Opportunities to exercise in some form are common among addiction treatment facilities. Staff may organize walks or hikes, yoga classes may be offered weekly, or weight-lifting machines may be located on the premises. Despite the positive mental and physical health benefits, however, it can be difficult for staff and patients to prioritize and structure exercise into a normal day during treatment.
This pilot study organized a ten-week group exercise program for patients in four treatment facilities across Oslo. Two novel findings should be highlighted: first, the quality of life of those who completed the program improved significantly in comparison to those who dropped out. Second, those who completed had more mental and physical health problems than those who dropped out, an unusual success which suggests that the adherence strategies of the program helped keep these higher-risk participants interested and motivated.
The published article describes the set-up of the exercise groups, motivational strategies, and specific quality of life benefits.
Group exercise to improve quality of life among substance use disorder patients.
Ashley Muller and Thomas Clausen.
Scand J Public Health, first published on December 19, 2014 as doi:10.1177/1403494814561819