Abstract
Physical exercise seems to have a promising effect on numerous variables related to the recovery of drug-dependent patients. However, some contradictions are found in the literature. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to identify the effect of physical exercise on mental disorders, quality of life, abstinence, and craving, and make a comparison of the effect of exercise depending on the type of program. A search for articles was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies were selected that measured the acute effects or long-term effect (≥2 weeks) of exercise in patients who met criteria for alcohol use disorders or substance use disorders. A total of 59 studies were included. An effect of exercise on mental disorders (standardized mean differences (SMD) = 0.66 (confidence interval (CI): 0.46, 0.86); z = 6.50; p < 0.00001) and quality of life (SMD = 0.69 (95% CI: 0.53, 0.84); z = 8.65; p < 0.00001) was identified. Subgroup analysis revealed an effect of exercise in craving (SMD = 0.80 (CI: 0.07, 1.53); z = 2.15, p = 0.03), stress (SMD = 1.11 (CI: 0.31, 1.91); = 2.73; p = 0.006), anxiety (SMD = 0.50 (CI: 0.16, 0.84); z = 2.88; p = 0.004) and depression (SMD = 0.63 (CI: 0.34, 0.92); z = 4.31; p < 0.0001). Body–mind activities and programs based on improving physical conditions produced similar results in mental disorders and quality of life. Available evidence indicates that physical exercise, both body–mind and physical fitness programs, can be effective in improving mental disorders, craving, and quality of life in drug-dependent patients.
Highlights
Drug use is a worldwide problem that persists throughout the years
The results of the analysis showed a significant effect of physical exercise (k = 6) in the eight variables included in the SF36 test (Figure 4)
The results of this study indicate a positive influence of exercise on craving, finding five studies that show significant improvements in craving after participation in exercise programs and only one [8] where improvements were not obtained in craving after participation in a four-week aerobic exercise program
Summary
Drug use is a worldwide problem that persists throughout the years. According to the World DrugReport (2016) about 250 million people between 15 and 64 years tried some type of drug in the year 2014.Among them, one in ten was a “problematic consumer”, resulting in physical, psychological and/or social problems. Drug use is a worldwide problem that persists throughout the years. Report (2016) about 250 million people between 15 and 64 years tried some type of drug in the year 2014. Approximately 30 million people are suffering from problems derived from drug use (diseases, psychiatric disorders, physical deterioration, social exclusion, family problems, emotional disorders, etc.) [1]. The consequences of drug use include a serious deterioration in quality of life and mental health. This means that drug addiction rehabilitation treatments should be focused on achieving mere abstinence, but should try to recover the quality of life of the patient and their physical and mental health [2]
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