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Gender and racial/ethnic differences in physiologic responses in the Stimulant Reduction Intervention using Dosed
T K Killeen1, B Wolf1, T L Greer2
1Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
Males showed better adherence and physiological response to exercise during substance use disorder treatment compared to females. These findings highlight the need for gender-specific exercise interventions in SUD programs.
Area of Science:
- Exercise science
- Addiction medicine
- Clinical trials
Background:
- Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) often have higher rates of medical and psychiatric comorbidities.
- Previous research suggests potential gender and racial/ethnic differences in exercise benefits and responses.
- Tailoring exercise interventions in SUD programs may be necessary to optimize outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze gender differences in physiological responses and stimulant withdrawal severity over time within the Stimulant Reduction Intervention using Dosed Exercise (STRIDE) trial.
- To investigate potential racial/ethnic variations in these responses.
- To inform the development of gender-specific exercise interventions for SUD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Data were sourced from the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (NIDA/CTN) STRIDE trial.
- Linear mixed effects models were employed to analyze gender and racial/ethnic differences.
- Key outcome measures included physiological responses (BMI, waist circumference, heart rate) and stimulant withdrawal severity.
Main Results:
- Males demonstrated significantly higher adherence to prescribed exercise (12 Kcal/Kg/Week) than females.
- A significant gender by time interaction was observed for BMI, waist circumference, and pre-exercise heart rate.
- Females experienced increases in BMI and waist circumference, and a higher rate of heart rate increase, while males showed stable or decreased BMI/waist circumference and a slower heart rate increase. Males also showed a decrease in stimulant withdrawal severity, unlike females.
Conclusions:
- Significant gender differences exist in physiological responses and stimulant withdrawal severity during exercise interventions in SUD treatment.
- These findings underscore the importance of considering gender when designing exercise programs for individuals with SUD.
- Future interventions may benefit from being tailored to specific gender needs to maximize effectiveness.
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