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A pilot trial of a videogame-based exercise program for methadone maintained patients
Christopher J Cutter1, Richard S Schottenfeld2, Brent A Moore2
1Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT 06511 United States; Pain Treatment Services, APT Foundation, Inc., New Haven, CT 06519 United States.
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
|July 12, 2014
Summary
This study found that exercise video games are a feasible treatment for substance use disorder. Both active and sedentary gaming improved substance use and psychological wellness in patients.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Exercise Science
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Limited research exists on exercise interventions for substance use disorders.
- This study addresses the need for feasible and acceptable treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a Wii Fit Plus™ exercise intervention.
- To evaluate a sedentary video game control condition.
- To explore impacts on physical activity, substance use, and psychological well-being.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study with 29 methadone-maintained patients over 8 weeks.
- Random assignment to Active Game Play (Wii Fit Plus™) or Sedentary Game Play (Wii™).
- Measured feasibility, acceptability, physical activity, substance use, and psychological wellness.
Main Results:
- High participant satisfaction and study completion rates were observed.
- Active Game Play led to increased physical activity outside the intervention.
- Both conditions showed reductions in substance use and improvements in stress and optimism.
Conclusions:
- Wii Fit Plus™ is a feasible and acceptable exercise intervention for substance use disorder treatment.
- Sedentary video gaming serves as a viable time-and-attention control.
- Further research into these gaming interventions is recommended.
