A Systematic Review of Exercise Intervention Program for People With Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

Addiction has been attributed to development of habit-based neural circuits that promote continued substance use despite a conscious wish to abstain. The goal of this study was to determine if physical exercise could serve as an alternative habit to replace habitual substance use, and whether this exercise intervention methods differed for opioid vs. amphetamine Dependents. A total of 14 randomized controlled experimental literatures on exercise intervention in people with opioid and amphetamine use disorder were screened, the 14 literature included 4 opioids and 10 amphetamines. From the 14 literature, the information of intervention program elements were counted, respectively. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the similarities and differences between the two intervention methods, and intervention mechanism of dependents were discussed. All rehabilitation exercises for opioid dependents use aerobic exercise, while most rehabilitation exercises for amphetamine dependents use aerobic exercise, and a few use aerobic and anaerobic mixed exercise. There is no significant difference in exercise time, exercise frequency and cycle between the two intervention schemes (P > 0.05). The rehabilitation indicators of opioid and amphetamine dependents generally include psychological indicators and physiological indicators, and most of the tests mainly focus on measuring psychological indicators such as mood and drug craving of dependents. The goal of exercise intervention for opioid and amphetamine dependents is similar, the first is to improve mood, reduce craving, improve sleep, and the second is to enhance physical fitness. In the treatment of Substance use disorder, exercise intervention can be used as an auxiliary treatment. Exercise intervention emphasizes low intensity and high frequency. Exercise intervention tends to cultivate long-term exercise habits or exercise lifestyle. Based on this “habit” mechanism, exercise can complete the substitution of material dependence.

Effect of physical exercise on the emotional and cognitive levels of patients with substance use disorder: a meta-analysis

“…There are primarily 10 types of drugs that activate the brain's reward system and induce pleasure through material use disorders (Sherer et al, 2023). Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on users of opioids (Jake-Schoffman et al, 2020) and amphetamines (Zhang and Liu, 2022). This meta-analysis primarily includes participants with methamphetamine addiction, reaffirming the positive impact of exercise intervention on the emotions and cognition of such patients.…”

Exploring the Impact of Web-Based vs. In-Person Exercise Training on Benefits and Adherence in Substance Use Disorder Interventions: A Pilot Study

“…Furthermore, it is crucial to highlight that the study did not account for the participants’ pre-existing physical activity habits, a factor identified by Zhang and Liu [ 23 ] as vital for the success of exercise-based intervention programs. The authors recommend promoting hybrid models in rehabilitation centers to cultivate optimal exercise habits in individuals before transitioning to purely web-based formats.…”

“…Unfortunately, online programs are almost nonexistent for adults with substance abuse. This is surprising, since the theory of the “habit” mechanism of exercise intervention in substance use disorder has already been demonstrated [ 23 ], which suggests that, through repetition and reinforcement, engaging in regular physical activity can replace addictive behaviors by forming new, healthier habits [ 24 ].…”

The Role of Estrogen Signaling and Exercise in Drug Abuse: A Review

“…The main goal of using exercise as an auxiliary intervention is to improve affect, sleep, and self-esteem and reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The research suggests this is best achieved by using low-intensity and high-frequency exercise to cultivate long-term habits as a substitute for drug dependence [ 69 , 77 ]. Adherence to exercise regimens is a challenge though so, often, contingency management and reinforcements are added to these treatments to enhance effectiveness of initiation and maintenance of exercise [ 78 ].…”