomes. Conclusion: These results provide preliminary support for the potential of Dichrostachys glomerata supplementation to enhance both sleep and daytime activity. Further research is warranted to validate these findings in diverse populations. Clinical trial registry = ISRCTN10099861.

AbstractBackground and aimsDespite that 93% of people indicate that a mattress plays a pivotal role in achieving high‐quality sleep, there is a scarcity of research investigating the influence of mattresses on sleep quality, pain, and mood in nonclinical poor sleepers. The purpose was to examine the effectiveness of a pressure‐releasing medium‐firm grid mattress on sleep and health outcomes (e.g., mood, pain, daytime fatigue) of adults with nonclinical insomnia symptoms using a quasi‐experimental design.MethodsParticipants were 39 adults (mean age = 45.29) with nonclinical insomnia (i.e., occasional sleeplessness). Following 1 week of baseline assessments on their current mattress, they slept on a pressure‐relieving grid mattress for 8 weeks. Participants completed self‐report assessments of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index, Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Profile of Mood States, Daytime Fatigue Scale, Pain and Sleep Questionnaire, and Brief Pain Inventory at Baseline and Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8. Participants continually wore an Oura Ring to objectively assess sleep and daytime activity. The data were collected from January 2022 to April 2022 and were stored electronically. Repeated‐measures analyses of variance were used to analyze mean time differences.ResultsSelf‐reported sleep quality, perceived pain, perceived stress, mood, and daytime fatigue improved significantly from Baseline to Week 8, p's < 0.05. Objective Oura Ring validated the self‐reported sleep and daytime activity outcomes with improvements in sleep duration, time awake during the night, light sleep, deep sleep, and total sleep time, p's < 0.05. No significant time effects were evidenced for rapid eye movement sleep. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionThe grid mattress is a simple, noninvasive, and nonpharmacological intervention that improved adults sleep quality and health. Controlled trials are encouraged to examine the effects of this mattress in a variety of populations and environments.

Objectives: Conduct a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover pilot trial on adults with nonclinical insomnia symptoms to examine the effectiveness of magnesium supplementation on sleep quality and mood. Methods: Participants (N = 31 adults, M age = 46.01) were randomized to either the Magnesium Condition (1 g/d of Upgraded MagnesiumTM) or Placebo Condition for 2 weeks. Following a two-week washout, participants engaged in the alternative condition. Standardized self-reports (i.e., Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, Pain and Sleep Questionnaire, Flinders Fatigue Scale, Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and Profile of Mood States) were completed at Baseline and Post Conditions along with daily objective measures of sleep and activity (i.e., Oura Ring) and adverse events. ISRCTN registry number is 70584524. Results: The Magnesium Condition had significant improvements compared to the Placebo Condition for sleep quality, mood, and activity outcomes (e.g., sleep duration, deep sleep, sleep efficiency, readiness, activity balance, and heart rate variability readiness), p’s < .05. Nonsignificant improvements for the Magnesium Condition compared to the Placebo Condition were evidenced for the Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and Flinder’s Fatigue Scale, p’s > .05. No adverse events were reported and adherence was 100%. Conclusion: Magnesium supplementation may be an effective nonpharmacological intervention to promote sleep and mood. Longer term clinical trials conducted in a variety of populations and settings are encouraged.

Objectives : Conduct a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial on adults with nonclinical insomnia symptoms to examine the effectiveness of magnesium supplementation on sleep quality and mood. Methods : Participants (N = 31 adults, M age = 45.49) were randomized to either the Magnesium (1 g/d) or Placebo Condition for 2 weeks. Following a two-week washout, participants engaged in the alternative condition. Standardized self-reports (i.e., Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, Pain and Sleep Questionnaire, Flinders Fatigue Scale, Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, Profile of Mood States) were completed at Baseline and Post Conditions along with daily objective measures of sleep/activity (i.e., Oura Ring). ISRCTN registry is ISRCTN70584524. Results : Magnesium supplementation resulted in significant improvements compared to Placebo for sleep quality, mood, and activity outcomes (e.g., sleep duration, deep sleep, sleep efficiency, readiness, activity balance, and HRV Readiness), p ’s < .05. Nonsignificant improvements for the magnesium condition compared to the placebo condition were evidenced for the Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, Anxiety, Perceived Stress, and Flinder’s Fatigue Scale, p ’s > .05. No adverse events were reported and adherence was 100%. Conclusion : Magnesium may be an effective nonpharmacological intervention to promote sleep and mental health. Longer term clinical trials conducted in a variety of populations and settings are encouraged.

