Development of a Conceptual Model for Smoking Cessation: Physical Activity, Neurocognition, and Executive Functioning

Considerable research has shown adverse neurobiological effects of chronic alcohol use, including long-term and potentially permanent changes in the structure and function of the brain; however, much less is known about the neurobiological consequences of chronic smoking, as it has largely been ignored until recently. In this article, we present a conceptual model proposing the effects of smoking on neurocognition and the role that physical activity may play in this relationship as well as its role in smoking cessation.

Pertinent published peer-reviewed articles deposited in PubMed delineating the pathways in the proposed model were reviewed.

The proposed model, which is supported by emerging research, demonstrates a bidirectional relationship between smoking and executive functioning. In support of our conceptual model, physical activity may moderate this relationship and indirectly influence smoking behavior through physical activity-induced changes in executive functioning.

Our model may have implications for aiding smoking cessation efforts through the promotion of physical activity as a mechanism for preventing smoking-induced deficits in neurocognition and executive function.