The effect of regular exercise on depression, anxiety, treatment motivation and mindfulness in addiction: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the effect of regular exercise on depressive anxiety symptoms, treatment motivation and mindfulness levels in individuals who are alcohol or substance dependent.MethodsThe study had two arms and was randomized controlled: (A) Patients assigned to standard medical treatment, (B) Patients who receive standard treatment are also given access to supervised group exercise. Patients in the exercise group were given exercise for 3 weeks. Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), Treatment Motivation Scale (TMQ) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) were administered to the patients at the beginning and end of the treatment.ResultsThere was a decrease in HAM-A, HAM-D scores, an increase in TMQ and MAAS scores, and improvement after treatment in both groups. However, there was a significant change in HAM-A, HAM-D and TMQ scores in the group that added exercise to their treatment compared to the group that received only standard therapy. There was no significant difference in MAAS scores.ConclusionIt was discovered as a result that including exercise in addiction therapy could enhance the therapeutic response. Longer-term studies with greater sample sizes must be planned and carried out to produce more trustworthy results.