AzTrials
AzTrials

Eating DisordersThe HADASNCT07750301

Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of the HADAS Program for the Prevention of Eating Disorders in Adolescent Female Athletes, Coaches, and Families.

A study testing The HADAS Program in people with Eating Disorders and Body Image Dissatisfaction, run by Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche at 1 site in Spain.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

Adolescent female athletes in aesthetic sports disciplines (such as rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, and figure skating) face a complex interaction between general sociocultural beauty pressures and sport-specific aesthetic demands (e.g., the 'slim to win' culture and weight-focused… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 12 to 16 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Eating Disorders, Body Image Dissatisfaction
What is being tested?
The HADAS Program
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
236 participants
Where
1 siteSpain
Study dates
Oct 2026to May 2029
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 12 to 16 years
  • Women only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Athletes: Female gender; aged between 12 and 16 years old; actively possessing a formal federation license in an aesthetic sport discipline (e.g., rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, figure skating) within Spain; providing signed informed assent concurrently with written informed consent from parents/legal representatives; and presenting no active, formal clinical diagnosis of an eating disorder (ED).
  • Coaches: Serving as a primary trainer or technical staff member within the participating sports club; and providing written informed consent.
  • Family Members: Operating as the primary parent, guardian, or legal representative of an included athlete; and providing written informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Athletes: Presenting a current, formal clinical diagnosis of an eating disorder (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, or ARFID) at baseline (T0); or refusal to provide informed assent or parental consent.
  • Non-compliance or failure to provide signed informed consent from coaches or primary legal guardians.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Eva María León Zarceño contact

+34 606501888

eleon@umh.es

Josué López Pozo contact

+34 616510686

josue.lopezp@umh.es

Spain1 site
  • Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche - Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health

    Elche, Alicante, 03202

    Eva María León Zarceño, +34 96 665 8823, eleon@umh.es

Other trials in Spain

About this study

Official title: A Program for the Prevention of ED in Adolescent Female Athletes, the HADAS: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Adolescent female athletes in aesthetic sports disciplines (such as rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, and figure skating) face a complex interaction between general sociocultural beauty pressures and sport-specific aesthetic demands (e.g., the 'slim to win' culture and weight-focused performance expectations). These combined pressures significantly increase their risk of developing body dissatisfaction and eating disorders (EDs). To address these systemic vulnerabilities, the HADAS Program (Habits, Eating, Sports, Adolescents, and Health) was developed as a multi-level, synchronized psychoeducational intervention designed to target the complete "sports triangle": adolescent female athletes, their technical coaches, and their immediate family members. The primary objective of this cluster randomized controlled trial (cluster RCT) is to evaluate the efficacy of the HADAS Program in reducing eating disorder risk (EAT-26) and body image dissatisfaction (BSQ-34) among competitive adolescent female athletes aged 12 to 16 years. Sports clubs are randomly assigned to either the Experimental Group (receiving the HADAS intervention) or a Waitlist Control Group (maintaining standard training). The program includes 5 interactive group sessions for athletes, 4 reflective workshops for coaches, and 2 structured sessions for family members, all supported by cohort-specific workbooks. Outcomes are evaluated across four longitudinal time points: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

Being tested
The HADAS Program
Keywords
Eating Disorders, Primary Prevention, Adolescent Health, Aesthetic Sports, Sports Psychology, Family Relations, Health Education
Medical subject headings
Feeding and Eating Disorders, Health Education

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • The HADAS ProgramBehavioural

    A synchronized, multi-level psychoeducational prevention program designed to target eating disorder risk and body image dissatisfaction across the sports triangle (athletes, coaches, and families). Content focuses on media literacy, healthy life habits, emotional management, deconstructing body-weight myths in aesthetic sports, and promoting autonomy-supportive coaching and family environments

Study groups in NCT07750301
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Experimental Group (HADAS Program)ExperimentalSports clubs randomly assigned to receive the multi-level HADAS Program . The intervention is synchronized across three modalities: 5 interactive group sessions (90 min each) for adolescent female athletes, 4 reflective training sessions (90 min each) for technical coaches, and 2 structured psychoeducational workshops (120 min each) for parents/family members
Receives: Behavioral: The HADAS Program
Control Group (Waitlist)No interventionSports clubs randomly assigned to the control condition maintain their standard active training routines and schedule without any component of the prevention program during the 12-month study window . They will be offered the HADAS intervention after the final longitudinal follow-up (T3)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Eating Disorder Risk and Symptomatology

