Evaluation of high intensity interval training effects on cytokine levels and clinical course in heroin addicts

Abstract

Objective: The aim of study was to evaluate the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on depression, anxiety, craving and cortisol, IGF-1, IFN-γ, IL-17 levels in heroin addicts. Methods: Twenty-two male inpatients who met the criteria for opiate use disorder were included in study. Participants were divided into two groups as exercise and control. We were applied five sessions of HIIT in exercise group. Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scale, Substance Craving Scale were administered at the beginning and end of treatment; cortisol, IGF-1, IFN-γ, IL-17 levels were also measured. Results: There was significant improvement in Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scale, Substance Craving Scale scores in the exercise group. Cortisol and IGF-1 levels could be increased in the exercise group, whereas IFN-γ and IL-17 levels were not significantly different. Discussion: It was thought that this study could contribute to literature by emphasizing the effects of HIIT in patients treated with diagnosis of heroin addiction.