A pilot study examining the acute effects of exercise on cigarette cravings and affect among individuals with serious mental illness

ObjectivesThe present pilot study examined the acute effects of exercise on cravings, mood and affect in 14 persons with severe mental illness (SMI) who were receiving smoking cessation treatment.MethodA randomized, within-subject design was used with three components: screening, 10-min passive sitting, and 10-min brisk walking. Measures of cravings, mood and affect were completed during the two testing sessions at pre-condition, mid-condition, 0-, 10- and 20-min post-condition.ResultsMajority of participants were female, and diagnosed with concurrent types of SMI. All participants reported using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Results from the ANCOVA indicated significant effects of the intervention on affect, with participants reporting feeling more pleasant during the brisk walking condition than the passive sitting condition. A significant main effect for time was also found for the activation component of affect, with participants reporting slightly greater activation immediately following (0-min post) the two conditions than 20-min post-condition. No significant effects were found for cravings or mood.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that short bouts of exercise can provide immediate benefit for individuals with SMI in terms of positive affective changes. Such bouts have minimal impact on cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms among individuals already receiving smoking cessation treatment. In terms of craving and mood disturbance, future research should examine if and how exercise can provide complementary assistance for quitters receiving NRT.

► Short exercise bouts can provide immediate affect-related benefits for persons with SMI.
► Such bouts may have minimal impact on cravings and mood for this target group.
► Future research examining the role of exercise for quitters using NRT is warranted.