High-Intensity interval training and continuous aerobic exercise interventions to promote self-initiated quit attempts in young adults who smoke: Feasibility, acceptability, and lessons learned from a randomized pilot trial

Alicia Allen, Samantha C. Carlson, Tyler A. Bosch, Lynn E. Eberly, Kola Okuyemi, Uma Nair, Judith S. Gordon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: While exercise significantly reduces craving for cigarettes, the effect of exercise on self-initiation of quit attempts is less known. Therefore, this randomized pilot study explored the effect of starting an exercise program on self-initiated quit attempts, and also the feasibility and acceptability of a novel exercise intervention, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), as compared with a more traditional continuous aerobic (CA) exercise intervention. Methods: Participants smoked (5 cigarettes/d), were aged 18 to 40 years, and wanted to increase their exercise. Participants were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: HIIT, CA, and delayed control. All participants attended follow-up visits at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Outcomes included measures of feasibility (eg, visit attendance) and acceptability (eg, satisfaction), and also changes in smoking behavior (eg, quit attempts during follow-up) and proxies to quit attempts (eg, positive affect). Results: Overall, there were no differences in terms of feasibility and acceptability between the HITT (n=12) and CA (n=9) groups. Based on both self-report and objective measurement, the exercise groups (HIIT and CA) increased their physical activity as compared with the delayed treatment group (n=11). Compared with HIIT and delayed control, CA (n=9) had significant favorable changes in positive affect (eg, at week 8, HIIT: +0.25±2.21, delayed control: 5.11±2.23, CA: +5.50±2.23; P=0.0153). Conclusions: These observations suggest that HIIT is as feasible and acceptable as CA, though CA may have a more favorable effect on proxies to quit attempts (eg, positive affect). Fully powered studies are needed to examine the effect of HIIT versus CA on quit attempts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)373-380
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of addiction medicine
Volume12
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Exercise
  • Feasibility
  • Smoking Cessation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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