JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Novel treatments for substance use disorders (SUDs) are needed. Acute bouts of exercise can improve mood states and craving in non-clinical populations and changes in cortisol levels are one potential mechanism. Effects in those with poly-substance dependence are understudied, and controlled trials are needed.

Objective:

This protocol describes a clinical study examining the short term psychological effects of two types of physical activity, soccer and circuit training, for patients with SUDs. Effects will be compared to a non-exercise control group. Specific aims are to investigate whether there are differences between the activities, the duration of changes and development of cortisol levels in the three groups.

Methods:

The study is a short term multicenter randomized control trial (RCT). Patients consecutively admitted to three inpatient treatment centers were recruited to participate in all three conditions, each lasting 45 minutes, within one week. The order of the conditions was randomized. By using a cross-over design, changes was assessed immediately before, immediately after, and at 1, 2 and 4 hours post-exercise, enabling patterns of change over time to be observed. Psychological effects were assessed with self-report questionnaires and include scales for craving, state anxiety, positive and negative affect, self-esteem, and mood. Exercise intensity was assessed with Borg`s scale and Polar heart rate monitor. Cortisol was assessed in saliva.

Results:

39 patients were included in the study and data collection was completed in august 2019.

Conclusions:

Based on previous studies we anticipate larger improvements in the intervention groups than among controls, suggesting positive psychological effects during and after exercise. Clinical Trial: DRKS, DRKS00018869; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00018869. Registered 11 November 2019 - Retrospectively registered.