Background: The aim of this study was to analyse prevalence exercise dependence among practicing martial arts and combat sports.
Methods: There were 166 respondents. The Exercise Dependence Scale-EDS was used.
Results: The martial arts practitioners obtained a lower result in the 'intention effects' (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.03), 'continuance' (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.03), 'lack of control' (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.03), 'reduction in other activities' (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.03), and 'total score' (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.03) than the combat sports athletes. Both the respondents with a high training rank (p < 0.05) and subjects with above 5 years of training experience (p = 0.03; η2 = 0.03) achieved the higher mean in the 'time' subscale. Women obtained lower results in the case of 'tolerance' (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.04). The regression coefficient indicates that the higher respondent's age, the lower total score she/he will achieve in the EDS.
Conclusions: The findings have practical implications for identifying subjects 'at-risk for exercise dependence' symptoms, and may aid coaches and individuals in the implementation of a prevention program, to seek suitable support.
Keywords: behavioral addiction; competition; exercise addiction; hand-to-hand fights athletes; physical activity.