High-Intensity Interval Training in Patients with Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

Patients with substance use disorder (SUD) suffer a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and other lifestyle diseases compared to the general population. High intensity training has been shown to effectively reduce this risk, and therefore we aimed to examine the feasibility and effect of such training in SUD patients in clinical treatment in the present study. 17 males and 7 females (32 ± 8 yr) in treatment were randomized to either a training group (TG), treadmill interval training in 4 × 4 minutes at 90–95% of maximal heart rate, 3 days a week for 8 weeks, or a conventional rehabilitation control group (CG). Baseline values for both groups combined at inclusion were 44 ± 8 (males) and 34 ± 9 (females) mL · min−1 · kg−1, respectively. 9/12 and 7/12 patients completed the TG and CG, respectively. Only the TG significantly improved (15 ± 7%) their maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), from 42.3 ± 7.2 mL · min−1 · kg−1 at pretest to 48.7 ± 9.2 mL · min−1 · kg−1 at posttest. No between-group differences were observed in work economy, and level of insomnia (ISI) or anxiety and depression (HAD), but a significant within-group improvement in depression was apparent for the TG. High intensity training was feasible for SUD patients in treatment. This training form should be implemented as a part of the rehabilitation since it, in contrast to the conventional treatment, represents a risk reduction for cardiovascular disease and premature death.

Exercise as a Sex-Specific Treatment for Substance Use Disorder

“…Recent work has expanded this investigation to include withdrawal symptoms/craving for other drugs of abuse (9,18–20), and feasibility for relapse prevention for other substance use disorders (21–33). …”

Impaired skeletal health and neuromuscular function among amphetamine users in clinical treatment

“…The etiology of the health problems is certainly multifactorial, but there are indications that impairment of skeletal muscle and bone may be important contributors. Previously, we and others have shown that amphetamine users have impaired physical function and muscular strength [5,6], likely due to a lamentable lifestyle with little physical activity. Reduced muscle function is typically accompanied by attenuated bone health [7,8].…”

Measuring and positively influencing physical activity and sedentary behaviour in adults with mental illness

“…Previous research into HIIT for adults with mental illness has focused on patients with a particular diagnosis (e.g. schizophrenia, depression, substance use) [296][297][298][299] . Understanding the feasibility and acceptability of different exercise approaches for heterogeneous patient groups may guide the implementation of exercise programs in mental health services, where patient groups are likely to be diverse.…”

“…Preliminary evidence suggests that HIIT is a feasible exercise protocol for adults with mental illness. Mean attendance rates have ranged from 68%-92%, and attrition has ranged from 10%-36% 296,297,299,300 . Common reasons for withdrawal have been due to pain or physical discomfort from the exercise 296,300 , and lacking motivation 300 , however, no studies have compared the feasibility of HIIT and MICT.…”

“…Two controlled trials with inpatients with schizophrenia 296 , or substance use disorder 297 , reported that 8-weeks of HIIT for three sessions/week, using a 4x4 minute interval protocol, significantly improved fitness, but not mental illness symptoms. One study on the acute effects of HIIT, reported that adults with depression or schizophrenia experienced improved mental health for up to 3-hours after a single session of 4x4 minute intervals 298 .…”