Objective/Background:Sleep problems challenge overall wellbeing. Magnesium has been implicated to benefit sleep, although the clinical evidences varied based on the magnesium source used. Magnesium L-threonate (MgT) is a promising intervention due to its brain bioavailability and effects on cognition, memory and mood. We investigated MgT supplementation on sleep quality and daily function. Patients/methods:Eighty 35-55-year-olds with self-assessed sleep problems participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study, taking 1 g/day of MgT or placebo for 21 days. Sleep and daily behaviors were measured subjectively using standardized questionnaires including the Insomnia Severity Index, Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire, and Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, and objectively using an Oura ring. The Profile of Mood States questionnaire and a daily diary were used to evaluate mood, energy and productivity, and record any safety concerns. Results:The MgT group maintained good sleep quality and daytime functioning, while placebo declined. From objective Oura ring measurements, MgT significantly (p < 0.05) improved vs placebo deep sleep score, REM sleep score, light sleep time, and activity and readiness parameters activity score, activity daily movement score, readiness score, readiness activity balance, and readiness sleep balance. From subjective questionnaires, MgT significantly (p < 0.05) improved vs placebo behavior upon awakening, energy and daytime productivity, grouchiness, mood and mental alertness. MgT was safe and well tolerated. Conclusions:This showed MgT improved sleep quality, especially deep/REM sleep stages, improved mood, energy, alertness, and daily activity and productivity. These are consistent with how MgT works in neuron cells and animal models, suggesting broader positive impacts on overall brain health.

Despite their widespread use, research is needed to evaluate the weight loss and related health/wellness outcomes of herbal plants. Preliminary research found that the fruit of Dichrostachys glomerata is safe and has potential weight loss effects. This study aimed to examine the effect of a standardized powder of D. glomerata fruit pods (DYG-400 (R)) on weight, food cravings, mood, and health-related quality of life of overweight and mildly obese adults. In this CONSORT-compliant double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 56 adults (Mean [M] age = 44.50, M [body mass index] BMI = 31.66) were randomized to either the D. glomerata Group (DG; 300 mg/d) or Placebo Group (PG; rice protein, 300 mg/d) for 60 days. Participants weight was assessed along with self-report assessments of the Food Cravings Questionnaire, CDC Health-related Quality of Life, Perceived Stress Scale, Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Profile of Mood States at Baseline, Day 30, and Day 60. The data were collected from March 2023 to June 2023 and stored electronically, and analyzed using general linear models with repeated measures. DG lost more weight at Day 60 compared to PG, p = .05 (4.11 vs. 2.19 lbs). DG had reduced food cravings from Baseline to Day 30 and Day 60 compared to PG, p < .001. Perceived stress, p < .001, and mood, p = .017, improved from Baseline to Day 60 for DG compared to PG. Anxiety decreased from Baseline to Day 60 for DG and from Baseline to Day 30 for PG, p < .001. Health-related Quality of Life improved for DG compared to PG, p < .001. D. glomerata (DYG-400 (R)) may be an effective herbal intervention to promote weight loss and health. Extended clinical trials across diverse populations and settings are needed.

Objectives The purpose was to examine the effectiveness of the Contours Vibes™ Crib Mattress on infants’ and maternal sleep quality and health. Material and Methods Participants were 24 mothers and their infants. For Week 1 the infants slept on their current mattress (Baseline). For Week 2 they slept on the Vibrating Mattress without using the vibrating feature (VMC). For Week 3 they slept on the Vibrating Mattress using the vibrating feature (VMA). Sleep quality and health assessments were completed at Baseline and following VMA and VMC conditions. Results Sleep quality and health outcomes improved significantly for VMA compared to Baseline and VMC. VMC had significant improvements in some sleep and health outcomes compared to Baseline. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion The mattress is a simple, noninvasive, and non-pharmacological intervention that improved infant and maternal sleep quality and health. Further research is need examining the longitudinal effects of the mattress.