    Evaluated using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26; Garner et al., 1982; Spanish validation by Rivas et al., 2010). It assesses eating disorder risk behaviors and attitudes across 26 items. Total scores range from 0 to 78, where higher scores indicate greater eating disorder risk and symptomatology (a worse outcome) . Scores of 20 or higher indicate the presence of significant risk attitudes toward eating.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

  2. Body Image Dissatisfaction

    Evaluated using the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34; Cooper et al., 1987; Spanish validation by Raich et al., 1996). It assesses body dissatisfaction and concern with weight and shape across 34 items. Total scores range from 34 to 204, where higher scores indicate greater body dissatisfaction and psychological distress regarding body image (a worse outcome). Scores are categorized into no dissatisfaction (<80), mild (80-110), moderate (111-140), and severe (>140), with moderate and severe categories indicating significant body image vulnerability.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

Secondary outcomes (11)
  1. Psychological Well-Being

    Evaluated using the Psychological Well-Being Scale for Youth (PWB-SF-Y; Ryff, 1989; Spanish adaptation by Stavraki et al., 2022). It assesses well-being across 6 core dimensions using a single item per dimension. Items are rated on a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("strongly disagree") to 6 ("strongly agree"). Total scores range from 6 to 36, where higher scores indicate greater psychological well-being and optimal psychological functioning (a better outcome)..

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

  2. Life Satisfaction

    Evaluated using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS; Diener et al., 1985; Spanish validation in adolescents by Atienza et al., 2003). It assesses global cognitive judgments of one's life satisfaction across 5 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("strongly disagree") to 5 ("strongly agree"). Total scores range from 5 to 25, where higher scores indicate greater life satisfaction and positive cognitive evaluation of life (a better outcome).

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

  3. Competitive Anxiety

    Evaluated using the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R; Martens et al., 1990; Spanish validation by Andrade et al., 2007). It assesses pre-competitive state anxiety across 16 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("not at all") to 4 ("very much"). The inventory measures three subscales: Cognitive Anxiety (5 items; scores range from 5 to 20, where higher scores indicate higher cognitive anxiety / a worse outcome), Somatic Anxiety (6 items; scores range from 6 to 24, where higher scores indicate higher somatic anxiety / a worse outcome), and Self-Confidence (5 items; scores range from 5 to 20, where higher scores indicate greater self-confidence / a better outcome).

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

  4. Perfectionism in sports

    Evaluated using the Multidimensional Inventory of Perfectionism in Sport (MIPS; Stoeber et al., 2006; Spanish validation by Ramírez-Muñoz et al., 2023). It assesses sport-specific perfectionism across 10 items rated on a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("never") to 6 ("always"). The inventory yields two distinct subscales (5 items each, with total scores ranging from 5 to 30 for each subscale): Striving for Perfection (evaluates personal standards of excellence) and Negative Reactions to Imperfection (evaluates negative reactions to mistakes and sensitivity to external pressure), where higher scores reflect greater maladaptive perfectionism and a worse outcome).

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

  5. Appearance awareness on social networks

    Evaluated using the Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness Scale (ASMC; Choukas-Bradley et al., 2020; Spanish validation by Rojo et al., 2023). It measures the ongoing awareness and body monitoring of one's physical appearance in social media contexts across 13 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("never") to 7 ("always"). Total scores range from 13 to 91, where higher scores indicate greater appearance-related social media consciousness and body surveillance (a worse outcome).

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

  6. Critical Thinking about Media

    Evaluated using the Critical Thinking About Media Messages Scale (CTMM; Scull et al., 2010; Spanish validation by Rojo et al., 2023). It assesses the degree to which individuals critically analyze and evaluate aesthetic and appearance-focused media messages across 6 items rated on a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("never") to 6 ("always"). Total scores range from 6 to 36, where higher scores indicate greater critical thinking toward media and social media messages (a better outcome).

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

  7. General knowledge about nutrition in adolescents

    Evaluated using the Questionnaire on Nutrition Knowledge for Adolescents (C.A.P.A.; Ladrón-Arana et al., 2021). It assesses nutritional literacy and general healthy eating knowledge in adolescents across 26 multiple-choice items (with 4 response options per item). Each correct response is awarded 1 point, yielding total scores ranging from 0 to 26, where higher scores indicate greater general nutritional knowledge and dietary literacy (a better outcome).

