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, as well as the feasibility and acceptability of a novel exercise intervention, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), as compared to a more traditional continuous aerobic (CA) exercise intervention. Methods: Participants smoked (≥ 5 cigarettes/day), were aged 18-40 years and wanted to increase their exercise. Participants were randomized into one of three groups: HIIT, CA, and delayed-control. All participants attended follow-up visits at Weeks 4, 8 and 12. Outcomes included measures of feasibility (e.g., visit attendance) and acceptability (e.g., satisfaction), as well as changes in smoking behavior (e.g., quit attempts during follow-up) and proxies to quit attempts (e.g., 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 to the delayed treatment group (n=11). Compared to HIIT and delayed-control, CA (n=9) had significant favorable changes in positive affect (e.g., 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 (e.g., positive affect). Fully powered studies are needed to examine the effect of HIIT versus CA on quit attempts.