Physical Activity Programmes in the Treatment of Addictions: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The scientific literature was reviewed with the aim of determining the current state of the research on relationships between physical activity programmes and addiction treatment. Methods: The search was carried out in the WOS, Scopus and PubMed databases, restricting the publication language to English and Spanish, and it was limited to studies conducted in the last 5 years, i.e., between 1 January 2016 and 31 November 2021, selecting only open-access articles with physical activity programmes for the treatment of addictions to harmful substances. Results: Of the 38 initial articles selected, a total of 10 articles were ultimately included, as they met the established eligibility criteria after performing a more exhaustive analysis. The results show a positive relationship between physical activity and adherence to addiction cessation treatment. Conclusions: Physical activity has been incorporated into coadjuvant treatments in combination with other pharmacological or behavioural treatments. These results strengthen the importance of promoting physical activity in rehabilitation and substance-withdrawal treatments. Complementarily, physical activity programmes improve other health variables that influence the quality of life, such as sleep quality and mood, and reduce the risk of social exclusion. Physical activity also directly reduces a sedentary lifestyle, which is responsible for more than 40 diseases and chronic disorders.

Enhancing Substance Use Disorder Recovery through Integrated Physical Activity and Behavioral Interventions: A Comprehensive Approach to Treatment and Prevention

“…Several reviews and meta-analyses have documented the importance of physical activity and exercise programs in the treatment of addictions in various age groups and settings [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. In general, intervention programs have shown positive effects, encompassing a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms, enhanced working memory, increased self-confidence, improved self-esteem, positive changes in body image, mood enhancement, elevated well-being and quality of life, alterations in behavior, and positive lifestyle changes.…”

“…A relevant review showed that physical activity has been incorporated into treatments in combination with other pharmacological or behavioral treatments. Healthy nutrition to achieve optimal health and well-being should also enrich these new habits [ 11 ]. Adapting to the participants’ levels is crucial.…”

Analysis of the Literature on the Role of Physical Activity in Improving Wellbeing and Quality of Life

“…These aspects include the impact on mental health, the prevention of chronic illness, and the socio-cultural impacts on involvement. Several studies have demonstrated that there is a beneficial correlation between engaging in physical exercise and maintaining adherence to treatment for addiction [16]. When it comes to adults, there is substantial evidence that physical exercise helps prevent weight gain, particularly when the intensity of the activity ranges from moderate to strenuous [17].…”

Importancia de la terapia física y rehabilitación en la atención del paciente con VIH/SIDA

“…Los programas de actividad física mejoran la calidad de vida, la calidad del sueño y el estado de ánimo, y reducen el riesgo de exclusión social. Asimismo, reduce directamente el sedentarismo, responsable de más de cuarenta enfermedades y trastornos crónicos 4 . Es por ello, que es necesario el fomento de los talleres de actividad física saludable en los pacientes seropositivos porque esto permitirá mejorar la condición física y evitar la aparición de enfermedades oportunistas y, además, mejorar su salud mental.…”