Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of exercise on individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) across multiple health outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Academic Search complete, Sport Discuss, and ERIC databases.
STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA
Interventional studies published between 2000 and 2018 focused on evaluating the effectiveness of exercise interventions in adults with AUD.
DATA EXTRACTION
This protocol was prepared using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocols standard and the Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies guidelines.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Physical activity levels/fitness [VO2 max (Oxygen Uptake) and HRmax (Maximum Heart Rate)], levels of depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, quality of life, and alcohol consumption (number of standard drinks consumed per day and per week).
RESULTS
The findings indicated that exercise significantly improved physical fitness as assessed by VO2 max (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.487, P < .05) and HRmax (SMD: 0.717, P < .05). Similarly, exercise significantly improved mental health as assessed by quality of life (SMD: 0.425, P < .05), but levels of depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and alcohol consumption did not change significantly. Aerobic exercise alleviated depression and anxiety symptoms more than that of yoga and mixed types. Duration of exercise also had a similar effect on anxiety and depression.
CONCLUSIONS
Exercise can be an effective and persistent adjunctive treatment for individuals with AUDs.
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