The Impact of Aerobic Exercise on Fitness,Emotional State and Craving among Abstinent Methamphetamine-Dependent Individuals

Objective:The potential benefits of aerobic exercise for drug addicts has been widely discussed. The current study aimed to determine the effects of aerobic exercise as a useful intervention for methamphetamine (MA) dependence individuals. Method:In a randomized controlled trial, 63 people with MA dependencies recruited through the Drug Rehabilitation Bureau were assigned into either an aerobic exercise or control group. The 12 weeks' aerobic exercise program involved three 30~40 min sessions of moderate-intensity (65%~75% HRmax) exercise per week. Along with a baseline-test assessment, fitness and craving levels were evaluated every three weeks, and emotional state were collected at the end of the intervention. Results:Compared to the control group, the exercise group significantly improved aerobic performance (V.O2max) and stabilized body mass index (BMI) , but throughout the entire process the blood pressure were no difference; What's exciting is that the exercise group experienced attenuated MA craving levels after 6 weeks of the exercise program, and the decreased trend was maintained until the termination of treatment. In the post-test, the change of depression and anxiety symptoms among exercise group as well as greater than control group. And the effects of aerobic exercise on craving were mediated through the change of depression and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions:The current study provides powerful evidence that aerobic exercise intervention may be efficacious for V.O2 max, BMI, MA-associated cravings and emotional state among MA-dependent individuals. Meanwhile the improvement of emotional state as mediated effects between aerobic exercise and craving.