Effects of chronic exercise on temporal discounting among persons with methamphetamine use disorder

Abstract Background Persons with substance use disorder often show dysfunction in decision-making and a deficit in temporal discounting, causing them to choose an immediate but less preferable reward while ignoring long-term benefits and the long-term effects of their choice. Thus, the aims of this study were to explore the effects of chronic exercise and exercise intensity on temporal discounting processes in adults with substance use disorder. Methods Of the recruited 69 men with a mean (SE) age of 29.38 (0.56) years and with methamphetamine use disorder, 64 were included in the final analyses. Participants were randomized to a high- or moderate-intensity exercise group that exercised three times per week for 40 min during 12 weeks or to a control group performing little physical activity. Temporal discounting was assessed before and after the 12-week exercise intervention. Event-related potentials (N2 and P2 components) were recorded during the assessments to determine potential mechanisms for any changes observed. Results Impulsive choice significantly decreased during temporal discounting after chronic moderate-intensity exercise, with N2 and P2 amplitudes increased decreased (p  Conclusions These behavioral and electrophysiological results suggested that chronic moderate-intensity exercise may effectively reduce impulsive decision-making among persons with methamphetamine use disorder, accelerating early information processing and conflict detection and producing stronger self-control in the face of conflict to make more appropriate decisions.