AIM:Polyphenols, the most abundant natural biochemicals found in fruits, vegetables seeds, red wine, cocoa, coffee and spices, may have cosmetic and health effects.METHODS:This was a 1-month randomized, placebo-controlled study, approved by the institutional review board. In total, 40 adults (mean age 44.65 years) were randomized to one of three groups: MitoHeal® 500 mg/day, MitoHeal® 1000 mg/day or placebo drink. Measurements were expert rating of professional photos of skin quality and patient self-reported skin satisfaction at Days 0 and 30.RESULTS:The photographs and self-report assessments revealed that, compared with placebo, MitoHeal supplementation resulted in improvements in skin quality and patient satisfaction from Day 0 to Day 30, with a dose-response relationship often evidenced (P < 0.05). No adverse events were reported.CONCLUSION:Pilot data revealed that MitoHeal supplementation might be effective for improving skin quality and patient satisfaction. Larger sample sizes and trial durations are needed to determine the effects of MitoHeal supplementation on beauty and overall health.

The present study examined the effects of a proprietary Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root and leaf extract (NooGandha (R) Specnova LLC, USA) supplement for improving cognitive abilities, cortisol levels, and self-reported mood, stress, food cravings, and anxiety with adults who have perceived stress. Healthy adults (n = 43 women and n = 17 men; mean age = 34.41 years) who reported experiencing perceived stress were randomized to the following groups: Ashwagandha (400 mg/d), Ashwagandha (225 mg/d), and placebo for 30 days. The following outcomes were assessed at Day 0, Day 15, and Day 30: saliva cortisol levels, cognitive performance (i.e., CNS vital signs), and the self-reported measures of Trait Anxiety Inventory, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Food Cravings Questionnaire-15. For the self-report assessments, significant main effects for time were evidenced for anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and food cravings, p's < 0.01. The main effect for group and the interactions were non-significant. For the CNS vital signs, significant differences were observed in cognitive flexibility, visual memory, reaction time, psychomotor speed, and executive functioning, p's < 0.05, with the Ashwagandha groups often out-performing the placebo group. Both Ashwagandha groups had reductions in cortisol levels over time, with significant reductions evidenced for the Ashwagandha 225 mg/d group from Day 0 to Day 15 to Day 30. The placebo group had a non-significant increase in cortisol levels from Day 0 to Day 15-30. No adverse events were reported. In conclusion, Ashwagandha supplementation may improve the physiological, cognitive, and psychological effects of stress. (c) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Institute of Transdisciplinary Health Sciences and Technology and World Ayurveda Foundation. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Objective The study's purpose was to examine a free-living, ketogenic diet (WFKD) on feasibility, satiety, body composition, and metabolic health in women. Methods Twenty-two women (age (yr.) 42.2 +/- 8.1, Ht. (cm) 164.2 +/- 5.9, BMI 27.3 +/- 6.0) participated in a 21-day, free-living dietary intervention. Daily ketone measurements and satiety/craving surveys, weekly diet records, and PRE and POST assessments of anthropometrics, body composition, blood pressure, and fasted capillary-blood glucose (BG) and cholesterol panels were collected. Results Women maintained calories (PRE: 1938 kcal vs POST: 1836 kcal) and protein (PRE: 17% vs POST: 20%) but decreased carbohydrate (PRE: 36% vs POST: 13%) and increased fat (PRE: 45% vs POST: 65%) PRE to POST (p <= 0.05). Daily self-reports suggested no changes in satiety or food cravings between PRE, WK 1, WK 2, and WK 3. Ketones increased (PRE 0.3 +/- 0.2 mmol vs POST 0.8 +/- 0.6 mmol) PRE to POST with significant differences between PRE and all other time points (p <= 0.05). Bodyweight (PRE: 73.9 kg vs POST: 72.3 kg) and body fat (PRE: 28.9 +/- 13.4 kg vs POST 27. 4 +/- 13.5 kg) decreased but there were no differences in fat-free mass PRE to POST (p <= 0.05). Systolic blood pressure decreased (PRE: 119.2 +/- 8.9 mmHg vs POST: 109.5 +/- 10.9 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure increased (PRE: 74.1 +/- 7.5 mmHg vs POST: 78.8 +/- 7.4 mmHg), and BG improved (94.0 +/- 8.3 mg/dL vs POST 89.9 +/- 9.0 mg/dL) PRE to POST (p <= 0.05). No differences were observed in total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG) but TC/HDL decreased and low-density lipoprotein increased PRE to POST (p <= 0.05). Conclusion Women were able to maintain calories, improve body composition, blood pressure, and BG, increase ketones, and improve some but not all cholesterol markers after 21 days on a free-living WFKD.

