PLoS One

Exercise linked to reduced alcohol dependence, improved well-being in patients with AUD

November 6, 2024

Exercise was associated with a significant reduction in alcohol dependence and improvement in both physical and mental health in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). These findings suggest that incorporating exercise into treatment plans can enhance the quality of life and reduce relapse rates in AUD patients.

This systematic review and meta-analysis included 17 randomized controlled trials (N=1,905). Researchers divided participants into 17 experimental groups and 21 control groups. Those assigned to the experimental groups underwent planned exercise interventions for at least 2 weeks while maintaining their regular treatment or routine. Investigators assessed the impact of various forms of exercise (e.g., aerobic, resistance, yoga) on alcohol dependence, compared with a non-exercise control group.

Key findings: Although exercise interventions didn't significantly impact weekly alcohol consumption (standardized mean difference [SMD] = –0.14; 95% CI, –0.224 to –0.656), they did reduce daily alcohol intake (SMD = –0.661; 95% CI, –1.033 to –0.288) and AUDIT scores (SMD = –0.36; 95% CI, –0.62 to –0.1) in patients with AUD. Additionally, the interventions were associated with improvements in VO2 max, resting heart rate, anxiety, depression, and stress levels, compared with control groups.

Source:

Li J, et al. (2024, October 30). PLoS One. Effectiveness of exercise intervention in improving physical and mental status of patients with alcohol use disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39475843/