Measurement Properties of the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R): A Systematic Review Using the COSMIN Methodology
Abstract
Abstract: The Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R) is widely utilized internationally, yet empirical evaluations of its measurement properties exhibit pronounced inconsistencies. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the full-spectrum measurement properties of the EDS-R by integrating the COSMIN methodology, modified GRADE approach, and a quantitative Reliability Generalization (RG) meta-analysis. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL up to October 24, 2025, without language restrictions. Methodological quality was appraised via the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. Twenty-three studies (N = 14,779) across competitive athletes, sports academy students, gym members, and general populations were included. Content validity and hypothesis testing for construct validity (88.9% alignment, 24/27) were rated as sufficient (moderate-quality evidence). Structural validity was supported for the original first-order seven-factor model (20/22, 90.9%; moderate-quality evidence), as well as higher-order and bifactor configurations (sufficient, high-quality evidence); in contrast, variant 5- and 6-factor models showed mixed fit, and a unidimensional model was rejected (insufficient, high-quality evidence). Demographic and athletic subgroup measurement invariance (gender, age, competition level, training duration) was established with high-quality evidence; however, cross-cultural validity across languages was supported by…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 14,779 participants or records.
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