Schöttl SE, Insam K, Frühauf A, Kopp-Wilfling P, Holzner B, Kopp M. Acute effects of outdoor and indoor walking on cigarette cravings, withdrawal symptoms and affective response during temporary smoking abstinence.
Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024;
241:739-752. [PMID:
38001265 PMCID:
PMC10927848 DOI:
10.1007/s00213-023-06506-4]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE
Cigarette smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of premature death worldwide. There is evidence in the literature that brief exercise units indoors can improve well-being in temporarily abstinent smokers and reduce cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
Because exercise in natural environments showed enhanced psychological effects, the aim of our study was to examine the acute effects of outdoor exercise compared with indoor exercise on craving, withdrawal symptoms and affective response in temporarily abstinent smokers.
METHODS
In a randomized controlled within-subject-design, temporarily abstinent smokers (N = 16) participated in three interventions lasting 10 min: outdoor walking (OUT-EX), indoor walking (IN-EX) and a sedentary control condition (CC). Self-reported cigarette craving, withdrawal symptoms and affective response were assessed pre-, mid-, post-interventions and at follow-up.
RESULTS
In contrast to CC, OUT-EX and IN-EX significantly reduced cigarette cravings during and at the end of the intervention compared to pre-intervention, but not at 20 min follow-up. Cigarette withdrawal symptoms decreased significantly over time in all three groups, but no significant group differences were found. OUT-EX and IN-EX, but not CC, showed significantly improved affective valence at the end of the intervention and at follow-ups. Outdoor walking resulted in significantly lower cigarette cravings than indoor walking at the end of the intervention.
CONCLUSION
The study adds to existing evidence that short bouts of indoor or outdoor exercise can help reduce cigarette cravings and increase well-being in abstinent smokers. Further studies are needed to address the potential additional effect of outdoor exercise on craving, affective states and smoking cessation.
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