The Effect Of Moderate Intensity Exercise On Smoking Cessation

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Research indicates that supervised vigorous intensity physical activity plus cognitive behavioral smoking cessation treatment (CBT) is more effective than CBT alone. However, moderate intensity physical activity is easier to maintain and therefore has a greater chance of public health impact if it proves to be an effective adjunct to CBT for smoking cessation. Commit to Quit II (CTQII) was a randomized controlled trial examining the effect of CBT plus moderate intensity physical activity (CBT + PA) versus CBT plus contact control. Results have revealed variability in adherence to the physical activity component of the intervention among those randomized to the CBT + PA condition, potentially weakening the effect of the intervention. PURPOSE To examine the impact of moderate intensity physical activity on smoking cessation. METHODS We performed secondary data analysis with data obtained from women in the CBT + PA condition of CTQII (n = 109). Both weekly and total minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity were calculated and used to predict the odds of 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA) at the end of each week of the 8-week program and at the end of treatment, respectively. RESULTS Participants averaged 98.5 (SD = 95.45) minutes of physical activity per week over the 8-week program. Mean VO2 peak (ml/kg/min) was 30.71 (SD = 6.12) at baseline and 32.17 (5.95) at post-assessment. An increase of 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week increased odds of 7–day PPA at the end of each corresponding week from 18% to 50% (OR = 1.18–1.50; effects are all significant based on Bonferonni Step-Down procedure with alpha = .05). An average increase of 30 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity over the course of the 8–week program increased odds of 7–day PPA at the end of treatment by 39% (OR = 1.39, p <.01). CONCLUSIONS Participants with higher adherence to moderate intensity physical activity are more likely to achieve smoking cessation at the end of a CBT smoking cessation program and during each week of the program. Although the current analyses preclude conclusions concerning causality, the findings suggest that programs that effectively promote adherence to moderate intensity physical activity may be an important adjunct to CBT for smoking cessation.