OBJECTIVES:Limited research has examined the effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) supplementation to improve healthy younger men's aging male symptoms. The study objective was to examine whether a fenugreek seed extract would improve healthy men's aging male symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), grip strength, and anxiety.METHODS:Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was employed, using a parallel design, with assessments at baseline, Day 30, and Day 60. Healthy male volunteers (n = 57, mean age = 26.1 years) were randomized to: fenugreek 400 mg/d (n = 19), fenugreek 500 mg/d (n = 19), or placebo group (n = 19).RESULTS:The fenugreek groups reported significant improvements in aging male symptoms, anxiety levels, grip strength, and indicators of HRQoL compared to the placebo group, p's < 0.05. No adverse events were reported.CONCLUSION:Fenugreek supplementation is an effective nutritional intervention for improving aging male symptoms, anxiety levels, grip strength, and aspects of HRQoL in healthy recreationally active men. Future researchers are encouraged to examine the health and ergogenic effects of fenugreek supplementation in hypogonadal and older populations.TRIAL REGISTRATION:Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03528538.

AbstractIntroductionNexQuest Natural Frequency Technology® (NFT®), intended to enhance biological function using naturally occurring frequencies, may be a nonpharmacological intervention to improve stress and health. The study purpose was to determine the effectiveness of NFT® for improving stress, sleep quality, mood, and cognition in adults.MethodsUsing a double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover design, participants with high perceived stress (N = 42, M age = 43.8) were assessed at baseline (BL) and assigned to either the Placebo Watch (PW) or Wellness Watch (WW) condition for 2 weeks, and then 2 weeks in the alternate condition. Participants completed the following self‐report surveys of Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Food Craving Questionnaire, and Profile of Mood States, as well as the CNS Vital Signs neurocognitive test at BL and following each condition.ResultsThe WW condition had significant improvements in sleep duration and Complex Attention compared to the PW group. Compared to BL, both conditions had significant improvements for perceived stress, food cravings, mood, sleep quality, and several cognitive tests, p's < .05.ConclusionDespite the placebo effect, NFT® may be a natural alterative for improving stress and health. Research is needed examining the efficacy of NFT® in a variety of populations and environments.

Partial table of contents: SKILL ACQUISITION.Levels of Performance Skill: From Beginners to Experts (C. Wrisberg).Skill Acquisition During Childhood and Adolescence (K. Thomas, et al.).Attention (B. Abernethy).Expert Performance in Sport and Dance (J. Starkes, et al.).PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH LEVEL PERFORMANCE.Modeling: Considerations for Motor Skill Performance and Psychological Responses (P. McCullagh & M. Weis).Personality and the Athlete: Challenges and Promises for the Next Decade (Y. Auweele, et al.).Self--Efficacy Beliefs of Athletes, Teams, and Coaches (D. Feltz & C. Lirgg).The Psychophysiology of Sport: A Mechanistic Understanding of the Psychology of Superior Performance (B. Hatfield & C. Hillman).MOTIVATION.Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Sport and Exercise: A Review Using the Hierarchical Model of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation (R. Vallerand & F. Rouseau).Group Cohesion in Sport and Exercise (D. Paskevich, et al.).PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES FOR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE.Goal Setting (D. Burton, et al.).Imagery in Sport and Exercise (C. Hall).LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT.Moral Development and Behavior in Sport (D. Shields & B. Bredemeier).Youth in Sport: Psychological Considerations (R. Brustad, et al.).EXERCISE AND HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY.Using Theories of Motivated Behavior to Understand Physical Activity: Perspectives on Their Influence (S. Culos--Reed, et al.).Psychology of Sport Injury Rehabilitation (B. Brewer).A Social--Cognitive Perspective of Perceived Exertion and Exertion Tolerance (G. Tenenbaum).FUTURE DIRECTIONS.Future Directions in Sport Psychology (J. Silva).Index.

