An overview of studies on exercise for Substance Use Disorders treatment connected to the misuse of illegal drugs

Several types of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) treatment include physical exercise as an add-on recovery. This review summarizes research on sports and physical exercise as an adjunct to SUDs treatment with the misuse of illegal drugs. Twenty peer-reviewed papers that met the inclusion criteria for representing cross-sectional, intervention and, review studies were considered. Descriptives for each category are presented as well as synthesized findings regarding outcomes and preferences of patients with SUDs, regarding physical exercise programs. Further, the studies are discussed in terms of quality, quantity, and positive outcomes of physical activity for patients with SUDs. Finally, information regarding the design of sports and physical exercise programs is critically presented and discussed.

The purpose of this review is to explore previous research regarding sports and physical exercise for SUDs treatment connected to the misuse of illegal drugs (interventions, cross-sectional studies, and literature reviews).

The guiding research questions are as follows:

  • What research is currently available regarding sports, physical activity, or physical exercise programs related to people who are under SUDs treatment?
  • What are the preferences and/or attitudes of those with SUDs regarding sports, physical activity, or exercise?
  • What are the outcomes of sport and physical exercise interventions on individuals under SUDs treatment?
  • Which behavior change-inducing and motivational techniques were employed in respective studies that showed positive outcomes

See the Overview Here:

An overview of studies on exercise for Substance Use Disorders 

See a short presentation of the Overview Here:

RTS+ Review Results Presentation