The effect of satisfaction with muscular appearance on the relationship between frequency and dependence on exercise in gym users

Abstract

Introduction: dependence on physical exercise has been presented as a psychopathological entity with its own identity and progress has been made in the knowledge of the associated factors. The frequency of physical activity and dissatisfaction with body image are two of the factors that have been analyzed. It has been reported that, a higher frequency, greater dependence. In this study, the effect of satisfaction with muscular appearance on the relationship between the frequency of exercise and dependence on physical exercise in male users of gyms is analyzed. Materials and method: an ex post facto cross-sectional investigation was conducted with a quantitative correlational approach (187 zero-order correlations and partial correlations) with 187 men who regularly attended the gyms. The Exercise Dependence Scale Revised and the with Muscular Appearance Satisfaction Scale. Results: the correlation coefficient value between the frequency of exercise and the dependence on physical exercise decreased from r = 0.223 to r = 0.159 and the p-value lost its statistical significance (from p <0.001 to p = 0.059) when the effect was controlled of satisfaction with muscular appearance. Discussion: the heuristic clinic to distinguish the phases of addiction and the theory of self-determination applied to exercise highlight the relevance of the motivations in the development of dependence. Satisfaction with muscular appearance is discussed in this context. Conclusions: the correlation between the frequency of exercise and the dependence on specific exercise when controlling satisfaction with muscular appearance.