Objectives: To conduct a randomized single-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial on adults with insomnia symptoms to examine the efficacy of Wholetones (R) 2Sleep Music (WM) and Classical Music (CM) on sleep quality, anxiety/stress, fatigue, productivity, and mood. Methods: Following baseline assessments, 38 adults (M age = 46.6 years) were randomized to either WM or CM conditions for 10 days and then the alternative music for 10 days after a 4 day "wash-out". The outcomes were sleep quality (i.e., Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and psychological measures. Results: Listening to both the WM and CM resulted in significant improvements from baseline for sleep quality, stress/anxiety, fatigue, productivity, and mood (p<0.05). Conclusion: WM and CM provides a simple, noninvasive, and non-pharmacological intervention to promote sleep quality resulting in improved daytime mood, fatigue, productivity, and anxiety/stress.

Objectives: The study purpose was to conduct a four-week randomized double-blind placebocontrolled crossover trial on adults with insomnia symptoms to examine the effectiveness of Natural Frequency Technology® (NFT), found in Philip Stein Sleep Bracelets, on sleep quality, anxiety/stress levels, and mood. Methods: Adults (N = 44, M age = 41.9 years) were randomized to the Placebo Bracelet (PB) or NFT Sleep Bracelet (SB) for two weeks and then the alternative bracelet for two weeks. Self-reported mood, anxiety/stress, and sleep quality were completed at Day 0 (PRE) and following each condition; POST PB and POST SB). Results: When the participants wore the SB, compared to the PB, they had improved sleep quality (i.e., Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), anxiety/ perceived stress, and mood, p’s < .05. Discussion: The SB may be simple, noninvasive, and nonpharmacological intervention to improve sleep quality and daytime mood.

Exercise addiction is a controversial concept including whether excessive exercise is a positive or negative addiction and whether excessive physical activity could be harmful. The purpose of this chapter is to provide clarity to exercise addiction by reviewing the scientific literature examining its definition, measurement, correlates, prevention, and treatment. Exercise addiction is defined as a craving for leisure-time physical activity that results in uncontrollably excessive exercise behavior that manifests itself in physiological and/or psychological symptoms with two principal distinctions of primary and secondary addiction. Measuring exercise addiction involves the assessment of multidimensional characteristics that also consider symptoms of addiction and the ability to distinguish between low- and high-risk individuals for exercise addiction. Several risk factors for exercise addiction will be addressed including high levels of exercise identity, body dissatisfaction, neuroticism, extraversion and low levels of self-esteem and agreeableness. Finally, the scant literature on the prevention and treatment of exercise addiction will be reviewed. Given the lack of awareness in professional and lay communities about exercise addiction, healthcare professionals may not recognize the signs of exercise addiction even when its adverse health consequences are apparent.

People with exercise addiction experience loss of control, such that exercise becomes an obligation and excessive. Although exercise addiction is not officially classified as a mental health disorder, it is characterised by similar negative effects on emotional and social health as other addictions. Primary exercise addiction differs from excessive exercise seen in people with eating disorders (also known as secondary exercise addiction), in which exercise represents a means to control weight. The relationship between physical self-concept and exercise identity, perfectionism, and personality factors with exercise addiction is discussed in this chapter along with measurement and treatment. Ongoing research continues to be conducted across the globe, and mental health professionals are becoming increasingly cognisant of an all-too-easy to mask issue that plagues a select segment of the exercising female population.