Exercise based interventions for alcohol use disorder: A comment on motivational aspects of participation

Abstract

R. (2017). Exercise based interventions for alcohol use disorder: A comment on motivational aspects of participation. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 58, 23-28.Exercise based treatment for alcohol use disorders have shown an impact on mental health (e.g., depression or anxiety), and alcohol outcomes (e.g., craving or abstinence). However, there is a lack of information on the role of motivational aspects of participation in the process of designing exercise interventions for alcohol use disorder. This study aims to examine: (1) whether motivational aspects are taken into account when the type and delivery method of exercise interventions are chosen; (2) whether motivational aspects are taken into account post intervention; and (3) whether there are different traditions regarding payment for participants. A systematic search was conducted to identify eligible studies in order to investigate the impact of motivational aspects including payment for participation. Twelve samples including ten to 620 participants were investigated. Participants were predominantly male and in their 40s, ranging from 20 to 69 years. Aerobic exercise (running, walking, fitness) either in a group or individual condition is the most frequently used exercise form. Two studies included ball games or cycling, while only one study offered the opportunity to choose between a wide range of sports. Motivational aspects are mentioned explicitly in half of the studies, mostly with regard to adherence to participation and social integration as the reason for using a group condition. Achievement is mentioned in two studies but not explicitly with regard to planning the intervention design. Five studies include payment for participation in exercise. Findings of the present study identify that motivational aspects for participation are rarely involved in the planning of an exercise intervention. With regard to the specific psychosocial vulnerability of an alcohol use disorder population, this should be an important aspect of further research studies.

Physical exercise in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients affects their drinking habits: A randomized controlled trial

“…No change was seen in the other two groups ( p >.05), which might overall reflect the low compliance with training frequency in the training groups after the first month (Figure 2). This supports the claim, advanced by Roessler et al [30], that the motivational aspect of participation in exercise interventions for AUD should be taken into account in the planning. All groups (including C) decreased their alcohol intake significantly over a 30-day registration period at baseline and after 6 months ( p <.0001), and nearly half of the total group of patients were abstinent from alcohol post-intervention.…”

Physical activity and the prevention, reduction, and treatment of alcohol and other drug use across the lifespan (The PHASE review): A systematic review

“…Nineteen studies identified were considered to meet the criteria for PA in the treatment of alcohol and other drug use ( Abrantes et al, 2017 ; Brown et al, 2010 , 2014 ; Buchowski et al, 2011 ; Burling, Seidner, Robbins-Sisco, Krinsky, & Hanser, 1992 ; Colledge et al, 2017 ; Cutter et al, 2014 ; De La Garza et al, 2016 ; Donaghy, 1997 ; Giesen, Zimmer, & Bloch, 2016 ; Hallgren, Romberg, Bakshi, & Andréasson, 2014 ; Linke et al, 2019 ; Mamen, Pallesen, & Martinsen, 2011 ; Rawson et al, 2015 ; Kirsten K; Roessler, Bilberg, et al, 2017 ; Shaffer, Lasalvia, & Stein, 1997 ; Sinyor, Brown, Rostant, & Seraganian, 1982 ; Weinstock, Barry, & Petry, 2008 ). Five report on both alcohol and other drug use ( Burling et al, 1992 ; Colledge et al, 2017 ; Linke et al, 2019 ; Mamen et al, 2011 ; Weinstock et al, 2008 ), 7 on solely alcohol use ( Abrantes et al, 2017 ; Brown et al, 2014 ; Donaghy, 1997 ; Giesen et al, 2016 ; Hallgren et al, 2014 ; Kirsten K; Roessler, Bilberg, et al, 2017 ; Sinyor et al, 1982 ), and 7 on solely other drug use use ( Brown et al, 2010 ; Buchowski et al, 2011 ; Cutter et al, 2014 ; De La Garza et al, 2016 ; Rawson et al, 2015 ; Shaffer et al, 1997 ; Trivedi et al, 2017 ).…”

Exercise as adjunctive treatment for alcohol use disorder: A randomized controlled trial

“…This may explain why, along with possible motivational issues such as barriers to adherence, the present study saw a relatively high number of dropouts. Roessler et al [ 37 ] argue that including motivational aspects of participation such as individually targeted exercise strategies or the involvement of their social network is important to enhance adherence. Some suggestions from Roessler et al [ 37 ], regarding motivational aspects of participation include individual locus of control, self-efficacy, coping strategies and intrinsic motivation which should be considered in the design phase of an exercise intervention.…”