Exercise as a Useful Intervention to Reduce Alcohol Consumption and Improve Physical Fitness in Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 34305729 · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.675285
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines across PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscus, and ERIC (1970 to 2021). The search included peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials comparing any exercise intervention plus treatment as usual (Ex+TAU) against treatment as usual (TAU) alone in adults diagnosed with alcohol use disorder or related alcohol diagnoses. Risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.
What was found
From 1,034 unique screened studies, 7 RCTs totaling 492 participants met inclusion criteria. Ex+TAU significantly decreased overall alcohol consumption volume compared to TAU alone (g = -0.30; 95% CI [-0.50, -0.09]; p = 0.001). Ex+TAU had no significant effect on binge drinking. Physical fitness (VO2max) improved significantly in the exercise group (g = 0.64; 95% CI [0.19, 1.08]; p < 0.001).
Why it matters
This review provides quantitative evidence that incorporating exercise into standard addiction treatment helps lower total alcohol intake while delivering meaningful cardiorespiratory fitness gains.
Limits
The total evidence base is small, comprising only 7 trials and 492 participants. The intervention did not significantly reduce binge drinking episodes. The abstract provides no data on long-term post-intervention maintenance, adherence rates, optimal exercise modalities (e.g., aerobic vs. resistance), or adverse events.
Cited by
- supports Meta-analyses demonstrate that exercise interventions reduce drinking volume and improve VO2 max in individuals with alcohol use disorders.