Brief handgrip and isometric exercise intervention for smoking cessation: A pilot randomized trial

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Public Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Isometric exercises are known to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation.
• Previous research suggests a link between physical activity and reduced nicotine dependence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and efficacy of a brief isometric exercise intervention for increasing tobacco abstinence in smokers undergoing cessation treatment.
• To determine if a handgrip exercise program could be a viable tool for smoking cessation.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 208 smokers in Hong Kong.
• Participants were randomized to either an exercise group (handgrip, leaflet, video) or a healthy-diet control group.
• The primary outcome was self-reported smoking abstinence at a 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in overall quit rates between the exercise and diet groups (34% vs. 39%).
• However, within the exercise group, higher adherence (doing exercises during cravings, daily, or for two weeks) was significantly associated with self-reported abstinence.
• Approximately 36% of the exercise group reported using the exercises when experiencing cravings at two months.

Conclusions:

• A brief handgrip and isometric exercise intervention is feasible for smokers in cessation programs.
• The intervention demonstrated preliminary efficacy in increasing tobacco abstinence, especially when adherence was high and exercises were performed during cravings.