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

  8. Coach controlling behaviors

    Evaluated using the Controlling Coach Behaviors Scale (CCBS; Bartholomew et al., 2010; Spanish validation by Castillo et al., 2014). It measures athletes' perceptions of their coach's controlling interpersonal style across 15 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("strongly disagree") to 7 ("strongly agree"). The scale assesses four subscales: Controlling Use of Rewards (4 items), Negative Conditional Regard (4 items), Intimidation (4 items), and Excessive Personal Control (3 items). Total scores range from 15 to 105, where higher scores reflect higher perceived controlling behaviors from the coach (a worse outcome).

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

  9. Leadership style in sport

    Evaluated using the Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS; Chelladurai \& Saleh, 1980; Spanish validation by Crespo et al., 1994). It assesses perceived coaching leadership behaviors across 31 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("never") to 5 ("always"). The Spanish adaptation measures 4 dimensions: Relationship-Oriented Behavior (13 items), Task-Oriented Behavior (10 items), Democratic Behavior (4 items), and Autocratic Behavior (4 items). Dimension mean scores range from 1 to 5, where higher scores in Relationship-Oriented, Task-Oriented, and Democratic behaviors reflect more supportive and adaptive leadership styles (a better outcome).

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

  10. Coach Eating Disorder Literacy and Warning Signs Knowledge

    Evaluated using the ad hoc Coach Eating Disorder Knowledge Questionnaire, created specifically for the HADAS Program by its research group to evaluate program-specific learning objectives. The instrument was developed and validated via a four-stage process (item generation, expert panel review, scoring design, and pilot testing). It assesses sports-specific eating disorder (ED) literacy across 25 items structured in 5 core dimensions: (1) General multi-causal etiology (items 1-6); (2) Identification of behavioral/emotional warning signs in sports contexts (items 7-11); (3) Risk and protective factors in competitive environments (items 12-16); (4) Consequences on physical health and performance (items 17-20); and (5) Early detection and intervention protocols (items 21-25). Items use a True/False/I Don't Know (1 point for correct responses; 0 points for others). Total scores range from 0 to 25, where higher scores indicate higher sports-specific ED literacy and detection competence

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

  11. Parental Eating Disorder Literacy and Warning Signs Knowledge

    Evaluated using the ad hoc Family Eating Disorder Knowledge Questionnaire, created specifically for the HADAS Program by its research group to align directly with the family intervention curriculum. The instrument was developed and validated via a four-stage process (item generation, expert panel review, scoring design, and pilot testing). It assesses family eating disorder literacy and management across 25 items structured in 5 core dimensions: (1) General ED knowledge (items 1-6); (2) Symptom identification in adolescent athletes (items 7-11); (3) Interpretation and behavioral action plans (items 12-15); (4) Risk and protective factors (items 16-19); and (5) Language, media literacy, and family role (items 20-25). Items use a True/False/I Don't Know format (1 point for correct responses; 0 points for incorrect or 'I Don't Know' answers). Total scores range from 0 to 25, where higher scores indicate greater parental eating disorder literacy and proactive family management skills.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted6 Aug 2026
  2. Study startOct 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completionOct 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completionMay 2029 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Cluster randomized controlled trial with longitudinal tracking across four time points (T0, T1, T2, T3). Randomization is executed at the sports club level (cluster RCT) to avoid contamination among athletes within the same training environment.
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
236 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07750301
Sponsor's protocol ID
DCC.ELZ.251124
Other IDs
https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.I
Acronym
The HADAS
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
28 Jul 2026
Last updated
6 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) underlying the primary and secondary outcomes will be made available to qualified researchers upon reasonable request submitted to the principal investigator. Data sharing will be subject to ethical review, a formal data-sharing agreement, and strict compliance with European Union GDPR regulations to safeguard minor participants' confidentiality.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing The HADAS Program in people with Eating Disorders and Body Image Dissatisfaction, run by Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche at 1 site in Spain.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Eva María León Zarceño (+34 606501888, eleon@umh.es), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Eating Disorder Risk and Symptomatology (time frame: Baseline (T0), Immediate Post-intervention (T1), 6-month Follow-up (T2), and 12-month Follow-up (T3).). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Aug 2026.

Free account

Keep searching with a free account

You’ve used your 3 free searches for this session. Log in or create a free AzTrials account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in