Physical exercise seems to have a promising effect on numerous variables related to the recovery of drug-dependent patients. However, some contradictions are found in the literature. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to identify the effect of physical exercise on mental disorders, quality of life, abstinence, and craving, and make a comparison of the effect of exercise depending on the type of program. A search for articles was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies were selected that measured the acute effects or long-term effect (≥2 weeks) of exercise in patients who met criteria for alcohol use disorders or substance use disorders. A total of 59 studies were included. An effect of exercise on mental disorders (standardized mean differences (SMD) = 0.66 (confidence interval (CI): 0.46, 0.86); z = 6.50; p < 0.00001) and quality of life (SMD = 0.69 (95% CI: 0.53, 0.84); z = 8.65; p < 0.00001) was identified. Subgroup analysis revealed an effect of exercise in craving (SMD = 0.80 (CI: 0.07, 1.53); z = 2.15, p = 0.03), stress (SMD = 1.11 (CI: 0.31, 1.91); = 2.73; p = 0.006), anxiety (SMD = 0.50 (CI: 0.16, 0.84); z = 2.88; p = 0.004) and depression (SMD = 0.63 (CI: 0.34, 0.92); z = 4.31; p < 0.0001). Body–mind activities and programs based on improving physical conditions produced similar results in mental disorders and quality of life. Available evidence indicates that physical exercise, both body–mind and physical fitness programs, can be effective in improving mental disorders, craving, and quality of life in drug-dependent patients.

This study combined quantitative and qualitative research methods to evaluate quality-of-life changes in drug-dependent patients after participation in a group-based exercise program. Quality of life (SF-36) and physical fitness (six-minute Walk Test, Timed Get Up and Go Test, and Chair Stand Test) were quantitatively determined in a group (n=37) of drug-dependent patients before and after a 12-week group exercise program (n=18) or routine care (n=19). Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted at the end of the program with a subsample of 11 participants from the exercise group. Quantitative results showed improvements in fitness and different aspects of quality of life, such as physical function, mental health, vitality, social function, and general health perception. Qualitative results showed specific physical benefits (decreased injuries and muscle pain, decreased weight, and increased vitality with improvement in activities of daily living), psychological benefits (forgetting about everyday problems, improved mood, decreased stress and anxiety), social benefits, and a reduction in craving. The results of this study provide insight into the importance of exercise for the quality of life and recovery process of drug-dependent patients.

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Background Exercise has been proposed as a good strategy to prevent use and relapse and to improve mental health and quality of life in drug-dependent people. However, it is not known if physical condition per se influences quality of life and mental health. Objective The aims of this study were to analyze the relationships between physical condition, mental health, and quality of life in patients with drug dependence and to determine whether physical condition could predict levels of mental health and quality of life. Method Levels of physical condition (Timed Get Up and Go test, Chair Stand Test, six-minute walk test), mental health (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales [DASS-21]), and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey) were measured in a sample of 125 patients with drug dependence. A correlation analysis and a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Results The physical condition tests predicted all DASS-21 variables: stress (F = 26.30, p < .001), anxiety (F = 18.33, p < .001), depression (F = 27.63, p < .001), total DASS-21 (F = 23.91, p < .001), and all the variables of the Short Form Health Survey for quality of life. Conclusions Physical condition can predict the levels of mental health and quality of life of patients with drug dependence.

The Sport Education Model (SEM) presents a wide background in the teaching of Physical Education and Sport. This is one of the most studied pedagogical models in the last decade in primary and secondary education. However, the studies of this model that are implemented in Vocational Education and Training within the family of Physical Activities and Sports are limited. For this reason, the aim of the present research was to examine the effect of the application of the SEM on motivation and Basic Psychological Needs (BPN). Secondarily, the effect on the social climate of the group, the development of emotions during the intervention, or the students’ perception of possible aspects of improvement of the model were studied. A total of 50 students (19.83 ± 3.20) followed a mixed methodology for 12 sessions. To achieve the objectives, the Spanish version of the Sport Motivation Scale questionnaire and the BPN Measurement scale were used. On a qualitative level, semi-structured interviews were conducted with all participants of the study. The results showed that the SEM was very well accepted by the students, who were fully satisfied with the activity. It was also considered a fun intervention, generating good socio-affective relationships, and was useful and practical for their training as future sports coaches. The intervention seemed to have a positive effect on student motivation, although with inconsistent results in the quantitative analysis of this study. Despite the encouraging results obtained, further research is needed to deepen the effect of SE as a key model in the teaching-learning process.