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Applied Sciences
Volume 15
Issue 3
10.3390/app15031481
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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Review

Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review

by
Roberto Montón-Martínez
1,
Ismael Castellano-Galvañ
1,
Alba Roldán
1,
Alejandro Javaloyes
1,
Iván Peña-González
1,
José Manuel Sarabia
1,2,
Diego Pastor
1 and
Manuel Moya-Ramón
1,*
1
Sports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
2
Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031481
Submission received: 20 December 2024 / Revised: 27 January 2025 / Accepted: 30 January 2025 / Published: 31 January 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Physical exercise has emerged as a promising complementary intervention for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). This comprehensive review examines the neurobiological, psychological, and social benefits of exercise in improving quality of life (QOL), mental health, sleep quality, craving, physical fitness, and cognitive function among individuals with SUD. Aerobic exercises, particularly those of moderate intensity, demonstrate a consistent efficacy in reducing anxiety, depression, and cravings, while also enhancing cardiovascular health and psychosocial well-being. Strength training and concurrent programs provide additional benefits for muscular and cognitive function, although their effects on mental health are less consistent. Mind–body disciplines like yoga and Tai Chi offer accessible entry points for individuals with low baseline fitness but exhibit variable outcomes, especially in sleep and craving management. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) shows potential for craving reduction and cardiovascular improvements but may pose challenges for individuals with low initial fitness. This review underscores the importance of tailored, well-structured programs that align with participants’ needs and capabilities. Future research should prioritize standardizing protocols, incorporating technological tools, and exploring hybrid intervention models to maximize adherence and therapeutic impact. Physical exercise remains a vital, multifaceted tool in comprehensive SUD rehabilitation strategies.
Keywords: substance addiction; physical exercise; FITT variables; quality of life; mental health; craving substance addiction; physical exercise; FITT variables; quality of life; mental health; craving

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MDPI and ACS Style

Montón-Martínez, R.; Castellano-Galvañ, I.; Roldán, A.; Javaloyes, A.; Peña-González, I.; Sarabia, J.M.; Pastor, D.; Moya-Ramón, M. Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review. Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 1481. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031481

AMA Style

Montón-Martínez R, Castellano-Galvañ I, Roldán A, Javaloyes A, Peña-González I, Sarabia JM, Pastor D, Moya-Ramón M. Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review. Applied Sciences. 2025; 15(3):1481. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031481

Chicago/Turabian Style

Montón-Martínez, Roberto, Ismael Castellano-Galvañ, Alba Roldán, Alejandro Javaloyes, Iván Peña-González, José Manuel Sarabia, Diego Pastor, and Manuel Moya-Ramón. 2025. "Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review" Applied Sciences 15, no. 3: 1481. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031481

APA Style

Montón-Martínez, R., Castellano-Galvañ, I., Roldán, A., Javaloyes, A., Peña-González, I., Sarabia, J. M., Pastor, D., & Moya-Ramón, M. (2025). Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review. Applied Sciences, 15(3), 1481. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031481

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