The effect of exercise in reducing desire to smoke and cigarette withdrawal symptoms is not caused by distraction

Abstract

The effect of exercise in reducing desire to smoke and cigarette withdrawal symptoms is not caused by distraction J Z Daniel, M Cropley and C Fife-Schaw AbstractAims and design Moderate intensity exercise has been shown to reduce common smoking withdrawal symptoms and desire to smoke in acutely abstinent smokers. The aim of the present study was to determine if this was caused by distraction. A secondary aim was to determine whether exercise-related changes in affect were related to reduction in symptoms.Methods Forty 'sedentary' participants who had smoked at least 10 or more cigarettes per day for at least three years were randomly assigned to one of two groups. They completed either 10 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on a stationary bicycle ergometer or 10 minutes of a cognitive distraction task (Paced Visual Serial Addition Task, PVSAT) after 11-15 hours of smoking abstinence. Participants rated smoking withdrawal symptoms and desire to smoke using standard scales at 10, 5 and 0 minutes before the experimental intervention, then at 5 and 10 minutes after the start of the intervention and 5 and 10 minutes after its completion. FindingsSignificant Group x Time interactions were observed for ratings of desire to smoke and several withdrawal symptoms (irritability, depression, restlessness, difficulty concentrating and stress). There was a reduction in ratings during and immediately 3 following exercise that was not observed with cognitive distraction. Also it was found the effects were not mediated by changes in affect observed in the exercise condition.Conclusions A brief bout of moderate intensity exercise can lead to a rapid reduction in desire to smoke and withdrawal discomfort, which is not due to the distracting effect of exercise or the effects of mood. These findings support recommendations to smokers to use exercise as a means of helping cope with the difficulties encountered when they try to stop.

Trends in smoking among secondary school and high school students in Poland, 2009 and 2011

“…The programs have contributed to public health education, propagated innovative methods to reduce smoking in public health leaders and encouraging them towards further educational and interventional activity. Most studies base their analysis on measures for preventing the initiation of smoking, and only a small amount deal with the problem of smoking cessation [27]. There are also psychological symptoms associated with withdrawal, such as depression, nervous tension, fits of anger, or fatigue [28].…”

Effect of thought suppression on desire to smoke and tobacco withdrawal symptoms

“…However, a literature search only identified one study assessing the effects of distraction during smoking abstinence. This study found no effects of a cognitive distraction task on cravings or withdrawal symptoms (Daniel et al 2006). There is evidence that thought suppression may result in increased thinking about smoking (Salkovskis and Reynolds 1994), and habitual use of thought suppression has been associated with greater difficulty quitting smoking (Toll et al 2001).…”

Physical activity as a strategy for maintaining tobacco abstinence: A randomized trial

“…Two additional studies concluded the effect of PA was irrespective of the intensity level (moderate vs. vigorous). Further, the mechanism by which PA reduces desire to smoke and nicotine withdrawal symptoms is distinct from simple cognitive distraction (Daniel et al, 2006).…”