Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review
Physical exercise has emerged as a promising complementary intervention for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). This comprehensive review examines the neurobiological, psychological, and social benefits of exercise in improving quality of life (QOL), mental health, sleep quality, craving...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Applied Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/3/1481 |
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| author | Roberto Montón-Martínez Ismael Castellano-Galvañ Alba Roldán Alejandro Javaloyes Iván Peña-González José Manuel Sarabia Diego Pastor Manuel Moya-Ramón |
| author_facet | Roberto Montón-Martínez Ismael Castellano-Galvañ Alba Roldán Alejandro Javaloyes Iván Peña-González José Manuel Sarabia Diego Pastor Manuel Moya-Ramón |
| author_sort | Roberto Montón-Martínez |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Physical exercise has emerged as a promising complementary intervention for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). This comprehensive review examines the neurobiological, psychological, and social benefits of exercise in improving quality of life (QOL), mental health, sleep quality, craving, physical fitness, and cognitive function among individuals with SUD. Aerobic exercises, particularly those of moderate intensity, demonstrate a consistent efficacy in reducing anxiety, depression, and cravings, while also enhancing cardiovascular health and psychosocial well-being. Strength training and concurrent programs provide additional benefits for muscular and cognitive function, although their effects on mental health are less consistent. Mind–body disciplines like yoga and Tai Chi offer accessible entry points for individuals with low baseline fitness but exhibit variable outcomes, especially in sleep and craving management. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) shows potential for craving reduction and cardiovascular improvements but may pose challenges for individuals with low initial fitness. This review underscores the importance of tailored, well-structured programs that align with participants’ needs and capabilities. Future research should prioritize standardizing protocols, incorporating technological tools, and exploring hybrid intervention models to maximize adherence and therapeutic impact. Physical exercise remains a vital, multifaceted tool in comprehensive SUD rehabilitation strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-362a3aea9b3544e595d27f6d5bc8fdc6 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-362a3aea9b3544e595d27f6d5bc8fdc62025-08-20T02:48:06ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-01-01153148110.3390/app15031481Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive ReviewRoberto Montón-Martínez0Ismael Castellano-Galvañ1Alba Roldán2Alejandro Javaloyes3Iván Peña-González4José Manuel Sarabia5Diego Pastor6Manuel Moya-Ramón7Sports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, SpainSports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, SpainSports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, SpainSports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, SpainSports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, SpainSports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, SpainSports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, SpainSports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, SpainPhysical exercise has emerged as a promising complementary intervention for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). This comprehensive review examines the neurobiological, psychological, and social benefits of exercise in improving quality of life (QOL), mental health, sleep quality, craving, physical fitness, and cognitive function among individuals with SUD. Aerobic exercises, particularly those of moderate intensity, demonstrate a consistent efficacy in reducing anxiety, depression, and cravings, while also enhancing cardiovascular health and psychosocial well-being. Strength training and concurrent programs provide additional benefits for muscular and cognitive function, although their effects on mental health are less consistent. Mind–body disciplines like yoga and Tai Chi offer accessible entry points for individuals with low baseline fitness but exhibit variable outcomes, especially in sleep and craving management. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) shows potential for craving reduction and cardiovascular improvements but may pose challenges for individuals with low initial fitness. This review underscores the importance of tailored, well-structured programs that align with participants’ needs and capabilities. Future research should prioritize standardizing protocols, incorporating technological tools, and exploring hybrid intervention models to maximize adherence and therapeutic impact. Physical exercise remains a vital, multifaceted tool in comprehensive SUD rehabilitation strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/3/1481substance addictionphysical exerciseFITT variablesquality of lifemental healthcraving |
| spellingShingle | Roberto Montón-Martínez Ismael Castellano-Galvañ Alba Roldán Alejandro Javaloyes Iván Peña-González José Manuel Sarabia Diego Pastor Manuel Moya-Ramón Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review Applied Sciences substance addiction physical exercise FITT variables quality of life mental health craving |
| title | Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_full | Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_fullStr | Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_short | Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_sort | effects of physical exercise on substance use disorder a comprehensive review |
| topic | substance addiction physical exercise FITT variables quality of life mental health craving |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/3/1481 |
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