Is Exercise a Useful Intervention in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder? Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

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.